30 Business Ideas For IT Consultants [2024]

Updated: September 5th, 2024

Interested in starting a business as a doctor in 2024?

If managed well, building a business as a doctor could be more lucrative than employment. So, which are the best business ideas for Doctors?

We put together 30 of some of the best doctor business ideas you can start in today.

For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other doctor businesses to help you see what it takes.

Here's the full list:

1. Start a data analysis service ($42.6K/month)

As an IT consultant, starting a data analysis service could be an excellent way for you to supplement your income or even launch a new business venture. Businesses are increasingly data-driven, and your expertise could help them make sense of vast amounts of data to improve customer behavior insights, marketing campaigns, and overall decision-making. This presents a significant opportunity for you to offer valuable services while diversifying your professional portfolio.

You could leverage your existing analytical skills and client communication abilities to provide actionable insights that can greatly enhance business strategies. The demand for data analysts is high, and the service is highly profitable, often commanding premium rates. By helping businesses unlock the potential of their data, you not only earn additional income but also contribute to their success, making it a win-win proposition.

Moreover, with companies like iTechArt illustrating the massive revenue potential and job creation possibilities in the data analysis sector, the timing has never been better to carve out your own niche. Whether it's through a side business or a full-fledged enterprise, a data analysis service aligns well with your IT consulting background and entrepreneurial aspirations.

How much you can make: $20 — $250,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

I Built $1.54M/Year Tool That Finds The Best Investment Properties [From UK]

Founder of PropertyData creates a subscription website for UK property investors and developers that is now making $128,000 per month in recurring revenue.

Read by 10,238 founders

2. Start a business communications software ($1.48M/month)

As an IT consultant, you could leverage your technical expertise and industry knowledge to develop business communications software that enhances how companies interact internally and externally. By creating tools that streamline communication, you would be targeting a crucial aspect of modern business operations, especially in a landscape where remote work and digital collaboration are on the rise.

Your software could improve workflow, boost productivity, and ultimately help businesses become more profitable. The growing need for reliable, user-friendly communication tools offers a vast and largely untapped market. By capitalizing on this opportunity, you could establish yourself as a key player in the business software solutions space, bridging communication gaps and setting new standards for workplace collaboration.

How much you can make: $5,000 — $10,000,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

Raising $19,000 Building a Positive Card Game

PEAR Cards is a card-based tool/game that empowers players to open up and initiate positive conversations, and with the help of Ad Magic, their Kickstarter had an all-or-nothing fundraising goal, which they met with so much support the company is now growing through the power of Twitter and Instagram.

Read by 8,232 founders

3. Start a data mining and analytics tools business ($237K/month)

As an IT consultant, starting a data mining and analytics tools business could supplement your income by leveraging your existing expertise to develop software that extracts and analyzes vast amounts of data. This business focuses on translating raw data into actionable insights, which can be a game-changer for industries like finance, healthcare, and retail. By providing these sectors with sophisticated data analysis tools, you could help businesses uncover patterns, trends, and insights crucial for making better strategic decisions.

The demand for data-driven decision-making is growing exponentially, presenting a lucrative opportunity to tap into a rising market. Your strong understanding of programming, statistics, and machine learning will be pivotal in creating innovative solutions that stand out. This endeavor not only aligns with your technical skills but also opens up a rewarding path where you could play a pivotal role in driving industry transformations.

How much you can make: $450 — $1,500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $750 (?)

How long does it take to build: 107 days (?)

How We Developed A $40K/Month Email Parser Application

Parseur, the data extraction tool, helps businesses automate their data entry process, catering to multiple industries such as food delivery, real estate and marketing, and has grown to over $40k in revenue per month since its launch in 2017.

Read by 10,496 founders

4. Start a cloud management software ($129K/month)

As an IT consultant, you could leverage your technical expertise and industry knowledge to develop cloud management software. This venture involves creating tools that allow businesses to manage their cloud resources efficiently, covering key areas such as data storage, security compliance, and resource optimization.

The demand for cloud management solutions is growing across various industries, from healthcare to finance, offering a substantial market opportunity. With a focus on user-friendly interfaces and robust backend systems, your software could help organizations streamline their cloud operations, positioning you at the forefront of a lucrative and expanding market. If you're motivated by solving complex technical challenges and keen to explore software development, this could be the entrepreneurial path that aligns with your skills and ambitions.

