Elijah Bilel Elijah Bilel

SHS029: How To Maximize Your Productivity & Avoid Burnout As A Freelancer with Alexis Haselberger

Intro

One of the biggest mistakes people make when leaving a 9–5…

👉 Is thinking they no longer need structure.

But the reality is:

👉 Structure doesn’t disappear… it becomes your responsibility.

In this episode of The Side Hustler’s Society, Elijah Bilel dives into one of the most overlooked skills in entrepreneurship:

👉 Time management and productivity.

Because without it, even the most motivated people can burn out or feel like they’re working all day—but getting nowhere.


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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 Alexis Haselberger

  • Time management and productivity coach helping people “do more and stress less”  

  • Has taught thousands of individuals how to take control of their time

  • Works with major companies including Google, Lyft, Workday, Capital One, and Upwork  

  • Specializes in helping high-achievers avoid burnout while maintaining productivity

  • Background in startups, operations, HR, and business systems

👉 Check out Alexis Haselberger’s YouTube channel: Here 
👉 Visit her website: https://www.alexishaselberger.com/ 

Episode Overview

In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • Why entrepreneurs struggle with time management

  • The biggest productivity mistakes freelancers make

  • How to avoid burnout while building a business

  • Why “being busy” isn’t the same as being productive

  • How to prioritize what actually matters

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

 

Quick Takeaways

  • Elijah Bilel highlights the importance of structure in self-employment

  • Alexis Haselberger explains why most people overload themselves with tasks

  • Productivity is about priorities—not just effort

  • Boundary setting is critical for freelancers

  • Systems help reduce overwhelm and increase output

Why Time Management Becomes Harder After Leaving a Job

When you work a traditional job:

  • Your schedule is structured

  • Your tasks are defined

  • Your expectations are clear

But once you become self-employed…

👉 You lose all of that structure

And if you don’t replace it:

👉 Things start to fall apart

As Alexis explains, many people assume freedom = no structure…

👉 But that leads to chaos instead of results  

The “Busy But Not Productive” Trap

One of the biggest problems entrepreneurs face:

👉 Feeling busy… but not making progress

This shows up as:

  • Answering emails all day

  • Jumping between tasks

  • Never finishing important work

By the end of the day:

👉 You worked… but didn’t move forward

The #1 Mistake: Doing Too Much

According to Alexis Haselberger, the biggest issue is simple:

👉 People try to do everything

  • Long to-do lists

  • Too many goals

  • No clear priorities

The reality?

👉 You can’t do everything at once

Even if you worked:

👉 18 hours a day

You’d still have more to do  

Why Prioritization Is Everything

Instead of trying to do everything:

👉 Focus on what matters most

This means:

  • Choosing what to work on now

  • Delaying what isn’t urgent

  • Letting go of unnecessary tasks

👉 Progress comes from focus—not volume

The Hidden Problem: No System

Another major issue Alexis highlights:

👉 People keep everything in their head

Which leads to:

  • Stress

  • Forgetting tasks

  • Mental overload

Instead, you need:

👉 An external system

Whether that’s:

  • A task app

  • A planner

  • A structured workflow

Elijah’s Real-World Experience

Elijah Bilel connects this to real life:

👉 When you’re self-employed, people assume you’re always available

This creates problems like:

  • Constant interruptions

  • Random calls

  • Time being taken without structure

To fix this, Elijah:

👉 Created boundaries

Even turning his time into:

👉 A paid consultation offer

Which:

  • Reduced unnecessary calls

  • Attracted serious people

  • Increased income

The Importance of Boundaries

Alexis reinforces this point:

👉 Without boundaries, you burn out

Many freelancers feel like they must:

  • Be available 24/7

  • Overdeliver constantly

  • Say yes to everything

But that leads to:

❌ Stress
❌ Exhaustion
❌ Lower performance

The Solution: Build Structure on Purpose

The biggest takeaway:

👉 You must create your own structure

This includes:

