Elijah Bilel Elijah Bilel

SHS035: How Event Planning & Meetups Can Be Great For Lead Generation With Kirsten Bradford

Intro

When most people think about lead generation, they think about:

  • Ads

  • Social media

  • Cold outreach

But thereโ€™s another method thatโ€™s often overlookedโ€ฆ

๐Ÿ‘‰ Event planning

In this episode of The Side Hustlerโ€™s Society Podcast, Elijah Bilel sits down with an entrepreneur who has turned events into both a business and a powerful lead generation tool.

Because when done correctlyโ€ฆ

๐Ÿ‘‰ Events donโ€™t just build community
๐Ÿ‘‰ They build opportunities

Intro to Kirsten Bradford

  • Kirsten Bradford is a digital strategist and social media consultant

  • Holds a Bachelorโ€™s degree in Communications and Technology from the University of North Texas at Dallas

  • Earned a Masterโ€™s degree in Management from Southern Methodist University

  • Has 7+ years of experience in digital strategy and social media consulting

  • Founder of For the Girls Social, a community focused on empowering women through events, education, and networking

๐Ÿ‘‰ Check out her Eventbrite page here 

Episode Overview

In this episode, youโ€™ll learn:

  • How event planning can generate leads for your business

  • Why community building creates long-term opportunities

  • How Kirsten Bradford built her organization from scratch

  • The transition from free events to paid experiences

  • Why networking is one of the most underrated skills in business

Listen to the Episode

Check us out on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! While youโ€™re there, hit subscribe so you donโ€™t miss our latest episodes!

Side Hustlerโ€™s Society Resources

Side Hustle to Full-Time Strategy Session

The Personalized Side Hustle Starter Kit

How Events Become Lead Generators

One of the biggest takeaways from this episode:

๐Ÿ‘‰ Events can become passive lead generators

Elijah Bilel shares how heโ€™s done this through
๐Ÿ‘‰ The Veggie Outers 

Even though the purpose of the group isnโ€™t to sellโ€ฆ

It has led to:

  • Video editing clients

  • Consultations

  • Business opportunities

Why?

๐Ÿ‘‰ Because people got to know, like, and trust him

Why This Works (The Psychology Behind It)

When people meet you in person:

  • Youโ€™re no longer just a profile

  • Youโ€™re no longer just content

๐Ÿ‘‰ Youโ€™re real

And that builds:

  • Trust

  • Familiarity

  • Comfort

Which leads to:

๐Ÿ‘‰ Business opportunities over time

Sometimes immediatelyโ€ฆ
Sometimes months later

If you want to go deeper into building real-world connections, check out Elijahโ€™s Social Dynamics content here 

This is where he breaks down:

  • Social skills

  • Communication

  • Confidence

  • Real-world interaction strategies

From Small Gatherings to a Full Business

Kirsten Bradford didnโ€™t start with a full business plan.

It started with:

๐Ÿ‘‰ A simple brunch

Then:

  • Friends invited friends

  • Events started growing

  • Community started forming

What began as something small turned into:

๐Ÿ‘‰ A full organization

The Hidden Skill: Event Planning

One of the most powerful insights:

๐Ÿ‘‰ She was already building this skill before it became a business

Examples:

  • Planning trips

  • Organizing outings

  • Hosting gatherings

  • Coordinating events for friends

This highlights something important:

๐Ÿ‘‰ Many profitable skills start as things you already do naturally

Everything Is Sales & Marketing

A major realization Kirsten had:

๐Ÿ‘‰ No matter the industryโ€ฆ

Everything comes back to:

  • Sales

  • Marketing

  • Positioning

Even with events:

  • Youโ€™re marketing the experience

  • Youโ€™re selling the value

  • Youโ€™re attracting the right people

Free vs Paid Events (The Shift)

At first, many events were:

๐Ÿ‘‰ Free

Why?

