24 Business Ideas For Network Engineers [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 24 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 a network engineer, you could leverage your existing technical expertise to start a data analysis service, offering businesses valuable insights from their data. Your proficiency in handling complex network data and understanding intricate systems positions you perfectly to help businesses optimize their operations, improve marketing campaigns, and make data-driven decisions. This endeavor could not only supplement your income but also allow you to build a profitable side business.
Given the high demand for skilled data analysts, you could find numerous opportunities to work with both startups and established enterprises. By effectively communicating your findings, you ensure that clients can utilize the insights to make impactful decisions, making the service highly valuable. With the potential for significant earnings, a data analysis service would allow you to capitalize on your analytical skills and technical background in a lucrative and rewarding way.
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 (?)
Founder of PropertyData creates a subscription website for UK property investors and developers that is now making $128,000 per month in recurring revenue.
2. Start a data mining and analytics tools business ($237K/month)
As a network engineer, you could leverage your technical expertise to start a data mining and analytics tools business. By developing software that extracts, processes, and analyzes vast amounts of data, you could turn raw data into actionable insights, aiding industries like finance, healthcare, and retail in making data-driven decisions. Your understanding of programming, statistics, and machine learning will be crucial in creating effective and innovative tools.
The increasing demand for data-driven decision-making presents a lucrative opportunity. Imagine providing businesses with the intelligence they need to make better strategic decisions, thus pioneering their success and driving industry transformations. Combining your technical skills with a deep understanding of market needs, this entrepreneurial endeavor could be both challenging and highly rewarding.
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 (?)
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.
3. Start a tech company ($654K/month)
Starting a tech company as a network engineer could be an exciting and potentially lucrative opportunity. Given your specialized skills, you could address niche markets requiring robust network solutions, cybersecurity services, or cloud infrastructure management. The global tech market size is expected to grow from $8,384B in 2021 to $9,326B in 2022, indicating ample room for new, innovative businesses.
However, it's important to recognize that this won't be an easy street. You'll need to consider critical factors like the capital investment required, a solid business plan, and essential equipment to launch your startup successfully. Despite the challenges, your expertise in maintaining and optimizing network systems could be a significant advantage in building a reputable tech business.
How much you can make: $110 — $8,500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 95 days (?)
Co-founder of Madwire JB Kellogg grew his business from just the two of them in a tiny office to over 500 employees and $100 million in annual revenue in under 10 years, by focusing on exceptional customer service and a multi-channel inbound strategy.
4. Become a street performer
As a network engineer, you could leverage your technical skills to create a unique street performance that captures the interest of tech-savvy audiences. For instance, you might develop an interactive light show or a robotic act powered by intricate network configurations and real-time data processing. These performances could engage audiences in popular tech hubs or events, providing both entertainment and education on the marvels of network technology.
Additionally, your strong analytical and problem-solving skills would be invaluable in ensuring your street performance runs smoothly, troubleshooting any technical issues swiftly. By merging your technical expertise with creativity, you could not only supplement your income but also build a niche reputation, attracting sponsorships or collaboration opportunities from tech companies impressed with your innovative showcases.
5. Start a technology consulting business ($137K/month)
Starting a technology consulting business could be a lucrative opportunity for a network engineer looking to supplement their income or transition into entrepreneurship. As a network engineer, your deep understanding of IT infrastructure, network design, and cybersecurity can be invaluable to businesses, particularly startups, that are trying to navigate the complex world of technology without a strong IT background.
You could leverage your skills to offer specialized services, such as optimizing network performance, enhancing security protocols, and implementing the latest technologies to drive business growth. By positioning yourself as a technology consultant, you could provide essential advisory services that help organizations harness technology to solve critical challenges, stimulate innovation, and ultimately achieve their corporate goals.
This venture could start as a side business, allowing you to keep your current job while building a client base. Over time, as demand for your consulting services grows, it could transition into a full-time endeavor, offering you the entrepreneurial freedom and financial rewards that come with owning a successful business.
How much you can make: $150 — $1,200,000/month
How long does it take to build: 100 days (?)
