SHS020: How A Hustler Handles Sales With Jon Loyhayem From ALEVO Financial & Insurance Agency!
Intro
Sales is one of the most important skills anyone can develop—especially for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and side hustlers.
In today’s world, it’s easier than ever to make money without learning how to sell. But that convenience comes with a hidden risk.
In this episode of The Side Hustler’s Society, Elijah Bilel breaks down why sales skills are essential for long-term income, stability, and growth.
From freelancing to entrepreneurship, this episode explains why:
👉 Sales = income
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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 Jonathan Loyhayem
Entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in sales and financial services
Started his career at 19 in the financial services industry
Became a manager by 21 and a senior manager by his mid-20s
Helped expand operations by opening offices across multiple states
Founder of his own financial services and insurance firm after leaving his previous company
Experienced in building, training, and leading sales teams for over a decade
👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-loyhayem-65467010/
Episode Overview
This episode covers:
Why sales is the foundation of all income
The hidden risk of relying on gig economy apps
How sales skills transfer across industries
What separates successful salespeople from everyone else
Jonathan shares real-world experience from building and leading sales teams, while Elijah connects these lessons back to freelancing and entrepreneurship.
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
Financial Personality Success Bundle
Quick Takeaways
Elijah Bilel explains why sales skills protect your income
Jonathan Loyhayem shares how he built a career in sales
Gig economy apps can create income—but not security
Sales is required in every business and everyday life
The best salespeople never stop improving
Not giving up is a key factor in success
Sales skills can transfer across industries
Relationships play a major role in long-term success
Why Sales Skills Matter More Than Ever
Elijah Bilel points out a major issue:
👉 Many people are making money without learning how to sell
Apps like rideshare, delivery, and freelance platforms allow people to:
Earn income quickly
Avoid learning sales
But there’s a downside:
❌ If the platform removes you, your income disappears
❌ You don’t own your customer relationships
❌ You haven’t built a transferable skill
The Freelancer Reality
Elijah shares his own experience as a video editor and freelancer.
Instead of relying on platforms like Fiverr or Upwork, Elijah:
Built relationships directly
Networked in person
Found clients through business groups and referrals
This allowed Elijah to:
👉 Keep full control over client relationships
👉 Avoid platform restrictions and fees
👉 Build a sustainable business
Sales Is Everywhere (Even If You Don’t Realize It)
Jonathan explains that sales isn’t just about business—it’s part of everyday life.
Examples include:
Convincing someone to marry you
Negotiating decisions in relationships
Influencing people in daily conversations
👉 You are either selling—or being sold
Jonathan’s Journey Into Sales
Jonathan Loyhayem started in sales at just 19 years old
What followed:
Rapid growth into leadership roles
Managing and training sales teams
Expanding company operations across multiple states
Eventually launching his own firm
His journey highlights one key point:
👉 Sales is a skill that compounds over time
The Two Most Important Sales Skills
According to Jonathan, success in sales comes down to two things:
1. Not Giving Up
Most people fail because they quit too early.
Sales requires:
Persistence
Repetition
Handling rejection
2. Continuous Self-Improvement
Top performers are always improving:
Studying sales techniques
Learning communication skills
Practicing consistently
Jonathan emphasizes that:
👉 Skill development is what separates average from elite
Why Most People Struggle With Sales
The biggest issue:
👉 People don’t spend enough time developing their skills
They may:
Have talent
Have opportunity
But without skill development:
❌ They struggle to close deals
❌ They leave money on the table
Sales Skills Transfer Across Industries
One major insight:
Selling insurance ≠ selling real estate
Selling cars ≠ selling services
But:
👉 The core fundamentals of sales apply everywhere
Once mastered, these skills can:
Be applied across industries
Increase earning potential
Open new opportunities
The Importance of Leaving on Good Terms
Another powerful lesson from this episode:
👉 Relationships matter
Jonathan explains that leaving a company the right way:
Protects your reputation
Keeps doors open
Maintains long-term opportunities
Elijah Bilel reinforces that success is often tied to:
👉 The quality of your relationships
Key Lessons from the Episode
1. Sales = Income
If you can’t sell, you can’t earn consistently.
2. Platforms Are Temporary—Skills Are Permanent
Own your skills, not just your platform.
3. Don’t Quit Too Early
Persistence is a major differentiator.
4. Always Improve Your Skills
Growth leads to results.