  • Build awareness

  • Grow community

  • Get people involved

But over time, she realized:

๐Ÿ‘‰ Value needs to be priced

Now the shift includes:

  • Ticketed events

  • Paid experiences

  • Future membership model

Because:

๐Ÿ‘‰ Time, effort, and resources are not free

Why Social Skills Matter Even More Here

This episode connects directly to something weโ€™ve been talking about:

๐Ÿ‘‰ Social skills = income

Because at events:

  • Youโ€™re meeting new people

  • Youโ€™re building relationships

  • Youโ€™re creating opportunities

If you lack social skillsโ€ฆ

๐Ÿ‘‰ You miss the entire benefit of being there

If you want to improve:

  • Your confidence in conversations

  • Your ability to build rapport

  • Your ability to turn conversations into opportunities

๐Ÿ‘‰ Learn more here 

The Long-Term Play (Where Most People Miss It)

A key point Elijah Bilel makes:

๐Ÿ‘‰ Events are like planting seeds

You might meet someone todayโ€ฆ

And then:

  • 3 months later โ†’ they reach out

  • 6 months later โ†’ they need your service

This is what makes event-based networking:

๐Ÿ‘‰ So powerful

Why This Applies to ANY Side Hustle

You donโ€™t need to be an event planner to use this strategy.

If you are:

  • A video editor

  • A graphic designer

  • A real estate agent

  • A consultant

You can:

๐Ÿ‘‰ Host events related to your industry

And position yourself as:

๐Ÿ‘‰ The go-to person

Real Example: Industry Events

Elijah references how professionals use this strategy:

  • Hosting educational meetups

  • Providing value upfront

  • Building relationships

Then later:

๐Ÿ‘‰ Those same attendees become clients

Final Thoughts

Elijah Bilel and Kirsten Bradford show that:

๐Ÿ‘‰ Event planning isnโ€™t just about gatherings

Itโ€™s about:

  • Building relationships

  • Creating value

  • Generating opportunities

And when combined with strong social skillsโ€ฆ

๐Ÿ‘‰ It becomes a powerful income strategy

Watch The Podcast On Youtube!

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Elijah Bilel Elijah Bilel

SHS034: How To Improve Your Social Skills & Soft Sales Abilities As A Freelancer In 2026

Intro

As we continue Season 2 of The Side Hustlerโ€™s Society, weโ€™ve already established something important:

๐Ÿ‘‰ Leads donโ€™t make you moneyโ€ฆ
๐Ÿ‘‰ Closing them does

And what determines whether someone buys from you?

๐Ÿ‘‰ Trust

In this episode, Elijah Bilel breaks down one of the most overlooked skills in business:

๐Ÿ‘‰ Sociality (social skills)

Because if you canโ€™t build rapport, you canโ€™t build trustโ€ฆ
And if you canโ€™t build trust, you wonโ€™t make sales.

Episode Overview

In this episode, youโ€™ll learn:

  • What sociality is and how it affects your income

  • Why lack of social skills kills sales opportunities

  • The connection between rapport and closing deals

  • How to improve your ability to connect with people

  • A proven framework for building relationships naturally

Listen to the Episode

Check us out on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! While youโ€™re there, hit subscribe so you donโ€™t miss our latest episodes!

Side Hustlerโ€™s Society Resources

Side Hustle to Full-Time Strategy Session

The Personalized Side Hustle Starter Kit

What Is Sociality?

Sociality is defined as:

๐Ÿ‘‰ Your ability to:

  • Relate to others

  • Build relationships

  • Use social skills to generate income  

And hereโ€™s the key:

๐Ÿ‘‰ This is directly tied to your ability to make money

Because most transactions happen through:

  • Conversations

  • Relationships

  • Trust

Why Social Skills Are Getting Worse (And Why Thatโ€™s an Opportunity)

One of the biggest insights from this episode:

๐Ÿ‘‰ People are becoming less social

Why?

  • Less need to interact in person

  • More digital communication

  • Fewer real conversations

The result?