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.
6. Start a freelancer platform ($391K/month)
As a network engineer, you could leverage your deep understanding of network systems to create a specialized freelancer platform tailored for IT and network services. Given your expertise, you could design a marketplace that connects businesses needing networking solutions with skilled freelancers who can provide those services. This niche focus could set your platform apart by ensuring high-quality, industry-specific matches that both freelancers and companies can rely on.
The growing freelance market, expected to hit $6.7 billion by 2025, shows the increasing trend of professionals seeking flexible and remote work opportunities. By starting a platform that caters specifically to network engineering needs, you could tap into this booming market while supplementing your income and possibly transitioning to a full-time entrepreneurial role. This approach not only allows you to utilize your technical skills but also positions you as a key player in the continually evolving freelance economy.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $5,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $6,100 (?)
How long does it take to build: 100 days (?)
CloudDevs, a tech talent platform that sources and vets freelance tech talent and matches them with companies, has achieved $1 million in GMV in its first year, plans to achieve 100% growth year on year, and focuses on customer loyalty through its Net Promoter Score metric.
7. Start a CRM business ($339K/month)
As a network engineer, leveraging your technical expertise to start a CRM business could be a lucrative endeavor. With the CRM market projected to grow to $50 billion, there is a significant opportunity to address the needs of businesses seeking to better manage their customer relationships and sales pipelines. Your background in network infrastructure could give you an edge in creating or customizing CRM solutions that are both secure and highly efficient.
By developing CRM systems that integrate seamlessly with various network environments, you could offer specialized services that cater to organizations looking for robust and scalable options. Additionally, your ability to monitor network performance could translate into creating CRMs that provide real-time analytics and insightful business intelligence reports. This could not only supplement your income but potentially become a full-scale business as the demand for sophisticated CRM solutions continues to rise.
How much you can make: $5,000 — $2,100,000/month
How long does it take to build: 105 days (?)
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.
8. Become a music tutor ($50K/month)
If you're a network engineer with a passion for music, you could explore beginning a side business as a music tutor. This venture allows you to leverage your technical expertise to offer online music lessons, providing a modern twist to traditional music tutoring. You might find opportunities by connecting with students through community events, online platforms, or local music clubs.
Setting your rates and advertising your services within your local community or online can attract a steady stream of students, allowing you to supplement your income. By sharing your musical knowledge, you could turn your passion into a profitable side business, all while maintaining your primary career in network engineering.
How much you can make: $30,000 — $70,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,035 (?)
How long does it take to build: 160 days (?)
Piano In 21 Days built a low pressure and flexible online piano course, bringing in 5 figures every month while allowing the founder to spend time on other interests and family while its profitable business runs itself.
9. Start a cloud management software ($129K/month)
As a network engineer, starting a cloud management software business could allow you to leverage your technical expertise in a highly relevant and growing field. This venture would involve developing software that helps companies manage their cloud resources more effectively—overseeing tasks such as data storage optimization and security compliance.
Given your background, you're already familiar with the intricacies of network infrastructure, making it simpler for you to design robust backend systems and user-friendly interfaces. The market for cloud management tools spans numerous industries, from healthcare to finance, offering a broad customer base eager for efficient solutions. If you're motivated by the chance to solve complex technical problems and interested in software development, this could be a highly rewarding entrepreneurial path.
How much you can make: $25,000 — $330,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
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.
10. Start a lead generation service ($287K/month)
As a network engineer, you could leverage your technical skills and analytical mindset to start a lead generation service. Your expertise in understanding data flow and network management positions you well for creating effective strategies and tools to identify and attract potential customers for various businesses.
With the rise of digital marketing, effective lead generation has become crucial for companies looking to stay competitive. You could use your background in data analysis to develop campaigns and systems that capture high-quality leads, offering tremendous value to businesses. This entrepreneurial venture not only supplements your income but also allows you to directly influence the growth and success of your clients.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $1,600,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Stackmatix achieved $20k MRR in under two years by providing integrated digital marketing solutions for businesses, from start-ups to Enterprises, with a holistic, consultative approach, and currently they're pacing towards their goal of $50k MRR in another six to twelve months.
