27 Business Ideas For Network Systems Administrators [2024]

Updated: September 21st, 2024

Interested in starting a business as a network systems administrator in 2024?

If managed well, building a business as a network systems administrator could be more lucrative than employment. So, which are the best business ideas for network systems administrators?

We put together 27 of some of the best network systems administrator business ideas you can start in today.

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

Here's the full list:

1. Become an IT consultant ($27.4K/month)

As a network systems administrator, leveraging your skills to become an IT consultant offers a lucrative avenue to supplement your income or start a side business. Given your expertise in evaluating, managing, and optimizing network systems, you could bring invaluable insights to businesses looking to enhance their IT infrastructure.

You could analyze and diagnose a company's IT infrastructure, identify pain points, and design customized solutions that align with their business objectives. This consultancy not only allows you to apply your technical knowledge in diverse environments but also addresses your entrepreneurial ambitions by giving you the flexibility to work with multiple clients and potentially grow a profitable business.

If you are an IT graduate still awaiting that dream job, pivoting into IT consultancy might present the perfect opportunity to build a robust portfolio and establish yourself as an industry expert.

How much you can make: $2,100 — $4,166,667/month

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

How long does it take to build: 45 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 12,518 founders

2. Start a no code platform ($308K/month)

As a network systems administrator, your technical background gives you a unique edge when working with no-code platforms. You could leverage your expertise to create automated solutions for network monitoring, data management, or security compliance without needing to delve into intricate programming. By utilizing intuitive drag-and-drop features, you can develop and deploy custom applications that meet specific organizational needs or streamline IT processes.

Starting a side business using a no-code platform could also diversify your income streams. You could offer consulting services to small businesses and startups, helping them build and implement efficient network and data solutions. The no-code approach allows you to rapidly prototype, test, and deploy these applications, making it an efficient way to bring your ideas to market and solve real-world problems.

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 (?)

How I Started A $7K/Month Marketplace To Connect Companies With No-Code Talent

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.

Read by 10,779 founders

3. Create a shopify app ($52.4K/month)

As a network systems administrator, you could leverage your technical skills to develop a Shopify app, tapping into the booming ecommerce market. Your understanding of coding and UX design will be instrumental in creating solutions that store owners need, such as customer engagement tools, inventory management systems, or sales optimization features. This venture offers the potential for significant payoff through recurring revenue models like monthly subscriptions or one-time fees.

Creating a Shopify app is not a get-rich-quick scheme; it requires ongoing development, customer support, and regular updates to remain compatible with Shopify’s evolving platform. Nevertheless, the built-in market provided by the Shopify App Store simplifies reaching your target audience. With your expertise and dedication, you could solve common problems for ecommerce businesses, making this a promising side business or even a new career path.

How much you can make: $10,000 — $110,000/month

How long does it take to build: 90 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 23,577 founders

4. Start an email automation platform ($348K/month)

As a network systems administrator, leveraging your technical expertise to start an email automation platform could provide a lucrative side business opportunity. With growing demand for efficient digital marketing tools, you could develop software that automates and personalizes email communication, saving businesses time and ensuring message consistency.

Your background in managing complex systems and understanding network infrastructures would be instrumental in building a reliable, secure email automation service. By collaborating with developers, marketers, and customer service teams, you could effectively tailor the platform to meet diverse client needs, ensuring a top-tier product that stands out in a competitive market.

If you're entrepreneurial-minded and interested in tech solutions that make a significant impact, this venture could not only supplement your income but also establish you as a leader in the digital marketing space.

How much you can make: $21 — $4,160,000/month

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

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

How We Launched A $35K/Month Tool To Send Bulk LinkedIn Messages

Two entrepreneurs developed Coldinbox, a bulk LinkedIn messaging tool that assists B2B business development managers in converting high-value prospects into leads and customers, resulting in $35,000 in monthly profits.

Read by 13,781 founders

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

As a network systems administrator, you could leverage your technical expertise to start a sales automation platform, offering a streamlined solution for businesses bogged down by repetitive sales tasks. Imagine creating software that automates everything from lead generation to follow-ups, freeing up precious time and minimizing errors. This not only increases efficiency but allows sales teams to concentrate on closing deals rather than administrative chores.

The entrepreneurial opportunity here is significant, especially with businesses accelerating their digital transformation efforts. By developing a platform that integrates seamlessly into existing IT systems, you could provide a tool that truly adds value and stands out in the competitive market. Combining your solid understanding of network systems and software development, you could create a highly effective, scalable platform poised to meet the growing demand for sales automation.

