I’m sitting in my home office near Jim Corbett, and I realized something that blew my mind.
I am helping people globally to monetize their expertise. They build their digital coaching business.
Still, most of the world does not know how to make money online.
This includes 88% of connected humans, who have no idea how to make a single rupee, dollar, or euro online.
This isn’t an Indian problem. This is a global crisis of opportunity that’s hiding in plain sight.
You are missing a big opportunity if you are not taking action.
The Global Digital Reality: Numbers That Will Shock You
The Massive Global Digital Economy
The numbers are staggering.
Our world has transformed into a digital-first economy. Most people are completely unaware of its true scale:
Global Digital Market Size:
$5.13 trillion in global e-commerce sales in 2022 → projected to reach $8.09 trillion by 2028 (avg. annual growth: 7.6%)
$16.5 trillion projected digital economy by 2028 (17% of global GDP)
6.9% annual growth in the digital sector – around 3× faster than the traditional economy
This isn’t just growth – it’s a digital economic revolution happening now.
The Global Digital Divide
Here’s where it gets interesting. Despite this massive digital economy:
Who’s Connected vs. Who’s Earning:
- 5.52 billion people have internet access (67.5% of world population)
- 2.6-2.9 billion people still have NO internet access
- 1.57 billion people work as freelancers globally (46.6% of workforce)
- Only 12% of global labor force participates in online freelance work
The Earning Reality:
- 55% of freelancers earn under $50,000 per year
- Even in developed countries, only 42% of freelancers earn $50,000+ annually
- 50% of freelancers struggle with payment issues
India’s Position in This Global Landscape
Now let’s see where India stands in this global digital revolution:
🇮🇳 India’s Digital Population Breakdown:
- Total population: 1.46 billion people
- Internet users: Approximately 900 million (about 62% of the population)
- Digitally literate: Around 280 million people
- Digital payments users: Estimated 200-220 million people
- Know how to earn online: About 70 million people
- Actually earning online: Around 28 million people
Global Shocking Truth:
The Double Shock: Global vs. India Reality
Despite having 5.52 billion connected people, only 12% are earning through digital work.
That means 88% of connected humans worldwide are not making money online!
India’s Even More Shocking Truth:
Out of India’s 1,464 million people, only 28 million (2.2%) are earning money online. This means 98% of Indians don’t know how to make money online!
The Unprecedented Opportunity
Think about this:
- Global digital economy: $27 trillion and growing
- People actually tapping into it: Only 12% globally, 2% in India
- Your position: You have access to the same internet, same tools, same opportunities
The Math is Simple:
- Globally, 88% of people are missing out
- In India, 98% of people are missing out
- You Can be among the elite few who don’t miss out
Why This is Your Golden Moment
While 15 million Indians work as freelancers, the $27 trillion global market is still largely untapped.
You’re not competing with your neighbors; you’re positioned to serve clients worldwide.
Your Potential Status:
- The elite 2% in India who earn online
- Top 12% globally who understand digital income
- First movers in the biggest economic shift in human history
The window is open NOW.
The question isn’t whether this opportunity exists – the numbers prove it does.
Will you be among the few who seize it?
Why the Digital Shift is Not Optional Anymore
Every Business is Going Online
The COVID-19 pandemic hastened a change that was already on the horizon.
Work from home, freelancing, digital coaching, online business – these aren’t trends anymore.
They’re the new normal.
We’re living in a global village now.
I stay near Jim Corbett in Uttarakhand, but I work with clients across India and overseas.
I don’t need to be in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, or Pune. Being there is good or me but this is still better.
All I need is one skill and an internet connection.
The Power of Digital Presence
Think about this – there are many versions of “Digital Ashish” across platforms:
- Digital Ashish on YouTube
- Digital Ashish on Facebook
- Digital Ashish on LinkedIn
- Digital Ashish on Instagram
Each platform allows me to connect with a different audiences.
I am not available on all platforms, though.
This is the power of going digital – you can be everywhere at once!
Physical vs. Digital Business: My Personal Journey
Let me share my story to illustrate the difference.
My Physical Business Experience (2014)
In 2014, I started a coaching and training business with a physical location. Here’s what it required:
- Initial investment: ₹2,00,000 / $3000 for an IBT franchise
- Ongoing costs: Rent, marketing, banners, posters, hoardings—at least $500 or more.
- Human resources: Students, employees, counselors, teachers—at least $1000 or more
- Inventory: Books and materials—at $500 or more.
- Time: Constant physical presence required
This whole process was time-intensive, location-dependent, and required significant capital.