How much you can make: $25,000 — $330,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

How We Partnered With Salesforce To Develop A $330K/Month Laboratory Information Management SaaS

Third Wave Analytics developed the world's first cloud-based and customizable LIMS platform on Salesforce, generating $330k monthly revenue from clients such as Ohio State University and Boston University School of Medicine while partnering with the University of California-Berkeley for a COVID-19 study; founder Savitra Sharma advises aspiring entrepreneurs to focus on clear objectives to meet their goals.

Read by 8,125 founders

5. Start a technology consulting business ($137K/month)

As an IT consultant, you already possess the technical skills and experience necessary to understand and solve complex technology challenges. By starting your own technology consulting business, you could leverage your expertise to not only supplement your income but also diversify your professional portfolio. Entrepreneurs, especially those without an IT background, increasingly look for skilled consultants to help them harness technology effectively to drive their business strategy and innovation.

With the rapid pace of technological change, many businesses struggle to keep up with the latest trends and innovations. Your consultancy could offer them a lifeline, connecting businesses with the right technology solutions to stay competitive and grow. This new venture could allow you to expand your professional network and establish yourself as a key player in the technology consulting space.

How much you can make: $150 — $1,200,000/month

How long does it take to build: 100 days (?)

How I Designed And Patented A $40K/Month Agile Framework

How a Ph.D. in computer engineering created a patented agile framework and turned it into a profitable training and consulting business, after realizing that his accumulated technology knowledge was losing value over time.

Read by 8,109 founders

6. Start a micro saas ($83.3K/month)

As an IT consultant, starting a micro-SaaS could be a strategic way to supplement your income or even transition to a new business venture. By leveraging your deep industry knowledge and technical expertise, you could develop niche software solutions that address specific pain points in your field, offering highly customized products that larger SaaS companies might overlook.

This specialized approach allows you to foster a closer relationship with your customer base, ensuring that your solutions are both highly relevant and effective. The targeted nature of micro-SaaS also allows you to continuously refine your product based on direct customer feedback, increasing its success and user adoption over time.

How much you can make: $117 — $1,766,666/month

How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

How We Developed A $29K/Month WhatsApp Plugin For Shopify

SuperLemon, a WhatsApp plugin for Shopify eCommerce stores, crossed $29,000 in MRR as of July 2020, with 20,000 users from 50+ countries and 1700+ paying customers, all acquired through organic marketing strategies and a relentless focus on customer service and satisfaction.

Read by 23,585 founders

7. Become a software developer ($51.7K/month)

As an IT consultant, you could leverage your technical skills and experience to start a software development side business or even transition into a full-time venture. With a solid understanding of programming and software design, you could create custom software tailored to the needs of your clients, helping them solve specific problems or improve their operations. Given the competitive average salary for software developers at $110,140, and the potential for higher earnings, this field offers lucrative opportunities.

Recent trends towards mobile apps and cloud-based solutions open up numerous possibilities for innovative product development. By providing a variety of programming languages and tools, you could cater to a diverse client base, creating solutions that streamline their workflows and enhance user experience. This growing industry not only offers financial rewards but also the chance to stay at the forefront of technological advancements.

How much you can make: $500 — $350,000/month

How long does it take to build: 100 days (?)

How We Started A $350K/Month Business Developing Software Tools For Ecommerce Brands

SkyVerge, a software company, has grown rapidly with revenue of $350,000 per month, over 100,000 eCommerce customers, and a globally distributed team of 30 people, all through starting with consulting projects and building focused and solutions-based products, acquiring small products from other developers, and focusing largely on content marketing and providing excellent customer support.

Read by 39,449 founders

8. Start a saas company ($296K/month)

Starting a SaaS company could be an excellent business venture for an IT consultant looking to supplement their income or fully transition into entrepreneurship. Given your technical expertise and understanding of the industry, you could leverage your skills to develop a high-quality SaaS product that attracts subscription-based users.

You could create software with features such as project management tools, automation engines, or workflow designers, which are increasingly in demand for businesses aiming to streamline their operations. As an IT consultant, you would already have insights into what businesses need, allowing you to tailor your SaaS offerings more precisely.

Moreover, the SaaS business model, with its recurring revenue streams and high margins, could provide a stable and lucrative income. With thorough market research and strong technical execution, your SaaS company could benefit from the growing trend of businesses looking to reduce their IT costs through cloud-based solutions.

