28 Business Ideas For IT Risk Managers [2024]

Updated: September 6th, 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 28 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 an AI-based business ($27.9K/month)

As an IT risk manager, starting an AI-based business could supplement your income and align closely with your expertise in managing risks and assessing vulnerabilities. By leveraging artificial intelligence, you could develop advanced risk assessment tools that use predictive analytics to identify potential IT threats before they manifest. Such a tool could be invaluable to businesses looking to bolster their cybersecurity measures, streamline their IT risk management processes, and enhance their overall resilience against cyber threats.

Additionally, you could create AI-driven platforms that automate routine compliance checks and audits, reducing the manual effort involved and increasing accuracy. This approach not only optimizes operational efficiency but also helps organizations stay ahead of regulatory requirements, a critical aspect of IT risk management. By positioning yourself as a pioneer in AI-driven risk management solutions, you could carve out a niche market and establish a lucrative side business or even transition to a full-time entrepreneurial endeavor.

The AI landscape is burgeoning with opportunities, and your technical background provides a strong foundation to explore these avenues. Dive in, and you could be at the forefront of the next major technological advancement, driving innovation and setting new industry standards.

How much you can make: $100 — $200,000/month

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

How long does it take to build: 40 days (?)

How I Started A $10K/Month App Building Agency Using No/Low Code Tools

LowCode Agency uses no/low code tools to build custom-made apps at 80% lower cost and 70% faster than traditional app development agencies, growing double digits every month and targeting $150,000 in sales in their first year.

Read by 21,003 founders

2. Start a mobile app development business ($141K/month)

As an IT risk manager, you could leverage your expertise in managing and mitigating risks to start a mobile app development business, which would allow you to supplement your income or even transition into a full-fledged entrepreneurial venture. Your in-depth knowledge of cybersecurity, data protection, and compliance is invaluable in creating secure and reliable apps that address both consumer needs and regulatory requirements. This strong foundation could help you stand out in a competitive market where security is a top priority.

Moreover, your experience in identifying and mitigating risks can be applied to project management and client interactions, ensuring that you deliver high-quality software on time and within budget. The mobile app industry is booming, with businesses increasingly seeking custom applications for productivity, social networking, and more. By strategically targeting key markets and efficiently marketing your services, you could develop a thriving mobile app development company that benefits from your unique skill set and professional background.

How much you can make: $6,000 — $700,000/month

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

How I Started A $6K/Month SEO And Digital Marketing Agency In Bangladesh

This case study features Md. Yousuf Ali, the founder of Rank Trends, who shares how he started a successful digital marketing agency, which generated a revenue of over $6k per month through SEO and video production services.

Read by 12,523 founders

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

As an IT risk manager, you could leverage your strong technical skills and understanding of software systems to start a software development business. The expertise you have in identifying and mitigating risks can become an asset, ensuring the software you create is both secure and reliable. With the average salary for software developers at $110,140, this venture could significantly supplement your income. Additionally, the growing focus on mobile apps and cloud-based solutions presents a variety of avenues to explore.

By tapping into your knowledge of IT risks, you could develop solutions that address security vulnerabilities or compliance issues, meeting a critical need in the market. Whether you aim to create business tools or personal applications, your background positions you well to design effective, user-friendly, and robust software. Considering that businesses are constantly seeking new ways to improve their services, your software development business could successfully cater to these emerging demands.

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 39,451 founders

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

As an IT risk manager, you could leverage your deep understanding of risk assessment, compliance, and cybersecurity to develop a micro-SaaS solution tailored to these niche areas. For example, you could create a platform that helps small and medium-sized businesses automate risk assessments or manage compliance with industry standards efficiently. This could solve a significant pain point for companies that lack the resources to invest in larger, more expensive solutions.

By focusing on highly specialized needs within your field, you could release a product that offers precision and depth, fostering strong relationships with your customer base. The micro-SaaS model enables you to gather detailed feedback and continuously refine your offering, ensuring it remains indispensable to your audience. This approach not only complements your existing expertise but also opens up opportunities for significant supplemental income or even a full-fledged business.

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

5. Become a freelance web developer ($55.2K/month)

As an IT risk manager, you could leverage your strong technical background and attention to detail to start a side business as a freelance web developer. Your understanding of system vulnerabilities and risk assessments positions you uniquely to create secure, efficient websites, making you a high-value asset in the web development market.

