Here's my best advice for someone who earns $18,000 in passive income per month without a college degree.

In 2007, I decided to drop out of college, even though I had about $50,000 in student loans.

Currently, I am running a successful business that earns approximately $18,000 in monthly passive income, based on my calculations from the previous month's bank deposits, while only working four hours a day.

Creating valuable content and products that generate revenue long after the initial work is done is the key to building passive income, rather than seeking a quick scheme to become wealthy.

A college dropout's determination and love for creating videos led me to become a successful entrepreneur and coach, and my journey taught me valuable lessons about building sustainable passive income.

Here are my top four tips for starting a passive income journey.

1. Build one revenue stream at a time

Entrepreneurs often become preoccupied with expanding their business before they have established a profitable model. I fell into this trap early in my career after being influenced by numerous thought leaders who emphasized the importance of diversifying revenue streams. This mindset can lead to distraction and subpar performance.

I achieved my breakthrough when I fully concentrated on one income source until it became successful.

DON'T MISS: The ultimate guide to earning passive income online

My first passive income idea was a course, which I was able to create because of the knowledge I gained from my social media marketing agency.

I gleaned invaluable lessons about:

• What my audience truly wanted
• How to create and market digital products
• How to set the right pricing strategy
• How to automate delivery and support

Before expanding into other revenue streams, I had a proven, profitable system and took a patient, methodical approach to build a stronger foundation for each new venture based on real experience and success.

Launching and growing any future income streams will become much easier for you after you gain the skills and insights through the challenges of creating your first successful revenue stream.

2. Let your audience guide your growth

The most successful business decisions I have made were based on heeding my audience's feedback. In response to my community's repeated request for a guide to video content strategy, I authored "Vlog Like a Boss." Additionally, when readers sought more guidance on morning routines, I produced "Good Morning, Good Life."

My business experienced a significant revenue boost due to the creation of a paper planner inspired by the success of "Good Morning, Good Life."

Listen and deliver what your audience wants to buy.

3. Create systems that keep driving revenue and sales

The key to being productive in just four hours a day is not by working less, but by working smart. For each video I produce, it takes approximately two hours in total - one hour for preparation and one hour for filming. However, after publication, it generates income indefinitely.

Over time, through consistent and systematic content creation, I have produced more than 1,000 videos on productivity and brand-building. Each piece of content contributes to my passive income architecture.

Last year, I created a video titled "How to Plan a Productive September That You'll Love!" It has generated over $1,100 in ad revenue and promotes one of my top-performing, high-margin passive income products, the "Good Morning, Good Life" digital planner.

This video has been generating sales and ad revenue for over a year since its publication. It's not just content; it's a well-structured sales machine.

4. Invest in learning and mentorship

Although I didn't graduate from college, I continued to acquire new knowledge. My entrepreneurial journey necessitated acquiring new abilities at each stage.

• Video editing for YouTube
• Writing for books
• Product development for planners
• The ability to stay motivated for persevering through it all

Hiring coaches can significantly accelerate my progress in both my personal and professional life.

One of the most fulfilling things I do is coach my own clients in turn, as I love showing them how to avoid the mistakes I made and go straight to the blueprint that builds a business they love.

Amy Landino is a personal brand coach and the creator of AmyTV on YouTube. She teaches how to earn passive income online through CNBC's course. Follow her on Instagram.

To earn extra money online, sign up for CNBC's course on passive income streams, starting tips, and real-life success stories.