How much you can make: $20 — $20,833,333/month

How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

I Turned My Side Project into A $26K/Month SaaS Tool

AI-powered web application, Excelformulabot.com, generates Excel formulas within seconds for a subscription fee of $6.99/month or free for five formula requests per month, resulting in $14k/month in recurring revenue since its launch in September 2022, accruing millions of visitors through word of mouth, influencer marketing, SEO, and PPC, implemented through no-code web application Bubble.io, while preparing to penetrate a B2B market and focus on B2B outreach in the future.

Read by 22,147 founders

9. Start a community newsletter business ($36K/month)

As an IT consultant, you could leverage your technical skills to start a community newsletter business, transforming how local stories and events are shared. Your familiarity with digital tools and platforms would enable you to efficiently create, curate, and distribute newsletters that keep residents informed about what's happening in their neighborhoods. This venture taps into the growing demand for hyper-local news and helps create a sense of connection and belonging among your readers.

You could set up this business by gathering a list of subscribers, tailoring content to community interests, and leveraging local advertising to monetize the newsletter. This side business requires dedication and an eye for detail but can be a rewarding way to combine your technical expertise with a passion for journalism and community engagement. By continually engaging with your local area, you could build a platform that not only supplements your income but also strengthens the fabric of your community.

How much you can make: $100 — $162,620/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,200 (?)

How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)

How I Started A $21K/Month Military And Veterans Media Company And Ecommerce

This case study is about the founder of Warrior Lodge Media, Wes O'Donnell, who started an all-in-one informational website for military and veterans and turned it into a $21k/month media company and eCommerce store, almost completely hands-off and generating true passive income.

Read by 9,366 founders

10. Start a sales automation platform ($160K/month)

As an IT consultant, you could significantly enhance your career by creating a sales automation platform. This business idea leverages your expertise in software development to design a tool that streamlines and automates various sales tasks, from lead generation to follow-ups, thereby freeing up valuable time for businesses. By offering a solution that enhances efficiency and minimizes errors, you could provide immense value to companies looking to focus more on closing deals and less on administrative burdens.

The demand for efficient, digital sales processes is growing rapidly, making this an ideal time to dive into this venture. With your strong grasp of technology and an understanding of sales strategies, you could develop a platform that meets the specific needs of today’s fast-paced business world. This entrepreneurial path not only aligns with your technical skills but also taps into the broader trend towards digital transformation, offering a lucrative opportunity to supplement your income or establish a thriving side business.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $1,666,667/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 105 days (?)

On Starting A $160K/Month CRM & Automations Company After A US Air Force Career

GreenRope, a self-funded CRM and marketing automation platform with over 1,000 customers in 20 countries, was built organically and focused on creating a positive, customer-centric culture without outside investment, with an all-in-one interface solving challenges in managing sales, marketing, customer service, and operations.

Read by 12,019 founders

11. Start a consumer services

As an IT consultant, you could leverage your organizational and problem-solving skills to break into the consumer services sector. Think about areas where people struggle to find time, such as personal shopping, house cleaning, home organization, or meal prep. By offering services that make everyday life easier, you can tap into a broad market of busy individuals and families.

Starting a consumer services business doesn't require a large capital investment, just a solid plan and a focus on reliability and trustworthiness. Your tech-savviness will also be an asset in marketing your services online and streamlining operations. This venture could provide a consistent income stream and the satisfaction of helping clients reclaim their time for the things that matter most to them.

How much you can make: $375,000/month

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

Uber For Lawn Care: How I Built A $30M Software

GreenPal has bootstrapped their business to over $30 million a year in revenue, after securing an unsecured line of credit for $85,000, and have built the operating system and platform for small lawncare companies to run their entire business through, becoming live in all 50 US states and having 1.2 million homeowners using the platform.

Read by 5,253 founders

12. Start a video-editing app business ($38.8K/month)

As an IT consultant, starting a video-editing app business could be a natural extension of your existing skills and expertise. Leveraging your technical know-how, you could develop a robust app designed to simplify the video editing process for various users, from content creators to filmmakers.

