SHS020: How A Hustler Handles Sales With Jon Loyhayem From ALEVO Financial & Insurance Agency!
Intro
Sales is one of the most important skills anyone can develop—especially for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and side hustlers.
In today’s world, it’s easier than ever to make money without learning how to sell. But that convenience comes with a hidden risk.
In this episode of The Side Hustler’s Society, Elijah Bilel breaks down why sales skills are essential for long-term income, stability, and growth.
From freelancing to entrepreneurship, this episode explains why:
👉 Sales = income
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Intro to Jonathan Loyhayem
Entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in sales and financial services
Started his career at 19 in the financial services industry
Became a manager by 21 and a senior manager by his mid-20s
Helped expand operations by opening offices across multiple states
Founder of his own financial services and insurance firm after leaving his previous company
Experienced in building, training, and leading sales teams for over a decade
👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-loyhayem-65467010/
Episode Overview
This episode covers:
Why sales is the foundation of all income
The hidden risk of relying on gig economy apps
How sales skills transfer across industries
What separates successful salespeople from everyone else
Jonathan shares real-world experience from building and leading sales teams, while Elijah connects these lessons back to freelancing and entrepreneurship.
Listen to the Episode
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Side Hustler’s Society Resources
Side Hustle to Full-Time Strategy Session
Financial Personality Success Bundle
Quick Takeaways
Elijah Bilel explains why sales skills protect your income
Jonathan Loyhayem shares how he built a career in sales
Gig economy apps can create income—but not security
Sales is required in every business and everyday life
The best salespeople never stop improving
Not giving up is a key factor in success
Sales skills can transfer across industries
Relationships play a major role in long-term success
Why Sales Skills Matter More Than Ever
Elijah Bilel points out a major issue:
👉 Many people are making money without learning how to sell
Apps like rideshare, delivery, and freelance platforms allow people to:
Earn income quickly
Avoid learning sales
But there’s a downside:
❌ If the platform removes you, your income disappears
❌ You don’t own your customer relationships
❌ You haven’t built a transferable skill
The Freelancer Reality
Elijah shares his own experience as a video editor and freelancer.
Instead of relying on platforms like Fiverr or Upwork, Elijah:
Built relationships directly
Networked in person
Found clients through business groups and referrals
This allowed Elijah to:
👉 Keep full control over client relationships
👉 Avoid platform restrictions and fees
👉 Build a sustainable business
Sales Is Everywhere (Even If You Don’t Realize It)
Jonathan explains that sales isn’t just about business—it’s part of everyday life.
Examples include:
Convincing someone to marry you
Negotiating decisions in relationships
Influencing people in daily conversations
👉 You are either selling—or being sold
Jonathan’s Journey Into Sales
Jonathan Loyhayem started in sales at just 19 years old
What followed:
Rapid growth into leadership roles
Managing and training sales teams
Expanding company operations across multiple states
Eventually launching his own firm
His journey highlights one key point:
👉 Sales is a skill that compounds over time
The Two Most Important Sales Skills
According to Jonathan, success in sales comes down to two things:
1. Not Giving Up
Most people fail because they quit too early.
Sales requires:
Persistence
Repetition
Handling rejection
2. Continuous Self-Improvement
Top performers are always improving:
Studying sales techniques
Learning communication skills
Practicing consistently
Jonathan emphasizes that:
👉 Skill development is what separates average from elite
Why Most People Struggle With Sales
The biggest issue:
👉 People don’t spend enough time developing their skills
They may:
Have talent
Have opportunity
But without skill development:
❌ They struggle to close deals
❌ They leave money on the table
Sales Skills Transfer Across Industries
One major insight:
Selling insurance ≠ selling real estate
Selling cars ≠ selling services
But:
👉 The core fundamentals of sales apply everywhere
Once mastered, these skills can:
Be applied across industries
Increase earning potential
Open new opportunities
The Importance of Leaving on Good Terms
Another powerful lesson from this episode:
👉 Relationships matter
Jonathan explains that leaving a company the right way:
Protects your reputation
Keeps doors open
Maintains long-term opportunities
Elijah Bilel reinforces that success is often tied to:
👉 The quality of your relationships
Key Lessons from the Episode
1. Sales = Income
If you can’t sell, you can’t earn consistently.
2. Platforms Are Temporary—Skills Are Permanent
Own your skills, not just your platform.
3. Don’t Quit Too Early
Persistence is a major differentiator.
4. Always Improve Your Skills
Growth leads to results.
5. Relationships Matter
Your network impacts your long-term success.