๐Ÿ‘‰ More socially awkward interactions

And that creates a HUGE opportunity:

๐Ÿ‘‰ If you develop strong social skills, you stand out immediately  

If you want to go deeper into this skillset, Elijah breaks this down even further on his dedicated channel:

๐Ÿ‘‰ Check out the Social Dynamics YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/@EBSocialDynamics 

This is where he focuses specifically on:

  • Social skills

  • Communication

  • Confidence

  • Real-world interaction strategies

Why People Donโ€™t Buy From You

Assuming:

  • You explained your offer clearly

  • The person can afford it

Then the real issue is:

๐Ÿ‘‰ Lack of trust

Which comes from:

  • Weak rapport

  • Poor communication

  • Low social awareness

As Elijah explains:

๐Ÿ‘‰ If they donโ€™t trust youโ€ฆ they wonโ€™t buy  

The 3 Core Elements of Sociality

This episode breaks sociality into three key components:

1. Social Awareness

Understanding the flow of conversation

2. Conversation Control

Being able to guide conversations naturally

3. Empathy

Showing genuine understanding

๐Ÿ‘‰ If you lack any of theseโ€ฆ people feel it

If you struggle with things like:

  • Starting conversations

  • Keeping them flowing

  • Building rapport naturally

๐Ÿ‘‰ Youโ€™ll want to watch the breakdowns here: http://www.youtube.com/@EBSocialDynamics 

This is where Elijah goes deeper into the exact mechanics behind what works (and what doesnโ€™t).

The GRIP Formula (Your Social Blueprint)

One of the most valuable frameworks in this episode:

๐Ÿ‘‰ GRIP

  • G โ€“ Gather Intelligence

  • R โ€“ Reduce Resistance

  • I โ€“ Initiate

  • P โ€“ Position

This gives you a step-by-step system for:

  • Meeting new people

  • Building rapport

  • Moving conversations toward opportunities  

Step 1: Gather Intelligence

When you meet someone:

๐Ÿ‘‰ Donโ€™t pitch immediately

Instead:

  • Ask questions

  • Learn about them

  • Build connection

Key idea:

๐Ÿ‘‰ People love talking about themselves

And most people:

๐Ÿ‘‰ Donโ€™t feel heard in their daily lives  

So when you give them that spaceโ€ฆ

๐Ÿ‘‰ Trust starts building fast

The 5 Questions That Build Rapport

Elijah shares a simple structure:

  1. What do you do?

  2. How did you get into it?

  3. What do you enjoy about it?

  4. What challenges do you face?

  5. What are your goals?

You donโ€™t need all fiveโ€ฆ

๐Ÿ‘‰ But even 2โ€“3 done well builds strong rapport

Avoid This Common Mistake

๐Ÿšซ Donโ€™t make it feel like an interview

Instead:

๐Ÿ‘‰ Ask โ†’ Listen โ†’ Relate โ†’ Share

This creates a natural flow.

If you want to get better at:

  • Reading people

  • Responding naturally

  • Building real connections

๐Ÿ‘‰ Dive deeper here: http://www.youtube.com/@EBSocialDynamics 

This is where these skills are broken down in real scenarios.

Why This Matters for Lead Generation

Hereโ€™s the big picture:

๐Ÿ‘‰ Leads bring opportunity
๐Ÿ‘‰ Social skills convert opportunity into money

Without social skills:

  • You wonโ€™t build trust

  • You wonโ€™t close deals

  • Youโ€™ll lose opportunities

With them:

๐Ÿ‘‰ Everything becomes easier

Real-World Example: Building The Veggie Outers

Elijah shares how he built The Veggie Outers:

  • Over 300 members

  • 20โ€“25 people per meetup

  • Started before algorithms helped discovery

How?

๐Ÿ‘‰ Real conversations
๐Ÿ‘‰ Real connections
๐Ÿ‘‰ Real social skills  

Final Thoughts

Elijah Bilel makes it clear:

๐Ÿ‘‰ Social skills are not optional

They are:

๐Ÿ‘‰ A money-making skill

If you develop them:

  • Youโ€™ll build better relationships

  • Youโ€™ll close more deals

  • Youโ€™ll grow faster

Watch The Podcast On Youtube!