Given the rising demand for video content across social media and professional platforms, creating an app with intuitive features like drag-and-drop interfaces, customizable templates, and advanced editing tools could fill a significant market gap. This business venture could not only supplement your income but also position you uniquely in a lucrative and creative niche within the tech industry.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $100,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,575 (?)

How long does it take to build: 105 days (?)

How We Developed A $6K/Month Online Video Editing Software

VEED.IO, a London-based start-up co-founded by Sabba and her partner, offers a simple online video editing platform using batch job cloud architecture to help social media managers across the world auto subtitle, filter, rotate videos and much more, earning the company $5,300 MRR and the founders Ramen profitability within just a year of starting.

Read by 12,977 founders

13. Start a startup consulting business ($102K/month)

If you're an IT consultant with an entrepreneurial mindset, starting a startup consulting business could be an excellent way to supplement your income or even launch a whole new career. By leveraging your technical knowledge and strategic thinking, you could help budding entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of launching their own ventures. Your expertise could be invaluable in formulating strategic ideas, analyzing data, and creating step-by-step action plans to turn ambitious concepts into reality.

In this role, you won’t just be nurturing other businesses; you’ll also be constantly refining your expertise in business dynamics, making it a mutually beneficial endeavor. The startup ecosystem is a challenging, ever-evolving landscape, perfect for someone who thrives on continuous learning and enjoys mentoring. Becoming a startup consultant could allow you to be the catalyst for the next big idea, all while diversifying your skill set and income streams.

How much you can make: $1,500 — $1,399,996/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How I Started A $9M/Year Company Outsourcing Support For Startups

This case study follows the founder of SupportNinja, a company that specializes in providing back-office and customer support outsourcing for tech companies, which generates over $9M ARR, has over 100 clients, and has seen a growth rate of 3,684% in the past 3 years.

Read by 10,943 founders

14. Start a social media automation business ($139K/month)

As an IT consultant, you could seamlessly transition into a social media automation business, leveraging your technical expertise to create tools that schedule posts, automate interactions, and provide insightful analytics across multiple platforms. By implementing efficient automation solutions, you could help small businesses and influencers save valuable time, allowing them to focus on creating quality content while you handle their social media operations.

Given the rising demand for consistent and strategic social media engagement, your background in IT positions you perfectly to develop or integrate sophisticated software solutions that adapt to ever-changing social media trends. This venture not only offers a lucrative income stream but also enables you to build strong client relationships and tailor your services to their specific needs, combining your tech skills with a strategic approach to digital marketing.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $400,000/month

How long does it take to build: 50 days (?)

How I Bootstrapped A Social Media Automation Tool To $2MM/Year

MeetEdgar, a bootstrapped social media automation tool founded in 2014 by Laura Roeder, has grown to $4 million in annual recurring revenue and more than 5,000 customers, with a team size of two dozen, achieved through content marketing, social media marketing, and organic search.

Read by 15,249 founders

15. Start an ecommerce management software ($536K/month)

As an IT consultant, starting an ecommerce management software could be a lucrative side business or even the foundation for an entirely new venture. You could develop a comprehensive platform that streamlines ecommerce operations, automating tasks from inventory tracking to order processing and customer relationship management. By offering smart, intuitive solutions that save time and reduce errors, you could target diverse businesses, from small retailers to larger enterprises, all of which have a growing need for effective ecommerce tools.

Given your robust technical skills and understanding of software development, you could create a product that addresses the specific pain points of online retailers. This venture could leverage your expertise in IT and software to make a tangible difference in the world of ecommerce. While it does require a strong grasp of ecommerce processes and significant effort, the high demand for quality ecommerce management software presents a substantial business opportunity.

How much you can make: $5,000 — $2,400,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $6,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How We Started A $30M/Year Warehouse Management Software And Outsourced Ecommerce Fulfillment Business

ShipHero co-founders built their successful e-commerce fulfillment business, offering warehouse management software and outsourced eCommerce fulfillment, growing revenues from zero to $30 million annually, processing over $5 billion of e-commerce gross merchandise volume (GMV) annually while only having received $435,000 in outside capital investment.

Read by 9,379 founders

16. Start a construction nails manufacturing business

As an IT consultant, diversifying your income streams by starting a construction nails manufacturing business could have significant potential, given the booming construction industry driven by rapid population growth. This entrepreneurial venture could leverage your problem-solving skills and project management experience to establish a profitable side business in a field with steady demand.