5. Relationships Matter
Your network impacts your long-term success.
Who This Episode Is For
Freelancers and service providers
Entrepreneurs and business owners
Side hustlers looking to go full-time
Anyone who wants to increase their income
Key Topics Covered
Sales strategies from Jonathan Loyhayem
Business insights from Elijah Bilel
Freelancing vs platform dependency
Building long-term income
Watch The Podcast On Youtube!
How To Invest For Retirement As A Freelancer Or One Person Business
Let me ask you a question: does this sound familiar?
You’ve quit your job—or maybe you’re working toward that goal—and now you’re officially in the world of self-employment. You’re putting in the work, things are starting to pick up, but there’s this quiet voice that won’t go away. At first, you could barely hear it, but now it’s crystal clear:
“What am I going to do for retirement?”
This is a real question many self-employed people start asking themselves once they realize there’s no company-sponsored 401(k) waiting for them. And while employees have at least some system in place (even if it's flawed), we freelancers have to build our own. Not in the mood to read this? Watch our video below instead!
Why Freelancers Avoid Thinking About Retirement
Let’s keep it real: when you’re running a one-person business, life is hectic. You’re managing clients, income goes up and down, and you’re focused on keeping the lights on today—not 30 years from now.
Retirement planning doesn’t feel urgent. It feels like something you’ll deal with “someday.” But here's the truth: if you don’t start thinking about it now, you may end up working well into your 70s—not by choice, but because you didn’t prepare.
And nobody wants that.
So if you’re a freelancer or a self-employed person and this is hitting home, here are three steps you can take today to start investing for your future.
Step 1: Learn About Retirement Accounts for Self-Employed People
Before you can start investing, you need to know where your money should go.
As someone who’s self-employed, you actually have access to several retirement account options built specifically for you. These include:
SEP IRA
Solo 401(k)
Traditional IRA
Roth IRA
Each of these accounts has its own rules, limits, and tax advantages. The key is to understand what each one is, how it works, and which one fits best with your business and income situation.
If you don’t know the difference between them yet, that’s your homework. Start learning about these accounts now so you’re not flying blind later. For a detail break down on the pros and cons of each retirement account in regards to freelancers or those who are self employed, check out our free " Steal My Financial Blueprint PDF written by Elijah here.
Step 2: Set a Frequency for Contributions
Once you’ve picked a retirement account, the next step is deciding how often you’ll contribute to it.
Unlike an employee, where contributions are usually automated through payroll, you’ve got to create your own system. That means asking yourself:
Will I contribute monthly?
Every time I get paid?
Once a quarter?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. It depends on how consistent your income is. But whether it’s $50 a month or a percentage of each client payment, having a set rhythm makes sure you’re investing consistently, not just when you feel like it.
Consistency is key. We broke down the best system for people who are a one person business to use in a previous article on investing. You can find that article by clicking here
Step 3: Don’t Forget About the Roth IRA
Even if you go with a SEP IRA or Solo 401(k), don’t sleep on the Roth IRA.
A Roth IRA is funded with after-tax money, and when you retire, you get to withdraw that money tax-free. That’s a big deal, especially if you expect to be in a higher tax bracket later in life.
Many people don’t even think about using a Roth IRA when they’re self-employed because they’re focused on other options. But it can be a solid piece of your retirement plan—especially when you’re first starting out and your income is still growing.
Final Thoughts
Planning for retirement as a freelancer isn’t optional—it’s essential. Even though there’s no employer setting things up for you, that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. You just have to take a more active role.
Let’s recap:
Learn about self-employed retirement accounts (SEP IRA, Solo 401(k), Traditional IRA, Roth IRA)
Set a consistent contribution schedule
Don’t forget about the Roth IRA—it has unique long-term benefits
You don’t have to know everything today. Just take that first step. Get educated, set a rhythm, and start building your future.
You’ve already taken control of your career—now take control of your retirement too.
If you would like to know more about thriving as a one person business owner, consider joining The Self Made Business Academy where we support people making the transition from side hustle to a full time one person business. Click here to learn more!
SHS019: How To Maximize Customer Retention In A Business With Irina Poddubnaia From Trackmage
Intro
Customer retention is one of the most overlooked aspects of building a successful business.
While many entrepreneurs focus heavily on acquiring new customers, fewer understand how much more valuable it is to keep the customers they already have.
