I know a lot of you are in the same place. You have skills. You have time. You’re willing to put in the work. But you’re sitting there overwhelmed because you don’t even know where to start looking, let alone what’s actually worth pursuing in 2026.

So I did something about it.

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I put together a complete list of over 100 income streams, properly organized by category, difficulty level, and how long it typically takes to make your first dollar. We’re talking everything from selling digital assets on marketplaces, creating courses, licensing your work, building memberships, joining affiliate programs, entering design contests, and a whole lot more. Every single entry has the actual platform linked, a real description of what the opportunity is, and honest difficulty ratings so you’re not going in blind.

This is not a “start a blog and monetize with ads” kind of list. This is a proper, research-backed resource that took real time to put together. Whether you’re a designer, a creator, a writer, or just someone who wants to build something on the side, there is something on this list for you.

And here is the best part.

The whole thing is free to access :)

If you have been waiting for a clear starting point, this is it. Stop drowning in generic advice. Get the actual list, pick one thing that fits your skills, and start there.

DOWNLOAD IT HERE - https://my.tezi.co/l/15bcf8ad95

I lost those backups today. Sometimes I think about how cool it would be to have them now.

But lately I’ve been thinking about why I wrote back then. And honestly, those reasons still apply today.

The Real Issue with Video

People have short attention spans now. Really short.

You can make a video that actually helps someone. Something useful. But if it doesn’t give instant entertainment or dopamine, they won’t watch it. I’ve made those videos. Beautiful ones. And they don’t get the views.

The algorithm favors 60-second reels. But that doesn’t mean longer, deeper stuff isn’t worth making. It just means I need a different way to share it.

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Writing Attracts Different People

Video reaches everyone. Writing reaches people who choose to listen.

Someone on Substack has actually decided to hear what you have to say. They have time. They want to understand how you work and why you do it. Those are the people worth talking to.

In 18 years, I’ve learned that a curated audience beats a big passive one every time. They’re the ones who actually implement what you teach. They’re the ones who stick around.

Coming Full Circle

I started with writing because I had nothing else. Now, 18 years later, I’m coming back to it.

Not instead of video. Video is still important for reaching people and showing things visually. But video for polished ideas. Video for proof.

Writing is for the real stuff. The entrepreneurship. The money conversations. The failures. The travel. The relationships. Everything.

Why You’re Here

If you follow my YouTube, you get refined, produced content. That matters.

But here, you get something different. You see how I actually work when cameras aren’t on. You learn from real life, not edited conclusions.

That’s what I’m building here. A space where I can share the full journey and you can actually use it.

So that’s what I’ll be doing. Writing more. Because the best content sometimes isn’t a video. It’s just honest thoughts.

For years, I have used Instagram Stories as one of my most powerful tools to build my personal brand, grow my audience, and generate income.

Most people treat stories casually. They post random photos or repost old content. That approach wastes one of the strongest distribution tools on the internet.

Instagram Stories build trust faster than posts. They show your real life. They show your work. They show your discipline. Over time, this creates authority.

I have personally made hundreds and thousands of dollars from brand deals simply by posting stories. Brands often approach me to post about their product for a few seconds on my stories because they know people actually watch them.

But brand deals are only one part of the story.

You can also make money through affiliate links, product promotions, traffic to your own business, and direct calls to action that convert viewers into customers.

Most creators never learn how to do this properly.

So I decided to build a complete Instagram Story Masterclass where I will show the full roadmap. I will show you the exact workflow, the strategy behind each story, how I plan them, how I shoot them, how I design them, and how they turn into real money.

This is not theory. This is exactly what I do.

Inside the course, I will walk you through the complete system step by step so you can apply it immediately.

You will learn how to create stories that build a powerful personal brand, increase engagement, grow your audience, and turn your stories into a real income channel.

Pre Order Offer

The course is currently available for pre order.

To reward early supporters, I am offering a 50% discount for the first 100 students.

Once the first 100 spots are sold, the discount will be removed and the course will only be available at full price. COUPON CODE - TEZI50

If you want to secure the lowest price, this is the best time to join.