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

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

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

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

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

Read by 12,017 founders

6. Start a no code automation business ($23.5K/month)

As a network systems administrator, you could significantly benefit from starting a no-code automation business. Leveraging your deep understanding of IT infrastructures and workflows, you could help businesses automate repetitive tasks and processes without needing extensive programming knowledge. Using various no-code tools, you could offer custom automation solutions, such as streamlining email marketing campaigns, integrating apps, and managing customer data more efficiently.

The increasing demand for optimized efficiency in businesses means a high potential for your services. By helping companies reduce operational costs and enhance productivity, you could create substantial value and carve out a profitable niche. If you have a penchant for problem-solving and are adept at comprehending business processes, this could be an excellent side venture or even a full-fledged business opportunity. Consider exploring popular no-code platforms and earning relevant certifications to enhance your credibility in this burgeoning field.

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

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

How long does it take to build: 70 days (?)

How I Started A $7K/Month Marketplace To Connect Companies With No-Code Talent

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.

Read by 10,779 founders

7. Start a time tracking app ($223K/month)

As a network systems administrator, your expertise in technology and systems integration makes you well-positioned to develop a time-tracking app. Network admins often oversee the very systems that time-tracking apps would integrate with, giving you an insider's perspective on what features and functions would be most beneficial to potential users.

Given the surge in remote work, there's a growing demand for tools that can help managers and employees measure productivity accurately. Creating a time-tracking app could cater to this need and offer analytics and reporting features to streamline workflow management. Plus, with your background, you could ensure seamless API integration and robust cybersecurity measures, making your app a valuable asset for businesses.

By leveraging your existing technical skills and industry knowledge, developing a time-tracking app presents not just an opportunity to supplement your income but also to create a potentially scalable business. From defining the project scope to testing prototypes and deploying the app, your familiarity with project management and software development practices will serve you well in bringing this business idea to life.

How much you can make: $350 — $1,833,333/month

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

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

How I Launched A $185K/Month Employee Time & GPS Tracking App

Labor Sync is a mobile application that provides business owners with the ability to track the time and GPS location of their mobile workforce and after just one year of use, they saved $104,000 across 45 employees despite starting off with no funds for advertising or marketing.

Read by 8,210 founders

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

As a network systems administrator, you possess a strong technical foundation and an understanding of complex IT environments, which positions you well to start a software development business. By leveraging your skills in managing and optimizing networks, you could identify gaps in existing software solutions and develop applications that address these specific needs. This could range from custom tools for network monitoring to innovative cloud-based solutions.

Entering the software development field allows you to capitalize on the growing demand for mobile apps and cloud-based applications. With businesses increasingly seeking efficient ways to manage and access their data, your knowledge of network systems can give you unique insights into creating robust, secure, and efficient software that aligns with their needs.

Moreover, the financial benefits are promising, with software developers earning an average salary of $110,140 annually and the potential to earn up to 140K in the top tier. By starting a software development business, you not only supplement your income but also position yourself at the forefront of a rapidly evolving industry, tapping into entrepreneurial opportunities that align with your technical expertise.

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 39,404 founders

9. Start a beauty and fashion marketplace ($149K/month)

As a network systems administrator, you could leverage your technical skills to create an online beauty and fashion marketplace, seamlessly integrating various beauty and fashion brands and products. Your expertise in network infrastructure and cybersecurity could ensure the platform runs smoothly and securely, enhancing customer trust and satisfaction. Moreover, by using your knowledge of data analytics, you could track and analyze customer preferences, helping to tailor your product offerings and marketing strategies effectively.

Additionally, your ability to manage and maintain robust IT systems would be invaluable in providing a strong online presence, which is crucial in the beauty and fashion industry. You could also explore automated inventory management and efficient customer service solutions, such as chatbots, to streamline operations and reduce manual workload. With your tech background, you could set up a platform that stands out by offering a user-friendly, secure, and comprehensive shopping experience.

Starting a beauty and fashion marketplace could be a lucrative side business that not only supplements your income but also allows you to apply your technical skills in a new and exciting context. It offers you the chance to blend your IT expertise with entrepreneurial endeavors, creating a dynamic business that could thrive in today's digitally-driven market.