My Digital Business Journey (Now)
Today, my digital setup requires:
- A laptop
- An internet connection
- These earphones (Apple earphones)
- Passion and knowledge to share
That’s it! The investment, time commitment, and overhead are minimal compared to a physical business.
Breaking Down Common Digital Fears and Myths
Fear #1: “I’m Not Tech-Savvy”
When I started making videos and content online, I was conscious and nervous.
I didn’t know about writing, editing, lighting, or fancy equipment. But here’s the truth—you don’t need to be perfect to start. You need to begin.
Fear #2: “Too Much Competition”
Yes, there’s competition, but think of it as a community.
When you succeed in a digital space, you’re not taking away from others—you’re adding value to the ecosystem.
Fear #3: “I Don’t Have Time”
If you’re working 9-to-6, you have 6-to-9 and weekends. Even 2-3 hours daily can transform your life.
Remember, your job can give you 3-5-7% annual increments. Your digital skills can multiply your income exponentially.
I am not asking you to leave your job.
Digital Opportunities: Multiple Streams of Income
1. Digital Coaching
Monetize your knowledge and skill:
- Create courses and webinars
- Offer one-on-one coaching
- Share your skills in areas like fitness, mindset, relationships, or any expertise you have.
The key is: don’t keep your knowledge in your brain—share it with others!
2. Affiliate Marketing
Promote other people’s products and earn commissions:
- The Amazon affiliate program offers 2-3% commission.
- Digital products can offer 20-50% commissions.
- My affiliate income: approximately ₹10,000+ monthly from various programs.
3. Content Creation
Build your audience and monetize:
- YouTube (my channel has 1,050 subscribers and generates income).
- Instagram and Facebook are for engagement.
- LinkedIn is for professional content.
- Blogging on your website.
4. Freelancing Services
Offer your skills as services:
- Writing and content creation
- Video editing
- Social media management
- Graphic design
5. Digital Products
Create once, sell multiple times:
- eBooks (I have books on Amazon)
- Templates and digital downloads
- Online courses
- Digital tools and resources
How to Start Your Digital Journey: Step-by-Step Action Plan
Step 1: Mindset and Foundation
- Accept that failure is part of learning.
- Focus on progress, not perfection.
- Commit to consistency—this – this is crucial!
Step 2: Learn the Basics
- Use YouTube for free learning.
- Take free courses available online.
- Start with one skill area.
Step 3: Build Your Digital Identity
- Create social media profiles.
- Start a simple website (WordPress or Wix has free options)
- Define your niche and story clearly.
Step 4: Create and Share Content
- Start small—one Instagram post, one short video.
- Write blogs and articles.
- Share your knowledge consistently.
- Engage with your audience and other creators.
Step 5: Start Monetizing
- Begin with affiliate marketing
- Offer your services
- Create digital products
- Build your email list using free tools like MailChimp
Essential Beginner Tools (Most Are Free!)
Content Creation:
- Canva for design
- Your smartphone for videos
- Google Docs for writing
Online Presence:
- Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn (all free)
- WordPress or Wix for websites (free plans available)
Email Marketing:
- MailChimp or ConvertKit (free plans available)
Your Quick Action Plan
Here’s what you need to do right now:
- Choose Your Platform: Pick one social media platform to start with
- Define Your Goal: What’s your first digital goal? (Write it down!)
- Create Value: Share one piece of valuable content this week
- Engage: Connect with others in your niche
- Learn Daily: Spend 30 minutes learning something new about digital marketing
The Bottom Line: Why Digital Success is Inevitable
Remember these key advantages of going digital:
- Flexibility: Work from anywhere
- Scalability: Your reach is unlimited
- Low Investment: Minimal startup costs
- Multiple Income Streams: Don’t depend on one source
- Global Reach: Your audience isn’t limited by geography
My Personal Message to You
I’ve shared my story of failures and successes because I want you to understand that everyone starts somewhere.
I failed many times – in academics, in business ventures, in various attempts. But each failure taught me something valuable.
The digital world doesn’t care about your past failures. It only cares about the value you can provide today.
The question isn’t whether you should go digital – it’s how fast you can start.
Your Action Item: Share your digital goal in the comments.
What’s the one thing you want to achieve in your digital journey? Let’s build this community together!
Remember: Start small, learn daily, focus on progress, not perfection, and keep growing!
Ready to Work Together?
Let’s have a free business consulting session to see if you are the right fit.
Book a FREE session now
Also, I have created a community called Digital Chai club.
In that community, I am talking about how to start your online journey.
Every alternate Saturday, we have live meetings with the community.
Here is your invitation link – Digital Chai Club.
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