22 Business Ideas For Systems 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 22 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 tech talent platform ($852K/month)
As a systems engineer, starting a tech talent platform could allow you to leverage your deep understanding of technology and project management to create a streamlined, efficient way to match tech specialists with companies in need. Drawing on your own experiences, you could develop a platform that addresses common pain points like mismatched skill sets and inefficient recruitment processes, making it highly valuable for both tech professionals and hiring managers.
Additionally, your technical skills could enable you to build a robust, scalable platform that integrates advanced algorithms and data analytics to improve match accuracy and system reliability. This entrepreneurial venture could also supplement your income or evolve into a full-fledged business, as the demand for specialized tech talent continues to grow in various industries.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $5,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 133 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.
2. Start an ai platform ($402K/month)
Starting an AI platform could be a lucrative opportunity for systems engineers looking to diversify their income streams or launch a side business. By leveraging your technical expertise, you could create tools and frameworks that enable companies to seamlessly integrate artificial intelligence into their operations. This would eliminate the need for these companies to hire specialized AI teams, providing them with ready-made solutions for data analysis, machine learning models, and automation.
Given the skyrocketing demand for AI, many organizations are eager to adopt these technologies but lack the necessary expertise. Your AI platform could empower them to optimize processes, make informed decisions, and significantly boost productivity. With a strong foundation in AI and software development, the rewards in terms of business growth and market impact could be substantial.
How much you can make: $5,000 — $3,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)
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.
3. Start a no code platform ($308K/month)
As a systems engineer, you could leverage your technical know-how to supplement your income or kickstart a side hustle through a no-code platform. These platforms enable you to create software applications, websites, or data analysis tools using intuitive graphical interfaces rather than complex coding. You could use your expertise to identify inefficiencies in existing systems and rapidly develop custom solutions, adding significant value.
Additionally, no-code platforms mean faster development cycles, potentially allowing you to launch multiple projects simultaneously. This flexibility can open up various revenue streams, such as subscription models, one-time fees, or even offering customized app development services. The low-entry barrier and reduced costs make it a viable and attractive business venture where you can turn your innovative ideas into market-ready products quickly and affordably.
How much you can make: $3,000 — $3,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $749 (?)
How long does it take to build: 85 days (?)
Codemap.io is a freelance & agency marketplace for no-code, low-code, and automation, enabling anyone to hire no-code experts to build their products, MVPs, and apps up to 10x cheaper and faster than with traditional development, with 900+ clients, close to $2,000,000 in created projects, and 110+ hires made, all achieved in less than 6 months.
4. Start a social media marketing agency ($116K/month)
As a systems engineer with a strong analytical mindset, starting a social media marketing agency could be a lucrative way to supplement your income or even establish a new business venture. You could leverage your problem-solving skills and technical expertise to automate and optimize social media marketing campaigns efficiently. By developing a robust social media marketing strategy, you could serve customers effectively without committing a massive amount of your time, making it feasible to manage alongside your current career.
Additionally, your ability to understand complex systems and processes would be invaluable in building a comprehensive agency portfolio to attract target clients. Whether you aim to clear utility bills, finance education, or save for a vacation, your technical background could give you a significant advantage in the burgeoning field of digital marketing. This entrepreneurial venture not only offers the possibility of financial growth but also taps into your existing skill set, making it a sensible and exciting opportunity for systems engineers.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $4,166,667/month
How much does it cost to start: $7,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 30 hours/week
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.
5. Start an ecommerce marketing agency ($463K/month)
As a systems engineer, starting an eCommerce marketing agency could be a seamless and rewarding venture. Your technical background provides a solid foundation for understanding the digital tools and platforms that drive successful online businesses. By leveraging your skills in systems optimization, data analysis, and project management, you could offer tailored solutions to online sellers who struggle to keep up with the ever-evolving eCommerce landscape.
