The Only 25 Ways to Make Money in 2026
In this episode of the Growth Stacking Show, Dan Martell examines different ways to generate income in the digital economy. He categorizes money-making opportunities into distinct groups: activities to avoid (such as NFT flipping and crypto trading), quick-start opportunities that can generate five-figure monthly income, scalable business models focused on client outcomes, and high-stakes ventures requiring substantial investment.
The discussion covers both practical, immediate opportunities and long-term strategies. Martell explores how emerging technologies, particularly AI, are reshaping various business sectors—from content creation and social media management to software solutions and business automation. He also addresses the viability of different business models, examining factors like market saturation, required skill levels, and potential returns on investment.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Jan 22, 2026 episode of the Growth Stacking Show with Dan Martell
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1-Page Summary
Money-Making Opportunities in the Digital Age: From "Trash" to Treasure
Bucket 1: Online Activities to Avoid
Several online money-making schemes are considered unsustainable or unprofitable. NFT flipping has lost its appeal, with most projects failing to generate profits. Crypto trading requires specialized skills that most people lack, while MLM schemes often operate as pyramid schemes. AI automation has made basic tasks like captioning and data entry less profitable, and markets like print-on-demand have become oversaturated. Day trading, despite its allure, demands full-time dedication that most can't maintain.
Bucket 2: Quick-Start Online Opportunities
The digital landscape offers several rapidly monetizable skills that can generate $5,000-$10,000 monthly. Short-form video editing is in high demand as AI aids content creation. Social media copywriting remains valuable as businesses seek effective marketing messages. AI chatbots and virtual reception services provide cost-saving solutions for businesses. The market for connecting brands with UGC creators is thriving, and virtual assistant services offer both income and learning opportunities.
Bucket 3: Scalable Business Models
Business models generating $10,000-$50,000 monthly focus on delivering concrete outcomes for clients. Dan Martell emphasizes the importance of selling outcome-based monthly retainers rather than one-off projects. AI agencies are increasingly valuable as businesses seek operational efficiency. LinkedIn AI services help CEOs build their personal brands, while micro-SaaS solutions for small businesses generate recurring revenue. Premium motion graphic design and AI-powered content creation at scale round out these opportunities.
Bucket 4: High-Stakes, Long-Term Investments
The highest potential opportunities require significant investment in systems, leadership, and long-term vision. Martell shares his experience in angel investing, particularly in AI startups, as a path to building equity. He describes how creating unique AI software solutions can generate substantial recurring revenue. The strategy of automating and buying small businesses has proven successful, as demonstrated by his friend Jason's campground venture. Building a personal brand and content machine, while challenging, can lead to significant enterprise value, and licensing AI playbooks offers a path to passive income.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- NFT flipping may still be profitable for those with deep market knowledge and the ability to identify undervalued assets.
- Crypto trading, while complex, can be learned over time, and there are successful traders who started without specialized skills.
- Some MLM schemes are legitimate business models that offer viable products and can be profitable for individuals who build a strong sales network.
- AI automation has also created new niches in online tasks, such as managing and improving AI systems, which can be profitable.
- Print-on-demand can still be profitable for those with unique designs and strong marketing strategies that stand out in the market.
- Day trading can be a viable source of income for those who are able to commit part-time and use automated trading systems effectively.
- Short-form video editing might become saturated as more people acquire these skills, potentially reducing the income range over time.
- The effectiveness of social media copywriting can vary greatly depending on the industry and target audience, and not all businesses may see a high return on investment.
- AI chatbots and virtual reception services may not be suitable for all businesses, especially those that require a high level of personal touch in customer service.
- The market for connecting brands with UGC creators could become competitive, making it harder for new entrants to secure profitable deals.
- Virtual assistant services may face downward pressure on rates due to global competition and the increasing capabilities of AI tools.
- Outcome-based monthly retainers require a consistent track record of delivering results, which may be challenging for new businesses to establish.
