If you clicked this hoping I would hand you the one trick that prints money in a weekend, I am going to disappoint you on purpose. The best way to make money is not the loudest thing on your feed, and it is definitely not whatever tool everyone is panic-buying this month. Stay with me for the next two minutes and I will show you the boring, durable answer that actually held up for me.
Episode 575 , The Best Way To Make Money In 2024 (And It’s NOT AI)
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Show Notes: Unlock the Secret to Financial Success in 2024: Discover Your Perfect Business Model
Are you an entrepreneur searching for the golden ticket to wealth in 2024? Look no further!
In this eye-opening podcast episode, Martin Ebongué reveals the surprising truth about making money and helps you find the business model that's perfect for you.
Say goodbye to cookie-cutter advice and hello to a personalized path to success!
Some Topics We Discuss Include:
• Why the "best way to make money" is a myth and what you should focus on instead (00:00)
• A peek into the business models of the world's top 10 richest people (00:43)
• The real definition of a business model and why it matters to you (01:04)
• How to avoid falling for trendy but potentially unsuitable money-making strategies (05:11)
• The crucial factor in choosing a business model that most "gurus" don't tell you (05:27)
• Why popular methods like dropshipping or community building might not be right for you (06:07)
• The importance of aligning your business with your personality and strengths (07:56)
• How to navigate the constantly changing landscape of online business advice (09:07)
• The Warren Buffett approach to getting rich and why it might surprise you (10:44)
• And much more.
Word of Wisdom:
The best way to make money is what works for you. , Martin Ebongué (05:11)
Action Steps You Can Take Right Now:
1. Identify your strengths and passions to find a business model that aligns with your personality (05:27)
2. Evaluate trendy business models critically before jumping in, considering if they truly suit you (06:07)
3. Focus on building a business that makes you happy to work on every day, not just chasing profits (09:54)
4. Define your personal financial goals and what "making money" means to you specifically (11:35)
5. Commit to a legal and ethical business model that resonates with you and go all-in on it (12:22)
References & Resources Mentioned:
• Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki (04:20)
• Warren Buffett's investment strategy (10:44)
• Various business models: dropshipping, communities, SMMA, high-ticket sales, closing (06:07, 09:26)
Comments, share your thoughts or suggest future topics. Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe to the podcast to help spread the message of freedom and choice!
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You can watch this episode in full on youtube here:
👉https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlmiGkbCY7k
,
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The Money Was Never In The Tool
Every year a new shiny thing shows up and everyone swears this is the one that finally prints money. Last year it was AI. Before that it was NFTs, dropshipping, crypto, whatever the algorithm was pushing that week. I chased a few of them myself when I was younger and broke, and I can tell you exactly what I got for it: a folder full of half-finished funnels and a lighter bank account. The tool was never the asset. The tool was the distraction.
What actually pays you, year after year, is boring on purpose. You build something people come back to. An audience that trusts you. A list that opens your emails. A product that solves one real problem so well that word of mouth does your selling. That is the thing no trend can take away from you, and it is the thread running through nearly every guest I have hosted on my Freedom by Choice podcast. I laid out how I got there the hard way in my own story. The most durable business advice still comes from people who ignore the hype and compound quietly, which is exactly what Harvard Business Review keeps documenting about long-horizon strategy, and what founder guides like Stripe Atlas hammer on for anyone starting from zero. Pick the durable thing. Then be patient enough to let it work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to make money online without AI?
Selling digital products on established marketplaces like Etsy, Gumroad, or Amazon KDP. The infrastructure already exists, the buyers are already there, and the margins are 70-95%. AI can help you create faster, but the business model does not depend on it.
How much can you realistically make as a solopreneur?
Most solopreneurs who follow a proven system can reach $3,000-$5,000/month within 6-12 months. Scaling to $10,000-$20,000/month typically takes 18-24 months of consistent effort. The ceiling depends on your niche, pricing, and automation level.
Why do most online money-making methods fail?
Because people jump from method to method every 2-3 months. Every business model works if you give it enough time and focus. The method does not fail. The person quits before the compound effect kicks in.
Should I start with freelancing or digital products?
Freelancing if you need income within 30 days. Digital products if you can wait 2-3 months for the first sale but want higher long-term leverage. The smartest path: freelance to cover expenses, then build digital products with the extra hours.
How do I pick a money-making method that fits me?
Answer these three questions: Do I want to trade time for money (freelancing) or build assets (products)? Do I want to work directly with people (services) or anonymously (e-commerce)? How quickly do I need income? Your answers narrow it down to 1-2 options.
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About the Author
Martin Ebongue is the founder of martinebongue.com, an online business and lifestyle design blog focused on helping aspiring entrepreneurs build location-independent businesses. Since 2014, he has been creating and scaling online ventures across multiple niches, from digital products and affiliate marketing to SaaS and content platforms, while traveling the world. He shares the real-world strategies, tools, and systems that work, with a particular focus on AI-powered automation for solopreneurs. Follow him on YouTube, X (Twitter), and Instagram.
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| Income Method | Startup Cost | Time to First $ | Scalability | Automation Potential |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freelancing/consulting | $0-$100 | 1-4 weeks | Low | Low |
| Digital products | $0-$500 | 2-8 weeks | High | High |
| E-commerce (Etsy, Amazon) | $100-$2,000 | 2-6 weeks | Medium | Medium |
| Content monetization | $0-$200 | 3-12 months | High | Medium |
| Automated service business | $50-$500 | 2-6 weeks | High | Very High |
Is Your Money-Making Strategy Actually Working?
1. Are you chasing trends or building something durable?
If chasing trends, stop. The best money-making methods are boring and proven. New is not better. Profitable is better.
2. Can your income continue if you take a month off?
If no, you have a job disguised as a business. The goal is building assets that generate revenue without your daily presence.
3. Do you have more than one income stream?
If no, you are one platform change away from zero. Build at least 2-3 income sources across different platforms.
4. Are you spending money to look successful instead of to make money?
If yes, cut the vanity tools and reinvest in what actually generates revenue: ads, content, and products.
5. Do you know your exact profit margin, not just revenue?
If no, revenue means nothing. A business making $10,000/month with $9,000 in costs is worse than one making $3,000 with $500 in costs.
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