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Elijah Bilel Elijah Bilel

SHS033: How To Get & Cultivate Freelance Leads As An Audio Engineer With Dejion Burkes

Intro

In this episode of The Side Hustlerโ€™s Society Podcast, Elijah sits down with an audio engineer and producer who has built his skill set into a real business.

From freelancing to working with studios, this episode breaks down how creative professionals can generate leads, build relationships, and turn conversations into paying clients.

Intro to Dejion Burks

  • Dejion Burks is an audio engineer and producer based in Houston, Texas

  • Has over 10,000 hours of hands-on experience in recording, mixing, and production  

  • Holds a Bachelorโ€™s degree in Applied Science with a focus in Recording Arts  

  • Works across multiple areas including studio sessions, live sound, and production

  • Currently freelancing while exploring opportunities with studios and labels

๐Ÿ‘‰ Connect with Dejion Burks on Instagram: Here 

Episode Overview

In this episode, youโ€™ll learn:

  • How Dejion Burks got started in audio engineering

  • Why formal education helped him master his craft

  • The different income paths for audio engineers

  • How freelancers can consistently generate leads

  • Why networking events like VidSummit can lead to real clients

  • The importance of positioning and first impressions

Listen to the Episode

Check us out on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! While youโ€™re there, hit subscribe so you donโ€™t miss our latest episodes!

Side Hustlerโ€™s Society Resources

The Personalized Side Hustle Starter Kit

The Anatomy Of Financial Success Paperback

From Freelance to Studio Opportunities

Dejion Burks breaks down the flexibility of his career path:

  • Freelancing with house calls and independent work

  • Studio contracts or partnerships

  • Potential employment with studios or labels

Each path comes with trade-offs:

  • Freedom vs. stability

  • Control vs. consistent work

  • Branding vs. backing

This highlights something important:

๐Ÿ‘‰ Many creative side hustles can evolve into multiple income streams.

Why He Chose School Over YouTube Learning

Dejion initially tried learning through YouTube, but ran into a major problem:

๐Ÿ‘‰ Too many conflicting opinions

One person says:

  • โ€œDo it this wayโ€

Another says:

  • โ€œDonโ€™t ever do thatโ€

That led to confusion and slow progress.

Going to school gave him:

  • A strong foundation

  • Clear understanding of signal flow and systems

  • Direct access to experienced mentors

  • The ability to adapt in any studio environment

๐Ÿ‘‰ Once you understand the fundamentals, you can adjust to any setup.  

The Reality of Lead Generation for Freelancers

This is where the episode really delivers.

Dejion explains his approach to getting clients:

1. Build a Strong Pitch

Before anything else, you need:

  • A clear elevator pitch

  • A concise explanation of what you do

  • A professional cover-letter-style message

๐Ÿ‘‰ If people donโ€™t understand what you do quickly, you lose them.

2. Use Social Media to Find Clients

Platforms he uses include:

  • Instagram

  • X

  • Threads

  • Reddit

  • Job boards like Indeed

People are constantly posting that they need help. That becomes your opportunity.

3. Reach Out Consistently

This is the part most people avoid:

๐Ÿ‘‰ Volume

Dejion shared that he may reach out to around 100 potential clients and get roughly 15 to 17 responses.  

That is the game.

Most people quit too early because of rejection.

Why Networking Events Work So Well

This episode also highlights something powerful:

๐Ÿ‘‰ In-person networking still works

Elijah and Dejion met at VidSummit, and within seconds:

  • Dejion delivered his pitch

  • Clearly communicated his value

  • Positioned himself as someone to remember for audio work

That is how opportunities begin.

The 30โ€“60 Second Rule

One of the biggest takeaways:

๐Ÿ‘‰ You need a clear, concise pitch

Within 30 to 60 seconds, someone should know:

  • What you do

  • Who you help

  • Why it matters

If not, youโ€™re likely losing opportunities.

