“You don’t need to reinvent success, just recognize the patterns that are already working and make them your own.” — Mark Tilbury
This isn’t just another list of “hustles” found on the internet. These strategies come directly from self-made millionaire and financial educator Mark Tilbury. After leaving school at 16 with no qualifications, Mark spent 30 years mastering “millionaire skill sets.” Now, he shares the exact blueprints that young entrepreneurs are using to escape the “broke student” cycle in 2026.
If you’ve been waiting for a revolutionary idea, stop. Success leaves clues. By following these seven pathways—vetted by Mark and real-world case studies—you can start building a six-figure income from your dorm room.
1. The eBay Reselling Renaissance (The $317,000 Niche)
Many assume eBay is a relic of the past, but the data proves otherwise. In Q2 2025, eBay generated $2.7 billion in revenue, growing 6% year-on-year. While Amazon owns mass logistics, eBay dominates high-value niches.
Mark Tilbury’s “Account Warm-Up” Strategy
Mark highlights the story of Kai Towers, who turned $400 into $317,000 in one year by dominating the gaming accessory niche. The secret?
- Start at Home: Sell unused items first to “warm up” your account and build positive feedback risk-free.
- Focus on Collectibles: Items like retro memory cards or trading cards have loyal buyers who choose eBay over Amazon every time.
Recommended Reading for Resellers: Perfect for learning how to launch a micro-business with minimal capital.
2. Brand Deal Flipping: The Middleman Strategy
The creator economy is peaking. In 2025, YouTube secured 12.5% of all TV viewership, surpassing Netflix. Brands are desperate to reach these audiences but don’t know how to talk to creators.
Case Study: Suehit Amin’s $4M Agency
Suehit started in a hospital bed at 16. Today, he connects influencers like Logan Paul and companies like Ubisoft.
- Your Role: Act as the bridge. Brands pay for the convenience of you handling the negotiation.
- The Math: Mark explains that a 30% margin on just five influencer deals can net you $10,000 profit per month.
3. Professional Video Editing for the 82.5%
Video content now accounts for 82.5% of all global internet traffic. Companies that aren’t producing video are effectively invisible.
Why AI Can’t Replace You
Mark is clear: AI can cut clips, but it cannot feel emotion or innovate. High-paying clients pay for editors like Tom Ras who can tell a story that gives viewers “goosebumps.”
- Pro Tip: Master cutting and pacing before fancy effects. Storytelling is 80% of the value.
Essential Gear for Editors: [Sony MDR-7506 Studio Headphones] – The industry standard for accurate audio monitoring. [SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable SSD] – Essential for handling massive 4K video files without lagging.
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4. Branded Dropshipping: The Sustainable Pivot
Forget the old school “AliExpress to Customer” model. The margins are too thin. Branded Dropshipping is about positioning a $10 product as an $80 brand experience.
The 3-Month Scale
Mark suggests a realistic timeline:
- Month 1: Build the store and test proof of concept.
- Month 3: Scale ads once you have 50-100 customers.
- The Goal: Making just 14 sales a day at $25 profit hits that $10,000/month target.
5. Brand Identity: The $40 Billion Opportunity
The brand identity market is projected to hit $40 billion by 2032. Companies pay for more than a logo; they pay for a “vibe” that makes them recognizable.
Charging Your Worth
Take Jack Watson, who went from an accounting job he hated to $20k months. Mark points out that even governments spend hundreds of thousands on redesigns. If you can create a cohesive professional look, you can charge $2,500 per project.
The Branding Bible: Learn how to clarify your client’s message so customers will listen.
6. Short-Form Strategy: Engineering Virality
Short-form content is the new “attention currency.” A strategist doesn’t just post; they study the hook, caption, and transition formulas that make people stop scrolling.
The “View Bonus” Model
Mark recommends charging a flat fee plus a view bonus. This incentivizes you to make the content explode. If you hit a few viral videos a month, $10k is more than achievable with just a phone.
7. Strategic Investing: The Ultimate Side Hustle
“If your money isn’t working for you, you’ll always be stuck working for it,” says Mark. This is the one hustle everyone must have.
- Lower Barriers: In 2026, you can buy fractional shares with just $1.
- The Long Game: While it takes longer to reach $10k/month passively, it is the only truly “hands-off” income on this list.
The Financial Mindset Foundation: The absolute first book Mark recommends for understanding assets vs. liabilities.
Conclusion: Take the Millionaire Leap
Success isn’t about working harder; it’s about working on the right patterns. Whether you choose reselling or brand deals, consistency is your greatest asset.
For a deeper dive into these strategies, visit Investing Time Daily or follow us on Instagram.
Proper Credits & Sources
This article is based on the expertise and video series provided by Mark Tilbury. You can watch the full breakdown of these side hustles on his YouTube channel: Mark Tilbury – 7 Side Hustles Students Can Start In 2026. For exclusive mentorship, check out his platform at The Wealth Portal.
Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend books and products that align with the high-integrity, truth-based principles taught by Mark Tilbury and our team to help you succeed.