Who This Episode Is For
Freelancers and service providers
Entrepreneurs and business owners
Side hustlers looking to go full-time
Anyone who wants to increase their income
Key Topics Covered
Sales strategies from Jonathan Loyhayem
Business insights from Elijah Bilel
Freelancing vs platform dependency
Building long-term income
Watch The Podcast On Youtube!
SHS018: How To Make $$$ With An E Commerce Platform With Steven Pemberton!
Intro
E-commerce has been one of the most talked-about ways to make money online over the past decade.
From Amazon dropshipping to building your own brand, many people have seen the potential—but few understand what it actually takes to build a sustainable and profitable e-commerce business.
In this episode of The Side Hustler’s Society, Elijah Bilel sits down with an experienced e-commerce entrepreneur to break down the real game behind the industry.
This conversation goes beyond the hype and dives into the realities—the wins, the risks, and the strategies that actually work today.
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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 Steven Pemberton
E-commerce entrepreneur who has generated over $3 million in online sales
Built a seven-figure business after starting from scratch
Experienced in multiple e-commerce models including dropshipping and brand building
Helps coaches and business owners reach their ideal audience using “challenge-based” systems
Focuses on scalable and sustainable business strategies
👉 Website: https://www.hollowco.com/
👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevenkpemberton/
Episode Overview
This episode breaks down:
What e-commerce actually is
The different ways to get started
The risks of relying on platforms like Amazon
How to build a more stable and scalable business
Steven shares real experiences—from generating millions in revenue to dealing with account shutdowns—and what those lessons taught him about building a long-term business.
Listen to the Episode
Check us out on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! While you’re there, hit subscribe so you don’t miss our latest episodes!
Side Hustler’s Society Resources
Side Hustle to Full-Time Strategy Session
Financial Personality Success Bundle
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Quick Takeaways
Elijah Bilel explores the realities of e-commerce
E-commerce simply means selling products electronically
Dropshipping has a low barrier to entry—but high risk
Amazon can generate massive revenue—but lacks control
Steven emphasizes diversification across platforms
Building your own brand gives long-term stability
Platform dependency is one of the biggest risks in e-commerce
Cash flow and reinvestment strategies matter
Real assets (like real estate) provide stability outside e-commerce
Starting small and testing is key before scaling
What Is E-Commerce?
Steven breaks it down simply:
👉 E-commerce = selling products electronically
This can include:
Physical products
Digital products
Services sold online
From selling a single item to building a full brand, it all falls under e-commerce.
Different E-Commerce Models
1. Dropshipping
Low startup cost
No inventory required
Easy to start
But:
High competition
Platform restrictions (especially on Amazon)
Risk of account shutdowns
2. Amazon Selling
Pros:
Massive built-in customer base
Fast sales potential
Cons:
High fees
Limited control
Risk of account suspension
Steven shares that accounts can be:
Shut down unexpectedly
Funds held indefinitely
Businesses disrupted overnight
3. Owning Your Own Brand (Shopify)
Pros:
Full control
Long-term asset
Ability to scale
Cons:
Requires marketing
Takes longer to build
The Biggest Risk in E-Commerce
Platform Dependency
One of the most important lessons from this episode:
👉 If your business depends on one platform, you’re vulnerable
Steven shares real examples of:
Accounts getting shut down
Revenue dropping overnight
Inventory being locked up
The Power of Diversification
To reduce risk, Steven recommends:
Selling on multiple platforms
Building your own website
Using marketplaces as traffic sources—not your foundation
The Ideal Setup
Shopify (your base)
Amazon (traffic + sales)
Facebook Marketplace / social platforms (additional reach)
This creates:
👉 Stability + scalability
From Volatility to Stability
Steven explains that after experiencing setbacks:
They diversified platforms
Built their own ecosystem
Reduced reliance on any single source
Result:
👉 More control over revenue
Real Business vs Hype
A major theme in this episode:
👉 Not everything that’s trending is sustainable
Elijah Bilel points out that:
Fast-growing trends can be red flags
Many people jump in due to hype
Long-term success requires strategy
Investing vs Speculating
The conversation also touches on money strategy:
E-commerce profits should be reinvested wisely
Real assets (like real estate) provide stability
Not all opportunities are “investments”—some are speculation
Key Lessons from the Episode
1. Start Small & Test
Don’t go all-in immediately.
Learn the basics
Test different models
Validate what works
2. Avoid Platform Dependence
Build something you control.
3. Focus on Long-Term Strategy
Short-term wins don’t equal long-term success.
4. Build an Ecosystem
Use platforms as tools—not your foundation.
Who This Episode Is For
Beginners interested in e-commerce
Side hustlers exploring online income
Entrepreneurs looking to scale a product-based business
Anyone considering dropshipping or Amazon selling
Key Topics Covered
E-commerce fundamentals
Insights from Steven Pemberton
Business strategies from Elijah Bilel
Platform risks and diversification
Scaling online businesses
Watch The Podcast On Youtube!
