Everyone loves a rags-to-riches story. Or a school dropout to a self-made millionaire story, we should say.
These tales remind us that we can achieve incredible things if we are willing to work hard, overcome adversity, and believe in ourselves.
From Sir Alan Sugar to Jeremy Clarkson, the UK is home to dozens of inspirational figures who have found their fortune despite leaving school with barely a high school diploma to split between them.
Mark Tilbury, a British entrepreneur, financial educator, and millionaire, has joined their ranks. Known for his relatable advice, he’s become young people’s go-to source for relatable financial advice. Here’s how he did it.
Who is Mark Tilbury?
Mark Tilbury’s story goes something like this.
At just 16, he left school with no qualifications, not a cent to his name. No one had any faith in him (especially not his teachers), so he had to believe in himself.
His first job paid less than $2 an hour. What was he paid to do? Tilbury spent his days producing wooden trash cans (or ‘bins,’ as they’re called in the UK), but he knew he was made for more.
So, armed with an entrepreneurial spirit and a go-getter attitude, he pulled up his socks, quit, and started his own business. This was a huge risk, but it taught him invaluable lessons about resilience, investing, and money management that you won’t learn in a classroom.
Fast-forward 30 years, and he runs not one but two multi-million dollar companies, which have grossed a whopping $50 million in that time.
But he doesn’t keep his 30 years of business experience to himself. With a unique perspective on wealth management, Tilbury has built a massive following across YouTube (3.5M subscribers) and TikTok (7.2M followers), where he shares tips on investing, personal finance, and entrepreneurship.
A no-nonsense approach to financial literacy
So, how does Mark Tilbury use his platform to educate young people on financial literacy? Let’s break it down.
1) He shares his knowledge
Tilbury has climbed the ladder to success and is ready to pull people up behind him by breaking down exactly how he made his fortune, including which revenue streams drive the most profit.
2) He also discusses the lows
He also speaks candidly about mistakes he’s made along the way, like investing in the wrong stocks and trusting the wrong business partners, understanding that his biggest mistakes were often his most significant learning opportunities.
3) He’s built a reputation as a trustworthy figure
The finance community is HUGE, but not all creators are made equal. Tilbury understands that his advice has the potential to improve or destroy people’s lives, so he focuses on debunking financial myths, offering tips on building wealth, and providing actionable steps to improve financial literacy.
4) His content is engaging
Every one of Tilbury’s is delivered with a personable, no-nonsense style complemented by snappy editing and animations that resonate with younger viewers who might otherwise find financial education boring or intimidating.
5) He’s relatable
Tilbury is a millionaire and, therefore, not ‘relatable’ in the strictest sense of the word. Yet, despite the odds, he’s maintained an undeniable element of relatability. He’s wealthy but not flashy. He’s successful but doesn’t look down his nose at others. He runs multiple businesses but doesn’t believe in a #Grindset approach. This makes his practical advice so much more palatable.
What can we learn from Mark Tilbury?
We know that young people wanting to become millionaires have much to learn from Mark Tilbury, but what about content creators? Here are four valuable takeaways you can steal from his content strategy.
1) Master the art of personal storytelling
If you want to educate online, giving great advice is only half the equation. You also need a great story. After all, hundreds of people share financial advice online, so why should anyone listen to you? Tilbury is, as the Brits would say, a pretty average bloke; his ability to weave an engaging narrative in just a few words has won the trust of millions.
2) Use failure as a tool for learning
Tilbury doesn’t shy away from discussing his past mistakes; instead, he uses them as lessons. This openness humanizes him and empowers his audience to learn from their financial missteps without feeling judged. While being vulnerable in this way may feel uncomfortable at first, it will go a long way to winning your audience’s trust.
3) Tailor content to different platforms
Like many creators, Tilbury has mastered the art of tailoring his message to the platform he’s posting to. On TikTok, audiences can find snippets of wisdom, while his YouTube channel is home to longer educational videos. Adapting your content strategy to each platform is a must, as this will help you meet audience expectations.
4) Feed your passions
Advice for aspiring creators often centers around finding a niche online. While this is important, this niche should overlap with your existing interests, as this will fuel your passion for content creation. In Tilbury’s case, his passion for financial education shines through in every video!
