7 Things Beginners Should Do First to Start a Side Hustle
It is okay to have zero skills and no experience. If you follow these steps in order, you can get started.
Many people think, "I want to start a side hustle," but don't know where to begin. This article organizes the points where beginners often stumble and introduces 7 steps you can take to start moving today.
Why a side hustle now?
With rising prices and income instability, interest in side hustles has grown significantly over the past few years. Having "multiple income streams" that do not rely solely on a company salary is no longer unusual; it has become a means of protecting one's livelihood.
However, the biggest pitfall for beginners is wanting to start but not knowing where to begin, and eventually letting time pass without doing anything.
STEP 1 | Clarify your purpose
You won't last if your goal is just "to make money somehow." By concretely deciding your goals—whether it's 30,000 yen a month, skill development, or wanting to become independent in the future—the type of side hustle you should choose will naturally narrow down.
STEP 2 | Take inventory of your strengths
Even if you think you have no special skills, your work and hobby experiences will definitely be useful to someone. Being good at writing, using Excel, knowing English, or liking to cook—all of these can be the seeds of a side hustle.
STEP 3 | Choose the type of side hustle
Recommended side hustle genres for beginners are as follows:
Writing/Blog article creation (CrowdWorks, Lancers, etc.)
Data entry/Administrative support (Easy to get your first project)
Handmade goods/Design sales (minne, BOOTH, etc.)
Video editing/SNS management support (Demand is surging)
Programming/Web development (Easy to get higher unit prices)
STEP 4 | Polish your profile
The first thing a client looks at is your profile. Summarize your face photo (or icon), self-introduction, strengths, and past experience concisely. At the stage where you have no track record, conveying "motivation and sincerity" is the best way to differentiate yourself.
STEP 5 | Apply for your first project
For your first project, prioritize "experience" over unit price. The trick to increasing your hiring rate is to write specifically in your application about "why you are interested in this project" and "how you can contribute."
STEP 6 | Build a Track Record
Once you have completed your first project, be sure to record it as part of your portfolio or track record. Don't forget to ask for a review from the client as well. The more experience you accumulate, the easier it will be to negotiate higher rates.
STEP 7 | Review and Improve
Make it a habit to review what went well and where you spent too much time every month. The more you continue your side hustle, the more efficient you will become. Running small PDCA cycles will lead to significant differences in six months or a year.
⚠ Caution: Check Your Company's Policies
Before starting a side hustle, it is important to check your employer's work regulations to ensure that side jobs are not prohibited. In particular, avoid providing services to competitors or taking on projects that could lead to information leaks. It is also recommended that you research the necessity of filing a tax return early on.
Summary
What is important in a side hustle is not "perfect preparation" but "getting started anyway." Landing your first project is the beginning of everything. Using these steps as a guide, try taking a small step you can manage today.