SHS011: How Jacob & John Makes $10,000 A Month Selling Merch And T-Shirts!
Intro
Starting a clothing brand is one of the most popular business ideas—but also one of the most misunderstood.
A lot of people jump in using print-on-demand platforms, thinking that’s the full picture… but there’s a completely different level to this business when you understand manufacturing, branding, and positioning.
In this episode of The Side Hustler’s Society, Elijah Bilel sits down with fashion designer and entrepreneur John Thomas to break down how to actually build a clothing brand from the ground up.
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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 John Thomas
Fashion designer and entrepreneur with experience dating back to 2014
Founder of clothing brands including Fly Forever and Jacob & John
Holds an associate degree in fashion design and a bachelor’s in merchandising design
Also earned a master’s degree in finance
Opened his own physical clothing store and built a growing fashion brand
Featured in major publications like Vogue
Website: https://jacob-john.com/
Episode Overview
This episode dives into what it really takes to go beyond basic merch and build a legitimate clothing brand.
Elijah opens by explaining the difference between:
Print-on-demand (like Teespring or Spreadshop)
And building a full-scale clothing business with manufacturing and higher margins
While print-on-demand can be a great starting point, John Thomas represents what it looks like to take things to the next level.
John shares how his journey started with a passion for fashion at a young age—customizing clothes with friends—and eventually led him to pursue formal education in design.
Over time, he built his first brand, Fly Forever, but ran into a major challenge:
👉 It wasn’t differentiated enough in the market
That realization led to a pivot—and the creation of his current brand, Jacob & John, which is built around a more personal and intentional identity.
Elijah Bilel highlights this as a key entrepreneurial principle:
👉 Sometimes your first idea isn’t the final version—it’s just the starting point.
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
Financial Personality Success Bundle
Side Hustle to Full-Time Strategy Session
Get The Side Hustler's Society Merch!
Quick Takeaways
Elijah explains the difference between print-on-demand and full clothing brands
John Thomas built his brand by combining education with real-world experience
Your first business idea may not be your final one
Elijah Bilel emphasizes the importance of evolving your approach over time
Knowing your target market is critical in both fashion and business
Product placement can make or break your success
Learning the business before investing heavily can save money
Networking and environment play a huge role in growth
Multiple income streams (like Airbnb) can support your business journey
Success comes from consistency, not perfection
How He Built His Clothing Brand
1. Started with Passion, Then Got Educated
John’s journey started with creativity—but he took it further by learning the technical side of fashion.
He explains that while school helped him:
👉 You don’t have to go to school—you just need knowledge
You can learn through:
YouTube
Books
Internships
Hands-on experience
2. Pivoted When the Market Gave Feedback
One of the biggest turning points:
👉 His first brand wasn’t standing out
Instead of quitting, he:
Rebranded
Made it more personal
Built a stronger identity
That’s how Jacob & John was created—named after himself and his son.
3. Focused on Target Market
John emphasizes:
👉 If you don’t know who you’re selling to, you won’t sell
This applies to:
Clothing brands
Airbnb
Any business
Elijah connects this to his own Airbnb strategy—designing properties specifically for business travelers.
4. Learn Before You Spend
One of the most practical lessons:
👉 This business can get expensive fast
John recommends:
Learning materials and fabrics
Understanding manufacturing
Knowing how to communicate with suppliers
Before investing heavily.
5. Placement Matters More Than You Think
A powerful concept from the episode:
👉 Your product needs to be in the right environment
John shares how being featured in Vogue helped elevate his brand and reach the right audience.
Elijah Bilel connects this to a classic business principle:
👉 It’s not just about what you sell—it’s where you sell it
Key Lessons from the Episode
1. Your Environment Can Accelerate Your Growth
Both Elijah and John highlight how being around the right people:
Creates opportunities
Provides insight
Speeds up learning
2. Multiple Income Streams Give You Flexibility
John shares how Airbnb income helped support him during uncertain times.
This reinforces a major theme:
👉 Side hustles can fund your bigger vision
3. Document Your Journey
A key insight from John:
👉 People want to see the process—not just the result
Sharing your journey:
Builds trust
Grows your audience
Creates opportunities
Who This Episode Is For
People interested in starting a clothing brand
Entrepreneurs looking to move beyond print-on-demand
Creators building a fashion or product-based business
Side hustlers looking to scale into a full business
Key Topics Covered
How Elijah Bilel approaches product-based businesses
Building a clothing brand from scratch
John Thomas’ journey into fashion design
Target market and product placement strategies
Scaling beyond basic merch