SHS045: The Correct Way To Do Lead Follow Up With Giuseppe Grammatico
Intro
Most people think making money in business comes down to one thing:
👉 Closing the sale
But what if the REAL money…
👉 Comes after the first conversation?
In this episode, Elijah Bilel sits down with franchise expert Giuseppe Grammatico to break down why follow-up is one of the most overlooked (and profitable) skills in business.
Intro to Giuseppe Grammatico
Franchise consultant helping professionals transition into business ownership
Former financial advisor with deep experience in sales and client acquisition
Franchise owner with nearly two decades of experience
Host of the Franchise Freedom Podcast
Helps people achieve time and financial freedom through franchising
To learn more about Giuseppe and his work, click here .
Episode Overview
In this episode, Elijah and Giuseppe discuss:
Why “the fortune is in the follow-up”
The biggest mistake people make after hearing “no”
How timing—not rejection—kills most deals
Why staying top of mind is everything
How to use content as a follow-up system
Practical follow-up strategies that actually work
Listen to the Episode
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Side Hustler’s Society Resources
Side Hustle to Full-Time Strategy Session
The Personalized Side Hustle Starter Kit
The Real Problem: People Give Up Too Early
One of the biggest insights from this episode:
👉 Most people try once… and quit
As Elijah explains, many entrepreneurs:
Pitch once
Hear “no” (or nothing)
Move on immediately
But in reality:
👉 Most people don’t buy on the first interaction
Why This Happens
It’s usually NOT because:
They aren’t interested
It’s because:
The timing isn’t right
They’re distracted
They need more information
They’re unsure or hesitant
The Truth About Follow-Up
According to Giuseppe Grammatico:
👉 Follow-up is about staying top of mind
Not being pushy.
Real Example
A prospect reaches out…
Then:
Loses their job
Gets busy
Shifts priorities
They don’t respond—not because they’re not interested…
👉 But because life happened
Why Follow-Up Works
Follow-up allows you to:
Re-engage at the right time
Build trust over time
Educate your prospect
Address hidden objections
Key Insight
👉 Sales is not just about convincing
It’s about:
👉 Timing + trust
The Wrong Way to Follow Up
Most people follow up like this:
“Just checking in…”
“Following up…”
“Are you still interested?”
The Problem
👉 This adds ZERO value
And makes you easy to ignore
The Right Way to Follow Up
Instead of being repetitive…
👉 Be valuable
Example Approach
Share a relevant podcast
Send an article addressing their concern
Provide new insights
Offer helpful resources
Why This Works
Because now you’re not:
👉 Selling
You’re:
👉 Helping
Content = Follow-Up System
One of the biggest gems in this episode:
👉 Content creation can automate your follow-up
How Giuseppe Uses It
Monthly newsletter
Podcast episodes
Educational content
Industry insights
The Strategy
Instead of chasing people…
👉 Let your content follow up for you
Example
If someone is unsure about:
👉 Funding a business
Send them:
👉 A podcast breaking down funding options
Now you’ve:
Answered objections
Built authority
Stayed relevant
Multi-Touch Follow-Up Strategy
Giuseppe doesn’t rely on just one method.
He uses:
Email
Phone calls
Newsletters
Direct mail
Content
Key Insight
👉 Different people respond to different channels
Underrated Tactic
Direct mail (like postcards)
Why?
👉 Nobody gets real mail anymore
So when they do…
👉 It stands out
The Psychology of Follow-Up
A major takeaway:
👉 Silence ≠ rejection
It often means:
Confusion
Hesitation
Lack of clarity
Your Job
👉 Identify what’s holding them back
Then:
👉 Provide value that solves it
Elijah’s Approach to Follow-Up
Elijah Bilel highlights a key strategy:
👉 Make it natural
Instead of This
“Just checking in…”
Do This
Build rapport
Reference past conversations
Start with something relatable
Then transition into business
Example
Instead of jumping straight into sales:
👉 Start with a shared interest
Then:
👉 Bring the offer into the conversation naturally
Final Thoughts
This episode makes one thing clear:
👉 Most sales are lost due to lack of follow-up
Not lack of opportunity
The Big Lesson
If you want to make more money:
👉 Don’t just generate leads
👉 Nurture them
Because at the end of the day…
👉 The fortune is in the follow-up
Watch The Podcast On Youtube!
