SHS062: How To Start & Run A Pressure Washing Business In 2026 With Joshua From Proclean Exterior Services!
Intro
Starting a pressure washing business may seem like it requires thousands of dollars in equipment, a trailer, and an LLC before you can even think about landing your first customer. But according to entrepreneur Joshua Adegboye, that's one of the biggest misconceptions new business owners have.
In this episode of The Side Hustler's Society, Elijah Bilel sits down with Joshua to discuss how he built his pressure washing business in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, the sales strategies that helped him land customers, and why generating revenue should always come before buying expensive equipment.
Whether you're looking to start a pressure washing business or another local service business, this episode offers practical advice that can save you both time and money.
Intro to Joshua Adegboye
Joshua Adegboye is the Founder and CEO of ProClean Exterior Services, a Lewisville, Texas-based company specializing in exterior property services throughout the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex.
His company provides:
Pressure washing
Window cleaning
Gutter cleaning
Concrete installation
Concrete restoration
Joshua focuses on helping homeowners improve curb appeal, maintain property value, and keep their homes looking their best year-round through professional exterior cleaning services.
Website:https://procleanexterior.com/
Episode Overview
Joshua's entrepreneurial journey is especially interesting because he comes from a technology background.
Instead of relying solely on his white-collar skills, he recognized an opportunity to build a blue-collar business that provided consistent demand and immediate cash flow.
Throughout the conversation, Joshua shares exactly how someone can get started without spending thousands of dollars upfront.
One of his biggest lessons?
Get the customer first. Buy the equipment later.
Instead of financing expensive equipment before knowing if people actually want your services, Joshua recommends finding customers first, renting equipment when necessary, completing the work, and then using your profits to gradually build the business.
The conversation also covers:
Door-to-door sales
Customer acquisition
Building trust with homeowners
Marketing a local service business
Why reviews matter
Creating a professional online presence
Growing beyond pressure washing
Ready to Start Your Own Side Hustle?
Starting a business is much easier when you have a clear roadmap.
If you're looking for a business that matches your skills, interests, and financial goals, check out The Personalized Side Hustle Starter Kit.
👉 Get started here: https://www.thesidehustlersociety.com/offers/rLFxowrn/checkout
Listen to the Episode
Check us out on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! While you're there, hit subscribe so you don't miss our latest episodes!
The Side Hustler's Society Resources
Financial Anatomy Personality Report
Quick Takeaways
Joshua recommends finding customers before purchasing equipment.
Renting equipment is a smart way to keep startup costs low.
Door-to-door marketing remains one of the fastest ways to land local service clients.
Homeowners buy solutions—not pressure washing itself.
A professional website helps establish credibility with potential customers.
Google reviews are one of the strongest trust signals for local businesses.
Reinvesting profits helps businesses grow without unnecessary debt.
Consistent action beats endless planning.
Start Selling Before You Start Spending
One of the biggest myths Joshua addresses is that entrepreneurs need expensive equipment before they can begin.
Instead of financing thousands of dollars worth of pressure washing equipment, he recommends a much simpler approach.
Find someone who wants their house or driveway cleaned.
Once you've secured the customer, rent the equipment from a local home improvement store, complete the work, collect payment, and use the profit to fund future jobs.
After repeating this process several times, you'll have enough cash flow to purchase your own equipment without taking on unnecessary debt.
It's a simple strategy that dramatically reduces the risk of starting a business.
Customers Are More Valuable Than Equipment
Joshua believes many new entrepreneurs focus on the wrong problem.
Rather than asking:
"What equipment do I need?"
They should ask:
"How do I find my first customer?"
Without customers, expensive equipment simply sits unused.
Revenue creates businesses—not equipment.
Once you consistently generate work, upgrading tools becomes much easier.
Door-to-Door Sales Still Works
One of the most valuable parts of the conversation is Joshua's discussion about door-to-door sales.
While many entrepreneurs hope social media alone will generate clients, Joshua explains that speaking directly with homeowners remains one of the fastest ways to get started.
By identifying homes that visibly need pressure washing and introducing himself professionally, he was able to begin building a customer base before having a large marketing budget.
The lesson applies well beyond pressure washing.
Many service businesses grow because their owners are willing to have conversations that competitors avoid.
Why Homeowners Actually Buy Pressure Washing
Customers aren't simply paying for clean concrete.