Becoming a freelance web developer allows you to supplement your income significantly, given that the pay rates exceed those of many other freelance professions. By learning essential coding languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, you could build a portfolio that showcases your ability to create both visually appealing and technically sound websites. Finding a niche and establishing a personal brand could further enhance your marketability and help you stand out in a competitive field.

How much you can make: $6,000 — $148,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)

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

How I Started A $750K/Year Web Development Agency

Cantilever Web Design and Development, with clients including IBM and small businesses, reached a revenue of over $750k last year with a gross margin of 50% by prioritizing Digital Hospitality, fostering high-quality relationships, and constantly improving their process and philosophy.

Read by 42,602 founders

6. Start an ai platform ($402K/month)

As an IT risk manager, you could take advantage of your expertise to launch an AI platform business. Your platform would offer tools and frameworks enabling companies to seamlessly integrate artificial intelligence into their operations, thereby helping them overcome technical barriers without needing to hire specialized teams.

You could empower organizations to optimize their processes, make informed decisions, and boost productivity by providing ready-made solutions for data analysis, machine learning models, and automation. Given the skyrocketing demand for AI, your AI platform could fill a crucial gap in the market, allowing companies to adopt these technologies efficiently.

The potential for growth and impact is significant, particularly with your strong foundation in risk management and software development. By bridging the expertise gap, you could offer a plug-and-play solution that not only supplements your income but positions you as a key player in the booming AI industry.

How much you can make: $5,000 — $3,000,000/month

How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)

The App I Built In 12 Hours Now Makes $15K/Mo

A founder shares how he built AudioPen.ai, a tool that transcribes voice notes, generating $15,000 monthly with minimal costs and no paid marketing, highlighting the importance of focusing on the product, word of mouth, and personal communication with users for sustainable growth.

Read by 14,351 founders

7. Start a tree maintenance business

As an IT risk manager, your analytical skills and attention to detail could seamlessly translate into running a tree maintenance business. Homeowners and commercial property owners constantly need services like pruning, tree removal, and stump grinding, ensuring a steady stream of customers. You could leverage your project management experience to efficiently manage client schedules, optimize resources, and ensure customer satisfaction.

Moreover, your risk assessment capabilities could come in handy for evaluating potential hazards and maintaining safety standards, both crucial elements in tree services. While this business requires specific arborist skills, you could initially partner with experienced professionals while gradually acquiring the necessary expertise. This dual approach would allow you to mitigate potential operational risks while supplementing your income or even transitioning into a full-fledged business owner.

How much does it cost to start: $8,000 (?)

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

8. Start an AI SaaS business ($39.3K/month)

As an IT risk manager, you could leverage your expertise in risk assessment and technology to start an AI SaaS business. By designing cloud-based software powered by artificial intelligence, you could offer businesses the ability to utilize advanced tools like natural language processing and predictive analytics without needing to develop these technologies in-house. This approach not only supplements your income but also positions you in a sector rich with demand and innovation.

Your understanding of technology infrastructure and risk mitigation could uniquely position you to ensure the solutions you offer are both cutting-edge and secure. While starting this business does require skills in AI and software development, your tech-savvy background and vision-oriented mindset could help you navigate these challenges effectively. Ultimately, launching an AI SaaS business could lead to a thriving and scalable enterprise, allowing you to capitalize on your existing skills and industry knowledge.

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

How much does it cost to start: $2,750 (?)

How long does it take to build: 20 days (?)

How I Bootstrapped My Notion Form Builder $180K ARR

NotionForms, a SaaS company offering a form builder integration to Notion, boasts an impressive total of 26k users, 850 paid subscribers, and an ARR of $182k, with steady growth since its launch and being used internally by many huge tech companies.

Read by 8,427 founders

9. Develop a design tool ($408K/month)

As an IT risk manager, you could leverage your technical skills and risk assessment acumen to develop a cutting-edge design tool that caters to the burgeoning demand for digital content creation. Creating a software that simplifies the design process for both professionals and novices allows you to combine your expertise in technology with creative pursuits. This endeavor requires a deep understanding of user-friendly interfaces and security protocols, ensuring that your tool is both intuitive and secure for users.

Additionally, your analytical skills could help you identify market gaps and potential risks, key aspects in building a successful and reliable design tool. Essential features such as template libraries, drag-and-drop functionality, and collaborative options are crucial for standing out in this competitive market. By offering a seamless and secure design experience, you could attract a diverse customer base, thus supplementing your income or even paving the way for a full-scale business.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $2,290,747/month

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

How long does it take to build: 250 days (?)