11. Start a cooking class
As a network engineer with an entrepreneurial mindset, you could supplement your income or start a side business by launching online cooking classes. Given your technical background, you could seamlessly incorporate live streaming and video editing skills to create polished, engaging content for your audience. Moreover, your expertise in network infrastructure could ensure your online classes run smoothly, providing a professional and reliable experience for your students.
You could even build a unique cooking community by offering members-only content, selling exclusive recipes, and growing your reach through free content on social media. This venture allows you to leverage your analytical skills to fine-tune marketing strategies and select the best platforms for maximum engagement. By combining your passion for cooking with your tech-savvy expertise, you could turn this hobby into a profitable side business or even a full-fledged venture.
How much you can make: $100,000/month
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Hipcooks is a 7-location cooking school business that has grown organically to reach $100k/month in revenue, and attracts and retains customers through their communal approach, vibrant online presence, and updated Google and Yelp business pages.
12. Start a personal development blog ($24.2K/month)
As a network engineer, starting a personal development blog could be an excellent way to share your expertise while supplementing your income. You could leverage your knowledge to teach readers about the skills needed to advance in the tech industry, offering insights on certifications, network management techniques, and career development strategies.
Focusing on topics like improving technical abilities, optimizing personal productivity, and financial tips for IT professionals could attract a dedicated audience. By marketing your blog on social media and consistently posting engaging and planned content, you could not only build a loyal readership but also create opportunities for monetization through ads, sponsored posts, and eBooks.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $120,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $425 (?)
How long does it take to build: 18 days (?)
Katie Emery founded KatieGoesPlatinum.com, a website advising women on how to transition from dyed hair to their natural gray hair, which earns an average of $6,000 per month in revenue through affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, and advertisements.
13. Start a clothing line ($1.98M/month)
As a network engineer, you could leverage your problem-solving skills and technical acumen to create a unique clothing line that speaks to your professional community or a broader tech-savvy audience. Starting a niche brand that caters to the interests and aesthetics of engineers and technology enthusiasts not only aligns with your expertise but also fills a market gap, given the millions of fashion and clothing brands out there.
The initial costs to get started are relatively minimal, allowing you to experiment with designs and marketing strategies without significant financial risk. You could start by creating t-shirts, hoodies, or accessories featuring clever tech-themed graphics or slogans that resonate with your peers. This kind of side business allows you to stay connected to your passion for technology while exploring your entrepreneurial interests and supplementing your income.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $25,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,434 (?)
How long does it take to build: 165 days (?)
Founder Kyle Bergman turned a personal problem into a viral apparel brand, generating over $300k in sales within 18 months through Amazon and his own website, and raising $108k through a Kickstarter and Indiegogo campaign.
14. Start a campervan transformation service
As a network engineer with an entrepreneurial mindset, you could leverage your technical skills and passion for problem-solving by starting a campervan transformation service. This venture aligns with your proficiency in electrical work and project management, crucial for converting standard vans into customized, functional mobile homes. Your ability to understand and cater to unique customer needs would be highly beneficial in creating durable, stylish campervans that offer freedom and flexibility in travel.
With the growing demand for personalized travel experiences, you could tap into a market that values both innovation and craftsmanship. The joy of helping others realize their dream of exploring the world on their terms can be a fulfilling extension of your skillset. Investing in this business could be your next adventure, combining your technical expertise with hands-on, creative problem-solving.
How much you can make: $220,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Bryan+Jen Danger broke away from the 9-5 to create ZENVANZ, where they create campervan conversions, and their bootstrapped business now makes $8k a month with no marketing costs.
15. Start a surveying and mapping technician business
As a network engineer, you could leverage your technical skills and precision in a surveying and mapping technician business, which often requires meticulous data collection and analysis. Your experience with complex network topologies and spatial data can be directly applied to the accurate mapping of land, utilities, and infrastructure projects. This entrepreneurial endeavor could enable you to diversify your income while utilizing your existing expertise in a new and innovative way.