In this episode of The Side Hustler’s Society, Elijah Bilel dives into the importance of customer retention, lifetime value, and building systems that maximize revenue from existing customers.
This conversation highlights why long-term growth isn’t just about getting more customers—but getting more value from each one.
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 Irina Poddubnaia
SaaS founder and business consultant specializing in operations and process optimization
Over 8 years of experience in e-commerce across multiple business models
Ran a fulfillment center in China for over two years
Founder of TrackMage, a software platform designed to improve post-purchase customer experience
Helps e-commerce businesses increase sales through automation, upsells, and customer follow-ups
👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/irina-poddubnaia/
Episode Overview
This episode explores:
What customer retention actually means
Why lifetime value (LTV) is critical for business growth
How automation and systems improve retention
The difference between short-term sales vs long-term strategy
Irina shares real-world experience from both running operations and building SaaS tools designed specifically to increase customer retention.
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
Financial Personality Success Bundle
Get The Side Hustler's Society Merch!
Quick Takeaways
Elijah Bilel breaks down customer retention strategies
Irina Poddubnaia explains how LTV drives long-term growth
Retaining customers is often more profitable than acquiring new ones
Automation can increase revenue without increasing workload
Post-purchase experience is a major opportunity for upsells
Surveys don’t always reflect real buying behavior
Testing demand with real purchase intent is more effective
Building an audience first makes selling easier
Systems and processes are key to scaling
What Is Customer Lifetime Value (LTV)?
Customer Lifetime Value (LTV) represents:
👉 The total amount a customer is expected to spend with your business over time
Elijah Bilel explains that many businesses fail to maximize this by:
Only selling once
Not offering additional products or services
Ignoring existing customers
Why Customer Retention Matters
Irina Poddubnaia highlights that:
A returning customer is significantly more likely to buy again
Repeat purchases increase profitability without additional acquisition costs
Retention is the foundation of long-term business growth
The Problem Most Businesses Have
Many entrepreneurs:
Focus only on getting new customers
Ignore existing customers
Leave money on the table
This creates:
❌ Lower revenue per customer
❌ Higher marketing costs
❌ Slower business growth
The Power of Post-Purchase Experience
Irina built her software, TrackMage, around one key idea:
👉 What happens after the sale matters just as much as the sale itself
Her system helps businesses:
Track orders
Send follow-ups
Request reviews
Upsell additional products
All automatically
Why Automation Changes Everything
Before SaaS tools:
Businesses relied on spreadsheets
Communication was manual
Processes were inefficient
Now:
Systems handle follow-ups
Upsells happen automatically
Customer experience improves
This allows business owners to focus on growth instead of operations.
Customer Retention vs Customer Acquisition
A major takeaway from this episode:
👉 It’s easier to sell to an existing customer than a new one
Irina explains that:
First-time buyers are harder to convert
Repeat customers already trust you
Each additional purchase increases overall LTV
Do Surveys Actually Work?
Irina challenges a common strategy:
👉 Surveys don’t always reflect real buying behavior
People may say:
“Yes, I’d buy this product”
But:
👉 That doesn’t mean they actually will
A Better Way to Test Demand
Instead of surveys, Irina suggests:
Create a sales page
Let people attempt to purchase
Measure real intent
If people try to buy:
👉 You have demand
This method is far more accurate than opinions alone.
Build the Audience First
One of the most important insights:
👉 Start with the audience, not the product
Elijah Bilel reinforces that:
Audience = built-in customers
You can gather feedback directly
You reduce the risk of failure
Real-World Business Insight
Irina Poddubnaia’s experience includes:
Running fulfillment operations in China
Building internal systems from scratch
Turning those systems into SaaS products
This gives her a unique perspective on:
👉 Both operations AND scalability
Key Lessons from the Episode
1. Retention > Acquisition (Long-Term)
Focus on maximizing value from each customer.
2. Automate What You Can
Systems allow you to scale without burning out.
3. Test Demand with Real Behavior
Don’t rely on opinions—track actions.
4. Build an Audience First
Selling becomes easier when trust already exists.
Who This Episode Is For
E-commerce business owners
SaaS founders
Side hustlers building online businesses
Entrepreneurs looking to increase revenue without more traffic
Key Topics Covered
Customer retention strategies
Insights from Irina Poddubnaia
Business strategies from Elijah Bilel
Lifetime value (LTV)
Automation and scaling
Watch The Podcast On Youtube!