How Two Friends Bootstrapped A SaaS Business To $55K MRR

Learn how two friends bootstrapped a SaaS business to $55k monthly recurring revenue (MRR) by creating a simple graphic design tool for non-designers and focusing on content marketing for customer acquisition.

Read by 21,478 founders

10. Start an investment advisory business ($342K/month)

As an IT risk manager, your analytical skills and experience in identifying and mitigating risks can be a strong foundation for starting an investment advisory business. You could leverage your expertise in risk assessment to help clients make informed and strategic financial decisions, guiding them through various investment options and strategies. This unique perspective allows you to mitigate financial risks for your clients effectively, ensuring their investments align with their long-term goals.

Given the increasing complexity of financial markets, many individuals are seeking expert advice to navigate their investment choices. Your ability to conduct thorough market research, crunch numbers, and stay updated on financial trends positions you well to offer valuable insights and build credibility with your clients. By obtaining the necessary certifications, you could transition your skills from IT risk management to a fulfilling career in investment advisory, helping others secure their financial future while supplementing your income or even starting a full-fledged business.

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

How much does it cost to start: $8,000 (?)

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

How We Started A $40M Real Estate Investment Fund

Equity Residences is a luxury real estate investment fund that has raised $40 million from over 200 investors, offering them access to a portfolio of luxury vacation homes for investment and personal use, with a minimum investment of $161,500 and plans to acquire a further twenty residences ranging from $1.5M to $4M.

Read by 13,324 founders

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

As an IT risk manager, you could leverage your extensive knowledge of IT systems and data security to start a data mining and analytics tools business. Imagine developing software that transforms raw data into actionable insights, helping companies in finance, healthcare, and retail uncover patterns, trends, and opportunities for growth. Your expertise in identifying and mitigating risks would be a valuable asset in ensuring that these tools are both robust and secure.

This entrepreneurial venture could allow you to provide businesses with the intelligence they need for better strategic decision-making, pioneering their success and driving industry transformations. Given the skyrocketing demand for data-driven insights, there is a growing market for innovative analytics solutions that you could tap into. Your role would not only involve technical execution but also understanding market needs, making this a challenging and rewarding business opportunity.

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

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

As an IT risk manager, you could leverage your analytical and data-driven mindset to start a customer intelligence analytics business. This field is all about understanding customer behavior and generating valuable insights to enhance business decisions. With your expertise in managing risks and ensuring data integrity, you would be well-positioned to help businesses make sense of their customer interactions and turn them into actionable strategies.

You could cater to a wide range of clients, from small businesses looking to refine their marketing efforts to large corporations aiming to boost customer retention rates. Verint, a leader in this space, exemplifies the growing demand for such services, and with the market for customer intelligence analytics expanding rapidly, your skills would certainly be in high demand. This side business or full-time venture could not only supplement your income but also position you as a key player in a thriving industry.

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 10,960 founders

13. Start a communications consulting business ($38.9K/month)

As an IT risk manager, starting a communications consulting business could be a natural extension of your skill set. Your deep understanding of risk management and the complexities of IT systems means you’re uniquely positioned to advise on effective communication strategies, especially in technical environments. You could help organizations articulate complex ideas clearly and ensure that critical information is conveyed accurately and efficiently.

In this role, you could evaluate existing communication channels, identify gaps, and develop tailored solutions that align with your clients' objectives. This business venture would leverage your strategic thinking and ability to navigate complex conversations, enhancing both internal and external interactions for businesses. Helping companies improve their communication can lead to better decision-making, increased efficiency, and a competitive edge in the market.

How much you can make: $4,500 — $150,000/month

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

How long does it take to build: 45 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

14. Start a product ratings & reviews ($28.9K/month)

As an IT risk manager, leveraging your analytical expertise and attention to detail, you could create a successful product ratings and reviews platform. By setting up a website or app, you enable consumers to share their feedback on various products. This could be especially relevant if you focus on tech-related items, given your background and network in the industry.

You could monetize this venture through partnerships with e-commerce stores or manufacturers who wish to feature their products on your platform. Additionally, offering advertising space or promoting affiliate products can generate steady revenue streams. This business model requires minimal startup costs, focusing on website development, user engagement, and effective marketing.

This could supplement your income or evolve into a thriving side business, utilizing your existing skill set while exploring new entrepreneurial opportunities.

How much you can make: $40 — $110,000/month

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

How long does it take to build: 65 days (?)