The current market presents a high demand for eCommerce agencies as brands seek experts to help them balance production, launch creative services, and grow their online presence. By starting your own agency, you could focus on educating yourself on the latest trends and building digital marketing skills, ultimately providing valuable services such as search engine optimization, social media management, and online advertising. Whether you choose to specialize in a particular niche or offer comprehensive end-to-end solutions, your agency could fill a critical gap for online sellers looking to stay competitive without the burden of hiring full-time staff.
Entering the eCommerce space as an entrepreneur allows you not only to supplement your income but also to create a scalable and dynamic business. Embrace the opportunities to innovate and adapt, and you could find substantial success in helping online brands achieve their business goals.
How much you can make: $7,500 — $8,300,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Iman Gadzhi made over $1.2M in profit within two years with his social media marketing agency and education company, where he teaches entrepreneurs how to start and scale a profitable SMMA, with over 45 of his students making over six figures with their SMMA, and over 300 students having quit their regular jobs.
6. Start an ecommerce platform ($202K/month)
As a systems engineer, starting an ecommerce platform could leverage your expertise in system design, integration, and automation to create a streamlined and efficient online store. Given that over 2 billion people prefer shopping online, you could tap into this vast market by offering unique, high-demand products, or even creating a niche store that caters to a specific audience.
Your skills could be particularly beneficial in optimizing the backend processes, ensuring the platform runs smoothly, and providing a seamless user experience. Furthermore, with the increasing adoption of ecommerce due to its speed and convenience, building such a platform could position you at the forefront of a growing industry, capable of scaling and adapting quickly.
By using your analytical abilities to monitor trends and customer behaviors, you could continuously improve your offerings, driving sales and customer satisfaction. This entrepreneurial endeavor not only supplements your income but also opens up the possibility of turning your side project into a full-fledged business.
How much you can make: $100 — $2,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)
A 3D CAD designer and product inventor who started as a side hustle and averaged $9,000 a month in revenue, shares his insights on the ups and downs of owning a service-based business alongside an eCommerce store, as well as lessons learned in customer acquisition and in generating multiple streams of passive income.
7. Start a CRM app business ($135K/month)
As a systems engineer, you could leverage your analytical skills and technical expertise to start a CRM app business, addressing the vital need for effective customer relationship management. By developing a CRM app, you would enable businesses to streamline their communications, track leads, and nurture customer relationships from one central platform. This aligns perfectly with your capability to design efficient and integrated systems.
With the increasing importance of personalized customer experience, your CRM app could become an indispensable tool for businesses aiming to boost sales and improve customer satisfaction. The process involves defining core features, collaborating with skilled developers, and implementing strategic marketing to capture your target market. Although it's a labor-intensive venture, the potential financial payoff and personal satisfaction from seeing businesses thrive with your product are substantial.
In diving into the CRM app market, you'll tap into a growing industry where technology meets customer relationship management. This venture not only supplements your income but also places you at the forefront of an innovation-driven, high-demand market.
How much you can make: $5,000 — $375,000/month
How long does it take to build: 90 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. Offer a turnkey office space
As a systems engineer, turning to a turnkey office space business could be a strategic move to supplement your income. You could leverage your project management skills and attention to detail to ensure the office space is maintained to high standards, providing businesses with seamless and fully-equipped working environments.
Your technical expertise would allow you to procure and set up high-speed Internet, secure networks, and other tech-related amenities, making the space highly attractive for tech startups and remote workers. This venture could appeal to solo entrepreneurs and small businesses aiming to avoid long-term leases and substantial upfront costs by offering them flexible, ready-to-use office solutions.
In today's evolving work landscape, the demand for flexible and remote work setups is increasing, providing a lucrative opportunity for high returns on your initial investment. This business model not only diversifies your income but also allows you to stay connected to the tech world, combining real estate management with a customer-centric approach.
How much you can make: $14,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
This case study is about Mike Gardener, the founder of The Office Providers, an online office space and workspace search platform that generates approximately $14k per month in revenue and helps businesses find flexible workspaces on short-term contracts.