SHS044: 5 Underrated Sources Of Lead Generation That Freelancers Are Sleeping On In 2026
Intro
When most people think about lead generation…
They think about:
Social media
Ads
Websites
But what if some of your BEST lead sources are already in your life…
👉 And you’re just not using them
In this solo episode, Elijah Bilel breaks down five underrated lead sources that exist in your everyday routine—and how to turn them into real opportunities.
If you’re serious about building a system that consistently brings in leads and income, you can learn more about how to structure that inside the Self Made Business Academy Here .
Episode Overview
In this episode, Elijah covers:
Why outbound offline marketing is underrated
How everyday interactions can become lead sources
The power of people you already do business with
How to turn regular conversations into opportunities
Why most people are leaving money on the table
Listen to the Episode
Check us out on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! While you’re there, hit subscribe so you don’t miss our latest episodes!
The Big Idea: You’re Already Around Leads
One of the biggest takeaways from this episode:
👉 You don’t need MORE places to find leads
You need to:
👉 Use the environments you’re already in
As Elijah explains:
If you interact with someone regularly
And you’re spending money with them
👉 They should know what you do
And ideally…
👉 They should be referring people to you
Lead Source #1: Restaurants You Frequent
Not just any restaurant…
👉 Places you go to consistently
Why This Works
Staff recognizes you
Owners may know you
You already have rapport
The Strategy
Let them know what you do
Ask if you can leave business cards or flyers
Position yourself as a regular, not a stranger
Real Example
Elijah shares how he promoted an event by placing flyers in vegan restaurants.
Result:
👉 People saw the flyers
👉 Attended the event
👉 Engagement increased
Key Insight
👉 High foot traffic = more visibility
And since you’re already a customer…
👉 You have leverage
Lead Source #2: Your Barber or Hairstylist
This one is HUGE.
Because these environments are naturally:
👉 Social
People are:
Talking
Sharing
Opening up
Why This Works
Barbers and stylists:
👉 Talk to people ALL day
Which means:
👉 They hear problems
And if your service solves those problems…
👉 You become the referral
Simple Strategy
Talk about what you do naturally
Build a real relationship
Leave your contact info
Advanced Strategy
👉 Have more than one barber or stylist
Why?
Because now you’re tapping into:
👉 Multiple networks
Different shops = different people = more leads
Lead Source #3: Places You Spend Money Regularly
This is the underlying theme of the episode.
Think about:
Gyms
Coffee shops
Stores
Service providers
The Rule
👉 If you spend money there regularly…
They should know:
👉 What you do
Why This Matters
Because when someone asks them:
👉 “Do you know anyone who does ___?”
You want the answer to be:
👉 “Yeah, I know someone”
Lead Source #4: Natural Social Environments
You don’t always need a “strategy”
Sometimes:
👉 Just being present is enough
Places like:
Shops
Waiting areas
Lounges
Are all opportunities to:
Have conversations
Build rapport
Mention what you do
Key Difference
This isn’t cold outreach.
👉 It’s organic interaction
Lead Source #5: Existing Relationships
This might be the most overlooked:
👉 People you already know
Why This Works
Because:
Trust already exists
Communication is easy
Referrals happen naturally
The Mistake
Most people assume:
👉 “They already know what I do”
But in reality:
👉 They don’t
Or…
👉 They forgot
The Fix
👉 Remind them
Regularly
Why Most People Don’t Do This
Elijah points out something important:
👉 People are afraid of putting themselves out there
Even in environments where:
It’s natural
It’s expected
It’s low pressure
But Here’s the Reality
👉 These are some of the HIGHEST converting lead sources
Because:
Trust is built faster
Conversations are real
Referrals happen naturally
The Bigger Picture
This episode ties everything together:
👉 Lead generation doesn’t have to be complicated
You don’t need:
Fancy funnels
Expensive ads
Complex systems
You just need to:
👉 Use what’s already around you
Final Thoughts
Elijah Bilel makes one thing clear:
👉 You’re closer to leads than you think
The question is:
👉 Are you using your environment… or ignoring it?