They're paying for:
Better curb appeal
A cleaner-looking home
Increased property value
Pride in ownership
Preventative maintenance
Understanding these motivations allows business owners to market more effectively.
Rather than selling pressure washing, Joshua focuses on the outcomes homeowners care about.
Your Website Is a Social Background Check
Joshua also discusses the importance of having a professional website.
Even if customers discover your business through referrals or social media, many of them will search your company online before making a decision.
A website serves as a digital first impression.
It helps potential customers verify that your business is legitimate, showcases previous work, and answers common questions before they ever pick up the phone.
For many homeowners, it's essentially a social background check before hiring someone to work on their property.
Reviews Build Trust
Joshua emphasizes that customer reviews are one of the most valuable marketing assets a local service business can have.
Positive reviews provide social proof and help remove uncertainty for new customers.
Whether someone finds your business through Google or receives a referral, seeing consistent positive feedback increases confidence and makes it easier for them to choose your company over competitors.
Build Systems As You Grow
As ProClean Exterior Services expanded, Joshua learned that sustainable growth requires more than simply getting more customers.
Successful businesses eventually need systems for:
Marketing
Scheduling
Customer communication
Job completion
Follow-up
Review collection
Building these systems allows owners to spend more time growing the business instead of constantly reacting to daily problems.
Who This Episode Is For
This episode is ideal for:
Anyone interested in starting a pressure washing business
Entrepreneurs looking to start a local service business
People interested in low-cost business ideas
Side hustlers looking for scalable service businesses
Business owners who want to improve lead generation
Anyone curious about door-to-door sales and customer acquisition
Key Topics Covered
How to start a pressure washing business
Finding customers before buying equipment
Renting versus purchasing equipment
Door-to-door sales strategies
Marketing local service businesses
Building trust with homeowners
Why websites matter for service businesses
The importance of Google reviews
Growing a blue-collar business
Reinvesting profits for long-term growth
Watch the Podcast on YouTube!
SHS061: How To Have Big Turnouts For Events | Event Marketing Strategies 2026
Intro
What does it actually take…
👉 To get 40+ people to show up to your event?
👉 And turn that event into something that makes money?
In this solo episode, Elijah Bilel breaks down the behind-the-scenes strategy behind one of his most successful events.
This episode is part one of a multi-part series where Elijah expands on what was introduced in Season 3 Episode 1.
If you haven’t seen that yet, it’s highly recommended you check it out below before continuing, as it provides key visual context for what’s being discussed.
Episode Overview
This episode kicks off a 3-part (possibly 4-part) series covering:
How the event achieved a 40+ person turnout
Why specific questions were asked during the event
How the event actually made money
The strategy behind turning events into business assets
Listen to the Episode
Check us out on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! While you’re there, hit subscribe so you don’t miss our latest episodes!
Side Hustler’s Society Resources
If you’re looking to build something similar—whether it’s a meetup group, event-based brand, or turning your skills into income—you can book a strategy session with Elijah Here
Why This Episode Matters
This episode expands on a major moment:
The 10-Year Anniversary Event
Built around The Veggie Outers, this wasn’t just a celebration…
👉 It was a strategic business move
What Most People Saw
A large event
Great turnout
Strong community
What Was Actually Happening
👉 Lead generation
👉 Brand positioning
👉 Monetization setup
Key Takeaway
👉 Events aren’t just experiences—they’re assets
Breaking Down the Series (What’s Coming Next)
Elijah lays out the full roadmap:
Part 1 (This Episode)
👉 How the event produced a large turnout
Part 2
👉 Why specific questions were asked during the event
Part 3
👉 How the event made money
Potential Part 4 (Bonus)
👉 Depends on audience engagement
The First Big Insight: Events Are Underrated
One of the most important points early on:
Most People Underestimate Events
Especially:
Content creators
Freelancers
Solo entrepreneurs
But Events Can Be Powerful
👉 They bring people together
👉 They position you as a leader
👉 They create monetization opportunities
Key Insight
👉 If you can get “butts in seats,” you can build a business
What Made This Event So Powerful
This wasn’t just any event.