Why Most People Fail at Lead Generation

Two major reasons came through in this episode:

1. They Take Rejection Personally

Most noโ€™s are really about:

  • Timing

  • Budget

  • Fit

Not your worth.

2. They Donโ€™t Do Enough Volume

Success comes from:

๐Ÿ‘‰ Consistency and numbers

Not perfection.

Final Thoughts

Elijah Bilel and Dejion Burks make one thing clear:

๐Ÿ‘‰ Lead generation is simple, but not easy

You need:

  • A strong pitch

  • Consistent outreach

  • The ability to handle rejection

  • The discipline to keep going

If you develop those skills, you can turn almost any creative service into income.

Watch The Podcast On Youtube!

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Elijah Bilel Elijah Bilel

SHS032: The Key To Developing Confidence As A Freelancer In 2026!

Intro

Season 2 of The Side Hustlerโ€™s Society is officially underway, and while this season is focused on lead generation, thereโ€™s something even more important that needs to be addressed first:

๐Ÿ‘‰ Boldness

Because hereโ€™s the realityโ€ฆ

๐Ÿ‘‰ You can have all the leads in the world, but if youโ€™re too afraid to act on themโ€”you wonโ€™t make any money.

In this episode, Elijah Bilel breaks down why boldness is the real foundation of success in business, freelancing, and sales.

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!

Episode Overview

In this episode, youโ€™ll learn:

  • What a lead actually is and why it matters

  • Why boldness comes before strategy

  • How fear and rejection hold people back financially

  • The connection between confidence and income

  • The framework for developing boldness in your life

Listen to the Episode

Check us out on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! While youโ€™re there, hit subscribe so you donโ€™t miss our latest episodes!

Side Hustlerโ€™s Society Resources

Side Hustle to Full-Time Strategy Session

The Personalized Side Hustle Starter Kit

The Anatomy Of Financial Success Paperback

What Is a Lead (And Why It Doesnโ€™t Matter Without Boldness)

Before diving deeper, Elijah defines a lead as:

๐Ÿ‘‰ A potential customer or prospect for your product or service  

But hereโ€™s the key insight:

๐Ÿ‘‰ Leads donโ€™t make you moneyโ€ฆ
๐Ÿ‘‰ Closing them does

And to close them, you need:

  • Confidence

  • Communication skills

  • The ability to handle rejection

Without boldness, even the best opportunities go to waste.

What Is Boldness?

Boldness is defined as:

๐Ÿ‘‰ Your ability to:

  • Take risks

  • Face fear

  • Handle rejection

  • Act with confidence

It also includes:

๐Ÿ‘‰ Doing what most people are too afraid to doโ€”even when the reward is high  

Why Most People Struggle With Boldness

Most people are conditioned to:

  • Avoid risk

  • Seek comfort

  • Follow structure

Which makes senseโ€ฆ

๐Ÿ‘‰ The system trains people to be employees, not entrepreneurs  

But in business?

๐Ÿ‘‰ You have to step outside your comfort zone.

The Real Reason You Fear Rejection

Elijah breaks it down into three root causes:

  1. Lack of confidence in yourself

  2. Weak communication skills

  3. Insecurity about handling rejection

And hereโ€™s a powerful insight:

๐Ÿ‘‰ If you struggle approaching people in lifeโ€ฆ
๐Ÿ‘‰ Youโ€™ll struggle in sales too

Thereโ€™s a direct connection between:

  • Social confidence

  • Sales ability

  • Financial success

Boldness and Risk-Taking

Boldness isnโ€™t just about talking to people.

Itโ€™s about:

๐Ÿ‘‰ Taking action despite uncertainty

Examples include:

  • Reaching out to potential clients

  • Presenting your offer

  • Speaking in public

  • Building something new

And hereโ€™s the progression:

๐Ÿ‘‰ 1-on-1 conversations โ†’ Sales โ†’ Public speaking โ†’ Leadership

Each level requires more boldness.