- The value of AI agencies depends on their ability to stay ahead of rapidly evolving AI technology and maintain a competitive edge.
- LinkedIn AI services may not be effective for all CEOs or industries, and personal branding strategies can vary in effectiveness.
- Micro-SaaS solutions face competition from larger SaaS companies and must maintain a unique value proposition to be successful.
- Premium motion graphic design and AI-powered content creation require continuous innovation to remain competitive and profitable.
- High-stakes, long-term investments carry inherent risks, and not all investors will see substantial returns, especially in volatile markets like AI startups.
- The success of automating and acquiring small businesses depends on the ability to effectively integrate and manage these businesses.
- Building a personal brand and content machine requires a significant time investment and may not yield results for everyone.
- Licensing AI playbooks could become less profitable if the market becomes saturated with similar offerings or if AI technology outpaces the playbooks' usefulness.
Actionables
- You can explore the world of micro-SaaS by starting with a simple subscription-based newsletter tailored to a niche market, using readily available tools like Substack or Mailchimp to manage subscriptions and content delivery. This approach allows you to tap into recurring revenue without needing to develop an app or software, focusing instead on curating valuable content for a specific audience that is willing to pay for insights, updates, or exclusive information.
- Consider offering a service that pairs AI-generated content with human creativity for businesses looking to enhance their social media presence. Use AI tools to generate initial drafts and then apply your own creativity to refine the messages, ensuring they resonate with the target audience. This hybrid approach can be more appealing to businesses that want the efficiency of AI but also the authenticity of a human touch.
- If you have a knack for identifying trends and understanding consumer behavior, start a consulting side hustle where you help small businesses integrate AI chatbots or virtual reception services. You don't need to be a tech expert; instead, focus on learning the basics of how these services work and how they can benefit businesses in terms of cost savings and customer service improvement, then offer your insights as a consultant.
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Bucket 1 "Trash": Online Money-Making Activities to Avoid
The online world is rife with money-making schemes, but many fall into a "trash" category for their lack of sustainability and profitability.
"Get-rich-Quick" Schemes Offer Limited and Unsustainable Income Potential
Nft Flipping Is Dying; Most Projects Fail to Profit
NFT flipping, once a hyped activity, is now considered unprofitable. Most projects fail to turn a profit, and those who initially thought they were making money have ultimately faced losses.
Crypto Trading Demands Skill, Patience, and Risk Tolerance, Often Resulting In More Losses Than Gains for Most
Crypto trading requires a combination of skill, patience, and risk tolerance—qualities most people lack. As the market moves quickly, the majority end up losing money daily.
Mlm Schemes Rely On Recruitment Over Product Sales, Making Them Pyramid Schemes
Multi-level marketing (MLM) schemes that focus on recruitment rather than actual product sales are red flags and are often viewed as scams due to their pyramid structure.
Ai Automation Makes Captioning, Data Entry, and Fiverr Tasks Unprofitable
Basic tasks such as captioning and low-level data entry are no longer profitable with the advent of AI technology, which can perform these tasks faster, cheaper, ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Bucket 1 "Trash": Online Money-Making Activities to Avoid
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- NFT flipping involves buying digital assets called NFTs (non-fungible tokens) at a low price and quickly reselling them at a higher price. Early on, some NFTs gained value rapidly due to hype and scarcity, attracting speculators. Profitability depended on market demand and trends, which were unpredictable and often short-lived. Many people lost money when the market cooled or projects failed to maintain interest.
- NFTs, or Non-Fungible Tokens, are unique digital assets verified using blockchain technology, representing ownership of items like art, music, or collectibles. Unlike cryptocurrencies, NFTs cannot be exchanged on a one-to-one basis because each token has distinct value. People try to make money by buying NFTs at a low price and selling them later at a higher price, a practice called flipping. However, the market is highly speculative and many NFTs lose value quickly.