I Quit My 9 To 5 & Built An Affiliate Site Making $40K/Month

Matt Oney quit his full-time job to pursue his side hustle full-time: an affiliate marketing-based content site called ZenmasterWellness that generates around 80k monthly visits and average monthly revenue of about $40,000 by leveraging SEO and affiliate partnerships.

Read by 10,857 founders

15. Start a b2b lead generation service ($172K/month)

As an IT risk manager, you could leverage your analytical skills and deep understanding of business processes to start a B2B lead generation service. Your experience in mitigating risks and ensuring security could be invaluable in identifying high-quality leads and employing technology tools to build a reliable pipeline of prospective clients for other businesses.

With the demand for lead generation services consistently high, your knack for data analysis and relationship-building positions you well to offer a service that many companies struggle to manage internally. This venture could seamlessly supplement your income or evolve into a full-fledged business, allowing you to utilize your analytical and strategic skills in a new, entrepreneurial arena.

How much you can make: $500 — $1,250,000/month

How long does it take to build: 165 days (?)

How I Started A $12K/Month Digital Marketing Agency While Traveling Around The World

A 20-year-old digital nomad and serial entrepreneur shares his journey of starting a successful digital marketing agency, Nomads with Solutions, which specializes in Facebook lead generation, and offers insights on client acquisition, personal branding, and focusing on self-improvement.

Read by 10,061 founders

16. Start a SEO & lead generation service ($60K/month)

As an IT risk manager, you could leverage your analytical skills and understanding of digital landscapes to start a successful SEO and lead generation service. This business complements your expertise in data analysis and risk assessment, allowing you to identify potential customer segments and optimize web content to attract qualified leads efficiently.

By learning the fundamentals of lead generation and digital marketing, you could offer tailored solutions that help businesses collect crucial customer information and convert them into loyal clients. This venture not only supplements your income but also allows you to apply your existing skill set in a high-demand, lucrative domain.

Entrepreneurially minded IT risk managers like you are well-positioned to dive into the SEO and lead generation space, providing a valuable service that caters directly to modern business needs.

How much you can make: $8,000 — $200,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,750 (?)

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

How I Started A $35K/Month Agency Specialized On Link Building

A link building company co-founded by Justas Markus has grown to make an average of $35k per month in recurring revenue with a focus on delivering high-quality services through manual processes and focusing on fewer markets.

Read by 14,482 founders

17. Start an email unsubscribing service ($13.3K/month)

As an IT risk manager, you could start an email unsubscribing service that capitalizes on your expertise in digital security and data management. Your deep understanding of cybersecurity can be translated into a platform that securely and efficiently filters and unsubscribes users from unwanted emails. This service not only declutters inboxes but also offers peace of mind by ensuring sensitive information remains protected.

With the increasing shift towards digital correspondence, businesses and individuals are overwhelmed by spam and redundant messages. You could leverage this trend, creating a user-friendly, secure solution that saves time and reduces inbox stress. By providing a valuable service that simplifies email management, you could tap into a growing market need and generate recurring revenue while addressing a common digital burden.

How much you can make: $21 — $30,000/month

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

We Built Our App From The Back Of A Bus And Grew It To 10,000 Users

Leave Me Alone, a web service that helps users easily unsubscribe from unwanted emails, launched in January 2019 and made $1,186 in revenue in its first month, with a successful Product Hunt launch and a focus on being an open startup contributing to its success.

Read by 13,365 founders

18. Become a parody artist

As an IT risk manager, you could leverage your analytical skills and keen attention to detail to become a successful parody artist. With your understanding of both technology and current trends, you can create clever and insightful parodies that resonate with a tech-savvy audience. This side business could not only supplement your income but also allow you to express your creativity in a unique and entertaining way.

Additionally, your experience in risk management means you are well-equipped to navigate the business aspects of being a parody artist, such as managing intellectual property risks and ensuring content compliance. This entrepreneurial endeavor could provide a fulfilling balance to your technical day job, offering both financial rewards and creative satisfaction.

19. Start a performing arts company

As an IT risk manager, you could leverage your organizational skills and passion for the arts by starting a performing arts company. This venture would allow you to produce live performances such as plays, musicals, and dance shows, adding cultural enrichment and entertainment to your community. Your ability to manage complex projects and assess risks can be incredibly valuable in coordinating casting calls, scheduling rehearsals, and securing venues.

Additionally, your experience with budgeting and resource management will help in efficiently allocating funds, hiring professional talent, and marketing your productions to attract sizable audiences. By combining your technical expertise with a love for the arts, you could create a dynamic company that not only provides creative satisfaction but also builds a lasting cultural legacy. This entrepreneurial endeavor promises a unique blend of artistic fulfillment and business challenges, offering a well-rounded and enriching side business or full-time career.