Buy the course here - https://my.tezi.co/l/12271b0a44

Course Modules Overview

Module 1. Importance of Instagram Stories

Module 2. Why You Should Prioritize Stories Over Posts

Module 3. Planning a Story Strategy

Module 4. Real Time Stories vs Old Content

Module 5. What to Share and What Not to Share

Module 6. Real Life vs Curated Content

Module 7. How Stories Force You to Become Better

Module 8. Creating Aesthetic Stories

Module 9. Shooting Instagram Stories

Module 10. Gear for Shooting Stories

Module 11. Editing Instagram Stories

Module 12. Apps for Creating Instagram Stories

Module 13. Story Design Elements

Module 14. Using Images and Backgrounds in Stories

Module 15. Choosing Music for Stories

Module 16. Story Hooks That Stop People From Skipping

Module 17. Story Sequencing for Higher Retention

Module 18. Scheduling Stories

Module 19. Linking Stories

Module 20. Creating Strong Call to Action Stories

Module 21. Automation and Story Planning

Module 22. Selling Through Stories

Module 23. Driving Engagement Through Strategic Triggers

Module 24. Retention Strategies for Stories

Module 25. Tracking Story Performance

Module 26. Breaking Down My Own Stories

Module 27. Highlights Strategy

Module 28. Building a Daily Story Habit

Module 29. AI Prompts for Story Content Calendar

Module 30. Complete End to End Story Workflow

Module 31. 30 Day Instagram Story Challenge

Module 32. Private Community and Long Term Support

Module 33. Bonus Resource Pack

Module 34. Monetizing Instagram Stories

This masterclass is designed for creators, founders, freelancers, and anyone who wants to build a strong personal brand online.

If you are already posting stories but not seeing results, this course will show you what you are missing.

If you want to turn your stories into a tool that builds trust, grows your audience, and generates income, this will give you the exact system.

The pre order discount is limited to the first 100 students.

Once those spots are gone, the price will increase.

Buy the course here - https://my.tezi.co/l/12271b0a44

COUPON CODE - TEZI50

1. Publish 5–10 Pieces of Content

Your content is your distribution engine. If you disappear, your pipeline disappears.

Each day, publish 5–10 pieces of content across your main platform(s), focused on three things: teaching, showing proof, and revealing how you think.

Use this structure:

• At least 2 value posts
  Teach something useful, share a framework, or break down a lesson you learned.

• 1 proof post
  Share client results, a revenue screenshot, or a behind-the-scenes look at your work.

• 1 personal post
  Share your thoughts, a lesson from your day, or something you strongly believe.

• 1 operator/system insight
  Highlight something you built, automated, or improved in your business.

Then repurpose aggressively: turn a tweet into a thread, a thread into an article, and an article into a video script.

If you do this daily, people start associating your name with value.

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2. Send 30–50 Cold DMs

Outbound equals income.

Most creators rely only on inbound. That’s slow. Outbound gives you control over revenue.

Every day:

• Find 30–50 new people in your niche.

• Prioritize those who are active, have money, and have a problem you solve.

• Read their profile and content to find a real angle.

When you message them, don’t pitch immediately. Start with context, mention something specific, and ask a question.

Simple structure:

1. Observation

2. Compliment or insight

3. Question

Example:
“Just saw your post about scaling your agency. Curious, are you handling your funnel stuff in-house or outsourcing it?”

The goal is simple: start conversations. Conversations create opportunities.

3. Send 10–20 Warm DMs

The easiest sale is someone who already knows you.

Each day, go through old conversations and find people who asked questions, showed interest, said “maybe later,” or engage with your content.

Follow up with:

• A quick check-in

• A new idea

• A helpful resource

• A simple question

For example:

“Hey, random thought. Are you still working on fixing that landing page?”

or

“Just recorded a breakdown on funnels today. Thought it might help with what you mentioned last time.”

You’re not chasing. You’re continuing a conversation. There’s money sitting in your DMs right now.

4. Leave 50+ Meaningful Comments

Comments are one of the fastest ways to grow your network.

