Hello everyone, I’m N-mi from Sapo-Lab.
Many of the women around me come from various professional backgrounds. Lately, when we catch up, I’ve noticed a growing concern regarding financial stability—a trend that has accelerated since the pandemic. More and more people are becoming interested in starting a “side hustle” or becoming independent.
Today’s column is for those of you who are just starting to explore the world of side businesses and skill-building.
Getting Started: From “Vague Interest” to “Action”
If your goals are clear, taking the first step is easy. However, for those who don’t have freelancers or business owners in their immediate circle, the path can feel a bit blurry. I often meet people who feel stuck, wondering: “How do I even start a side business?” or “Do I even have skills that people would pay for?”
In the past, the image of a freelancer was someone who had to do aggressive sales or have years of high-level experience before going independent. While that is still true for some fields, the landscape has changed.
The 4 Ways to Generate Income
There are several ways to structure a side business. Think about which category fits you best:
- Creating Products or Services: Selling something you’ve made.
- Selling Your Skills: Offering specialized services (design, writing, editing, etc.).
- Teaching Others: Sharing your knowledge through coaching or consulting.
- Selling Your Time: Providing support or administrative tasks for a set period.
Don’t Overthink It—Just Start
If you’re thinking, “I want to try a side hustle!”—my best advice is to look for work or try selling something right away. While you’re worrying, market needs and trends are constantly shifting.
By adopting the mindset of a “seller” and looking at what the market actually needs, you’ll gain clarity on what you can offer and what suits you best. Once you notice what people are looking for, your motivation to provide value and polish your skills will naturally increase. That is your true first step!
How Sapo-Lab Can Help
At Sapo-Lab, we operate a monthly online school called the Woman Development College (Deve-Colle) for women who want to take that next step toward independence.
At Deve-Colle, we provide comprehensive support to help you achieve goals such as:
- Becoming a female entrepreneur.
- Mastering SNS management, marketing, and lead generation.
- Learning video editing and promotion.
- Launching EC sites.
- Becoming a financial specialist.
- Earning an extra ¥50,000 a month from home.
We are here to support your journey from start to finish!