How much you can make: $5,000 — $658,333/month

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

How This Couple Started A $130K/Month Women’s Effortless, Refined, Quality Clothing Brand

This case study showcases the journey of Tradlands, a women's clothing brand generating $134k in monthly revenue, which was started with just $15k, and grew through email marketing, Instagram, and influencer collaborations.

Read by 10,136 founders

10. Start a zapier consulting agency ($8.75K/month)

As a network systems administrator, starting a Zapier consulting agency could be an excellent way to leverage your technical expertise and tap into an emerging market. Zapier's automation capabilities are transforming industries, and your background in managing complex IT systems positions you well to help businesses optimize their workflows. With Zapier's annual revenue reaching $122.5M and its broad usage across various sectors, the demand for skilled consultants is on the rise.

You could start by offering services that integrate Zapier with existing systems to streamline product development, IT operations, and even marketing tasks. Thousands of companies rely on Zapier, providing you with a wide range of potential clients who need your specialized knowledge to implement and maintain these automations effectively.

By focusing on this niche, you could establish yourself as an essential consultant who enables businesses to operate more efficiently, thereby creating a new and lucrative income stream.

How much you can make: $5,000 — $17,500/month

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

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

How I Started A $5.5K/Month Zapier Specialist Agency

Luhhu, an agency that helps businesses automate their processes using Zapier, was built as a result of the founder's accidental stumble into a freelance career as a Zapier expert, and has become profitable with low fixed running costs and around 1-3 inquiries per day coming mostly from organic search and the Zapier Experts Directory.

Read by 16,681 founders

11. Build an AI tool ($297K/month)

As a network systems administrator, you could leverage your deep technical skills to create an AI tool that automates network management and monitoring processes. For example, an AI-powered network monitoring tool could predict and identify potential network issues before they become significant problems, saving companies valuable time and resources. This not only creates a new stream of revenue but also positions you at the forefront of technological innovation within your field.

AI tools such as automated virtual assistants or machine learning algorithms can vastly improve tasks like incident response, data analysis, and system optimization. Given the growing demand for AI solutions, you could tap into a lucrative market by developing specialized tools tailored to the unique challenges faced by businesses in managing their IT infrastructure. With the anticipated surge in AI-related revenues, starting an AI tool business could be a highly profitable venture.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $3,000,000/month

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

How long does it take to build: 57 days (?)

How I Started A $40K/Month AI-Powered Recruiting App

SkillSoniq, the world's first AI-powered recruiting app, connects companies with skilled freelancers on a trial basis, saving companies 60%+ in hiring costs and earning $350,000+ in gross revenues in its first year, with a current average of $40,000 a month, and plans to raise a second round of seed funding to achieve escape velocity and continue to form a world-class company.

Read by 9,549 founders

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

As a network systems administrator, leveraging your expertise to develop cloud management software could be an excellent way to supplement your income or even establish a full-fledged business. Given your background, you likely already understand the complexities of network infrastructures and the increasing need for companies to efficiently manage their cloud resources. Designing user-friendly interfaces and robust backend systems for cloud management would allow you to utilize your technical skills while meeting a growing market demand.

The need for comprehensive cloud management tools spans various industries such as healthcare, finance, and retail, providing a massive potential market. As more organizations migrate their operations to the cloud, the demand for efficient cloud management solutions will only increase. If you have a knack for software development and are motivated by solving complex problems, starting a cloud management software venture could be a highly rewarding entrepreneurial endeavor.

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

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

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

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

Read by 8,124 founders

13. Start a tech support business ($139K/month)

As a network systems administrator, you could leverage your extensive technical expertise to start a tech support business. Given your background, you already possess the necessary skills to troubleshoot complex hardware and software issues, making you well-suited to assist individuals and companies with their technology needs.

You could offer a range of services, from resolving everyday tech problems to providing specialized network support, ensuring clients' systems operate smoothly and efficiently. By focusing on exceptional customer service and staying up-to-date with the latest technological advancements, you could create a loyal client base and build a robust reputation in the market. This side business not only supplements your income but also allows you to utilize your skill set in a new and rewarding way.

How much you can make: $150 — $1,500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,000 (?)

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

How I Developed A $3.5K/Month Tool That Converts HTML To PDF

A passionate computer-coder entrepreneur shares the story behind his successful PDFShift business which after a year and a half generates $3.2k of monthly revenues with the focus now on growth.