If you want to build a real system around this so you’re not just “hoping” for leads but actually creating a predictable flow of clients, you can learn how to do that inside the Self Made Business Academy Here .
Watch The Podcast On Youtube!
SHS043: The Self Made Business Academy
Intro
If you’ve been consuming content from Elijah Bilel for a while, you already know:
👉 The goal has always been to help people move toward self-employment
But there’s been a gap…
And in this episode, Elijah breaks down exactly what that gap is—and how he plans to solve it.
If you’re serious about becoming self-employed or growing your one-person business, you can check out the Self Made Business Academy Here .
Episode Overview
In this episode, Elijah covers:
Why free content alone isn’t enough for most people
The limitations of one-on-one consultations
The inspiration behind the Self Made Business Academy
What makes this different from everything else he’s created
How this helps bridge the gap for aspiring entrepreneurs
Listen to the Episode
Check us out on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! While you’re there, hit subscribe so you don’t miss our latest episodes!
The Problem: Not Everyone Can Be Served the Same Way
Over time, Elijah Bilel realized something important:
👉 Not everyone in the audience can be helped the same way
There are currently three main ways people learn from his content:
Free content (YouTube, podcast, etc.)
One-on-one consultations
Local meetups like “Money Talks”
But each of these has limitations.
Why Free Content Isn’t Enough
Free content is powerful…
But it comes with a problem:
👉 It’s scattered
To learn one topic, you might have to:
Watch 10–20 videos
Piece everything together
Figure out what applies to you
For many people:
👉 That’s too time-consuming
Why One-on-One Isn’t Always an Option
Consultations work…
But not for everyone.
Some people:
Can’t afford it yet
Don’t have the time
Aren’t ready for that level of commitment
Why Local Meetups Don’t Solve It Either
Even with initiatives like “Money Talks”:
👉 Not everyone can attend
Schedules
Location
Life responsibilities
All of it creates friction.
The Gap: People Who Are Serious… But Stuck
This creates a specific type of person:
👉 Someone who wants to move forward
👉 But doesn’t have the right structure
They’re stuck asking:
“How do I leave my 9–5?”
“How much money do I need?”
“What if I fail?”
“How do I build something sustainable?”
And without answers…
👉 They don’t take action
The Solution: Self Made Business Academy
That’s where the Self Made Business Academy comes in.
This is designed to be:
👉 The middle ground
Between:
Free content
High-ticket one-on-one help
What It Is
A membership-based academy that gives you:
Direct access to Elijah
Structured learning
A community of like-minded people
What You Get
Inside the academy, members will have:
1. Weekly Office Hours
Every week, there’s a live Q&A session where you can:
Ask questions
Get clarity
Move forward faster
2. Access to Courses
Everything on the platform (now and future) becomes available.
This includes:
Freelancing
Lead generation
Content creation
Business building
3. Courses Released in Phases
Instead of waiting months for a full course…
👉 You get access as it’s being built
That means:
Faster implementation
Real-time learning
Ability to give feedback
4. Community Support
This might be the most underrated part.
Because being self-employed can feel:
👉 Isolated
Inside the academy, you’ll have:
People on the same journey
Shared experiences
Support when things get tough
What You’ll Learn (Big Picture)
The academy focuses on what Elijah calls:
👉 “Modern money mechanics”
This includes:
Building a one-person business
Generating leads consistently
Scaling income
Investing as a self-employed person
Retirement strategies (Solo 401k, SEP IRA, Roth IRA)
Structuring your business (LLC, S-Corp, etc.)
All things that:
👉 Traditional jobs don’t teach
Why This Matters
Self-employment comes with:
Freedom
Flexibility
Income potential
But also:
Uncertainty
Complexity
Responsibility
The academy is designed to help you:
👉 Navigate both sides
Who This Is For
This is NOT for casual side hustlers.
