In this solo episode of Burning the Ships, I’m breaking down one of the most powerful forces behind everything I’ve built in business and life: networking. This conversation was recorded the morning after hosting our very first Deal Maker Hampton Roads event, and it gave me a fresh perspective on just how differently people experience rooms full of strangers.

I share why networking has always been my biggest strength, how it’s shaped my career, and why being “resourceful” often just means knowing who to call. But more importantly, I talk about introverts—the anxiety they feel walking into events, the courage it takes just to show up, and a simple question that can completely change the experience. If you’ve ever avoided networking because it feels uncomfortable, intimidating, or draining, this episode is for you.

This isn’t about collecting business cards or forcing sales conversations. It’s about creating environments, building real relationships, extracting value, and giving value—no matter your personality type.

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Why networking events don’t have to be big or expensive

01:15 Why this is a solo episode after hosting our first Deal Maker event

02:03 JJ’s Joke of the Week

02:54 Why networking has been my biggest professional advantage

04:16 How networking both energizes and drains me

05:13 Being resourceful by knowing who to call—not how to do everything

06:08 Building trust by doing what you say you’ll do

07:18 The power of long-term relationship building

08:16 Why curating environments brings me the most joy

12:08 Hosting events—from backyard cookouts to 60-person meetups

13:53 The introvert moment that changed my perspective

14:27 Half the room identifying as introverts

15:15 Understanding anxiety through someone else’s lens

16:41 Vulnerability required just to show up

17:11 The simple question that breaks the ice: “Where are you from originally?”

23:59 Extracting value without chasing money

25:25 Why avoiding networking limits opportunity

26:14 Bill Phillips as the introvert example—and why it still works

27:26 Joining our first mastermind and jumping into the deep end

33:10 How Amanda Holbrook became our financial strategist

34:15 Building our brand through relationships, not transactions

35:45 How every major piece of our business came from networking

36:48 Two mindsets to bring into every event: give value + extract value

38:08 The junk removal example—and why showing up matters

39:35 Why free local events can change everything

40:39 How real conversations actually build trust

41:21 The joy of watching connections happen

42:47 Why facilitating relationships is the real reward

44:12 Why impact matters more than direct profit

46:16 Gratitude after seeing it all come together

47:04 The (true) mom story and empty brewery joke

51:35 Final encouragement to get in the room—even if it’s uncomfortable

52:38 Closing thoughts on networking, perspective, and growth

Quotables

“Networking isn’t about being the smartest person in the room—it’s about knowing who to call.”

“Half the room is uncomfortable, even if it doesn’t look that way.”

“If you’re an introvert, ask one question and let curiosity do the rest.”

“Go to events with the intent to give value and extract value.”

“The best opportunities in my life came from rooms I almost didn’t walk into.”

Links

608B Capital

https://608bcapital.com