Read by 10,849 founders

14. Start a self service car wash

As a network systems administrator, starting a self-service car wash could be a practical and profitable side venture. Given your technical expertise, you could implement advanced monitoring systems to oversee the functionality of the equipment, ensuring consistent service quality. With your problem-solving skills, you could easily manage any technical issues that arise, keeping the business running smoothly with minimal downtime.

This business model's low-maintenance nature means it won't detract significantly from your primary career, allowing you to supplement your income with minimal hands-on involvement. Incorporating additional services such as EV charging stations, tire inflation, and vacuum cleaning could attract a broader customer base, maximizing your revenue potential. By leveraging your technical skills, you could automate many aspects of the business, making it an efficient and profitable side hustle.

15. Start a product development consulting business ($119K/month)

As a network systems administrator, starting a product development consulting business could be a natural extension of your technical expertise and problem-solving skills. You could leverage your ability to understand complex systems and infrastructure to help companies transform their concepts into market-ready products. Your role would involve guiding businesses through critical phases such as market research, prototype creation, and product launch strategies, thereby saving them time and resources while maximizing the potential of their products.

This opportunity allows you to interact with various industries, keeping your work dynamic and engaging. Additionally, as you develop a reputation for successfully bringing ideas to life, you could establish rewarding and impactful relationships with clients. If you're detail-oriented and have a knack for innovation, product development consulting could be a profitable and fulfilling side business or even a full-time venture.

How much you can make: $21,000 — $300,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $6,000 (?)

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

I Built $140K+ MRR SaaS With No Audience & Sold It For $3.5M

This case study is about a founder who launched a paywall platform for content creators in 2019, bootstrapping it from $0 and eventually selling it for $3.5M on Flippa, with the platform generating between $125,000 - $142,000 in Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR) on 95% margins.

Read by 10,034 founders

16. Start a freelancer platform ($391K/month)

As a network systems administrator, you possess a unique set of technical skills and knowledge that are in high demand in the freelancing market. By starting a freelancer platform, you could create a marketplace where skilled professionals like yourself can offer their services to businesses and individuals in need of network administration, cybersecurity, cloud management, and other IT-related solutions. This could enable you to not only supplement your income but also build a thriving community of IT experts.

Given the rapid growth of the freelancing industry, with the global freelancer platforms market expected to reach $6.7 billion by 2025, there's significant potential for success. Network systems administrators could leverage their technical acumen to manage and optimize the platform, ensuring robust security, efficient matchmaking, and a user-friendly experience for both freelancers and clients. Such a venture would also allow you to gain entrepreneurial experience, diversify your skillset, and potentially transition from your full-time role to running a successful freelancing marketplace.

Ultimately, starting a freelancer platform could be a viable and lucrative side business that aligns with your expertise in network systems administration. It opens up opportunities to connect with other professionals, attract new clients, and grow a sustainable business while continuing to work in your current profession.

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 (?)

We Bootstrapped A Tech Talent Platform To $1.2M Sales In Our First Year

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.

Read by 17,333 founders

17. Start a swimwear line ($19.2K/month)

As a network systems administrator with an entrepreneurial mindset, starting a swimwear line could be a lucrative side hustle, especially if you reside near a beach or a bustling swimming community. Leveraging your existing skills in systems management, you could efficiently handle the online aspects of the business, such as inventory management, e-commerce, and digital marketing.

By tapping into the local demand for swimwear, you could create a niche business catering to men’s and women’s swim attire. The technical knowledge you possess could streamline operations, leading to a seamless customer experience and potentially higher sales growth. Plus, diversifying into a creative venture like swimwear design could provide a refreshing contrast to your daily technical routines, offering both financial benefits and personal fulfillment.

How much you can make: $800 — $40,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $9,000 (?)

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

How I Started A $300K Business Selling Swim Trunks Made From Trash

Junk in your Trunks is a sustainable swim trunk brand that uses recycled plastic bottles, reporting up to $25K in monthly revenue and gaining traction with a Barstool Sports partnership.

Read by 16,469 founders

18. Start a rugby shoe store

As a network systems administrator, leveraging your technical skills to start a rugby shoe store could be a lucrative side business or even a full-time venture. You could use your expertise in setting up and managing an e-commerce platform, ensuring your online store operates smoothly, is secure, and provides an excellent user experience for customers. Your knowledge of network systems would also make it easier to integrate efficient inventory management and customer relationship management systems, helping streamline operations and maintain high levels of customer satisfaction.

