How To Make Your First $10,000 (Even If You're Starting From Zero)

If you don’t want to be like everyone else—broke, stressed, and stuck in a never-ending cycle—you need to focus on one thing: making your first $10,000

When I was 18, I had no money and no qualifications, but I did have big ambitions. Instead of worrying about making millions, I set myself the smaller, more achievable goal of making 10K.

Now, as a self-made millionaire, I can tell you that first $10,000 was the hardest to make. But once I hit it, everything changed. It wasn’t just about the money—it was about proving to myself that making money is a skill, not luck.

Once I figured out how to make 10K once, I knew I could do it again and again—and eventually scale it into real wealth. So if I had to start from zero and make that first $10,000 all over again, this is exactly how I’d do it, in three steps.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Money-Making Path

Most people make this way harder than it needs to be. They jump into crypto because their friend made money from it, or they try day trading because some guru promised it would make them rich.

The problem? Both methods need huge upfront cash reserves and crazy luck. These are side hustles, not reliable income sources. Think of them as tools to multiply your money—not make it.

When starting out, pick something that:

Requires little money to begin with
Puts cash in your pocket daily

Option 1: Selling In-Person Services

Examples: personal training, delivery driving, dog walking, nail designing, barbering, videography.

These may sound basic—but they’re actually one of the fastest ways to make money.

I used to wash cars in rich neighborhoods. It worked—but the demand was inconsistent and I could only serve one person at a time.

Option 2: Selling Local Products

Examples: baked goods, handmade items, fresh produce.

I once built model airplanes and sold them at an RC Flying Club. It was fun—but profits were eaten up by material costs and limited demand.

Option 3: Selling Global Products

Examples: dropshipping, sneaker reselling, print-on-demand.

You get access to a global audience, but it takes 1–3 months to get going. Profits often get stuck in restocking cycles.

Option 4: Selling Online Services (The Best Option)

Examples: copywriting, video editing, thumbnail design, ad management, social media services.

These offer high margins (up to 80%) and global reach.

If I had to start again, I’d go straight to this option.

Step 2: Mastering the Skill Pyramid

Once you choose a path, you need to develop the skills to earn consistently and charge more. This is the Skill Pyramid:

1. Positioning

Don’t just offer a service—position it as a business solution.
Be a content strategist, not just an editor. Help clients make money.

2. Leverage

Don’t charge for time—charge for results.
Businesses pay for profit, not effort. Prove your service gets results.

3. Reach

Don’t always chase clients—make them come to you.
Post your work online consistently. I once hired someone from TikTok who just kept showcasing their designs.

4. Automation

Most people fail due to poor systems.
Use tools like CRMs to track clients, projects, and deadlines.

The best-paid people I know aren’t the most talented—they’re the most reliable.

Step 3: Turning Income Into Wealth

I don’t care how much you make—until you’ve got $1M in your bank, don’t waste it. Use your income to build long-term wealth.

Here’s how I invest:

1. High-Interest Savings Account

Your emergency cash—not for returns, but for peace of mind.
Avoid selling investments during a crisis.

2. Index Funds

Examples: S&P 500, VTSAX, VWRL.

Even $5/day can make you a millionaire by retirement if invested consistently.

3. Individual Stocks

Riskier, but great for learning. You get direct exposure to companies and market movement—but expect volatility.

4. Cryptocurrency

Bitcoin and Ethereum worked well for me—but I invest slowly and smartly.
Only put in money you can afford to lose.

https://youtu.be/5rhHm6WWOIs?si=T6Hh9NinUrM-YpLj

FAQs About Making Your First $10K

Q1: What’s the best way to make your first $10,000 fast?

A: Selling online services (like editing, copywriting, etc.)—they offer high profit margins and global demand.

Q2: Should I invest before making $10K?

A: No. Focus on building income first. Invest once you have stability and savings.

Q3: What if I don’t have any skills yet?

A: Learn by doing small projects. Offer services at a low rate and learn while you earn.

Q4: Do I need a lot of money to start a business?

A: Not at all. Many online and in-person services require little or no startup capital.

Q5: How do I find clients for my service?

A: Post your work consistently online, network in communities, and pitch directly to potential clients.

Final Thoughts

Making your first $10,000 is the most important step in your financial journey. Not because of the money—but because it proves to you that you can earn, grow, and take control of your future. Once you learn how to do it once, you can do it again—and scale it into true wealth.

How to Make Your First $10,000 (Even If You’re Starting from Zero)