  • Defined work hours

  • Clear priorities

  • Task systems

  • Boundaries with clients

How to Start Improving Your Productivity

1. Get Everything Out of Your Head

Use a system to track tasks

2. Prioritize Ruthlessly

Not everything matters equally

3. Limit Your Focus

Too many tasks = no progress

4. Set Boundaries Early

Train people how to work with you

5. Think Long-Term

Sustainability beats burnout

Who This Episode Is For

  • Freelancers

  • Self-employed individuals

  • Side hustlers going full-time

  • Anyone struggling with productivity

Key Topics Covered

  • Alexis Haselberger’s productivity strategies

  • Insights from Elijah Bilel

  • Time management for entrepreneurs

  • Avoiding burnout

  • Prioritization and systems


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SHS028: How To Make A Full Time Living Stock Trading With Theo

Intro

Trading stocks is one of the most talked-about ways to make money…

👉 But can you actually turn it into a full-time income?

In this episode of The Side Hustler’s Society, Elijah Bilel sits down with a professional trader to break down:

  • What trading really looks like day-to-day

  • How traders actually make money

  • And whether this path is realistic for beginners

Intro to Theo 

  • CEO of Omega Trades

  • Experienced options trader with several years in the market  

  • Uses algorithm-based strategies to identify trading opportunities  

  • Specializes in analyzing market trends, volatility, and sector movements

  • Based in New York with global trading experience

Episode Overview

In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • How Theo got started in trading

  • What a typical day looks like as a trader

  • The difference between bull and bear market strategies

  • How to identify winning stocks and industries

  • The mindset needed to succeed in trading

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!

What Trading Actually Looks Like

One of the biggest misconceptions:

👉 People think trading is either:

  • Sitting at a computer all day

  • Or making money in 30 minutes

The reality?

👉 It’s both… depending on the market

Theo explains:

  • Some days = 30 minutes of monitoring

  • Other days = hours of adjusting positions

  • Some weeks = very little activity

How Theo Got Started

Like many traders…

👉 It started with curiosity + opportunity

  • Learned from his dad (finance background)  

  • Started with a small amount of money

  • Realized the earning potential quickly

Key takeaway:

👉 The money is what attracts people… not the process

The Truth About “Boring” Money

Elijah Bilel highlights a major principle:

👉 The highest-paying skills are often the least exciting

Examples:

  • Finance

  • Trading

  • Accounting

👉 Less competition = more opportunity

Do You Need Passion to Make Money?

This episode flips a common belief:

👉 You don’t have to monetize your passion

Instead:

  • Make money with something you don’t hate

  • Use that money to fund what you love

Theo’s Trading Strategy Breakdown

1. Sector Rotation

Theo Darringer focuses on:

  • Where the economy is headed

  • Which industries benefit most

Example:

  • Bull market → Tech stocks perform well

  • Bear market → Defensive strategies

2. Bull Market Strategy

When markets are rising:

👉 He looks at:

  • ETFs (like S&P 500)

  • Long-term options (12+ months)

Goal:

👉 Leverage growth while managing risk

3. Bear Market Strategy

When markets are falling:

👉 He shifts strategy completely

Focus:

  • Smaller companies (low market cap)

  • Companies less tied to overall market swings

How Traders Pick Stocks

Theo keeps it simple:

  • P/E ratio

  • Industry trends

  • Economic direction

  • Company fundamentals

👉 Everything ties back to one question:

“Does this company benefit from where the economy is going?”

The Reality of Trading Life

Trading is:

  • Unpredictable

  • Market-driven

  • Emotionally dynamic

But for the right person…

👉 That’s part of the appeal

The Most Important Skill in Trading

According to Theo:

👉 Experience beats everything

Why?

