Welcome back to the Weekly Side‑Income Roundup.
Christmas week is one of the rare moments when the world slows down, which makes it the perfect time to reset, rethink, and make a few strategic moves that set you up for a stronger 2026.
Here’s what we’re covering today:
A simple 4-step AI upskilling plan you can start this week
Pinterest’s new 2026 trend predictions report
The data problem slowing down most marketers (and how to avoid it)
Creator deals and affiliate opportunities surging next year
The latest signal about how AI is reshaping jobs and roles
Let’s dive in.
THIS WEEK’S BIG IDEA
The Simple 4-Step Framework for Building Real AI Skills
Leaders everywhere keep saying “use more AI” without giving anyone a roadmap.
But this new article breaks down a practical, four-step approach that finally makes the process doable.
You’ll learn:
- Where to look for the right AI use cases in your field
- How to carve out practice time that actually sticks
- Why the smartest approach starts with tiny workflow tweaks
- The mindset shift that separates casual users from real practitioners
It’s simple, clear, and honestly the perfect Christmas-week exercise.
Our Take: You don’t need to “master AI.” You just need a repeatable system for getting better at it. This article hands you that structure without the overwhelm.
TOOLS OF THE WEEK
Pinterest Releases Its 2026 Trend Predictions
Pinterest just published its annual future-trend report, and it’s packed with early signals across style, home, wellness, events, and consumer tastes. These reports have an uncanny track record for predicting what will hit mainstream 12–18 months later.
ChatGPT Launches Dedicated Shopping Research Feature
OpenAI’s new shopping research tool lets users engage in a conversation to find personalized product recommendations. This could be huge for marketers testing shopping behavior and product messaging.
Our Take: If you sell anything visual or create content, steal one emerging theme and craft a post, pin, or product around it this week.
TODAY’S QUICK WINS
Marketers Are “Drowning in Data, Starving for Insight”
Teams are collecting more numbers than ever, yet very few know how to turn that data into next steps. This piece breaks down why clarity is the new superpower.
Creator Deals + Affiliate Arrangements Are Surging
Marketing Brew reports a big rise in creators earning through hybrid deals—part upfront, part performance-based. More freedom for creators, more efficiency for brands.
Our Take: Pick one: simplify your metrics or pitch a hybrid affiliate deal. Both can move revenue before the year ends.
FROM OMC
Affiliate Marketing for 2026: How to Use AI to Find Niches, Write Funnels, and Scale
Our newest breakdown walks you through choosing winning niches, building lean funnels, and scaling with AI—without working more hours.
Our Take: Most people chase niches. The better move is letting AI surface angles you’d never see manually. This guide shows you how.
AI SPOTLIGHT
AI Is Redefining Jobs Faster Than Expected
Axios reports that AI isn’t “replacing” workers outright, it’s restructuring roles, eliminating repetitive tasks, and increasing the value of anyone who knows how to guide or collaborate with AI tools.
Our Take: This is the moment to lean in. AI-literate workers will have an unfair advantage in 2026. Don’t wait for January to get ahead.
UNTIL NEXT WEEK…
Christmas week is your chance to reset without pressure.
Try one small move
- Pick a 2026 trend and build a post around it
- Cut your metrics down to the three that matter
- Read the AI niche guide and test one angle
- Block two “AI practice” sessions on your calendar
Tiny moves now create huge acceleration in January.
Talk soon,
Aidan
P.S. We have something absolutely MASSIVE coming your way next week. One of the biggest GIVEAWAYS we’ve ever done. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this…