The Personality Factor (Why Some People Struggle More)

Based on The Anatomy of Financial Success, different personalities have different levels of boldness.

Higher natural boldness:

  • Sniper

  • King of the Hill

  • Fame Seeker

Lower natural boldness:

  • Builder

  • Conservative

  • Preserver

๐Ÿ‘‰ If youโ€™re in the second group, this is a skill you must actively develop. Find out which one of the side financial personalities you are by our personlize side hustle kit that contains The Financial Personality Report here! 

You Need a Goal to Be Bold

One of the most important points in this episode:

๐Ÿ‘‰ You canโ€™t be bold without direction

Example:

  • If your goal is $100K/year

  • And you know how many clients you need

  • And you have a system to get them

๐Ÿ‘‰ Now your actions have purpose

Without that?

๐Ÿ‘‰ Fear wins every time

The MMA Story (How Boldness Changed Everything)

Elijah shares a powerful personal story about getting into MMA.

At the time, he was told:

๐Ÿ‘‰ He had skillโ€”but was still operating in his comfort zone

So he did something extreme:

๐Ÿ‘‰ He trained in mixed martial arts for 6 months

And the result?

  • Massive confidence boost

  • Increased discipline

  • Higher output and productivity

  • Willingness to take risks

This period led to:

The 3 Cโ€™s of Boldness

Elijah introduces a simple but powerful framework:

1. Constitution

Your physical and mental state

๐Ÿ‘‰ Energy, discipline, and resilience

2. Confidence

Your belief in your ability to handle situations

๐Ÿ‘‰ Built through action and experience

3. Charisma

Your ability to connect with people

๐Ÿ‘‰ Critical for sales and communication

It All Starts With Self-Image

At the root of boldness is:

๐Ÿ‘‰ How you see yourself

If you donโ€™t believe youโ€™re capableโ€ฆ

๐Ÿ‘‰ You wonโ€™t act

The solution?

๐Ÿ‘‰ Do hard things

Even if theyโ€™re unrelated to business.

Because:

๐Ÿ‘‰ Conquering one fear builds confidence across all areas

How to Develop Boldness

Key takeaway:

๐Ÿ‘‰ You donโ€™t โ€œlearnโ€ boldness
๐Ÿ‘‰ You build it through action

Examples:

  • Try something that scares you

  • Put yourself in uncomfortable situations

  • Take small risks consistently

  • Build momentum over time

Final Thoughts

Elijah Bilel makes one thing clear:

๐Ÿ‘‰ Boldness is the gateway skill

Without it:

  • You wonโ€™t take action

  • You wonโ€™t close deals

  • You wonโ€™t grow

With it:

๐Ÿ‘‰ Everything else becomes easier

Watch The Podcast On Youtube!

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Elijah Bilel Elijah Bilel

What to Do When You Run Out of Money as a One-Person Business?

Running your own business can be exciting, empowering, and full of opportunities. But what happens when the money dries up? For many self-employed entrepreneurs, freelancers, and solo business owners, running out of money is one of the biggest fears. The truth is, itโ€™s not a matter of if this will happenโ€”itโ€™s a matter of when. Cash flow challenges are part of the entrepreneurial journey. What separates those who succeed from those who quit is how they handle this situation. Not in the mood to read this? Watch our video below instead!

 



In this article, weโ€™ll explore three practical steps you can take when you run out of money as a one-person business. These steps are designed not just to help you survive but to position you for long-term growth.

 

Looking to find the best type of business to start based on your personality? Consider getting our free financial personality report here. There are 6 personality types that make up the financial world. Each one has their strengths and things they need to work on to ensure success. In addition to this, each personality type has a type of income, way of budgeting and spending money that works best for their emotional strengths. Click here to get your report today!

Step 1: Reduce or Eliminate Unneeded Expenses

The first step when money runs out is to take a hard look at your expenses. Go through every item in your business and personal life and identify whatโ€™s truly essential. Ask yourself:

  • Do I really need this subscription, tool, or service right now?