  • You learn from losses

  • You avoid repeating mistakes

  • You develop real judgment

Elijah’s Real Estate Comparison

Elijah Bilel connects trading to real estate:

👉 People who take action get more help

  • Beginners who just “study” stay stuck

  • People with skin in the game get real guidance

Big Lesson From This Episode

If you want to succeed in trading:

👉 Don’t just learn… DO

  • Start small

  • Gain experience

  • Learn from mistakes

Who This Episode Is For

  • People curious about stock trading

  • Beginners wondering if trading is realistic

  • Side hustlers exploring new income streams

  • Anyone interested in financial markets

Key Topics Covered

  • Theo’s trading journey

  • Insights from Elijah Bilel

  • Bull vs bear market strategies

  • Sector rotation explained

  • Trading mindset and experience

Watch The Podcast!

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SHS027:Balancing A $80,000 A Year Freelancer Business And A Full Time Job With Annie Margarita Yang

Intro

Building a side hustle is one thing…

👉 But building a successful business while working a full-time job? That’s a completely different challenge.

In this episode of The Side Hustler’s Society, Elijah Bilel dives into a topic he openly admits he has less experience with:

👉 Balancing a 9–5 job while scaling a profitable side business.

To break it down, Elijah brings in someone who has mastered this exact path.

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 Annie Margarita Yang

  • Personal finance content creator and YouTuber with over 1 million views  

  • Bestselling author focused on helping young professionals build wealth and escape debt  

  • Built a side business generating over $80K/year while maintaining a full-time job  

  • Specializes in practical, no-nonsense financial strategies for millennials

  • Started her business by turning her accounting job skills into freelance services

👉 Check out Annie Margarita Yang’s YouTube channel: Here 
👉 Get her book The 5-Day Job Search: here 

Episode Overview

In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • How to build a side business while working full-time

  • The difference between freelancing vs traditional side hustles

  • How Annie scaled her income without quitting her job

  • Why packaging your skills is key to making money

  • The mindset required to balance both worlds

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

Quick Takeaways

  • Elijah Bilel highlights the importance of flexibility vs structure

  • Annie Margarita Yang shows how to turn a job skill into a scalable business

  • Freelancing can be more strategic than traditional side hustles

  • You don’t need to quit your job to build serious income

  • Systems and packaging matter more than hours worked

The Reality of Building While Employed

One of the biggest insights from this episode:

👉 There is no “perfect time” to start

Unlike Elijah’s journey—where he built businesses while self-employed—Annie had to:

  • Manage limited time

  • Work around a fixed schedule

  • Stay consistent despite constraints

How Annie Built Her Side Business

Instead of chasing random side hustles…

👉 Annie used what she already knew

She:

  • Worked in accounting full-time

  • Identified repeatable tasks

  • Offered those tasks as freelance services

Example services she provided:

  • Entering bills

  • Paying bills

  • Bank account reconciliation

👉 Simple… but valuable

The Key Strategy: Break Skills Into Smaller Services

This is one of the most important gems in the episode:

👉 You don’t have to sell the whole package

Annie explains that many clients:

  • Don’t need full-time help

  • Don’t have big budgets

  • Only need specific tasks completed

So instead of selling “everything”…

👉 She sold pieces of her skillset

Why This Strategy Works

This approach allowed her to:

  • Get clients faster

  • Charge monthly retainers

  • Build consistent income

  • Scale without overworking

👉 Her first client paid $150/month
👉 That alone covered her course investment  

Turning Skills Into Income Streams

Over time, Annie expanded beyond freelancing:

  • YouTube content creation

  • Brand partnerships (real estate & finance companies)

  • Educational content

One standout example:

👉 She earns $500 per video for brand content—with minimal editing required  

Balancing a Job and a Business

A lot of people assume:

👉 You need 12+ hour days to make this work

But Annie’s reality is different:

  • ~3–4 hours on her job

  • ~3–4 hours on her business

  • ~8 total working hours per day

👉 It’s not about working more…
👉 It’s about working smarter

The Power of Deadline-Based Work

Another key advantage of her business model:

👉 It’s deadline-driven, not hourly

That means:

  • Less stress about time tracking

  • More control over schedule

  • Higher efficiency

The Mental Challenge No One Talks About

This episode also touches on something deeper:

👉 Completion anxiety

Even when everything is done…

👉 It still feels like it’s not enough

Annie shares that:

  • Tasks constantly pile up

  • There’s always more to do

  • It creates a subtle level of stress

Elijah’s Perspective

Elijah Bilel brings an interesting contrast:

👉 He built businesses with full control over his schedule

Which highlights a key difference:

  • Annie = structured growth

  • Elijah = flexible growth

The Big Lesson

You don’t need to choose one path.

