Student Guide to Earning Income Streams

Dec 15, 2024

Lecture Notes: Becoming a Millionaire as a Student

Introduction

  • Many students struggle to balance studying and making money.
  • Concerns about the value of college due to statistics:
    • 23% of bachelor’s degrees have a negative ROI.
    • 41% of graduates work in jobs that don’t require a degree.

Key Point: Millionaires and Multiple Income Streams

  • Most millionaires have multiple income streams:
    • 65% have at least 3 income streams.
    • 45% have 4 income streams.
    • 29% have more than 5 income streams.
  • Popular income streams may not be realistic for students; therefore, here are 7 practical ideas.

Income Stream Ideas

1. TikTok Shop

  • Overview: A way for students to earn extra cash with minimal startup costs.
  • Requirements: Just a smartphone and possibly a ring light.
  • Revenue Potential:
    • In 2022, TikTok Shop generated $11.09 billion, expected to reach $17.5 billion.
    • High-grossing categories include beauty products and women’s wear.
  • Time Commitment:
    • About 3 hours nightly for significant earnings.
    • 1 hour a day for modest earnings.
  • Getting Started: Download the TikTok Seller Center app to upload products.

2. Focus Groups

  • Overview: Companies pay for feedback to improve products.
  • Earnings Potential: Up to $250 for a one-hour session, depending on niche.
  • Time Commitment: 30 minutes to a couple of hours.
  • Getting Started: Use trusted platforms like Respondent, User Interviews, or FocusGroup.com.

3. Modernizing Boring Businesses

  • Overview: Upgrade outdated businesses like laundromats and vending machines.
  • Earnings Potential:
    • Laundromats: $300,000/year (20-30% profit margin).
    • Car washes: $500,000 - $900,000/year.
  • Time Commitment: Initial setup may take a few hours to days, then 1-2 hours weekly.
  • Getting Started: Identify outdated businesses and suggest tech upgrades (e.g., Odoo).

4. Part-Time Job

  • Overview: Provides income while learning real-world skills.
  • Earnings Potential:
    • Traditional jobs (e.g., McDonald's): ~$12.81/hour.
    • Specialized jobs (e.g., tutoring): Varies by subject.
    • Freelancing can yield higher earnings based on skill.
  • Getting Started: Create a clean CV and apply in-person at local businesses.

5. Selling Your Stuff

  • Overview: Declutter and sell items you no longer need.
  • Earnings Potential: Check similar item prices to set competitive rates.
  • Time Commitment: Listing items is quick; shipping can be easy with local drop-off.
  • Getting Started: Use platforms like eBay or Vinted to sell items.

6. Drop Shipping

  • Overview: Sell products online without managing inventory.
  • Earnings Potential: Profit margins generally 20-30%; high-ticket items can yield more.
  • Time Commitment: Quick setup with tools like Build Your Store AI; focus on marketing afterward.
  • Getting Started: Choose a niche and set up an online store.

7. Language Dubbing

  • Overview: Help businesses and creators translate content for different markets.
  • Earnings Potential: Average rate of $48.17/hour for voice actors; potential for higher earnings managing projects.
  • Time Commitment: Variable depending on experience; networking and project management required.
  • Getting Started: Use platforms like Fiverr and Upwork to showcase your work.

Conclusion

  • Multiple practical income streams exist for students.
  • Each option varies in terms of potential earnings and required time commitment.
  • Encouragement to explore these options to build wealth alongside education.