Most people comment with “Great post!” Worthless.

Aim for 50+ meaningful comments per day on creators in your niche, especially on posts that are gaining traction.

For each comment:

• Add a perspective

• Expand on the idea

• Share a short insight

• Ask a thoughtful question

You can:

• Add a missing step

• Share a counterpoint

• Explain why the idea works

• Add a real-world example

Good comments get likes. Likes bring profile visits. Profile visits bring followers. Followers become clients.

5. Publish Something Longform

Short content gets attention. Longform builds authority.

Every day, create one deeper piece where people can sit inside your brain for 10 minutes. Choose one:

• Newsletter

• YouTube video

• Long thread

• Article

Structure it like this:

• One clear problem

• Your perspective

• A step-by-step breakdown

• Examples

• A strong takeaway

Good topics:

• A system you built

• A mistake you made

• A client case study

• A breakdown of something that works

This is where people really understand how you think.

6. Talk to Your Audience

It’s called social media for a reason.

If you treat your audience like numbers, they’ll treat you like noise. Connection creates loyalty.

Daily:

• Reply to every meaningful comment

• Ask follow-up questions

• Expand on ideas people bring up

In DMs:

• Answer questions

• Give short pieces of advice

• Thank people for reading or sharing your work

Occasionally:

• Ask what they’re struggling with

• Run small polls

Your audience is the best market research you’ll ever have.

7. Check Your Pipeline

Revenue is not random. It’s managed.

Every day, review your active leads and ask:

• Who hasn’t replied in a few days?

• Who asked for more info?

• Who said they’re interested but hasn’t booked?

For each person:

• Send a follow-up

• Answer objections

• Share proof or case studies

• Offer to jump on a call

A simple message like “Still thinking about improving that system we talked about?” often moves deals forward.

Consistency in follow-ups wins more deals than persuasion.

8. Run or Book 1–2 Sales Calls

Content attracts. Calls convert.

Every day, aim to book or run 1–2 sales calls.

Before the call:

• Review their profile

• Understand their problem

• Know what outcome they want

During the call:

• Ask questions

• Diagnose the real problem

• Explain how you solve it

• Present your offer clearly

After the call:

• Send a summary

• Clarify next steps

• Follow up if needed

If you’re not selling, you’re not scaling.

9. Improve One Thing Daily

Big improvements usually come from small adjustments.

Each day, pick one thing to improve:

• Your profile

• A landing page section

• Your offer

• A step in your funnel

• Your onboarding process

• Your DM scripts

• Proof in your content

Ask yourself: “What is the weakest part of my system right now?” Then fix it.

Daily tweaks compound fast.

10. Track Everything

Feelings lie. Numbers don’t.

Track daily:

• Number of posts

• Cold DMs sent

• Warm DMs sent

• Comments left

• Calls booked

• Calls completed

• Deals closed

• Revenue generated

Review weekly:

• Which content performs best

• Which DMs lead to calls

• Which calls convert

Once you see the numbers, you know exactly where the problem is—and what to improve.

11. Study for 30–60 Minutes

Your competitors are improving. You should be too.

Every day, spend 30–60 minutes learning:

• Break down high-performing posts

• Study great sales pages

• Analyze offers that convert

• Read case studies

• Watch breakdown videos

Ask yourself:

• Why does this work?

• What principle is being used?

• How could I apply this?

Learning keeps your edge sharp and feeds directly back into your content, offers, and systems.

If I had to start from zero, I’d run this exact routine every day for six months. Create, connect, follow up, improve, track, and learn—and let compounding do the rest.

I started my professional journey in 2008. Like most people back then, I began with services. I was building websites, fixing issues, handling support, and doing custom work for clients. In the beginning, it felt good because I was learning fast and earning at the same time. But very quickly, reality kicked in.

Within two years, I realized how taxing this model really was. My entire day was spent talking to clients, fixing problems, answering emails, resolving bugs, and building websites from scratch. There was no real break. Even when money came in, I felt exhausted. Every rupee depended directly on the number of hours I worked. If I slowed down, income slowed down. If I stopped, income stopped completely.