Additionally, offering surveying and mapping services could open up opportunities for collaborations with construction firms, urban planners, and telecommunication companies—all industries that greatly benefit from precise data mapping. The blend of your technical skills and a growing demand for detailed geographic data could make this a lucrative side business or even a full-time venture.
16. Start a chimney company
As a network engineer, starting a chimney company may seem like a surprising pivot, but it could provide a unique opportunity to supplement your income and expand your skill set. You could leverage your detail-oriented nature and problem-solving abilities in offering crucial services such as chimney cleaning, safety inspections, and repairs. The technical knowledge you possess as an engineer would translate well into understanding the intricacies of chimney systems and ensuring they are both efficient and safe.
Additionally, many homeowners are unaware of the potential fire hazards associated with neglected chimneys, and your new business could provide them with peace of mind. By obtaining the necessary training and certifications, you could confidently market your services to your community, drawing on your reputation for reliability and safety. Embracing this entrepreneurial venture could not only diversify your income but also allow you to apply your analytical skills to a new, physically engaging field.
How much you can make: $21,000/month
Patriot Chimney, a Virginia-based chimney repair company founded by three friends, generated over $212,000 in its first year of operation, using a mix of digital and in-person marketing and customer retention strategies, and plans to expand its business and customer base with new initiatives including an online store and non-profit organization.
17. Create a social media scheduling tool ($119K/month)
As a network engineer, you could leverage your technical skills to create a robust and efficient social media scheduling tool. This online app would allow users to schedule their social media posts in advance, ensuring consistent content delivery without the need for constant manual updates.
The high demand for such tools among businesses makes this a lucrative market to explore. Your expertise in network infrastructure and system optimization could help you develop a scalable and reliable platform, setting your tool apart from existing competitors. This venture could start as a side business and potentially grow into a full-fledged enterprise, supplementing your income while tapping into the ever-expanding digital marketing space.
How much you can make: $1,500 — $333,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 20 days (?)
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.
18. Start a wordpress developer business ($59.3K/month)
If you're a network engineer looking to diversify your income, starting a WordPress developer business could be an excellent opportunity. Utilizing your understanding of web infrastructure and connectivity, you could offer comprehensive solutions to businesses seeking to build or improve their online presence. With WordPress powering over a third of all websites globally, the demand for skilled developers is substantial.
As a WordPress developer, you could design and develop user-friendly, responsive websites that range from e-commerce sites to company blogs, catering to diverse client needs. This venture is not just about coding; it's about creating a seamless online experience that drives business goals. The flexibility of this business model allows you to operate it as a side hustle or even scale it into a full-time endeavor, all managed remotely.
How much you can make: $2,350 — $210,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $600 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
ThriveWP, a WordPress Maintenance Service based in the UK, shares how they started a $3.5k a month business providing website management, maintenance, hosting, and support services to various customers, with a focus on customer-centric service and a non-jargon approach.
19. Start an ATM machines installation business
As a network engineer, you could leverage your technical skills and industry knowledge to start an ATM machines installation business. This venture involves not only installing ATM machines but also ensuring they are networked correctly for secure transactions, an area where your expertise is highly valuable. Your understanding of networking protocols, security measures, and system integrations would give you an edge in this field, allowing you to offer seamless and reliable services.
Furthermore, the business could be an excellent supplementary income source, as it requires relatively low overhead costs and offers recurring revenue through transaction fees and maintenance contracts. With the growing demand for ATMs in various locations, from retail establishments to event venues, you could tap into a lucrative market with diverse opportunities. By starting this side business, you could utilize your technical background to build a sustainable and profitable venture.
20. Start a video production company ($156K/month)
As a network engineer, you could leverage your technical expertise to start a video production company, capitalizing on your understanding of high-quality streaming and data management. With your background, you would already possess a keen awareness of the importance of robust infrastructure, which is crucial for ensuring flawless video production and delivery. This technical edge could help you offer superior video solutions, such as seamless online ads, product showcases, and corporate videos for various clients.