9. Start a saas company ($296K/month)
As a systems engineer, starting a SaaS company could be an excellent way to supplement your income or even transform your side hustle into a full-fledged business. Leveraging your strong technical skills, you could develop a high-quality software product that addresses specific industry needs, such as advanced project management tools, automation engines, or workflow designers. Given the subscription-based revenue model, SaaS products can generate consistent and scalable income.
With the ever-increasing demand for cloud-based solutions, your initiative could quickly find a market niche, offering businesses a cost-effective way to streamline their operations. Companies like Salesforce have proven the potential and profitability of this business model, and with your expertise, you could replicate that success on a smaller scale. By understanding the SaaS business model and effectively marketing your product, you could create a sustainable and lucrative venture.
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
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.
10. Start an ecommerce plugin ($23.4K/month)
As a systems engineer, leveraging your technical skills to develop an e-commerce plugin could open a new revenue stream and provide an exciting entrepreneurial opportunity. With your expertise in developing and managing complex systems, you would be well-equipped to create efficient and reliable plugins that enhance online shopping experiences. Your ability to understand and integrate with various e-commerce platforms could help you design features such as shopping carts, payment gateways, or product catalogs that are critical for online businesses.
Considering the growing demand for e-commerce solutions, creating plugins that help businesses automate and improve their processes could be highly lucrative. By offering customizable and scalable plugins that address specific pain points, you could not only supplement your income but potentially build a thriving side business or even a full-scale enterprise. This venture would allow you to apply your engineering skills in a new context, providing both financial rewards and professional satisfaction.
How much you can make: $117 — $54,999/month
How much does it cost to start: $6,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
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.
11. Start a micro saas ($83.3K/month)
As a systems engineer, starting a micro-SaaS business could be a highly relevant and rewarding venture. Leveraging your expertise in systems architecture and problem-solving, you could create a targeted software solution addressing specific pain points within niche markets. Your ability to deeply understand and anticipate the technical challenges faced by your potential customers would enable you to deliver highly customized, efficient solutions that stand out in a sea of generic, broad-based software offerings.
Additionally, your analytical skills and systematic approach would be invaluable in gathering and prioritizing customer feedback, ensuring continuous improvement and refinement of your product. By doing so, you would not only address unique problems with precision but also build a strong, loyal customer base, fostering long-term business success. This entrepreneurial path allows you to utilize and monetize your existing talents while potentially supplementing your income or even transitioning to a full-time business owner.
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 (?)
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.
12. Start a wordpress maintenance services ($24.3K/month)
As a systems engineer, starting a WordPress maintenance service could be a logical extension of your technical expertise. This opportunity leverages your existing skills in managing, updating, and optimizing complex systems to ensure seamless operation, akin to maintaining the backend of diverse WordPress websites.
With many website owners lacking the time or know-how to handle the intricacies of WordPress, your technical acumen would be invaluable in managing security updates, plugin and theme management, speed optimization, backups, and troubleshooting. This business model offers the allure of combining your technical savvy with the potential for recurring revenue through monthly service plans, ensuring a steady stream of income.
Moreover, it's highly scalable. As you build your client base, you could expand by hiring specialists or incorporating automation tools to handle increased workload efficiently. If you're interested in tech and enjoy problem-solving, WordPress maintenance services could offer a satisfying and profitable entrepreneurial venture with minimal need for developing new platforms—just maintain and enhance existing ones, providing peace of mind to your clients.
How much you can make: $600 — $100,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $550 (?)
How long does it take to build: 22 days (?)
Work Hero is a WordPress support and maintenance service that went from working with one website in December 2019 to 13 recurring customer sites today, earning ~$1470/month with most customers paying an unlimited fee of $149/month.
13. Become a sports dietitian
As a systems engineer, your analytical skills and structured approach to solving complex problems could translate well into the world of sports nutrition. By starting a side business as a sports dietitian, you could leverage your expertise in data analysis to create personalized, evidence-based nutrition plans for competitive athletes. Your ability to work collaboratively within systems could help you effectively partner with local sports teams, ensuring you can integrate seamlessly into their structures and enhance the athletes' performance.
