SHS033: How To Get & Cultivate Freelance Leads As An Audio Engineer With Dejion Burkes
Intro
In this episode of The Side Hustler’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 Bachelor’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
👉 Connect with Dejion Burks on Instagram: Here
Episode Overview
In this episode, you’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
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Side Hustler’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:
👉 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:
👉 Too many conflicting opinions
One person says:
- “Do it this way”
Another says:
- “Don’t ever do that”
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
👉 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
👉 If people don’t understand what you do quickly, you lose them.
2. Use Social Media to Find Clients
Platforms he uses include:
- X
- Threads
- 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:
👉 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:
👉 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 30–60 Second Rule
One of the biggest takeaways:
👉 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, you’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 no’s are really about:
- Timing
- Budget
- Fit
Not your worth.
2. They Don’t Do Enough Volume
Success comes from:
👉 Consistency and numbers
Not perfection.
Final Thoughts
Elijah Bilel and Dejion Burks make one thing clear:
👉 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.