Additionally, your understanding of data analytics could help in targeting marketing efforts more effectively, identifying trends in customer preferences, and optimizing your product offerings. By combining your technical know-how with a passion for rugby, you could carve out a niche market, providing specialized footwear that meets the unique demands of rugby players. This entrepreneurial venture could potentially supplement your income and offer a rewarding escape from the daily grind of network administration.

19. Start an online learning platform ($30.5K/month)

As a network systems administrator, starting an online learning platform could be an excellent way to supplement your income and possibly turn into a full-fledged business. Leveraging your deep expertise in network systems, you could create courses that teach aspiring IT professionals critical skills, from network security to system configuration. Given the high demand for online learning services, your specialized knowledge would be invaluable and marketable.

Even if you're not a coder, there are numerous resources available to help you get started. You could hire an experienced web programmer or purchase a ready-made platform to build an interactive e-learning environment quickly. A platform akin to Udemy or Coursera that allows users to sign up, create accounts, search for courses, and conduct secure transactions could position you as an authoritative voice in your field while providing extra income.

How much you can make: $1,200 — $120,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,750 (?)

How long does it take to build: 52 days (?)

We Built A $180K/Year Learn-To-Code Community

Online learning community Frontend Mentor has over 200,000 members, with over 1,500 paid subscribers generating over $15,000 MRR, offering professionally designed challenges to improve front-end coding skills with a freemium business model and a focus on real-life experience.

Read by 12,690 founders

20. Start an ecommerce management services ($597K/month)

As a network systems administrator, you could leverage your technical expertise to start an ecommerce management service. This business involves supporting online stores by handling critical tasks like inventory management, customer service, marketing, and order fulfillment. Your experience in managing complex systems and ensuring seamless operations can be a significant asset in running the backend of ecommerce platforms.

By offering ecommerce management services, you could help overwhelmed entrepreneurs streamline their processes, boosting their efficiency and sales. The demand for skilled professionals in this area is high, and your ability to implement and maintain digital tools and systems will set you apart. If you're entrepreneurial-minded and passionate about operational efficiency in the online retail space, this venture could provide a lucrative and rewarding side business or even a full-fledged company.

How much you can make: $2,300 — $2,400,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)

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

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

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

Read by 9,378 founders

21. Start a shopping cart software

As a network systems administrator, you could leverage your technical expertise to develop and manage shopping cart software, tapping into the growing ecommerce market. This business idea involves creating an online platform that enables customers to effortlessly add items, view cart contents, and securely check out, all crucial functions for any ecommerce website.

Given your background, you could excel in ensuring the software is secure, integrates seamlessly with payment gateways, inventory management systems, and shipping providers. By developing a user-friendly and reliable product, you could cater to the increasing number of businesses shifting online, offering them an essential tool for efficient online retail operations. This venture not only supplements your income but also provides the opportunity to grow it into a full-fledged business.

How much you can make: $85,000/month

Bootstrapping To $1M ARR By Building Something I Needed

PayKickstart, a flagship product of a startup co-founded by Mark Thompson, reached $1 million in ARR and doubled in size year-over-year by solving the outdated, archaic solutions for selling various digital goods online and providing one that is focused on flexibility, minimal functionality, and profit boosts.

Read by 10,490 founders

22. Start a jam production business

As a network systems administrator with a knack for entrepreneurship, starting a jam production business could be a lucrative side venture. Given the global jam market's forecasted growth to $9.87 billion in the coming years, you could tap into a thriving industry while diversifying your income streams.

Leveraging your technical skills, you could streamline operations through efficient systems for inventory management, online sales, and digital marketing. Combining your technical expertise with a passion for creating unique jam flavors might not only supplement your income but also provide a creative outlet beyond the realm of network systems administration.

23. Start a Sunflower Farming Business

As a network systems administrator, you could supplement your income by starting a sunflower farming business, capitalizing on its simplicity and low-cost nature with high-profit margins. Given your analytical skills and attention to detail, you could efficiently manage the operational aspects, such as planning the planting schedule and monitoring the crop's health, ensuring a high yield.

The increasing demand for sunflower products such as cooking oil and confectionery items adds significant potential for profitability. With no need for specialized farming skills, you can use your problem-solving abilities to troubleshoot and optimize the farming process, allowing you to manage it as a side business alongside your tech career.