You could utilize your analytical abilities to streamline the production process, select the best materials such as steel, brass, and aluminum for manufacturing corrosion-resistant construction nails, and manage operations efficiently. By setting up a production factory in an industrial area and securing the necessary licenses, you could tap into a market poised for continuous growth while supplementing your income or creating a new primary revenue stream.

17. Start a travel influencer business ($61.3K/month)

As an IT consultant, you likely have a strong grasp of technology and social media, which can significantly aid you in starting a travel influencer business. Given your expertise, you could create high-quality, engaging content about your travel experiences and share it through social media platforms or a personal blog. This side venture could supplement your income as you can monetize your content through partnerships with travel and tourism companies and by generating advertisement revenue.

Your detailed and professional approach to problem-solving in IT consulting could translate well into meticulously planning and documenting your travels. Highlighting unique cultural experiences, local eateries, and breathtaking landscapes can attract a diverse follower base. By leveraging your analytical skills to understand social media trends, you could optimize your content with relevant hashtags, boosting your visibility and earning potential in the travel influencer space.

How much you can make: $50 — $233,333/month

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

On Building A Travel Recommendations Platform

PlanIt is a travel recommendation and planning platform that has seen compelling growth in database coverage and user growth, covering every country in the world with several thousand users and a large SEO focus as well as a growing interest from travel and lifestyle businesses to list their details.

Read by 4,686 founders

18. Start a local deliveries business

As an IT consultant, you could leverage your problem-solving skills and logistical know-how to establish a local deliveries business. Your understanding of technology could enable you to create efficient systems for order management, route optimization, and customer service, giving you a competitive edge in the deliveries market.

Additionally, you could use your consulting experience to build a reliable network of clients who need regular deliveries, such as local businesses or e-commerce platforms. This venture could supplement your current income and potentially grow into a full-fledged business, all while utilizing your existing skill set in technology and client management.

19. Become an eBay seller

As an IT consultant, branching into becoming an eBay seller could be a strategic way to supplement your income or even start a new business on the side. Leveraging your technical expertise, you could focus on selling electronics, tech gadgets, or software-related products, which are often in high demand. By starting slowly and learning the platform's rules and landscape, you could methodically grow your sales and expand your business.

Additionally, the analytical skills and problem-solving abilities developed in your IT career are directly transferable to managing an e-commerce business. Sourcing products, personalizing your eBay account, and setting up payment details require a meticulous approach, something you're likely familiar with. With eBay's marketing and promotion tools at your disposal, you could further optimize sales and reach a wider audience effectively.

How much you can make: $5,000/month

How I Started A Side Hustle Reselling Sneakers For Profit

This case study follows founder Chris Casseday's journey in creating 513 Kicks, an online sneaker shop that went from sporadic income to an average profit of $2,000 per month within two years through strategic branding, SEO, social media, and email marketing.

Read by 17,754 founders

20. Start a fireproofing business

Starting a fireproofing business could offer a unique opportunity to diversify your income as an IT consultant. Leveraging your technical skills, you could develop cutting-edge fire prevention software or integrate IoT solutions for smarter, more efficient fireproofing systems, providing a competitive edge in the industry.

Moreover, your problem-solving skills and attention to detail would be invaluable in addressing complex fire safety challenges for businesses and residential properties. By tapping into your network and understanding of tech-driven solutions, you could carve out a niche market, providing specialized fireproofing services that stand out for their technological integration and effectiveness.

21. Start a laptop parts business ($560K/month)

As an IT consultant, diving into the laptop parts business could be a strategic extension of your existing expertise and an excellent way to supplement your income. By sourcing and selling components such as keyboards, screens, batteries, and motherboards, you could leverage your technical knowledge to serve DIY enthusiasts, tech repair shops, and even larger electronics retailers. With laptops being essential tools for both work and play, the demand for parts is consistently high.

Setting up your laptop parts venture would involve establishing relationships with reliable suppliers, maintaining an efficient online store, and ensuring robust logistics. Your background in IT positions you well to understand the technical nuances and market demands, making your business a trusted resource in the industry. If you dedicate time and passion to this endeavor, it could grow into a uniquely fulfilling and financially rewarding venture.

How much you can make: $120,000 — $1,000,000/month

How long does it take to build: 186 days (?)