How A One Person Business Owner Can Start Investing To Build Wealth
You’ve Left the 9-to-5 — What’s Next?
If you’ve clicked on this article, chances are you’ve either already left the traditional 9-to-5 life or you’re planning to. You’ve stepped into the world of being self-employed—a one-person business.
You’ve probably invested a lot of time and money into yourself to learn a trade, build a skillset, or launch your freelance service. And that investment is starting to pay off. You’re making more money. Business is moving.
But then you take a step back… and realize you haven’t been building your asset column. This is Elijah Bilel from The Side Hustler's Society and lets deep dive into it.
Not in the mood to read? Check out the video version of this below!
The Missing Piece: Building Assets That Work for You
You’ve invested in yourself—and that’s a great first step. But now it’s time to think about investing in something else: assets that generate income on their own.
These are investments that allow your money to work for you, so you’re not always trading time for dollars.
Unfortunately, many freelancers and self-employed people delay this. They keep pouring money back into their business or personal development, which is important—but never shift into true wealth-building.
Let’s fix that.
Step 1: Open a Brokerage Account
The first step to start investing is simple: open a brokerage account.
Without it, you can’t buy stocks, ETFs, or any other investment assets. This is your gateway to building that asset column.
There are plenty of platforms available today—some are beginner-friendly with mobile apps and automation tools built-in. You don’t need to overcomplicate it. The important thing is just to open the account so you have the ability to invest when you're ready. I use and recommend M1 Finance because of their ability to reinvest dividends into my entire portfolio automatically instead of just the paying stock. If you want to check out M1 Finance, click here.
Step 2: Speak With a Financial Advisor or Watch My Video
Once you’ve got a brokerage account open, your next move is to get educated. For some people, that means sitting down with a financial advisor who can walk you through what investing looks like.
For others—especially those just getting started—you can begin by watching my video on investing, which I’ve linked below.
It breaks down how investing works in simple terms and gives you the context you need to make smart decisions with your money.
Either way, the key is to build understanding before blindly jumping in.
Step 3: Use Weekly Percentage Investing
This is a game-changer—especially if your income fluctuates as a freelancer.
Instead of investing a flat amount every time (which may not always be realistic), use a weekly percentage-based system. Here’s how it works:
Pick a percentage of your income—say 5% or 10%
Every week, calculate your total earnings
Invest that percentage consistently, no matter what
This method removes the stress of trying to “time” the market or over-commit financially. It allows you to build the habit of investing consistently, even if your income isn’t exactly the same every week.
Recap: The 3-Step Investing Blueprint for Freelancers or The One Person Business Owner
Here’s a quick summary of how to start investing as a freelancer or one-person business:
Open a brokerage account – This gives you the ability to invest in assets like stocks and ETFs.
Speak to a financial advisor or watch my investing video – Get clear on what you're doing and why.
Use weekly percentage investing – Invest a set percentage of your income every week to stay consistent.
Final Thoughts
If you're serious about building wealth outside of your business, these three steps will help you get started without overwhelm. I also cover additional information about the different types of accounts that can be used for investing in my PDF Steal My Financial Blueprint. You can download this document for free here.
You’ve already taken control of your career—now it’s time to take control of your finances.
If you would like to know more about thriving as a one person business owner, consider joining The Self Made Business Academy where we support people making the transition from side hustle to a full time one person business. Click here to learn more!
SHS061: How To Have Big Turnouts For Events | Event Marketing Strategies 2026
SHS060: Should Debt Be Used To Expand A Business Or Not With Oz Konar
Bonus: Should You Invest In Bitcoin In 2026 With Myles Dhillon! (SHS059)
SHS018: How To Make $$$ With An E Commerce Platform With Steven Pemberton!
Intro
E-commerce has been one of the most talked-about ways to make money online over the past decade.
From Amazon dropshipping to building your own brand, many people have seen the potential—but few understand what it actually takes to build a sustainable and profitable e-commerce business.
In this episode of The Side Hustler’s Society, Elijah Bilel sits down with an experienced e-commerce entrepreneur to break down the real game behind the industry.
This conversation goes beyond the hype and dives into the realities—the wins, the risks, and the strategies that actually work today.