👉 You can build BOTH

  • A stable income

  • A scalable business

The key is:

👉 Strategy, not speed

Who This Episode Is For

  • People working a 9–5 who want to start a business

  • Freelancers trying to get their first clients

  • Side hustlers looking to scale income

  • Beginners who feel stuck between job vs business

Key Topics Covered

  • Annie Margarita Yang’s business model

  • Insights from Elijah Bilel

  • Freelancing vs side hustles

  • Building income streams while employed

  • Productivity and time management

Watch The Podcast On Youtube!

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How Many Leads Do You Need to Go Full-Time as a Freelancer or One-Person Business?

If you're a freelancer, solopreneur or one person business, there’s a big question you need to answer before you can fully transition out of your 9-to-5:

"How many leads do I need every month to go full-time in my business?"

In the world of self-employment and one-person businesses, this question isn’t just important — it’s everything. Because if you want to generate consistent income, you need a consistent flow of leads. Leads turn into sales, and sales turn into income — the kind of income that keeps the lights on.

 

Not in the mood to read? Check out the video below instead!



 

Whether you’re just starting out or already trying to scale, this guide will help you understand exactly what you need to do to survive as a full-time freelancer. Here’s a simple 3-step strategy based on real experience to help you figure out how many leads you need to stay in business.

Step 1: Know Your Survival Number as a Freelancer

Before you can worry about how to get clients, you need to know what freelancer survival income looks like for you. That means calculating the minimum monthly income required to live — not thrive, but simply survive.

This is the baseline number that allows you to operate your business and pay your bills without panic. Think of it as your “freelancing monthly income survival goal.”

Start by listing only your essential expenses. For example, let’s take someone like Jermaine:

  • Rent

  • Car note

  • Weekly groceries

  • Phone bill

Now here’s where it gets real — you need to separate survival from comfort. A gym membership, for example, falls under comfort. During the pandemic, I didn’t have access to a gym, but I still got my workouts in by jogging around the neighborhood, doing Shaun T’s Insanity, and using push-up handles at home. In other words, survival doesn’t require luxury.

Let’s say Jermaine’s survival expenses total up to $3,000/month. Now add a 10% buffer to account for unexpected life events — car repairs, broken phones, surprise bills.

  • 10% of $3,000 = $300

  • Total monthly goal: $3,300/month

This is your full-time freelancer strategy baseline. It’s not savings — it’s a creative financing buffer that keeps you from spiraling when life happens. I talk about this in more detail in my book, The Anatomy Of Financial Success.

If you’re self-employed, this step is non-negotiable. It gives you the clarity you need to reverse-engineer your lead generation game.

Step 2: Track Which Lead Sources Are Converting into Clients

Once you’ve locked in your monthly income goal, the next move is tracking where your freelancer lead generation is actually coming from. Because not all leads are created equal.

A lot of people waste time spinning their wheels on content, places, events or platforms that don’t move the needle. What matters is which lead sources convert into paying clients.

Here’s a personal example:

“I regularly to a local event called MixerCloud. This is an event that helps people land jobs and clients for people in the tech field. Since i'm a video editor and a consultant, I find that I am able to get clients from this event very frequently.”

That’s a perfect example of a converting lead source — an in-person event that actually brought in business.  That single event produced more results than other regular events that I have attended.

So if you're wondering how to get clients as a freelancer, it starts with looking at what's already working. Identify what strategies or platforms are creating conversations, bookings, or closed deals.