How We Designed A $1M/Month Portable Monitor For Laptops

Mobile Pixels Inc developed a portable monitor for laptops, the Duex, which raised $1.5m in pre-sales on Kickstarter/IndieGoGo and generated $4.3m in 2019 and is on track to bring in $12m in 2020, by pivoting to adjacent verticals based on the market and attracting attention through word-of-mouth branding.

Read by 9,198 founders

22. Start a customer intelligence analytics business ($107K/month)

As an IT consultant with a keen eye for data analysis, starting a customer intelligence analytics business could be a lucrative side venture or full-time opportunity. By leveraging your expertise, you could help businesses—both small and large—make sense of their customer data to improve decision-making, marketing strategies, and customer retention rates.

Given the growing demand for data-driven insights, companies will highly value your ability to translate complex data into actionable intelligence. With platforms like Verint already demonstrating the success and potential of this industry, you could position yourself as an indispensable resource for businesses looking to deepen their customer understanding and drive growth.

Your strong analytical skills and proficient communication abilities would enable you to present compelling, data-backed insights to clients, ultimately increasing your value and demand in the marketplace. This field presents a scalable business opportunity, whether as a side hustle or a full-fledged enterprise, enabling you to diversify your income streams significantly.

How much you can make: $100 — $840,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

How We Developed A $30K/Month Open Source CRM

EspoCRM, an open-source CRM application for small and mid-size businesses, has seen an average of over 16,000 downloads per year and makes up to $30k per month, offering efficient tools to systematize customer data, improve sales cycles, and automate routine administrative tasks.

Read by 10,959 founders

23. Develop an online survey tool ($304K/month)

As an IT consultant, you could leverage your technical expertise to develop an online survey tool that helps businesses gather crucial customer feedback. With the growing demand for data-driven decision-making, your tool could offer a practical, cost-effective solution for companies aiming to collect and analyze large volumes of data. This not only fills a market need but also allows you to capitalize on your existing skillset while exploring a new revenue stream.

Given the success stories like Typeform, which surpassed $70 million in annual recurring revenue in 2021, you could envision the potential profitability and scalability of this venture. Offering features such as a survey builder, data collection tool, and reporting system could attract a diverse user base, from startups to established enterprises.

By tapping into this market, you could transform your technical skills into a thriving business, providing valuable insights for companies to improve their services or develop new products. Developing an online survey tool could thus be a compelling entrepreneurial opportunity for you, blending your IT proficiency with the growing business need for customer feedback solutions.

How much you can make: $40 — $1,600,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

On Starting A $160K/Month CRM & Automations Company After A US Air Force Career

GreenRope, a self-funded CRM and marketing automation platform with over 1,000 customers in 20 countries, was built organically and focused on creating a positive, customer-centric culture without outside investment, with an all-in-one interface solving challenges in managing sales, marketing, customer service, and operations.

Read by 12,019 founders

24. Start a crab farming business

As an IT consultant, you could leverage your analytical skills and technical expertise to start a crab farming business, balancing your current profession with an entrepreneurial venture. With advancements in aquaculture technology, you have the opportunity to apply your understanding of systems and automation to optimize crab farming processes, from monitoring water quality to automating feeding schedules.

Crab farming can be an excellent way to diversify your income streams, particularly if you invest in sustainable practices and niche markets such as organic or specialty crabs. By capitalizing on your project management skills, you could effectively manage operations, scale the business, and explore online platforms for direct sales or partnerships with local seafood distributors.

25. Start a content marketing business ($91.3K/month)

As an IT consultant, venturing into a content marketing business can be a lucrative way to supplement your income or start a thriving side business. Leveraging your technical expertise, you could create and distribute relevant and helpful content, which has been shown to generate 67% more leads compared to businesses without a content marketing strategy.

With the high demand for content marketing services, your specialized knowledge in SEO and social media could prove invaluable in driving successful campaigns for various clients. You could also build a team of content creators to develop content that resonates with your target audience, ultimately helping businesses convert leads into customers.

By capitalizing on your IT background, you could offer a unique perspective that sets your content marketing services apart from others, making this a worthwhile entrepreneurial venture.

How much you can make: $100 — $650,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

How I Started A $80K/Month Content Writing Business

How David Tile turned a freelance writing gig into an $80k/month business, discussing lessons learned through managing growing demands and maintaining a remote team operation.