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 Steven Pemberton
E-commerce entrepreneur who has generated over $3 million in online sales
Built a seven-figure business after starting from scratch
Experienced in multiple e-commerce models including dropshipping and brand building
Helps coaches and business owners reach their ideal audience using “challenge-based” systems
Focuses on scalable and sustainable business strategies
👉 Website: https://www.hollowco.com/
👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevenkpemberton/
Episode Overview
This episode breaks down:
What e-commerce actually is
The different ways to get started
The risks of relying on platforms like Amazon
How to build a more stable and scalable business
Steven shares real experiences—from generating millions in revenue to dealing with account shutdowns—and what those lessons taught him about building a long-term 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
Financial Personality Success Bundle
Get The Side Hustler's Society Merch!
Quick Takeaways
Elijah Bilel explores the realities of e-commerce
E-commerce simply means selling products electronically
Dropshipping has a low barrier to entry—but high risk
Amazon can generate massive revenue—but lacks control
Steven emphasizes diversification across platforms
Building your own brand gives long-term stability
Platform dependency is one of the biggest risks in e-commerce
Cash flow and reinvestment strategies matter
Real assets (like real estate) provide stability outside e-commerce
Starting small and testing is key before scaling
What Is E-Commerce?
Steven breaks it down simply:
👉 E-commerce = selling products electronically
This can include:
Physical products
Digital products
Services sold online
From selling a single item to building a full brand, it all falls under e-commerce.
Different E-Commerce Models
1. Dropshipping
Low startup cost
No inventory required
Easy to start
But:
High competition
Platform restrictions (especially on Amazon)
Risk of account shutdowns
2. Amazon Selling
Pros:
Massive built-in customer base
Fast sales potential
Cons:
High fees
Limited control
Risk of account suspension
Steven shares that accounts can be:
Shut down unexpectedly
Funds held indefinitely
Businesses disrupted overnight
3. Owning Your Own Brand (Shopify)
Pros:
Full control
Long-term asset
Ability to scale
Cons:
Requires marketing
Takes longer to build
The Biggest Risk in E-Commerce
Platform Dependency
One of the most important lessons from this episode:
👉 If your business depends on one platform, you’re vulnerable
Steven shares real examples of:
Accounts getting shut down
Revenue dropping overnight
Inventory being locked up
The Power of Diversification
To reduce risk, Steven recommends:
Selling on multiple platforms
Building your own website
Using marketplaces as traffic sources—not your foundation
The Ideal Setup
Shopify (your base)
Amazon (traffic + sales)
Facebook Marketplace / social platforms (additional reach)
This creates:
👉 Stability + scalability
From Volatility to Stability
Steven explains that after experiencing setbacks:
They diversified platforms
Built their own ecosystem
Reduced reliance on any single source
Result:
👉 More control over revenue
Real Business vs Hype
A major theme in this episode:
👉 Not everything that’s trending is sustainable
Elijah Bilel points out that:
Fast-growing trends can be red flags
Many people jump in due to hype
Long-term success requires strategy
Investing vs Speculating
The conversation also touches on money strategy:
E-commerce profits should be reinvested wisely
Real assets (like real estate) provide stability
Not all opportunities are “investments”—some are speculation
Key Lessons from the Episode
1. Start Small & Test
Don’t go all-in immediately.
Learn the basics
Test different models
Validate what works
2. Avoid Platform Dependence
Build something you control.
3. Focus on Long-Term Strategy
Short-term wins don’t equal long-term success.
4. Build an Ecosystem
Use platforms as tools—not your foundation.
Who This Episode Is For
Beginners interested in e-commerce
Side hustlers exploring online income
Entrepreneurs looking to scale a product-based business
Anyone considering dropshipping or Amazon selling
Key Topics Covered
E-commerce fundamentals
Insights from Steven Pemberton
Business strategies from Elijah Bilel
Platform risks and diversification
Scaling online businesses
Watch The Podcast On Youtube!
SHS017: How Public Speaking Boosts Your Business In 2026 With Brenden Kumarasamy From Mastertalk
Intro
Public speaking is one of the most overlooked skills in business today.
With the rise of social media, livestreaming, and digital content, many people assume that traditional communication skills aren’t as important anymore.
But in this episode of The Side Hustler’s Society, Elijah Bilel breaks down why that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Whether you’re building a side hustle, freelancing, or scaling a full-time business, your ability to communicate effectively can directly impact your income, relationships, and opportunities.