Furthermore, your experience in project management and process optimization could be invaluable when it comes to scaling your business. By systematically refining your services and developing efficient protocols, you could gradually expand your client base and establish a reputation within athletic organizations. This venture could not only supplement your income but also provide a challenging yet rewarding extension of your engineering career.
How much you can make: $80,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
NutritionHQ is a successful franchise offering expert nutrition coaching, customized supplement plans, and the best health & wellness products, generating over $80k per month, set to expand massively to hit their 2030 goal of 100 locations with the system generating over $10 million in revenue.
14. Start a tanning salon business
As a systems engineer, your analytical and problem-solving skills could give you a substantial edge in starting a tanning salon business. You could utilize your expertise to optimize the salon’s operations, ensuring efficient use of resources and maximizing client satisfaction. For instance, you could integrate advanced booking systems, IoT devices for equipment monitoring, and data analytics to track customer preferences and peak hours.
By strategically locating your salon within gyms, spas, hotels, or sports facilities, you can tap into an affluent client base looking to enhance their appearance, mood, and vitamin levels. This not only helps in consistently drawing in customers but also increases profitability.
This venture could serve as a lucrative supplement to your existing income, or evolve into a thriving full-time business, thanks to its potential for high profitability and steady demand. Your ability to streamline processes and implement innovative technologies could significantly differentiate your tanning salon from competitors.
15. Start a drone leasing business
Starting a drone leasing business could be an excellent opportunity for a systems engineer looking to diversify their income streams. Leveraging your technical background, you could effectively manage drone fleets, ensuring optimal performance and maintenance schedules. The burgeoning drone market, expected to reach over $16 billion in the next few years with a 14.7% CAGR, presents a highly profitable avenue.
Your expertise in systems engineering could allow you to develop efficient systems for managing reservations, tracking drone usage, and conducting routine inspections, all of which are crucial for maintaining a reliable leasing service. This side business could also enable you to network within multiple industries, from agriculture to real estate, enhancing your entrepreneurial skills while you continue your primary career.
16. Start a podcast business ($14.5K/month)
Starting a podcast business could make perfect sense as a systems engineer. You could leverage your technical expertise to create engaging content on topics such as emerging technologies, system optimization, and project management, attracting a niche audience interested in these fields.
With your strong problem-solving skills and analytical mindset, you could plan and produce high-quality episodes that resonate with listeners. Moreover, the flexibility and low barrier to entry make podcasting a feasible side hustle, allowing you to supplement your income while sharing your knowledge and passion.
By consistently delivering valuable content and optimizing your marketing efforts, you could build a loyal listener base and attract advertisers. Combining technical insights with creativity, a podcast could eventually evolve into a profitable business, enhancing your career as a systems engineer.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $25,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Ramen Club is a founder community that aims to help solopreneurs succeed, enjoy their journey, and feel less lonely; it currently has over 100 members and $3,800 MRR with 35% MoM revenue growth between April and May 2022.
17. Start a legal consulting business ($208K/month)
As a systems engineer, you could leverage your analytical skills and methodical approach to start a legal consulting business. Your expertise in system design and problem-solving could offer valuable insights to corporations, startups, or individuals navigating complex legal landscapes. With the legal industry experiencing significant growth, your technical background could set you apart, providing an edge in understanding and solving intricate legal issues.
Starting such a venture might require significant writing work to establish the business, from drafting contracts to creating comprehensive legal reports for clients. Building a robust online presence through high-quality content would be essential for attracting and retaining clients. By marketing your unique blend of engineering and legal expertise, you could create a rewarding side business or even transition entirely into this lucrative field.
How much you can make: $15,000 — $750,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,750 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
This husband and wife duo started a wedding consultancy agency, 'Getting Married in Denmark', which has gone from doing 5-10 weddings a month to 80-100 weddings a month in just 4 years, massively growing their revenue.