1. It Positioned The Brand
The anniversary helped solidify The Veggie Outers as:
👉 A leading plant-based community in the area
2. It Created a “Cultural Moment”
Large turnout (~42 people)
Unique experience (vegan buffet + Q&A + networking)
People still talking about it afterward
3. It Acted as a Soft Rebrand
After the event:
More content output
Expanded into health & wellness topics
Better integration with The Side Hustler’s Society
4. It Helped Others Make Money
Restaurant partner benefited financially
Vendors gained exposure
Community members received value
Key Takeaway
👉 The best events create value for multiple people—not just you
Tip #1: Don’t Do It Alone
One of the biggest reasons for the turnout:
Collaboration
Instead of doing everything himself, Elijah:
Brought in a host (Yoshi)
Hired a videographer (Xander)
Why This Matters
Each person:
👉 Promoted the event to their own network
👉 Brought in new audiences
👉 Increased reach organically
Key Insight
👉 The more people invested in the event…
👉 The bigger it becomes
Tip #2: Know Your REAL Target Audience
This is where things get interesting.
The Surprise
The Veggie Outers wasn’t originally built for vegans.
The Real Target
👉 Non-vegans curious about plant-based living
Why This Works
Larger audience pool
Easier entry point
More opportunity for growth
Key Takeaway
👉 Your audience isn’t always who you think it is
Tip #3: Positioning Is Everything
Most people fail here.
What Most People Do
👉 “Hey, I’m hosting an event. Come through.”
What Elijah Did Instead
He positioned the event as:
A 10-year anniversary (built-in significance)
A special experience (vegan buffet)
A welcoming environment (new people encouraged)
Why That Matters
👉 People need a reason to care
Key Insight
👉 How you present the event determines turnout
Tip #4: Make It Inclusive (Not Exclusive)
A hidden mistake many people make:
The Problem
People assume:
👉 “This event isn’t for me”
The Fix
Elijah made it clear:
First-timers are welcome
You don’t need to be vegan
Anyone curious can attend
Key Takeaway
👉 Remove barriers → increase attendance
Tip #5: Leverage Platforms Properly
Another key factor:
Multiple Platforms Used
Facebook groups
Meetup
Event-based platforms
Why This Matters
👉 Different audiences exist on different platforms
Key Insight
👉 More platforms = more exposure
The Bigger Lesson From This Episode
This episode isn’t just about events.
It’s About Leverage
Because When Done Right
An event can:
Build your brand
Grow your audience
Generate leads
Create income opportunities
Key Takeaway
👉 Events are one of the most underutilized business tools
Final Thoughts
If you take anything from this episode, let it be this:
👉 Don’t just attend events
👉 Learn how to create them
Because the real opportunity is this:
👉 Turning attention into community
👉 And community into income
Watch The Podcast On Youtube!
SHS060: Should Debt Be Used To Expand A Business Or Not With Oz Konar
Intro
What if the thing that could grow your business faster…
👉 Is also the thing that could put you at risk?
In this episode, Elijah Bilel sits down with Oz Konar to break down one of the most debated topics in business:
👉 Using debt to start or scale a business
This conversation is especially valuable because you’re getting both sides:
Elijah’s perspective (build without relying on debt)
Oz’s perspective (use debt strategically to accelerate growth)
So you can make the best decision for your situation.
Subscribe Now And Get Chapter 5 Of The Best Selling Book, The Anatomy Of Financial Success!
Find out about the different types of income there are and which one(s) are best for you based on your personality! Click here to join out newsletter and get started!
Intro to Oz Konar
Oz Konar is a multiple seven-figure entrepreneur, investor, and the founder of Business Lending Blueprint.
He focuses on:
Helping entrepreneurs secure business funding
Training business loan brokers
Teaching how to earn commissions by funding deals
Building recession-resistant businesses
His work has:
Created multiple six and seven-figure earners
Helped thousands transition from jobs into entrepreneurship
Been featured in major publications
👉 Check out Oz’s website Here
👉 Check out his YouTube channel Here
Episode Overview
In this episode, we break down:
What a business loan broker actually does
How people make money in the lending space
When debt makes sense in business
When debt can be dangerous
The difference between good debt vs bad debt
How to think about scaling as a one-person business
Listen to the Episode
Check us out on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! While you’re there, hit subscribe so you don’t miss our latest episodes!
Side Hustler’s Society Resources
Side Hustle to Full-Time Strategy Session
The Personalized Side Hustle Starter Kit
The Anatomy Of Financial Success Paperback
The Debate: Do You Actually Need Debt to Grow?