20. Start a warranty-expiry alerts app business

As an IT risk manager, you could leverage your expertise in risk assessment and IT systems to develop a warranty-expiry alerts app business. This app could cater to both businesses and consumers, helping them keep track of warranty end dates for their IT equipment and other valuable assets. By using your knowledge in risk management, you could ensure the app features secure data handling and robust reminders to mitigate the risk of missed warranties, thereby protecting users from unexpected repair costs or replacements.

Additionally, by understanding the complexities of IT systems, you could tailor this app to integrate seamlessly with existing enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems or asset management tools. This would not only add value to organizations but also position your app as a critical business tool. As a side business or even a full-time venture, creating a warranty-expiry alerts app could play to your strengths, allowing you to generate additional income while providing a much-needed service to your clients.

21. Start a consultancy business ($38.6K/month)

As an IT risk manager, starting a consultancy business could be a strategic way to supplement your income or even transition into a full-time entrepreneurial venture. Given your expertise in assessing and mitigating technological risks within an organization, your skills are highly sought after in today's digital-first business environment. The demand for business consultants is projected to grow by 11%, reflecting the increasing need for specialized knowledge in areas such as IT security, compliance, and risk management.

You could offer tailored consulting services to companies looking to strengthen their IT infrastructure, safeguard sensitive data, and comply with evolving regulations. By leveraging your current professional network and industry knowledge, you could provide high-value insights that help businesses streamline their operations and achieve their strategic goals. This could involve anything from conducting risk assessments and developing mitigation strategies to advising on best practices in cybersecurity.

Your background as an IT risk manager already positions you as a trusted advisor, making the transition to consultancy a natural progression. Additionally, joining industry groups and continuing education can help you stay current with market trends and expand your skill set, further enhancing your consultancy's value proposition.

How much you can make: $5,000 — $100,000/month

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

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

How I Started A $10K/Month Financial Planning And Investment Management Company

Third Eye Advisors is a boutique Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) providing customized financial planning and investment solutions to millennial business owners, founded by Arthur Robertson with start-up costs of approximately $10,000 to $15,000, recouping those costs within three months of serving clients, while the team is currently expanding and looking for Financial Advisors to come on board in Q4 2020.

Read by 6,803 founders

22. Start a breaking news alerts app business

As an IT risk manager, you could leverage your expertise in identifying and mitigating threats to create a breaking news alerts app. Your background in risk assessment and incident response positions you to develop a platform that prioritizes real-time updates on cyber threats, data breaches, and other critical IT-related news. With your insight into the urgency and impact of security events, you could ensure that your app delivers timely and relevant notifications to users who need to stay informed to protect their assets and operations.

Additionally, your analytical skills and knowledge of secure technology infrastructure would allow you to design a robust and reliable app. By incorporating advanced features like user customization, segmentation of news types, and predictive analytics, you could offer a superior product that meets the specific needs of IT professionals and companies. This venture could supplement your income and potentially grow into a full-time business, given the increasing importance of staying ahead in the ever-evolving landscape of IT risks.

23. Start a project management tool ($162K/month)

As an IT risk manager, you could leverage your deep understanding of risk mitigation and process optimization to develop a project management tool tailored to the unique needs of high-stakes projects. Your experience equips you with insights into the specific features that would be most valuable, such as robust risk tracking, compliance checklists, and advanced reporting capabilities.

Creating a project management tool with features like task lists, Gantt charts, time tracking, and resource planning could address the gaps you've identified in existing solutions. By offering this as a software-as-a-service (SaaS) subscription, you could generate a steady stream of income while helping other organizations enhance workflow efficiency and accountability.

Adding collaborative tools and comprehensive report generation would further ensure that your product meets the demands of modern teams, making it a sought-after solution. This side business has the potential to grow into a full-fledged venture, providing you with financial independence and the satisfaction of solving real-world problems based on your professional expertise.

How much you can make: $3,000 — $830,000/month

How long does it take to build: 178 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 productized service ($121K/month)

As an IT risk manager, you could leverage your expertise by starting a productized service that addresses specific aspects of IT risk management. For instance, you could offer standardized risk assessment packages or compliance audits, available at a flat fee. By breaking down your comprehensive risk management services into smaller, easily marketable components, you not only make your services more accessible to a broader client base but also create opportunities for recurring revenue.