This is for people who:
Want to go full-time
Are already self-employed
Are serious about building something real
Final Thoughts
Elijah Bilel created the Self Made Business Academy to solve a real problem:
👉 People want to move forward—but don’t have the structure
This is about:
Clarity
Direction
Execution
If you want to be part of it as a founding member and help shape what this becomes, you can check it out Here .
Watch The Podcast On Youtube!
SHS042: 5 Ways You Can Generate Leads As A Freelancer For Your Business As A Uber Eats Driver
Intro
Most people look at the gig economy as:
👉 A way to make extra money
But what if you could use it for something more?
👉 Lead generation
In this solo episode, Elijah Bilel breaks down how to turn everyday gig work into a system that brings in:
Clients
Opportunities
Business growth
Because if you’re already doing the work…
👉 You might as well maximize it
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Episode Overview
In this episode, Elijah covers:
How to use rideshare to generate leads
How to use delivery apps for networking
Why most gig workers miss these opportunities
The importance of positioning yourself correctly
How to turn conversations into clients
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
The Foundation: You Need This First
Before anything else, Elijah makes one thing clear:
👉 You need a system in place
Specifically:
A business card
A QR code
A simple web page or website
Your QR code should:
👉 Link directly to your page
Where people can:
Learn about your service
Contact you
Take action
Without this?
👉 You’re missing the opportunity completely
Ride Share Strategy #1: Just Talk to People
This is the most obvious…
But also the most underused.
Most passengers will ask:
👉 “So what else do you do?”
This is your opening.
The Key: Be Prepared
Don’t just say:
👉 “I’m a video editor”
Instead, tell a short, engaging story:
How you got started
What you do
Who you help
Then…
👉 STOP talking
Let them:
Ask questions
Show interest
Lead the conversation
Closing the Interaction
Before they leave:
👉 Hand them your business card
Keep it simple:
“If you’re ever interested, feel free to check this out.”
No pressure.
No pitch.
Ride Share Strategy #2: Use a QR Code in Your Car
This is where things get interesting.
Instead of relying only on conversation…
👉 Let curiosity do the work
How It Works
Print out a QR code and place it where passengers can see it.
Add a message like:
👉 “I get this question a lot—scan here to see what I do”
Why This Works
Even if someone doesn’t want to talk…
👉 They might still scan
And now:
They’re on your page
They’re learning about your service
They might reach out later
Important Rule
👉 Don’t be pushy
Let them choose.
Delivery Strategy #1: Stop Being on Your Phone
This is where most people lose opportunities.
While waiting for orders:
👉 They’re on their phone
Scrolling
Talking
Distracted
The Better Move
👉 Talk to the people around you
Other drivers
People waiting
Staff
Why This Matters
These people are:
Working
Trying to make money
Often building something
Which means:
👉 They’re highly relevant connections
Delivery Strategy #2: Network With Other Drivers
A simple conversation can go a long way.
Start with something easy:
“How long you been doing this?”
“You working on anything outside of this?”
Where This Leads
Now you can:
Share what you do
Exchange business cards
Build real connections
This is:
👉 Low effort
👉 High opportunity
Delivery Strategy #3: Use Your Brand While Working
This is subtle…
But powerful.
Elijah mentions using:
👉 Clothing or items that promote his brand. Some examples of this are here with The Side Hustler's Society Merch
Example:
Branded shirts
Logos
Messaging
Why This Works
People see it and think:
👉 “What is that?”
Now you’ve created:
👉 Passive curiosity
The Bigger Picture
Most people treat gig work like:
👉 A temporary income source
But Elijah flips it:
👉 It’s a networking environment
Think about it:
Ride share → You meet people
Delivery → You’re around people
Restaurants → Constant interaction
That Means
👉 Every shift = opportunities
The Real Advantage
If you apply these strategies consistently:
You build connections
You create visibility
You generate leads
Without:
Ads
Expensive tools
Complex systems
Final Thoughts
Elijah Bilel makes one thing clear:
👉 The gig economy is more than income
It’s:
A networking tool
A marketing channel
A lead generation system
If you use it correctly…
👉 It can help you transition into something bigger
Watch The Podcast On Youtube!
