From Queens to Millions: Leveraging AI to Build Wealth from Scratch
Growing up in Queens, New York, I experienced the challenges of poverty firsthand. Dropping out of high school at 16, I found myself hustling on street corners, selling flowers during the day while attending college classes at night. My scrappy determination and lofty goals fueled my journey from those humble beginnings to becoming a successful investor, a prominent figure on "Shark Tank," a Harvard Business School instructor, and even the operator of two NFL teams.
Yet, despite my achievements, I often ponder what I would do if I found myself starting from scratch again. Fortunately, we live in an era where artificial intelligence (AI) presents unprecedented opportunities for wealth generation. Inspired by a college student who launched an AI business raking in $64,000 a month, I’ve devised a plan for anyone looking to start anew with just $100 in their pocket. Here’s how to harness AI to generate thousands in passive income.
Step 1: Identify a Fast-Moving Trend
The first step is to pinpoint a niche that’s not only trending but also has a passionate audience willing to invest in learning. The key is to select a topic that resonates deeply with people and offers them tangible benefits.
For instance, with the surge of interest in AI, a compelling niche could be "AI for Small Businesses and Startups." This topic is particularly relevant as many entrepreneurs are eager to understand how AI can streamline operations and enhance profitability.
Step 2: Become an Expert in 24 Hours
Once you’ve identified your niche, dedicate a day to immerse yourself in learning. Eliminate distractions and dive deep into the latest AI tools that can save time and money for businesses.
Utilize resources across the internet—explore TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter to gather insights. After absorbing this information, distill your findings into a comprehensive document. If writing isn’t your forte, consider recording a two-hour video sharing your insights. Tools like ChatGPT can assist in crafting a script to ensure your content is engaging and informative.
Once you have your material ready, upload it to an online course platform like Courseau, where you can easily create and market your course.
Step 3: Build a Logo and Website for Your Course
Next, it’s time to establish your brand. Start by crafting a clear, actionable title for your course, such as "How to Use AI to Save Your Small Business Time and Money." If design isn’t your strong suit, leverage AI tools like Looka or Midjourney to create a professional logo.
For your course’s online presence, consider using Durable. In just 30 seconds, you can build a fully optimized website that serves as a home for your course. Durable also offers AI-generated marketing promotions to help you reach your target audience effectively. Additionally, tools like Pictory can transform your text-based course into engaging promotional videos, enhancing customer engagement.
Step 4: Use AI as Your Marketing and Sales Team
Finally, let AI take the reins of your marketing strategy. You can outsource copywriting and marketing tasks to ChatGPT. Familiarize yourself with effective prompts to maximize your results.
Twitter threads are a fantastic resource for learning how to craft compelling content. Use the platform to create a newsletter, draft viral tweets, and generate irresistible emails—all without lifting a finger to write.
By following these steps, you can leverage AI to create a sustainable income stream, transforming your initial $100 investment into a thriving business. The possibilities are endless, and the tools available today make it easier than ever to succeed.
About the Author
Matt Higgins is an investor and CEO of RSE Ventures. He began his career as the youngest press secretary in New York City history, where he played a pivotal role in managing the global press response during 9/11. His book, "Burn the Boats: Toss Plan B Overboard and Unleash Your Full Potential," is available now. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram for more insights.
The opinions expressed here by CNBC Make It contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of CNBC Make It.
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