This approach would allow you to build a steady stream of income by serving multiple clients with the same value proposition. Businesses are often willing to pay for reliable, consistent services that help mitigate risks and ensure compliance, providing them with a great return on investment. With your specialized knowledge, you could create a sought-after productized service that maximizes your professional skills while supplementing your income.

How much you can make: $200 — $1,750,000/month

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

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

How We Bootstrapped A Music Licensing Business to $2.5M/Year

EasySongLicensing.com grew from a mobile recording business to a bootstrapped music licensing agent, with a user base of over 60,000 clients and a gross profit of $2.5M in 2018, seeing a 30% increase in 2019, through investment in online marketing, customer service, and forming new partnerships.

Read by 17,365 founders

25. Start a SEO business ($105K/month)

If you're an IT risk manager looking to supplement your income or venture into a side business, starting an SEO business could be a lucrative option. Leveraging your analytical skills and strategic mindset, you could help businesses enhance their website’s visibility on search engines, improve organic traffic, and achieve better rankings.

The demand for SEO expertise is constant as companies strive to maintain their online presence and relevance. Setting your own hours and managing various clients would allow you the flexibility to balance this entrepreneurial pursuit alongside your full-time role. You could combine your knack for research with creativity to deliver valuable insights, leading to substantial online success for your clients.

How much you can make: $5,000 — $600,000/month

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

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

Quitting My Full Time Agency Job To Build My Own Software Product

OneSEO.io is an SEO marketing business that helps digital agencies and business owners increase website relevancy, generating over $50,000 in revenue with an average MRR of $15,000 through Facebook ads and email marketing, with a focus on providing value to leads and building trust.

Read by 14,660 founders

26. Start a baby equipment rental business

As an IT risk manager, you could leverage your organizational skills and attention to detail to successfully run a baby equipment rental business. This venture requires meticulous inventory management and robust customer data security, areas where your expertise could make a significant impact.

By applying your knowledge of risk assessment, you could develop streamlined processes for equipment sanitization, delivery logistics, and customer service, ensuring a reliable and reputable business. Additionally, your background in IT risk could help you implement cutting-edge software solutions for rental tracking and online booking, providing a seamless experience for your customers.

This side business could not only supplement your income but also allow you to apply your IT risk management skills in a new, entrepreneurial direction.

27. Start a niche newsletter ($38.1K/month)

As an IT risk manager, you could leverage your in-depth knowledge and industry insights by starting a niche newsletter focused on IT security risks and mitigation strategies. By curating and delivering timely, expert information on emerging threats, compliance updates, and best practices, you have the opportunity to establish yourself as a thought leader in a high-demand field.

Given your background, your audience would likely include IT professionals, business leaders, and compliance officers eager to stay ahead of potential security risks. This niche newsletter could not only supplement your income through subscriptions or sponsorships but also enhance your professional reputation and network.

While creating a successful newsletter requires consistent effort in research, writing, and marketing, the benefits of sharing your expertise with a targeted, engaged audience could provide both financial rewards and significant professional growth.

How much you can make: $400 — $250,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,055 (?)

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

How My Blog With Body-Safe Sex Toys Reviews Turned Into A $2K/Month Side Hustle

Sex blogger turns a free WordPress blog into a $2,000 a month part-time digital business by investing in education, self-hosting, and building relationships within the NSFW community.

Read by 18,395 founders

28. Start a craft granola business

As an IT risk manager, starting a craft granola business could provide you with a rewarding opportunity to diversify your income while tapping into the booming health food market. Craft granola appeals to health-conscious consumers and food enthusiasts by offering artisanal blends made from wholesome ingredients like nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and natural sweeteners. This venture allows you to leverage your analytical skills in developing a systematic approach to managing ingredient sourcing, production processes, and marketing.

You could differentiate your brand by experimenting with unique recipes tailored to niche markets, such as gluten-free, vegan, or low-sugar options. Your background in risk management will be invaluable in ensuring food safety protocols are met, as well as identifying and mitigating potential business risks. With your organizational skills and an entrepreneurial mindset, you could build a robust online presence and establish partnerships with local retailers and farmers' markets to drive sales.

How much you can make: $8,300/month

How I Started A $8.3K/Month Business Selling Craft Granola

This case study is about an entrepreneur named Ashley who started Birdseed Food Co., a craft granola brand that currently generates $8,300 in monthly revenue through retail markets, Amazon, and direct-to-consumer.

Read by 21,661 founders

meet the author
Pat Walls