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

The Personalized Side Hustle Starter Kit

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!