- Crypto trading involves buying and selling digital currencies like Bitcoin to profit from price changes. Prices are highly volatile, influenced by market news, regulations, and investor sentiment. Successful traders analyze charts, trends, and news to make informed decisions. Patience and risk tolerance are essential because prices can swing rapidly, causing significant gains or losses.
- Multi-level marketing (MLM) schemes recruit members to sell products and earn commissions from their sales and the sales of people they recruit. Legitimate businesses focus primarily on selling products or services to customers, not on recruiting new sellers. MLMs often emphasize recruitment over product sales, which can create unsustainable income for most participants. This recruitment focus can lead to a pyramid-like structure where only those at the top profit.
- AI automation uses advanced algorithms to perform repetitive tasks like captioning and data entry faster and with fewer errors than humans. This technology reduces the demand for human labor in these areas, lowering potential earnings. On platforms like Fiverr, where many offer simple microtasks, AI tools can complete jobs more efficiently, making it hard for freelancers to compete. As a result, these tasks no ...
Counterarguments
- While NFT flipping may have a high failure rate, it can still be profitable for those who conduct thorough research, understand market trends, and have a knack for identifying valuable digital assets.
- Crypto trading, though risky, can be profitable for individuals who invest time in education, develop a solid trading strategy, and manage their risks effectively.
- Not all MLM schemes are pyramid schemes; some legitimate MLM businesses offer viable products and a fair commission structure for sales and recruitment.
- AI automation has indeed taken over many simple tasks, but there is still a demand for human creativity, problem-solving, and nuanced understanding in tasks that AI cannot fully replicate.
- The print-on-demand market, despite being crowded, allows fo ...
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Bucket 2 "Easy": Quickly Monetizable Online Skills/Services
In today's fast-paced digital landscape, individuals can quickly monetize certain online skills and services, often earning between $5,000 and $10,000 per month with low-skill, fast-turnaround work coupled with basic client communication.
Earn $5-10k/Month With Low-skill, Fast-Turnaround Work and Basic Client Communication
Demand for Short-Form Video Editing Grows As AI Aids Content Creators
With the surge in the number of content creators, there's an increasing demand for basic short-form video editing. As AI tools make the content creation process more accessible, more individuals are looking to capitalize on these skills.
Get Paid For Crafting Effective Marketing Messages Through Social Media Copywriting
Businesses continuously seek professionals who can craft compelling marketing messages on social media, making copywriting a valuable and quickly monetizable skill, especially as new tools emerge to improve the efficiency of this work.
AI Chatbots and Virtual Receptionists Save Time and Money For Businesses
For small businesses, AI chatbots represent a significant cost-saving measure. They can perform a multitude of tasks without human weaknesses like needing time off, thus freeing up business owners to reinvest their time into profit-generating activities.
Connecting Brands With Creators For UGC Is Lucrative
There's a lucrativ ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Bucket 2 "Easy": Quickly Monetizable Online Skills/Services
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The income range of $5,000 to $10,000 per month may not be achievable for everyone, as it depends on various factors such as market demand, competition, skill level, and the individual's marketing and networking abilities.
- Short-form video editing might be oversimplified in the text; while AI tools can aid in content creation, there is still a need for human creativity, storytelling, and technical skills to produce high-quality content.
- Social media copywriting requires more than just crafting messages; it also involves understanding platform algorithms, audience engagement, and analytics, which may not be quickly monetizable for beginners.
- AI chatbots and virtual receptionists cannot completely replace human interaction; some customers prefer dealing with real people, especially for complex issues, and there may be concerns about the impersonal nature of AI communication.
- The market for connecting bra ...
Actionables
- You can start by offering basic video editing services on freelance platforms using free or low-cost editing software. Begin by learning the basics of video editing through free online tutorials, then create a portfolio by editing sample videos or offering your services at a reduced rate to friends or local businesses. Once you have some examples of your work, set up a profile on freelance websites like Fiverr or Upwork, emphasizing your quick turnaround times and effective communication skills.