Read by 24,821 founders

26. Start a business for sale broker business

As an IT consultant, you could leverage your analytical skills and industry connections to start a business for sale broker business. Your expertise in identifying cutting-edge technology and understanding complex business systems would make you uniquely qualified to assess the value and potential of businesses for sale, especially tech-related ones. This venture could serve as a lucrative side business, or even transition into a full-time endeavor, diversifying your income streams.

Additionally, your network within the tech community could provide valuable leads and opportunities for matching buyers with sellers. By using your negotiation and project management skills, you could facilitate smooth transactions, ensuring that both parties achieve their goals, and earning commissions in the process. Overall, this business would allow you to capitalize on your existing talents while exploring new entrepreneurial avenues.

27. Start a startup instructing business ($28.4K/month)

As an IT consultant, you could leverage your extensive knowledge and experience by launching a startup instructing business. This new venture would allow you to guide individuals or small businesses by providing expert advice on business planning, marketing strategies, and overall direction for their success. Since your current role already involves problem-solving and strategic thinking, pivoting to instructing startups would be a natural extension of your capabilities.

To start this business on a budget, you could first identify your strong suits and specify the industry or niche you’re best equipped to assist. Setting up a basic website or social media profiles to showcase your services could help you attract potential clients. Offering affordable rates initially could enable you to build a reputation through satisfied customers and word-of-mouth referrals, gradually expanding your client base and supplementing your income.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $100,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)

How I Launched A $5K/Month Platform To Connect With Growth Mentors

GrowthMentor, a platform connecting vetted growth mentors for one-on-one calls, founded by Fotis Panagiotakopoulos, has had over 2,500 mentorship calls booked to date and has seen success in using word of mouth, content marketing, and leveraging other people's networks as the primary drivers of customer acquisition.

Read by 46,029 founders

28. Start a refurbishing electronic products business

As an IT consultant, you already possess the technical skills and knowledge needed to effectively diagnose and repair electronic equipment. Leveraging your expertise in this area, you could start a refurbishing electronic products business, focusing on repairing and reselling items such as televisions, computers, phones, and gaming devices for additional income.

This venture aligns well with your current skillset and offers an excellent opportunity to cater to the low and middle-income population, who often seek cost-effective alternatives to purchasing new devices. By providing high-quality refurbishments, you could not only supplement your existing income but also establish a reliable side business that addresses a growing market need.

Given the saturated nature of the electronics market, success will depend on your ability to deliver exceptional service and build a reputation for reliability and affordability. With the right approach, your refurbishing electronics business could stand out, providing a lucrative supplemental income stream or potentially growing into a full-fledged enterprise.

29. Start a website consulting business ($102K/month)

Starting a website consulting business could be a natural extension of your skills as an IT consultant. By advising clients on website design, user experience, SEO, and digital strategy, you can help businesses enhance their online presence and optimize their sites for better performance and conversion rates. This is a high-demand service as more companies recognize the importance of a strong online presence.

You could turn struggling websites into high-performing assets, providing tangible benefits while leveraging your existing knowledge of web technologies and trends. From small startups to established corporations, everyone needs well-designed and functional websites. This venture allows you to supplement your income or even create a standalone business, making a direct impact on your clients' success and finding fulfillment in driving their digital growth.

How much you can make: $1,300 — $541,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

How This Self-Taught Developer Started A $125K/Month Software Agency

How a self-taught engineer built a software development studio, Materialize, into a 18-person team with a revenue of $125k per month, by leveraging his technical expertise and establishing well-defined processes to build products efficiently and cost-effectively.

Read by 9,007 founders

30. Start a playwriting business

As an IT consultant, your knack for problem-solving and analytical thinking could translate well into the creative realm of playwriting. By leveraging your storytelling skills, you could craft compelling, technology-themed scripts that address modern-day issues such as cybersecurity, data privacy, or the ethical implications of AI. This unique perspective could set your plays apart in a niche market, appealing to both tech-savvy audiences and theater enthusiasts.

You could start this venture as a side business, writing in your free time while maintaining your consulting career. Over time, if your work gains traction, you might find opportunities for supplemental income through script sales, royalties, and potential grants. Ultimately, a playwriting business could be a fulfilling creative outlet that complements your IT expertise, offering both artistic satisfaction and financial rewards.

meet the author
Pat Walls