18. Start a market research tech company
As a systems engineer, you could leverage your skills in data analysis, systems integration, and technology development to start a market research tech company. Your expertise in creating efficient, scalable systems would be invaluable in developing sophisticated market research tools that can collect, analyze, and present data effectively. This would allow companies to gain deeper insights into customer behavior, market trends, and competitive dynamics.
You could create software solutions that automate data gathering from various sources, apply advanced analytics, and generate actionable reports for businesses. Offering customizable dashboards and robust data visualization tools would set your services apart, making it easier for clients to make informed decisions. This venture could serve as a lucrative side business or even evolve into a full-time enterprise, leveraging your technical background to meet the growing demand for data-driven market insights.
19. Become a home baby proofing consultant
As a systems engineer, your expertise in identifying risks, optimizing processes, and implementing solutions makes you uniquely qualified to start a home baby proofing consultancy. You could leverage your analytical skills to conduct thorough assessments of home environments, identifying potential hazards and recommending tailored safety solutions. This process-oriented approach ensures a high level of safety and efficiency that parents will greatly value.
Additionally, your ability to manage projects and coordinate with various stakeholders could streamline the baby proofing process, from initial consultation to final implementation. This hands-on, problem-solving work also offers a satisfying way to diversify your income while applying your engineering skills to a new, in-demand market.
20. Start a cost monitoring business
As a systems engineer, you could leverage your expertise in process optimization and data analysis to start a cost monitoring business. Your precise skill set in identifying inefficiencies and implementing technical solutions could help businesses streamline their operations and reduce costs. By offering services such as real-time cost tracking, automated expense reporting, and detailed financial analytics, you could provide value to clients looking to improve their financial performance.
Additionally, with your background, you could develop custom software tools tailored to specific industries or client needs, further enhancing your service offerings. This type of business could be operated on a part-time basis initially and scaled up as demand increases, making it an excellent side hustle or potential full-time venture. With the increasing focus on cost-efficiency in business operations, your services would likely be in high demand, creating a viable path for entrepreneurial growth.
21. Start a keto meal business
As a systems engineer, you could leverage your analytical and organizational skills to start a keto meal business. By applying your expertise in systems thinking and process optimization, you could design an efficient meal production system that minimizes costs and maximizes output. This could involve automating meal preparation and delivery logistics to ensure a seamless operation.
Furthermore, your ability to manage complex projects and multitask could help you handle the intricacies of sourcing high-quality ingredients, adhering to strict dietary standards, and meeting customer expectations. With the growing demand for keto-friendly options, a well-structured, data-driven approach to meal planning could set your business apart in the competitive food service industry, offering a lucrative side hustle or even a full-fledged entrepreneurial venture.
22. Start an educational blog ($63K/month)
As a systems engineer, starting an educational blog could allow you to share your expertise and passion for complex systems and problem-solving with a broader audience. By focusing on topics such as systems design, integration techniques, or project management, you could provide valuable insights that other engineers, students, and tech enthusiasts would find beneficial. This could be an excellent way to supplement your income, especially if you monetize your blog through affiliate marketing or selling digital products like e-books and online courses.
Creating your blog on a budget is very feasible—choose free platforms like WordPress for written content or YouTube for video tutorials. Consistently delivering high-quality content and promoting it on social media and through SEO techniques could not only drive traffic but also establish you as a thought leader in your field. The key is to provide genuine value to your readers, which could eventually turn your blog into a lucrative side business or even a full-time entrepreneurial venture.
How much you can make: $50 — $830,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $170 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
A one-man business teaching people how to use Microsoft Excel effectively has gone from getting ~15k pageviews a month in 2014, to more than one million pageviews every month as of today, generating an average monthly revenue of ~$10,000, with the majority of the money coming from online course sales and a newsletter, which has 40k+ active subscribers.
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.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