By around 2010, I had a very clear realization. This was not scalable. This was not sustainable. This was not how I wanted to spend the rest of my life. Selling services meant selling time, and time is always limited. No matter how good you get, there is always a ceiling.

That is when I decided to change my approach completely. Instead of building for clients every single day, I decided to start building my own products. The idea was simple. Build once, sell many times. Instead of doing the same work repeatedly for different clients, solve a problem once and let multiple people pay for that solution.

Back then, websites were still very new for most businesses. A lot of companies did not even understand how websites worked. Building websites was confusing, technical, and fully manual. There were no no-code tools, no drag-and-drop builders, and no AI to help you. Everything required effort and deep technical understanding.

At that time, the best tools available were Joomla and WordPress. They were powerful and widely used, and they are still relevant even today. Naturally, most of the demand revolved around these platforms. So we went deep into them. We started building websites using Joomla and WordPress, and very soon we noticed a pattern. Most clients were facing the same problems again and again.

Instead of fixing the same issues repeatedly for different clients, we started building plugins, components, and templates. Small digital products that solved very specific problems inside these CMS platforms. Our work shifted from pure service delivery to problem identification and solution building.

We spent a lot of time on forums, reading complaints, understanding pain points, and observing what users were struggling with. Once we found a simple but common problem, we built a small product around it and started selling it. The logic was straightforward. If one person has this issue, there are hundreds or even thousands of people with the same issue.

This is where the power of digital products became clear to me. You build once, and you sell the same solution to multiple people without repeating the work. Income slowly decouples from time, and scale becomes possible.

Initially, we sold individual products. For the first couple of years, that was our only model. Over time, we realized that some customers found individual products expensive, while others wanted access to everything we built. That insight led us to change our pricing strategy.

We introduced bundled offerings. Yearly access plans and lifetime access plans became available. Customers could pay once and get unlimited access. This single decision increased revenue significantly because it matched different buying behaviors and budgets.

Black Friday played a massive role in our growth. Every year, we ran aggressive Black Friday campaigns with heavy discounts, especially on yearly and lifetime plans. During those few days, sales used to spike massively compared to regular periods. Those events alone contributed a big chunk to crossing major financial milestones.

Almost all our customers were international. Most of them came from the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. We were earning in dollars while operating from India, and that currency difference made scaling much faster once systems were in place.

This is how I made my first few crores. Not overnight. Not instantly. Slowly, through repetition, systems, and consistency.

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But I want to be very clear about one thing. None of this was easy. There was no automation. There was no AI. There were no advanced tools. Everything was manual. Coding was manual. Support was manual. Customer communication was manual. Every email, every fix, every update required time and effort.

That is why I strongly believe this. Money does not come from motivation or shortcuts. Money comes from systems. You build systems, you follow them daily, and you stick with them for years. That is how real wealth is created.

I have already created a very detailed YouTube video explaining this entire journey step by step. If you want a deeper breakdown with visuals, you can watch that video through the link shared.

Now, I want to teach this process to others. I plan to help people understand how digital product businesses actually work, how to identify problems, how to build solutions, how to price them correctly, and how to scale them over time. I have already created a free waitlist. You can sign up at no cost, and whenever the course is ready, I will personally notify you.

Sign up here - https://soam.vip/digitalproducts-waitlist

I also conduct Zoom classes. Those are absolutely free. If you sign up there, I will keep you informed whenever a session is scheduled. Everything I have learned over the last 18 years will be structured into clear systems, including my Business OS and Digital Products OS.

This journey took time. It took patience. There were no shortcuts. And this is the real, unfiltered story of how I made my first few crores that fueled the rest of my companies.

Let me know in comments if you have any questions, I personally check and respond to everyone here :)

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If you want better health, you need data. Guesswork does not work long term. Over the years, I have tested dozens of apps. I removed most of them. These 15 stayed because they give clear numbers, real insights, and help you act on them daily.