Right from the start, this episode sets up an interesting dynamic:
Elijah’s Perspective
Has rarely used debt in business
Focuses on organic growth
Prefers low-risk scaling
Oz’s Perspective
Uses debt as a tool
Helps others access funding
Sees it as a way to accelerate growth
Why This Matters
👉 There is no one-size-fits-all answer
Key Takeaway
👉 Debt is a tool—not a requirement
What Does a Business Loan Broker Actually Do?
This is one of the most valuable parts of the episode.
The Role
A business loan broker:
Connects businesses with lenders
Helps secure funding
Earns commissions on deals
How They Make Money
👉 By facilitating funding between lenders and businesses
Why This Opportunity Exists
Many businesses need capital
Most don’t know where to get it
Brokers fill that gap
Key Insight
👉 You don’t have to be the lender to make money in lending
When Debt Can Actually Help You
Oz breaks down situations where debt makes sense:
1. Scaling a Proven Business
You already have revenue
You understand your numbers
You know your return on investment
👉 Debt can accelerate growth
2. Leveraging Opportunities
Inventory
Marketing
Expansion
👉 If the return outweighs the cost, it can make sense
Key Takeaway
👉 Debt should be used strategically—not emotionally
When Debt Becomes Dangerous
This is where Elijah’s perspective comes in strong.
High Risk Situations
No proven business model
No consistent revenue
No clear plan to repay
The Problem
👉 You’re stacking risk on top of uncertainty
Key Insight
👉 Debt amplifies both success AND failure
The Reality of Business Funding
A big takeaway from the episode:
Most People Think
👉 “I just need money to start”
But The Real Question Is
👉 “Can you turn that money into MORE money?”
Why This Matters
Funding doesn’t fix:
Bad strategy
Poor execution
Lack of demand
Key Takeaway
👉 Capital magnifies what’s already there
The YouTube Strategy That Built Oz’s Business
Oz shares how content played a role in his growth:
Early Days
Started creating content in a niche (alternative lending)
Very little competition at the time
What Happened
Videos started generating inbound leads
People began reaching out organically
Content became a lead generation system
Key Insight
👉 Content can replace traditional outreach
Business Owner vs YouTuber (Important Distinction)
One of the strongest parts of this episode:
Two Different Paths
YouTuber
Focus on views
Monetize through ads
Broad content
Business Owner with a Channel
Focus on audience quality
Monetize through offers
Niche content
Key Takeaway
👉 Views don’t equal money
👉 The right audience does
Why Niche Content Wins Long-Term
Oz emphasizes something important:
In Today’s Market
There’s more competition than ever
General content gets lost
The Solution
👉 Go niche
Why
Attracts the right audience
Increases conversions
Builds authority faster
Key Insight
👉 Smaller audience, higher value
The Bigger Lesson From This Episode
This episode really comes down to one thing:
Leverage
You have two main types:
👉 Financial leverage (debt)
👉 Content leverage (audience)
The Smart Play
👉 Understand both
👉 Use them intentionally
Final Thoughts
This episode gives you something powerful:
Perspective
Instead of telling you what to do…
👉 It shows you both sides
So You Can Decide
Play it safe and grow organically
Or use leverage to move faster
Because at the end of the day
👉 The best strategy is the one you can execute
Watch The Podcast On Youtube!
Bonus: Should You Invest In Bitcoin In 2026 With Myles Dhillon! (SHS059)
Intro
What if the key to building long-term wealth…
👉 Wasn’t just about making money…
👉 But understanding how money actually works?
In this episode, Elijah Bilel sits down with Myles Dhillon to break down Bitcoin, cryptocurrency, and how they fit into a long-term wealth-building strategy.
This episode originally aired on Financial Anatomy, which is why it leans heavily into financial education and investing principles.
If you’ve been curious about Bitcoin but unsure where to start, this is the episode for you.
Subscribe Now And Get Chapter 5 Of The Best Selling Book, The Anatomy Of Financial Success!
Find out about the different types of income there are and which one(s) are best for you based on your personality! Click here to join out newsletter and get started!
Intro to Myles Dhillon
Myles Dhillon is a property investor, entrepreneur, and Bitcoin educator who has been studying cryptocurrency since as early as 2012.