Keep track of:

  • Events like MixerCloud

  • Referrals

  • Specific platforms 

  • Outreach efforts

This kind of lead tracking for freelancers is critical. It shows you where to focus your time and energy — and where to stop wasting it.

Step 3: Give Less Attention to Non-Converting Lead Sources

Now for the tough part: You need to stop spending time on lead sources that aren’t converting.

Let me give you another real example:

“I don’t like messaging people on Instagram, which is why I don’t focus on it. It takes too much time for little payoff. I prefer to meet people in person and network to get my clients. This scenario could be reversed for some people and that's fine. The key is too not focus on what isn't leading to revenue generation”

It’s that simple. If you're not using a platform to actively connect and close leads, it’s not going to do much for your solopreneur lead sources strategy.

A lot of people assume that doing everything from a lead generation perspective equals more sales. But as a one-person business, your time is limited. Don’t spread yourself thin on strategies that look good but don’t deliver.

So here’s the rule: Double down on what works, and reduce attention on what doesn’t.

 

Final Thoughts: Work Smarter, Not Harder

To thrive as a self-employed business owner, you need more than hustle. You need strategy. You need numbers. And you need focus.

Let’s recap your three-step action plan:

  1. Calculate your survival income (essential monthly expenses + 10%)

  2. Track what lead sources convert clients (events, platforms, outreach)

  3. Reduce attention to what’s not converting (and go all-in on what is)

This is the exact method I’ve used — not theory. These are solopreneur tips that can keep your business stable, even as a one-person business with no team behind you.

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!

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SHS026: The Best Way To Use The Gig Economy With Tayler Nicole

Intro

Side hustles are everywhere.

From Uber to DoorDash to freelancing… it seems like everyone is trying to make extra money.

But here’s the real question:

👉 Do side hustles actually help you get ahead… or keep you stuck?

In this episode of The Side Hustler’s Society, Elijah Bilel takes a different approach by exploring both sides of the conversation.

Instead of only promoting hustle culture, Elijah brings on a guest who represents the other side:

👉 Building a stable, skill-based career.

Intro to Taylor Nicole

  • Former life coach turned tech sales professional  

  • Currently working in tech sales as a Business Development Representative (BDR)  

  • Experienced with gig economy platforms like DoorDash and Lyft

  • Content creator sharing her journey transitioning into a stable, high-income career

  • Focused on leveraging skills to create long-term financial stability

👉 Check out Taylor Nicole’s YouTube channel: Click Here 


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Episode Overview

This episode breaks down:

  • The pros and cons of the gig economy

  • Why some people get stuck in side hustles

  • The difference between skills vs “quick money”

  • When side hustles make sense—and when they don’t

  • Career vs entrepreneurship: which path is better?

This is one of the most honest conversations about money, work, and long-term strategy.

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 Anatomy Of Financial Success Audiobook

Gig Economy Mastery Free Course

Quick Takeaways

  • Elijah Bilel emphasizes having a long-term plan—not just making quick money

  • Taylor Nicole explains why skills matter more than short-term income

  • The gig economy can be useful—but risky long-term

  • Stability and scalability are key to financial growth

  • Selling your time has limits—skills and systems scale

The Real Problem With Hustle Culture

This episode starts with a controversial idea:

👉 Hustle culture isn’t always helping people

While many promote:

  • “Go get money”

  • “Work harder”

  • “Stack multiple hustles”

Taylor Nicole brings up a key concern:

👉 You can get stuck in survival mode

Instead of building something long-term.

Gig Economy: Opportunity or Trap?

Taylor shares her experience with:

  • DoorDash

  • Lyft

  • Life coaching

And her conclusion is clear:

👉 The gig economy isn’t bad—but it has limits  

The biggest issue?