I use these apps to track movement, workouts, heart health, sleep quality, recovery, nutrition, hydration, mindfulness, and habits. Together, they work like a personal health dashboard in your pocket.

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Habitify - this is where all of my habit tracking happens

Push - i create my daily workout plans here

Whoop - this tracks my sleep, recovery and steps

Calm - this is where i meditate

Calmaria - this is where I do breathing exercise

Zero - this is where i track my intermittent fasting

Healthify - my food calories tracker

Nike Run - i run and track using this

Seconds Pro - early morning HIIT session with this

Go Club App - water intake and steps counter

Lapsey - i take my photo everyday to see changes

Eufy - weight history and tracker

Go Polar - cold plunge and sauna tracker

Steps Pedometer - steps tracker if you dont have whoop

So those are the apps I personally use, which I’ve found to be effective after trying several others. Over the past 6 years, I’ve experimented with various apps, but these are the ones that have stuck with me.

If you track consistently for 30 days, patterns become obvious. Energy improves. Sleep improves. Training gets smarter. Basically everything improves and you start feeling more confident.

I recommend using the whoop fitness tracker if you are really serious about your health, wellness and tracking the data. I have been personally using for for past 2 years and it has really helped me fix my lifestyle to the peak.

Whoop now ships to India too, order it here.

Good luck and comment below if you have any questions.

I have seen this closely. Many people try. Many give up early. Many do not have the intensity or curiosity to keep learning. I am wired differently. I stay curious. I keep learning. I keep testing new ideas, tools, platforms, and trends. I enjoy going deep into things that most people ignore or postpone.

I always wanted a place where I could share this thinking openly. That is why I started YouTube. Over the years, a large audience followed me on YouTube and Instagram, and many of them genuinely connect with my work.

This newsletter exists because some things are better written than spoken. Not everything belongs on YouTube or Instagram. Here, I can slow down and explain properly. I can write clearly. I can link videos when needed and explain the context behind them. I can also show you why certain videos matter and how to use that information practically.

SoamTalks is where I document my days and weeks as they happen. What I am building. What I am testing. What tools I am using. Websites I discover. Ideas I am exploring. Plans for my companies. Thoughts about life, business, and direction. Everything goes here in written form, without filters or compression.

If it is part of my real life and real work, it will be shared here.

I started SoamTalks to document reality. No filters. No polished success stories. Just clear thinking, systems, and execution.

Why this newsletter exists

Most content online is recycled theory and AI generated - which lacks soul. So I prefer to write and jot down my thoughts directly.

What you can expect inside SoamTalks

My experiences, interests, and honest opinions

You will read about real situations I deal with. How I work How I travel. How I make money. Lifestyle choices. Everything.

How I make money as an online creator

I break down how content turns into income. Brand deals. Products. Services. Funnels. Newsletters. Communities. You see what works today, what stopped working, and why some income streams scale while others stay small.

How I run and scale businesses across India and Dubai

I have been running my companies for the past 18 years now. I share how I structure companies, manage teams, handle compliance, and think about long-term scale. This includes my mistakes too.

Websites, articles, videos, images, and ideas that inspire me

Anything that sharpens my thinking goes in. A line from a book. A product design. A business model. A video clip. If it made me stop and think, it is worth sharing.

Tech, gear, tools, and apps I use every day

I test a lot of tools. Most are useless. Some save hours every week. I share what I actually use in my workflow, why I chose it, and what problem it solves.

Who this newsletter is for

This is for people who are always curious to learn new stuff and experience the unique.

If you are looking for shortcuts or overnight success stories, this is not for you. If you want to understand how things really work while building in public, you will feel at home here.

Final note

SoamTalks is a long-term project. I write it daily with intent to inspire others and teach people - inform them about everything that I do or use.

Sign up now so you do not miss the first edition. If you know someone who would benefit from this, share it with them.

I have always believed in helping people move forward by sharing what I learn along the way. That is the intent behind this newsletter.

If there are topics you want me to cover, leave your suggestions in the comments.

If you have suggestions or topics you want me to cover, message me on Instagram at @soamjena