His background includes:
Borrowing money to flip houses
Building and exiting a construction company
Transitioning into property investing
Becoming a Bitcoin-focused educator
He is also the host of the Should I Invest in Bitcoin podcast and focuses on helping people:
👉 Build income streams that compound over time
👉 Move away from financial fragility
👉 Understand money at a deeper level
👉 Check out Myles’ website and podcast Here
Episode Overview
In this episode, we break down:
How Bitcoin actually works
Why it’s different from traditional money
The concept of digital scarcity
How inflation affects your wealth
Whether you should invest in Bitcoin
Dollar cost averaging vs lump sum investing
The long-term mindset behind crypto investing
Listen to the Episode
Check us out on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! While you’re there, hit subscribe so you don’t miss our latest episodes!
Why This Episode Happened (Audience Demand)
This conversation came directly from audience demand.
What Elijah Noticed
Increased views on crypto-related videos
High interest in apps like Coinbase and Kraken
More questions about Bitcoin
The Conclusion
👉 People want to understand crypto
The Approach
Instead of guessing…
👉 Bring in someone with deeper experience
From Real Estate to Bitcoin: Myles’ Journey
Myles Dhillon didn’t start in crypto.
His Early Investing Path
Real estate
Stocks
Learning through books and experience
Then Came Bitcoin (2012)
Introduced through a personal connection
Initially confusing and unfamiliar
Required deep research to understand
Key Insight
👉 Most people don’t understand Bitcoin at first
If you’re serious about understanding how money works beyond just earning it—and want a deeper breakdown of building wealth, investing, and financial strategy…
You can check out The Anatomy Of Financial Success Here
The Lightbulb Moment (What Changed Everything)
For Myles, things clicked when he realized:
Bitcoin Has a Fixed Supply
👉 Only 21 million Bitcoin will ever exist
Why That Matters
No money printing
No artificial inflation
True scarcity
Comparison
Dollars → Can be printed endlessly
Bitcoin → Limited forever
Key Takeaway
👉 Scarcity drives value
Bitcoin vs Traditional Money
One of the biggest differences discussed:
Fiat Currency
Controlled by governments
Can be printed at will
Loses value over time (inflation)
Bitcoin
Decentralized
Limited supply
Designed to resist inflation
Key Insight
👉 Bitcoin flips the traditional financial system
The Power of Long-Term Thinking
Myles didn’t fully understand Bitcoin at first.
What He Did Instead
Bought a small amount
Held it over time
Continued learning
What Happened
👉 Massive growth over the years
His Strategy Now
👉 Accumulate consistently
👉 Focus on long-term ownership
Key Takeaway
👉 Time in the market beats timing the market
Dollar Cost Averaging vs Lump Sum Investing
This is a key question discussed in the episode.
Dollar Cost Averaging (DCA)
Invest a fixed amount regularly
Reduces risk of bad timing
Builds consistency
Lump Sum Investing
Invest all at once
Higher risk
Potential for higher reward
Myles’ Perspective
👉 For beginners, DCA is often the safer approach
Key Insight
👉 Consistency beats trying to time the market
If you’re looking to get started with Bitcoin and want a simple way to begin, you can sign up for Coinbase Here and get $10 in Bitcoin when you create your account
Why Bitcoin Feels Confusing at First
A big takeaway from the conversation:
It’s Not Just an Investment
👉 It’s a new system
That Means
New terminology
New concepts
New way of thinking about money
Example
Even the word “Bitcoin” initially feels unfamiliar and abstract.
Key Takeaway
👉 Confusion is part of the learning process
The Bigger Lesson From This Episode
This episode isn’t just about Bitcoin.
It’s About Understanding Money
Because Once You Understand:
Inflation
Scarcity
Asset growth
👉 You start making better financial decisions
Final Thoughts
If you take anything from this episode, let it be this:
👉 Don’t just invest blindly
👉 Understand what you’re investing in
Because at the end of the day
👉 Knowledge builds confidence
👉 And confidence leads to better decisions
Watch The Podcast On Youtube!
SHS058: How To Make Money With A Podcast in 2026 With The CEO Of PodUp Nathan Gwilliam!
Intro
What if your content…
👉 Wasn’t just something you posted…
👉 But the foundation of a real business?
In this episode, Elijah Bilel sits down with Nathan Gwilliam to break down how creators can go beyond just making content…
👉 And actually build businesses around it.
This conversation is especially valuable for anyone serious about turning their content into income.