SHS041: Webpage Workshop: How To Setup The Perfect Webpage As A Freelancer
Intro
When it comes to building a successful side hustle or freelance business…
👉 Most people don’t struggle with their skill
They struggle with getting clients
In this solo episode, Elijah Bilel breaks down the fundamentals of lead generation in a way that actually applies to real-world self-employment—not just textbook theory.
Episode Overview
In this episode, Elijah covers:
The 4 types of lead generation
Why most freelancers struggle to get clients
The difference between inbound and outbound marketing
How to turn referrals into a consistent pipeline
Why a simple web page can outperform a full website
Listen to the Episode
Check us out on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! While you’re there, hit subscribe so you don’t miss our latest episodes!
Side Hustler’s Society Resources
If you’re serious about turning your side hustle into full-time income, you can book a 1-on-1 strategy session with Elijah Here
The Real Problem: It’s Not Your Skill
A major insight from this episode:
👉 Most people already have a skill
But they don’t know how to get clients consistently
As referenced in the episode, many freelancers:
Avoid outreach
Over-rely on inbound marketing
Don’t understand how leads are actually generated
The 4 Types of Lead Generation
Elijah breaks lead generation into a simple framework:
1. Inbound vs Outbound
Inbound → Leads come to you
Outbound → You go get the leads
2. Online vs Offline
Online → Social media, YouTube, email
Offline → Networking, events, real-life interactions
The 4 Quadrants
When combined, you get:
Inbound Online
Outbound Online
Inbound Offline
Outbound Offline
👉 Most people ONLY focus on one
And that’s where they lose
The Most Underrated Strategy: Inbound Offline
This episode focuses heavily on:
👉 Inbound Offline Marketing
Which is essentially:
👉 Referrals
Why Referrals Are So Powerful
Referrals are:
Easier to close
Higher trust
Lower effort
And in many cases…
👉 They become your main source of business
How to Actually Generate Referrals
Here’s where most people mess up:
👉 They don’t make it easy to refer them
The Solution: A Simple Web Page
Instead of relying on people to “explain what you do”…
👉 You give them a link
That link should:
Explain your service
Show proof
Tell people what to do next
What Your Web Page Needs
According to the episode:
1. Your Service
What you do and who it’s for
2. Social Proof
Experience
Results
Past work
3. Call to Action
Contact you
Or book directly
4. Portfolio or Testimonials
5. Pricing (Optional)
Can filter out unqualified leads
6. FAQ Section
Removes objections before they happen
Why This Works
Because now:
👉 Referring you becomes EASY
Instead of someone saying:
“Let me explain what Elijah does…”
They can just say:
👉 “Go check this out”
Your Web Page Becomes Your Salesperson
One of the most important takeaways:
👉 Your page does the selling for you
Which means:
More referrals
Less explaining
More conversions
When to Use “Contact Me” vs “Buy Now”
This part is key depending on your offer:
Higher Ticket Services
👉 Have them contact you
Allows you to sell
Increases deal size
Lower Ticket Services
👉 Let them buy directly
Faster
Less friction
Why Simplicity Wins
A major misconception:
👉 Your page needs to look fancy
Reality:
👉 It just needs to convert
Even a simple text-based page can work if it:
Answers questions
Builds trust
Gives clear next steps
Final Thoughts
Elijah Bilel makes one thing clear:
👉 Lead generation is a system
And once you understand it…
👉 Getting clients becomes predictable
If you’re trying to figure out how to turn your skills into consistent income, getting direct guidance can speed that process up significantly. You can book a Side Hustle to Full-Time Strategy Session Here
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)
SHS040: What The Self Employed & Freelancer Home Buying Process Is In 2026 With Jahcorrian Burkes
Intro
For most people, buying a home is already a complicated process…
But when you’re self-employed?