👉 It’s not skill-based

Which means:

  • Income doesn’t scale

  • Opportunities are limited

  • You’re dependent on the platform

Elijah’s Perspective: The Strategy Behind Side Hustles

Elijah Bilel doesn’t disagree—but adds an important distinction:

👉 Side hustles only work if they have a plan attached

Elijah shares how he:

  • Used the gig economy as a stepping stone

  • Built content around his experience

  • Transitioned into YouTube income and investing

👉 The key difference: intention

Skills Pay the Bills

One of the strongest points in this episode:

👉 Skills create long-term leverage

Taylor Nicole explains:

  • Sales

  • Marketing

  • Problem-solving

  • Time management

These are the things that:

👉 Increase income over time

Unlike gig work, which stays relatively flat.

Why Taylor Chose a Career Path

After trying multiple hustles, Taylor made a decision:

👉 She wanted stability

She transitioned into:

  • Tech sales

  • Lead generation

  • Business development

Now, instead of chasing income daily:

👉 She has a clear career trajectory  

The Hidden Risk of Side Hustles

A major insight from this episode:

👉 You don’t control the platform

Examples include:

  • Getting deactivated

  • Lack of available work

  • Changes in pay structure

Taylor highlights that:

👉 Your income can disappear overnight

Short-Term vs Long-Term Thinking

Elijah Bilel introduces a key concept:

👉 The law of diminishing returns

Short-term:

  • Quick money

  • Flexible income

Long-term:

  • Car wear and tear

  • No skill development

  • Limited growth

Why Time-Based Income Is Limited

Another key takeaway:

👉 You’re trading time for money

Taylor Nicole explains:

  • You only have so many hours

  • You can’t scale your time

  • Income has a ceiling

Which leads to:

👉 Burnout or stagnation

When Side Hustles Actually Make Sense

Both perspectives agree on one thing:

👉 Side hustles are useful—if used correctly

They work best when:

  • You need quick cash

  • You’re in transition

  • You’re funding a bigger goal

But not when:

❌ They become your long-term plan

The Best Strategy Moving Forward

The real takeaway from this episode:

👉 Combine short-term income with long-term skill building

For example:

  • Use gig work temporarily

  • Develop a skill on the side

  • Transition into something scalable

Key Lessons from the Episode

1. Hustle With a Plan

Don’t just work—build

2. Skills Create Leverage

They increase your earning potential

3. Avoid Survival Mode

Short-term money can trap you

4. Stability Has Value

A career can provide structure and growth

5. Think Long-Term

Every decision has future consequences

Who This Episode Is For

  • People working in the gig economy

  • Side hustlers looking for direction

  • Anyone debating career vs entrepreneurship

  • Beginners trying to make money

Key Topics Covered

  • Gig economy vs careers

  • Insights from Taylor Nicole

  • Strategies from Elijah Bilel

  • Skill development vs quick income

  • Long-term financial planning

Watch The Podcast On Youtube!

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SHS025: How You Can Make Over $10,000 As A Turo Host With Yuly Torres From From Engineer Ur Fleet

Intro

There are a lot of ways to make money with a car.

Most people think about rideshare or delivery apps…

But there’s another option that can turn your car into a true asset.

In this episode of The Side Hustler’s Society, Elijah Bilel dives into the Turo business model—breaking down how renting out your car can generate income and even scale into a full business.

For Elijah, who already has experience monetizing vehicles through the gig economy and leveraging assets like Airbnb, this conversation opens the door to another powerful income stream.  

Intro to Yuly Torres

  • Computer engineer with over 20 years of experience across technical and business roles  

  • Former corporate professional who transitioned into entrepreneurship

  • Turo host actively building a multi-car rental business

  • Content creator teaching others how to succeed with Turo

  • Focused on helping people become more efficient and tech-savvy

👉 Check out Yuly Torres’ YouTube channel: Click Here 

Episode Overview

This episode covers:

  • How the Turo platform works

  • How to start renting out your car

  • What requirements your vehicle needs

  • The risks most people don’t think about

  • How to scale into multiple vehicles

Yuly Torres shares her journey from renting out one unused car to expanding into a growing fleet.