  • Can I downgrade, pause, or cancel it temporarily?

  • Can I find a more affordable alternative that serves the same purpose?

Every dollar you save here is valuable fuel you can reallocate to areas of your business that directly generate income. By cutting unneeded costs, you create breathing room in your cash flow.

Step 2: Invest Excess Cash Flow Into Advertising for High-Margin Products or Services

Once youโ€™ve freed up money by reducing expenses, the next step is to put that cash to work. Instead of letting the savings sit idle, direct it toward advertising your highest-margin products or services. Why? Because high-margin offers give you the best return on investment.

Even a small advertising budget can make a difference when itโ€™s targeted strategically. For example:

  • Run ads promoting a service package that has the best profit margin.

  • Double down on a product you know delivers strong results and customer satisfaction.

  • Test ad platforms where your ideal clients are most active.

This reinvestment turns your cost-cutting into a revenue-generating engine, helping you pull out of the money crunch faster.

Step 3: Book a Consultation With an Industry Expert

The third step is often overlooked but incredibly powerfulโ€”seeking guidance. When youโ€™re low on funds, the last thing you may want to do is spend money on a consultation. But the right expert can save you time, prevent costly mistakes, and provide clarity on how to move forward.

An industry expert can help you:

  • Identify overlooked opportunities for growth.

  • Spot weaknesses in your current strategy.

  • Offer proven methods that accelerate results.

Think of this not as another expense but as an investment into your businessโ€™s future. The insights you gain could be worth far more than the consultation fee.

Summary: Three Steps to Take When You Run Out of Money

Running out of money doesnโ€™t have to mean the end of your business. Instead, see it as a turning point. By following these three steps, you can transform a challenge into an opportunity:

  1. Reduce or eliminate unneeded expenses to free up cash flow.

  2. Invest the savings into advertising your highest-margin products or services to generate revenue.

  3. Book a consultation with an industry expert to gain clarity, avoid mistakes, and accelerate growth.

These actions not only help you weather the immediate storm but also set your business up for long-term resilience and profitability.

Final Thoughts

Running out of money as a one-person business isnโ€™t the endโ€”itโ€™s part of the entrepreneurial process. Every successful business owner has faced this situation, and many have come out stronger because of it. The key is to act decisively, invest wisely, and seek guidance when you need it most.

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SHS031: 5 Books Every Freelancer Must Read Before Going Full-Time (Lead Generation Season Kickoff)

Intro

Season 2 of The Side Hustlerโ€™s Society is officially hereโ€”and this time, weโ€™re focusing on one of the most important skills for anyone who wants to be self-employed:

๐Ÿ‘‰ Lead generation.

Because the truth isโ€ฆ

๐Ÿ‘‰ You can have the best skill in the world, but if you donโ€™t know how to get clients, it doesnโ€™t matter.

In this episode, Elijah Bilel kicks off the season by breaking down 5 powerful books that will give you the mindset, strategy, and foundation needed to succeed as a freelancer or business owner.

Episode Overview

In this episode, youโ€™ll learn:

  • The difference between gig work and true self-employment

  • Why lead generation is the most important skill you can learn

  • 5 must-read books for freelancers and entrepreneurs

  • How to think strategically about business and marketing

  • Why understanding yourself is key to financial success

Listen to the Episode

Check us out on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! While youโ€™re there, hit subscribe so you donโ€™t miss our latest episodes!

The 5 Books You Need to Read

1. Before You Quit Your Job โ€“ Robert Kiyosaki

Robert Kiyosaki

This book is a powerful introduction to what it actually takes to build a business.