👉 It gets even more complicated
In this episode, Elijah Bilel sits down with Jahcorrian Burkes to break down:
Why freelancers struggle to get approved
What lenders are really looking for
And how to position yourself to actually qualify
Subscribe Now And Get Chapter 5 Of The Best Selling Book, The Anatomy Of Financial Success!
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Intro to Jahcorrian Burkes
Jahcorrian Burkes is a mortgage broker and real estate professional with years of experience helping clients buy and finance homes.
Throughout his career, he has:
Built a strong reputation in real estate
Helped clients navigate complex mortgage processes
Coached individuals and teams toward financial success
Before entering real estate, he developed his financial foundation in the insurance industry, giving him a unique perspective on long-term wealth building.
👉 Connect with Jahcorrian Burkes on LinkedIn Here
👉 Check out his book Here
Episode Overview
In this episode, you’ll learn:
The biggest mistakes self-employed buyers make
How mortgage lenders evaluate freelancers
Why documentation is everything
The role of networking in generating business
How to build referral-based income
Listen to the Episode
Check us out on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! While you’re there, hit subscribe so you don’t miss our latest episodes!
Side Hustler’s Society Resources
The Personalized Side Hustle Starter Kit
The Anatomy Of Financial Success Paperback
The Biggest Challenge for Self-Employed Buyers
One of the biggest issues?
👉 Not being fully transparent upfront
As Jahcorrian explains:
Many self-employed individuals don’t disclose everything
Income structures can be more complex
This creates delays—or even deal failures
For example:
Someone might submit W-2 income…
But later it turns out:
👉 They actually own the business
Which changes EVERYTHING in underwriting
Why This Matters
When lenders discover new information late:
More paperwork is required
Timelines get pushed back
Deals can fall apart
Why Self-Employment Makes Things Harder
Unlike traditional employees:
👉 Your income isn’t “simple”
Lenders often require:
Business tax returns
Personal tax returns
Profit & loss statements
Consistent income history
Translation
👉 You have to prove stability
Even if you’re making good money
The Power of Preparation
One key takeaway from this episode:
👉 The process is MUCH easier if you prepare early
That means:
Keeping accurate records
Understanding how lenders think
Structuring your income properly
Networking = Leads (And Opportunities)
One of the most valuable parts of this episode is how Jahcorrian generates business:
👉 Through networking groups
He highlights organizations like BNI (Business Network International) where:
Business owners meet weekly
Share referrals
Build relationships
How It Works
Each industry has one “seat”
Members refer clients to each other
Everyone benefits from shared networks
Why This Matters for Side Hustlers
If you’re self-employed:
👉 Networking can replace paid ads
Instead of chasing leads:
You build relationships
People bring leads to you
His Lead Generation Strategy (This Is Key)
Jahcorrian’s business is built on:
👉 Word of mouth
Specifically:
Referrals from past clients
Referrals from real estate agents
Relationships built through networking
Why This Works
These leads are:
Warmer
More qualified
Easier to close
He even mentions:
👉 70–80% close rates on referral leads
The “Do More Than You’re Paid For” Rule
This is one of the most important principles from the episode:
👉 Always overdeliver
Because when you do:
Clients trust you
They refer you
Your business grows organically
Quantity vs Quality in Sales
There are two main approaches:
1. Volume-Based Sales
Talk to a lot of people
Close a small percentage
2. Relationship-Based Sales
Fewer clients
Higher trust
More referrals
Jahcorrian leans toward:
👉 Relationship-based selling
Which leads to:
Repeat business
Referral pipelines
Less need for constant prospecting
How This Applies to You
If you’re self-employed or freelancing:
👉 You don’t need MORE leads
You need:
Better positioning
Better relationships
Better systems
Final Thoughts
Elijah Bilel and Jahcorrian Burkes make one thing clear:
👉 Being self-employed doesn’t disqualify you from buying a home
But…
👉 You DO have to be more intentional
If you:
Keep clean records
Understand the process
Build strong relationships
You’ll not only qualify…
👉 You’ll put yourself in a position to win long-term