In a world buzzing with new opportunities, have you ever wondered what Mark Cuban’s AI side hustle of choice would be if he were starting out today? A viral video from CNBC Make It has captured the collective’s attention, rocketing to over 2.1 million views by sharing the billionaire’s surprising and forward-thinking answer. This isn’t just about making extra cash; it’s a peek into where technology and entrepreneurship are heading. So, let’s dive into the perspective shared in this clip and explore what it might mean for the next generation of innovators.
A Billionaire’s Modern-Day Blueprint
The video, shared by the popular account CNBC Make It, features Mark Cuban posing a hypothetical question. He imagines being a teenager again, looking for a way to earn money in today’s landscape. His starting point is simple and relatable, setting the stage for a very modern solution.
“If I was a sixteen year old kid and I needed to start a side hustle to make some money, there’s a couple things I would do.”
Instead of suggesting traditional teen jobs, Cuban’s perspective pivots directly to the cutting edge of technology. He identifies a specific, high-potential area that is accessible to anyone with an internet connection and a desire to learn. This sets a powerful tone, suggesting that age is no barrier to expertise in the new digital frontier.
Exploring Mark Cuban’s AI Side Hustle: Prompt Engineering
So, what is this groundbreaking side hustle? According to Cuban, it’s all about mastering the language of artificial intelligence. He specifically points to the skill of “prompting” as the key to unlocking a powerful new income stream. This involves learning how to ask AI models the right questions to get the best possible results.
“I would be all in on large language models like chat, GPT, and Gemini, and learning how to prompt.”
This idea moves beyond just using AI for homework or fun. Cuban’s advice frames it as a professional skill. He suggests that becoming an expert in communicating with AI is a valuable service that many people and businesses desperately need, even if they don’t realize it yet. It’s about becoming a translator between human goals and machine intelligence.
Watch the original video by @cnbcmakeit below:
Turning Knowledge into a Business
Having the skill is one thing, but how does a young person turn it into a real business? Cuban outlines a clear strategy in the clip from CNBC Make It. He proposes targeting a specific, underserved market that is ripe for this kind of innovation.
“I’d go to businesses because small businesses don’t understand AI yet. It doesn’t matter if I’m sixteen, I’d be teaching them.”
His confidence in this approach is clear. He believes that the value provided would quickly overcome any hesitation about a person’s age. By demonstrating how AI can streamline operations, improve marketing, or solve problems, a young prompt engineer could become an invaluable consultant. He adds, “You’d be surprised how many small businesses you can call,” suggesting the market is wide open for those willing to take the initiative. He concludes that “you could build a real business doing it.”
What’s the Collective’s Pulse?
With thousands of shares and comments, this idea has clearly sparked a conversation. It raises some fascinating questions for all of us to consider. Is this a realistic path for ambitious teens, or does it oversimplify the challenges of entrepreneurship? What skills, beyond prompting, would someone need to succeed in this field? As we witness the rapid evolution of AI, it’s vital to stay curious and form our own perspectives. Does this approach feel empowering to you, or does it seem daunting? We encourage you to question everything and find the path that resonates with your own unique energy and vision.