- Develop your social media copywriting skills by creating mock-up campaigns for hypothetical or existing products. Use free online resources to understand the fundamentals of copywriting and marketing, then practice by writing social media posts for products you're passionate about. Share these mock-ups on your own social media to get feedback and build a portfolio. This can help you pitch your services to small businesses looking to enhance their social media presence.
- Offer to connect local businesses with content creators in your net ...
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Bucket 3: Online Business Models Earning $10-50k/Month
The business models in this segment focus on delivering clear outcomes to clients, ensuring stability, and allowing for scalability, with income potential ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 per month.
Outcome-Focused Services Ensure Stability and Scale By Solving Revenue and Growth Issues
Working on multi-skill projects tied to real business outcomes is lucrative. Instead of simply executing tasks, there's a significant emphasis on solving revenue and growth problems for businesses. This involves delivering results and taking ownership of specific business issues. Dan Martell points toward selling outcome-based monthly retainers rather than one-off projects to create predictability and generate recurring revenue for the business.
AI Agencies in Demand as Companies Streamline Operations and Boost Efficiency
As businesses look to automate to make money quickly and save time at scale, AI automation agencies are emerging as an in-demand service. These agencies can use AI to produce large volumes of work efficiently, helping businesses streamline operations. Martell suggests incorporating automation into business operations to improve margins.
LinkedIn AI Aids CEOs in Personal Branding and Reach
LinkedIn growth systems powered by AI are significant for CEOs and leaders looking to enhance their audience reach and brand trust. Service providers that can facilitate this outcome of audience growth and trust acquisition through LinkedIn AI find themselves in a market with clients willing to invest in these services.
Micro-SaaS for Small Businesses Can Generate Recurring Revenue
MicroSaaS tools specifically designed for small businesses—like plugins, extensions, or apps within marketplaces—offer simple, time-saving solutions and benefits. Charging monthly for these services can lead to stacked, ...
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Bucket 3: Online Business Models Earning $10-50k/Month
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- While outcome-focused services can ensure stability and scalability, they also require a deep understanding of the client's business and market, which may not be feasible for all service providers.
- Selling outcome-based monthly retainers may lead to higher client expectations and pressure on the service provider to consistently deliver measurable results, which can be challenging.
- AI automation agencies are in demand, but there is a risk of oversaturation in the market as more service providers enter the space, potentially driving down prices and profitability.
- The effectiveness of LinkedIn AI in enhancing personal branding and reach may vary depending on the industry and the quality of the AI system, and it may not be a one-size-fits-all solution.
- Micro-SaaS tools offer recurring revenue, but the market for such tools is highly competitive, and small businesses may be reluctant to add new monthly expenses.
- AI-generated content can sometimes lack the nuance and creativity of human-gen ...
Actionables
- You can start a side hustle by offering to optimize LinkedIn profiles for professionals using AI tools. Begin by learning about AI tools that analyze and improve LinkedIn profiles, then offer your services on freelance platforms or through your network, charging a fee for a profile overhaul that could lead to better networking opportunities and job prospects for your clients.
- Create a simple budgeting spreadsheet or app that uses AI to track expenses and suggest savings, then offer it on a subscription basis. Focus on ease of use and clear visualization of financial data, ensuring it's accessible to individuals with no financial background. Market it as a tool that helps users effortlessly manage their finances and save money.
- Offer a service that creates personal ...
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Bucket 4: Complex, Long-Term Investments With Million-Dollar Potential
Martell discusses strategies for building something greater than oneself through investments and innovative solutions that can yield high returns. These endeavors require not only capital or expertise but also the ability to establish systems, demonstrate leadership, and envision long-term goals.