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 Brenden Kumarasamy From MasterTalk
Founder of MasterTalk, a platform focused on improving communication and public speaking
Coaches executives and entrepreneurs to become top-tier communicators
Built a successful coaching business centered around communication skills
Known for simplifying public speaking strategies for everyday professionals
Runs the YouTube channel MasterTalk where he shares free communication training
👉 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBYFP4mZLQovr7W6Si6sueA
Episode Overview
This episode dives deep into how communication—and specifically public speaking—can:
Increase your income
Improve your ability to sell
Help you build stronger relationships
Position you as an authority in your space
Brendan shares how he went from competing in presentation competitions to building a full business around communication—and why this skill is essential for anyone serious about success.
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
Financial Personality Success Bundle
Quick Takeaways
Elijah Bilel emphasizes communication as a key business skill
Public speaking is a powerful tool for lead generation
Brendan explains how communication accelerates success in any field
Sales and communication are directly connected
Entrepreneurs must improve communication as they scale
Strong communication improves both business and personal relationships
Public speaking can be monetized as its own income stream
Many entrepreneurs are “made,” not born
Side hustles can evolve into full-time businesses over time
High-income skills create flexibility and freedom
Why Public Speaking Matters in Business
1. Communication Drives Income
At the core of every business:
👉 Sales = Income
And sales depend heavily on:
How clearly you explain your offer
How well you connect with your audience
How confidently you present value
Public speaking enhances all of these.
2. It Builds Authority
When you can:
Speak confidently
Present ideas clearly
Educate an audience
You naturally position yourself as:
👉 An expert
And that leads to:
More trust
More opportunities
Higher-paying clients
3. It Improves Every Area of Life
Brendan makes a key point:
👉 Communication impacts everything
Business
Relationships
Networking
Leadership
This isn’t just a business skill—it’s a life skill.
Brendan’s Journey Into Entrepreneurship
1. It Didn’t Start With Business
Brendan didn’t initially plan to become an entrepreneur.
He:
Studied business
Wanted a corporate career
Competed in “case competitions” (presentation-based business challenges)
These competitions helped him:
Develop elite communication skills
Present ideas under pressure
Learn how to persuade decision-makers
2. MasterTalk Was Built From Passion
He started creating content simply to:
Help others improve communication
Share knowledge that wasn’t easily accessible
Over time:
The content gained traction
He met the right business partner
He learned how to monetize his expertise
And eventually:
👉 It became a full business
3. Entrepreneurs Are Often Made, Not Born
Brendan highlights an important distinction:
Some people are naturally entrepreneurial
Others become entrepreneurs through experience
His journey shows that:
👉 You don’t need to start as an entrepreneur to become one
Public Speaking as a Business Growth Tool
1. Lead Generation
Speaking allows you to:
Build trust quickly
Showcase expertise
Connect with audiences at scale
That’s why Elijah Bilel points out:
👉 Public speaking can be one of the strongest lead generation tools available
2. Scaling Your Business
As your business grows:
You hire employees
You manage teams
You delegate tasks
If your communication isn’t strong:
Things get misunderstood
Execution suffers
Growth slows down
Strong communication = smoother scaling
3. Relationship Building
Success is heavily tied to:
👉 The quality of your relationships
Public speaking improves your ability to:
Connect with people
Build trust
Communicate vision
Side Hustles, Skills & Communication
A major theme in this episode:
👉 Skills create opportunity
Whether it’s:
Video editing
Accounting
Public speaking
A strong skill set allows you to:
Get a job
Freelance
Start a business
Scale into an agency
But communication is the multiplier.
Key Lessons from the Episode
1. Communication Is a Force Multiplier
No matter what you do:
👉 Better communication = better results
2. Start With a Skill
High-income skills give you:
Stability
Flexibility
Options
3. Build Before You Leap
Brendan spent years:
Building content
Testing ideas
Growing his platform
Before going full-time.
4. Public Speaking Is a High-Leverage Skill
It helps you:
Sell
Lead
Influence
Scale
Who This Episode Is For
Side hustlers looking to grow income
Freelancers wanting more clients
Entrepreneurs scaling their business
Anyone looking to improve communication skills
Key Topics Covered
Public speaking strategies from Brendan from MasterTalk
Business insights from Elijah Bilel
How communication impacts income and growth
Turning a skill into a business
Scaling through better communication