In regions with the appropriate climate conditions, you could leverage your organizational skills to explore this entrepreneurial venture, potentially earning between $250 and $900 per acre annually. This business presents a lucrative opportunity to diversify your income while indulging in a completely different field outside your usual tech-driven environment.

24. Start a machinery exports business ($271K/month)

As a network systems administrator, you could leverage your technical skills and expertise in managing complex systems to start a machinery exports business. With hundreds of manufacturers seeking hassle-free platforms to buy the latest machinery, your background could help streamline online transactions and ensure the tech infrastructure is robust and secure. You could build a user-friendly website and employ advanced cybersecurity measures to give manufacturers confidence in their purchases.

Furthermore, your analytical skills in system administration could help you in sourcing new or used machinery at competitive prices, maximizing your profit margins. By exporting high-demand machinery, you could capitalize on global markets, thereby supplementing your income significantly or potentially transitioning to a full-time entrepreneurial venture. This approach allows you to use your existing skills while venturing into a profitable and growing market.

How much you can make: $142,000 — $400,000/month

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

How I Started A $400K/Month Business Selling Heavy Machinery

Machinery Partner's founder Ciaran made almost $500k in machinery sales last month targeting small to medium-sized contracting businesses in the US and aims to become the go-to digital dealership for heavy equipment, with its standout quality being accessible remotely, delivered directly from manufacturers.

Read by 11,203 founders

25. Start a specialty food business ($49.8K/month)

Starting a specialty food business could be a lucrative side hustle or full-time venture for network systems administrators. Leveraging your analytical skills, you could delve into market research to identify trending specialty food niches and source premium, health-boosting ingredients globally. With the specialty food market growing at an annual rate of 6.4%, there is substantial opportunity for success.

Your problem-solving and project management skills would be invaluable when setting up the business from scratch, including deciding on the type of business, registering it, and handling the necessary licenses and permits. Additionally, your experience in network systems would enable you to set up a robust online presence, optimizing e-commerce platforms and digital marketing to reach a broader audience.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $124,998/month

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

How We Started A $25K/Month Low-Carb, Gluten-Free Desserts Business

ChipMonk co-founders built a mail-order bakery selling low carb, gluten-free desserts, making around $25,000 a month with growth through e-commerce, and plans to tighten budgets and conserve cash in challenging times.

Read by 14,154 founders

26. Start a fitness management app ($30K/month)

As a network systems administrator, you could leverage your technical expertise to develop a fitness management app that revolutionizes the way users manage their fitness routines. By integrating features like workout logs, meal planning, progress tracking, and connections to personal trainers and nutritionists, you could create a comprehensive platform that caters to a wide audience—from gym enthusiasts to casual exercisers.

Your background in systems management will be invaluable in ensuring the app is secure, reliable, and scalable, addressing IT challenges seamlessly. With the rising health consciousness, the demand for such innovative solutions is growing, offering a lucrative side business opportunity.

If you have a passion for health and wellness coupled with your tech skills, embarking on this journey could not only supplement your income but also allow you to create a positive impact on users’ fitness journeys.

How much you can make: $10,000 — $50,000/month

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

How I Developed A $20K/Month Software For Personal Trainers

FitSW founder Jacob Montoya bootstrapped his company to $25K monthly revenue, helping over 20,000 personal trainers manage their businesses through software that enables them to create workouts, track progress, plan meals, accept payments, and manage schedules, and has now expanded to include FindTrainGain, enabling people to join live online fitness classes from the comfort of their homes.

Read by 10,422 founders

27. Start an investment consulting business ($263K/month)

As a network systems administrator, you already possess strong analytical skills and a problem-solving mindset, both of which are crucial in the investment consulting business. By starting an investment consulting business, you could leverage your technical expertise to offer tailored financial strategies that cater to your clients' specific needs, helping them to manage, grow, and protect their financial assets.

Moreover, your experience in managing complex systems and staying updated with the latest technology could give you an edge in understanding and utilizing advanced financial tools and market trends. The ability to communicate complex information in an accessible way will also serve you well in building and maintaining strong client relationships.

With the increasing demand for personalized financial advice, transitioning into investment consulting could be a highly rewarding side business or even a full-time career. If you have a passion for finance and enjoy guiding others towards financial success, this entrepreneurial venture could be your perfect next step.

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

How long does it take to build: 135 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.

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meet the author
Pat Walls

I'm Pat Walls and I created Starter Story - a website dedicated to helping people start businesses. We interview entrepreneurs from around the world about how they started and grew their businesses.