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 Anatomy Of Financial Success Paperback

 

Quick Takeaways

  • Elijah Bilel explores Turo as a scalable side hustle

  • Yuly Torres explains how to turn an unused car into income

  • You can start with a car you already own

  • Turo can scale into a multi-vehicle business

  • Insurance is one of the biggest risks to understand

  • Market research is critical before getting started

  • Turo can complement Airbnb and real estate strategies

What Is Turo?

Turo is a platform that allows you to:

👉 Rent out your car to other people

Instead of:

  • Driving passengers (Uber)

  • Delivering food (DoorDash)

You’re turning your car into:

👉 A rental asset

How Yuly Torres Got Started

Yuly Torres didn’t start with a full business.

She started with:

👉 A car sitting unused

While working from home, her car was:

  • Rarely used

  • Still costing money

So she asked:

👉 “Why not make it pay for itself?”  

That decision led her to:

  • List her car on Turo

  • Generate income

  • Eventually reinvest into another vehicle

From One Car to Multiple Vehicles

After seeing early success, Yuly Torres:

  • Purchased a second vehicle specifically for Turo

  • Focused on higher-demand vehicle types (like SUVs)

  • Began planning expansion into multiple cars

Now:

👉 She’s building a fleet

Turo vs Real Estate (Key Insight)

One powerful comparison made in this episode:

  • Real estate = high barrier to entry

  • Turo = low barrier to entry

Yuly Torres explains:

  • You can start with a car you already own

  • Or buy a relatively low-cost vehicle

This makes it:

👉 More accessible than traditional investing  

How Turo Can Complement Airbnb

Elijah Bilel brings up a powerful strategy:

👉 Pairing Turo with Airbnb

For example:

  • Guests staying 30+ days need transportation

  • You can offer a rental vehicle as an add-on

  • This creates an additional income stream

👉 Same customer, more revenue

💡 Ready to Get Started with Airbnb?

If you’re serious about starting your own Airbnb business, this is your next step:

👉 Click here to create your Airbnb account and get started

Whether you’re exploring rental arbitrage or planning to own properties, taking action is what separates people who learn from people who earn.

Turo Vehicle Requirements

Before listing a car, it must:

  • Be less than 12 years old

  • Have under 130,000 miles

  • Have a clean title (no salvage/rebuilt)

Important insight:

👉 If your car qualifies when listed, it can stay on—even after exceeding mileage limits

The #1 Mistake Most People Make

Yuly Torres highlights two critical mistakes:

1. Not Running the Numbers

You need to consider:

  • Demand in your area

  • Airport proximity

  • Delivery costs

  • Pricing vs expenses

If the numbers don’t work:

👉 The business won’t work

2. Ignoring Insurance Risks

This is HUGE.

Most people don’t realize:

👉 Many insurance companies do NOT allow Turo

If they find out:

  • They can drop your coverage

  • They may deny claims

Which could leave you:

❌ Paying out of pocket
❌ Without a car
❌ Still owing on the loan

Why Maintenance Matters

Yuly Torres emphasizes:

👉 This is still your asset

You must:

  • Keep tires in good condition

  • Maintain the vehicle regularly

  • Ensure safety for guests

Because:

👉 Negligence can lead to liability issues

Scaling the Business

Once you understand the system, you can:

  • Add more vehicles

  • Target high-demand cars

  • Build a fleet

Some hosts:

👉 Have 10–100+ cars

Key Lessons from the Episode

1. Start With What You Have

Your current car could be your first asset

2. Run the Numbers First

Profit is in the details

3. Understand the Risks

Insurance can make or break this

4. Think in Systems

One car → multiple cars

5. Stack Income Streams

Combine Turo with Airbnb or other assets

Who This Episode Is For

  • People with an unused car

  • Side hustlers looking for new income streams

  • Airbnb hosts

  • Entrepreneurs interested in asset-based businesses

Key Topics Covered

  • Turo business model

  • Insights from Yuly Torres

  • Strategies from Elijah Bilel

  • Scaling a car rental business

  • Risk management

 

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