Instead of just motivating you to quit your job, it prepares you for:

  • The reality of entrepreneurship

  • The ups and downs of building a business

  • The mindset required to succeed long-term

Elijah highlights that this book is heavy on conceptual thinking, which is critical if you want to move from employee to business owner  

๐Ÿ‘‰ It walks through building, failing, rebuilding, and eventually scaling a business

๐Ÿ‘‰ Perfect for anyone thinking about going full-time

 Click here to get the book

2. The 100 Absolutely Unbreakable Laws of Business Success โ€“ Brian Tracy

Brian Tracy

This book serves as a foundation for how business actually works.

Elijah explains that these laws became a guiding framework for his own journey  

What makes this book powerful:

  • Everything in business ties back to these laws

  • Helps you make better decisions

  • Gives you a mental framework for success

๐Ÿ‘‰ Itโ€™s not just a one-time readโ€”itโ€™s a reference guide you come back to

๐Ÿ‘‰ Best used as both a reading AND study tool

 Click here to get the book

3. The One Page Marketing Plan โ€“ Allan Dib

Allan Dib

This is one of the most important books for freelancers who struggle with:

๐Ÿ‘‰ Getting clients

Elijah calls this book:

๐Ÿ‘‰ Underratedโ€”but extremely powerful  

Why it stands out:

  • Focuses on strategy, not just tactics

  • Covers multiple ways to market your business

  • Helps you build a complete marketing system

Key insight from the episode:

๐Ÿ‘‰ Tactics donโ€™t work without strategy

This book teaches you:

  • How to build that strategy

  • How to align your marketing with your goals

  • How to stand out in a crowded market

 Click here to get the book

4. Click: 10 Truths for Building Extraordinary Relationships โ€“ George Fraser

George Fraser

This is one of the most important books for:

๐Ÿ‘‰ Networking and relationship building

Elijah emphasizes that many people misunderstand networking as:

โŒ Fake
โŒ Self-serving
โŒ Transactional

But this book flips that perspective:

๐Ÿ‘‰ Networking should be genuine and mutually beneficial  

What youโ€™ll learn:

  • How to build real relationships

  • How to create win-win situations

  • How to develop a strong business network

๐Ÿ‘‰ This is especially important for freelancers who rely on referrals and connections

โš ๏ธ Note: This book does not have an audiobook, so youโ€™ll need to read it physically

 Click here to get the book

5. The Anatomy of Financial Success โ€“ Elijah Bilel

The Anatomy of Financial Success

This book introduces one of Elijahโ€™s core frameworks:

๐Ÿ‘‰ Financial Personalities

Unlike most finance books, this one focuses on:

๐Ÿ‘‰ Understanding yourself first

Because:

๐Ÿ‘‰ Personal finance is personal

The book breaks down:

  • 6 financial personality types

  • Strengths and weaknesses of each

  • How to align your income strategy with who you are

Elijah explains that success comes from:

๐Ÿ‘‰ Building around your strengths
๐Ÿ‘‰ Managing your weaknesses

This becomes especially powerful when applied to:

  • Business

  • Lead generation

  • Income strategies

 Click here to get the book

Why These Books Matter for Freelancers

If youโ€™re trying to go full-timeโ€ฆ

You need more than just a skill.

You need:

  • The right mindset

  • A strong foundation

  • A clear strategy

  • The ability to get clients

These books give you:

๐Ÿ‘‰ The complete blueprint

Bonus: Must-Watch Episode Before This Season

Before diving into Season 2, Elijah strongly recommends revisiting:

๐Ÿ‘‰ Episode 5: 10 Tips Needed to Succeed as a Freelancer

This episode provides:

  • Foundational principles

  • Core freelance strategies

  • A setup for everything in this season

What to Expect in Season 2

Season 2 will focus on:

๐Ÿ‘‰ Lead Generation for Freelancers and Business Owners

Youโ€™ll learn:

  • How to consistently get clients

  • How to market your services

  • How to build a sustainable business

Final Thoughts

Elijah Bilel closes this episode by emphasizing:

๐Ÿ‘‰ This is just the beginning

If you take the time to study these booksโ€ฆ

๐Ÿ‘‰ Youโ€™ll be ahead of most people trying to go full-time

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