High-Potential Challenges Need Systems, Leadership, and Long-Term Vision to Build Beyond Yourself
Angel Investing In Ai Startups Offers Equity Returns
Martell shares his personal experience investing in over a hundred companies, focusing on AI-first founders. This approach provides leverage and the potential to build an empire without being involved in the day-to-day operations of the company.
Creating Unique, Problem-Solving AI Software Generates Recurring Revenue
Drawing from his experience launching a new AI company, Martell underlines the importance of creating tools that solve real problems in unique ways. Such AI software, even if not yet powerful enough for some applications, can generate substantial and recurring revenue where it succeeds.
Automating and Buying Small Businesses Can Turn Them Into Cash Cows
Highlighting AI's transformative power, Martell recounts how a friend named Jason bought a campground and implemented AI automation to significantly improve profit margins. By reducing headcount and utilizing AI instead, businesses can potentially automate operations and increase efficiency by 30 to 50%.
Creating a Personal Brand and Content Machine to Sell Products
Building a personal brand and consistently producing content is categorized in the "hard bucket" due to ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Bucket 4: Complex, Long-Term Investments With Million-Dollar Potential
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Angel investing involves providing early-stage capital to startups, often in exchange for equity. Unlike public stock investing, it targets private companies before they go public or become widely known. Angel investors typically take higher risks for potentially higher returns and may also offer mentorship. This differs from venture capital, which usually involves larger funds and later-stage investments.
- "AI-first founders" are entrepreneurs who design their companies and products primarily around artificial intelligence technologies from the start. They prioritize AI as the core driver of innovation, efficiency, and competitive advantage. This focus often leads to scalable, cutting-edge solutions that can disrupt traditional industries. Investors value them for their potential to create high-growth, technology-driven businesses.
- Equity returns refer to the profits earned from owning shares or partial ownership in a company. When the company grows or becomes more valuable, the value of your equity increases, allowing you to sell your shares for a profit. Equity holders may also receive dividends, which are portions of the company’s earnings distributed to shareholders. This type of return differs from fixed income because it depends on the company’s performance and market conditions.
- AI software can generate recurring revenue by addressing specific, practical problems that users face regularly. Even if the AI isn't fully advanced, it can automate tasks, improve efficiency, or enhance user experience in niche areas. Customers pay subscription fees or licensing costs for ongoing access to these useful tools. This steady demand creates a reliable income stream despite the AI's limitations.
- Automating small businesses with AI involves using software to perform routine tasks like customer service, inventory management, and scheduling. This reduces the need for manual labor, cutting costs and minimizing human error. AI can analyze data to optimize operations and improve decision-making. Overall, automation increases efficiency, scalability, and profitability.
- A personal brand is the unique image and reputation an individual builds around their skills, values, and personality. It is established through consistent communication and presence across platforms like social media, blogs, or videos. Monetization occurs by leveraging this audience to sell products, services, sponsorships, or advertising. Successful personal brands create trust and influence, attracting business opportunities and partnerships.
- Inbound deal flow refers to the steady stream of business opportunities or partnership offers that come to a company without active searching. It indicates strong market interest and can reduce the time and cost of acquiring new deals. This flow often results from a company's reputation, brand presence, or network. Effective inbound deal flow supports sustainable growth by providing a pipeline of potential investments or collaborations.
- Licensing AI playbooks means allowing other businesses to use y ...
Counterarguments
- Angel investing in AI startups is high risk and not all investors may have the risk tolerance or the expertise to identify promising ventures, leading to potential financial loss.
- Creating AI software that solves real problems requires a deep understanding of both the technology and the problem domain, and there is no guarantee of success or market acceptance.
- Automating small businesses with AI may not be feasible for all types of businesses, and over-reliance on automation could lead to unexpected challenges, such as reduced customer satisfaction or technical failures.
- Building a personal brand and content machine is time-consuming and not everyone has the charisma or creativity to succeed in this space, which could result in wasted effort and resources.
- Licensing AI playbooks assumes that there ...
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