Your experience in managing networks and ensuring reliable performance translates well into creating a solid backbone for video production. By implementing advanced networking practices, you could ensure that your video production company delivers content that is not only high quality but also reliably accessible and stored efficiently. This venture could both supplement your income and offer a lucrative transition into a creative and in-demand field.
How much you can make: $10,000 — $1,500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 72 days (?)
Lemonlight CEO, Hope Horner, co-founded an on-demand video production company that has produced over 7,000 videos for more than 3,000 brands, generating over $6 million in sales and growing to a 45-person team, all without taking any outside capital and being recognized in Inc 5000 and Entrepreneur 360 for three years in a row.
21. Start a travel guide website ($14.2K/month)
As a network engineer, your technical expertise and familiarity with online infrastructure uniquely position you to build and maintain a travel guide website that stands out. By leveraging your skills in network setup and security, you could ensure that your site is fast, reliable, and secure for users, which are crucial elements for attracting and retaining visitors. Your familiarity with new technologies also means you could easily optimize your website for mobile devices, ensuring a seamless experience for travelers on the go.
Additionally, your analytical skills would enable you to effectively implement advanced SEO strategies and online marketing campaigns, driving traffic to your website. With a travel guide website, you could cover various travel modes, like air, bus, or train, or even specialize in a specific niche such as train travel in Europe or adventure tourism in Kenya. By providing up-to-date and detailed travel information, you create a valuable resource for travelers, while supplementing your income or potentially transitioning into a full-time entrepreneurial venture.
How much you can make: $50 — $30,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $8,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
TravelMamas.com founder Colleen Lanin shares how she turned a family travel blog into a business that generates $15K in monthly revenue through ad network sales, affiliate sales, sponsored posts, book sales, public speaking appearances, and media campaigns.
22. Start a security expo/trade fair organizers business
As a network engineer, you could leverage your deep industry knowledge and connections to start a security expo or trade fair organizer business. With cybersecurity becoming increasingly critical, companies and professionals are eager to stay updated on the latest trends, technologies, and solutions. Your expertise would allow you to curate relevant topics, attract top-tier speakers, and provide valuable networking opportunities for attendees.
Additionally, your technical background would enable you to ensure all technological aspects of the event run smoothly, from secure Wi-Fi networks to sophisticated live demos. This side business could not only supplement your income but also solidify your standing as a thought leader in the network security space. Plus, organizing these events would expand your professional network, opening even more opportunities for collaboration and growth.
23. Start a paracord halter and lead making business
As a network engineer with an entrepreneurial spirit, starting a paracord halter and lead making business could be an exciting side venture. Utilizing your meticulous attention to detail and problem-solving skills, you could create custom, high-quality products for horse enthusiasts, dog owners, or outdoor adventurers. This niche market appreciates handcrafted items, and your technical background ensures precision in every design.
Moreover, with your knowledge of networking, you could efficiently market your products online, reach a broader audience through social media, and set up an effective e-commerce platform. By leveraging your existing skills and a bit of creativity, you could build a profitable side business that complements your primary career.
24. Start an app for music producers ($23.4K/month)
If you’re a network engineer with an entrepreneurial mindset, developing an app for music producers could be an exciting and profitable side business or even a main venture. Leveraging your technical skills, you could build a platform that offers features like beat-making tools, sound libraries, and collaborative workspaces. This type of app would enable music producers to easily share projects, get instant feedback, and even monetize their beats, addressing their need for streamlined and efficient creative processes.
In the constantly evolving music industry, there's a growing demand for innovative solutions that enhance creativity. Your background in network engineering means you already have familiarity with software development and infrastructure, crucial components for developing a robust and scalable app. By collaborating with both developers and music industry professionals, you could create an indispensable tool that merges technology and creativity, thereby striking a perfect chord in the market.
How much you can make: $200 — $69,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 175 days (?)
Musicspace.io is a music catalog management platform that has attracted 100 users in under two months entirely bootstrapped, with plans to handle independent and non-independent artists of all sizes, while offering additional features such as a Milestones product for users to track their achievements, goals, and milestones.
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