Intro to Nathan Gwilliam
Nathan Gwilliam is a serial entrepreneur who has:
Built and sold three companies
Created and scaled multiple digital ventures
Helped generate millions in revenue for businesses
Built platforms reaching hundreds of millions of users
His latest venture, PodUp, is focused on helping creators:
👉 Build, grow, and monetize their podcasts using AI-powered tools
👉 Check out Nathan’s platform PodUp Here
Episode Overview
In this episode, we break down:
Why most creators never make real money
The biggest mistake people make with monetization
How to turn content into a business
Why ads are NOT the best revenue stream
How to structure your content for long-term income
The mindset of a true “creator” vs just a content producer
Listen to the Episode
Check us out on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! While you’re there, hit subscribe so you don’t miss our latest episodes!
If you’ve been watching content and thinking about becoming a creator yourself…
👉 The real question is: how do you actually turn this into something that makes money?
When Elijah first started, he had just one channel.
Since then, he’s built:
Multiple YouTube channels
Channels inside the YouTube Partner Program
A podcast that expands his network
A brand like The Veggie Outers
And income streams that led into things like real estate and Airbnb
A big part of that growth came from being inside Awesome Creator Academy.
It’s not just about posting videos…
👉 It’s about learning how to turn content into a real business.
Inside, you’ll find:
Hundreds of hours of training on the creator economy
Live office hours where you can get your questions answered
Guidance on building, monetizing, and scaling your content
If you’re serious about turning content into something bigger than just views, you can check out Awesome Creator Academy Here
The Problem: Most Creators Never Build a Business
One of the biggest themes in this episode:
👉 Creating content is NOT the same as building a business
What Most People Do
Post content
Hope for views
Rely on ad revenue
The Issue
👉 That’s not a reliable income strategy
Nathan’s Perspective
Creators who succeed:
👉 Think beyond content
👉 They build systems around it
Key Takeaway
👉 Content is the entry point… not the business
Why Ads Are One of the Worst Ways to Monetize
This part hits hard—especially if you’ve experienced it yourself.
What Most People Think
👉 “I’ll make money from ads”
Reality
👉 Ads are one of the weakest monetization methods
Why
You don’t control them
Revenue can fluctuate
Platforms can limit earnings
Real Example
Elijah shares how ad revenue can drop dramatically due to platform issues—sometimes by 60–70% or more
Nathan’s Solution
👉 Replace ads with your own offers
Key Insight
👉 You should be your own biggest advertiser
The Creator vs Business Owner Mindset
Nathan introduces a powerful idea:
“Incurable Creator”
What That Means
You’re always building
Always creating
Always evolving
But There’s Another Layer
👉 Creating content
👉 AND creating businesses
Key Takeaway
👉 The real opportunity is stacking both
How to Actually Make Money From Content
Nathan breaks this down clearly:
There Are MANY Ways to Monetize
He mentions:
👉 At least 24 different ways to monetize a podcast alone
But Most People Only Think About One
👉 Ads
Better Options Include
Selling your own products
Offering services
Building offers around your audience
Key Insight
👉 Monetization is a skill—not an accident
Why Structure and Systems Matter
Nathan’s daily workflow shows something important:
He Doesn’t Do Everything Himself
Works with teams
Delegates execution
Focuses on strategy
His Day Is Structured
Meetings
Team coordination
Content and product development
Key Takeaway
👉 Systems create scale
The “Big Rocks” Principle (Time Management That Works)
One of the most valuable lessons from the episode:
The Concept
You have:
Big rocks (important tasks)
Small rocks (less important tasks)
Sand (busy work)
Most People Do This
👉 Start with the small tasks
The Problem
👉 There’s no room left for what matters
The Solution
👉 Schedule your most important work FIRST
Key Insight
👉 If it’s not scheduled, it doesn’t get done
Why Jobs Should Be About Learning, Not Just Money
Nathan shares a different way to think about jobs:
Most People Work For
👉 Paychecks
Better Approach
👉 Work for skills
What He Did
Chose roles based on learning opportunities
Worked with people smarter than him
Used jobs as education
Key Takeaway
👉 Skills compound more than income early on
The Bigger Lesson From This Episode
This episode makes one thing clear:
Content Alone Is Not Enough
To Win, You Need
Monetization strategy
Systems
Offers
Business thinking
Because at the end of the day
👉 Views don’t equal income
👉 Strategy does
Final Thoughts
If you take anything from this episode, let it be this:
👉 Don’t just be a content creator
👉 Be a business builder
Because the people who win long-term…
👉 Are the ones who turn attention into income
Watch The Podcast On Youtube!
