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