SHS057: How To Make A Full Time Living As A Drone Pilot Freelancer With James Travis!
Intro
What if your freelance income…
👉 Didn’t have to be unpredictable?
👉 Could actually feel stable like a job—but pay more?
In this episode, Elijah Bilel sits down with James Travis to break down how to turn a skill into consistent income through contracts, positioning, and smart negotiation.
This is a must-listen for anyone trying to go full-time with a trade skill.
Subscribe To Elijah's New Youtube Channel, Social Dynamics
Find out the different ways that Elijah teaches to grow your network, plan events with big turnouts and advance in your career by cultivating the right relationships. Click here to join out newsletter and get started!
Intro to James Travis
James Travis is a full-time entrepreneur specializing in drone services, photography, and videography.
He focuses on:
Drone piloting for companies
Capturing high-quality aerial footage
Documenting construction and work sites
Creating visual content for businesses
His journey into entrepreneurship came after leaving a corporate sales role and betting on himself full-time.
👉 Check out James’s website here
👉 Check out his YouTube channel here
Episode Overview
In this episode, we cover:
How to price your freelance services
The difference between short-term vs long-term clients
Why contracts create stability
How to transition from a job into self-employment
Using niche skills (like drones) to stand out
Negotiation strategies that increase your income
Listen to the Episode
Check us out on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! While you’re there, hit subscribe so you don’t miss our latest episodes!
Side Hustler’s Society Resources
The Personalized Side Hustle Starter Kit
Imovie Video Editing Course
The $200/Hour “Mistake” That Changed Everything
One of the standout moments in this episode:
👉 James accidentally priced himself at $200/hour
What Happened
He intended to say $200/day
Instead said $200/hour
Stayed quiet after saying it
The Result
👉 The client agreed
Key Lesson
👉 Silence is powerful in negotiations
👉 The first person to talk often loses leverage
Takeaway
👉 Price higher than you think—and let the market respond
Freelancing Doesn’t Have to Be Unstable
There’s a big misconception:
👉 Self-employment = inconsistent income
Reality
👉 It depends on how you structure it
Two Ways to Earn
1. Short-Term Work
One-off projects
Quick cash
Less predictable
2. Long-Term Contracts
6–12 month agreements
Consistent income
More stability
Key Insight
👉 Contracts turn freelancing into predictable income
How James Became a Full-Time Entrepreneur
His Background
Worked in sales for 8 years
Chose sales intentionally to build a valuable skill
Saved aggressively (around 30% of income early on)
The Breaking Point
Put on repeated performance plans
Environment became unsustainable
Decided to walk away
The Decision
👉 Bet on himself full-time
Key Takeaway
👉 Preparation (saving + skills) creates options
Why Sales Skills Matter More Than You Think
James’s sales background played a huge role in his success.
What Sales Taught Him
Negotiation
Pricing confidence
Communication
Positioning value
Real-World Application
👉 Setting higher rates
👉 Structuring deals
👉 Closing contracts
Key Insight
👉 If you can sell, you can survive in business
The Power of a Niche Skill (Drone Services)
Instead of being “just” a photographer or videographer…
👉 James positioned himself as a drone pilot first
Why That Matters
Less competition
Higher perceived value
Specialized skillset
What He Offers
Aerial photography
Drone videography
Worksite documentation
Content creation
Key Takeaway
👉 Niches command premium pricing
Freelancer vs Contractor Mindset
This was a key mindset shift discussed in the episode.
Most People Think
👉 “I need a job for stability”
But There’s Another Option
👉 Become a contractor
How That Works
Work with companies
Set your own terms
Negotiate higher pay
Maintain independence
Key Insight
👉 You can have stability without giving up control
Financial Discipline Made This Possible
Before going full-time:
👉 James built a financial cushion
What He Did
Saved consistently
Invested (401k + Roth IRA)
Managed expenses
Why It Matters
👉 It gave him the confidence to leave
Key Takeaway
👉 Freedom is built before you need it
Final Thoughts
This episode shows a clear path:
Step 1
👉 Learn a skill
Step 2
👉 Get paid for it
Step 3
👉 Increase your rates
Step 4
👉 Secure contracts
Step 5
👉 Go full-time
At the end of the day
👉 Freelancing can feel unstable…
…but when structured correctly:
👉 It becomes predictable, scalable income