Building a Thriving Japanese Language Speaking Community Through Online Membership w/Jess Brown

On this episode of Small Business Japan I talk with Jess Brown, CEO at Nihongo Connection, about how she took a problem she was having with finding actual Japanese language speaking training and turned that into a successful business through building a bootcamp and online membership community.   Jessica runs an online and in-person Japanese Conversation Community called Nihongo Connection. When she came back from Japan in 2005 her Japanese was at an intermediate level despite weekly Japanese lessons, she craved more opportunities to practice actually speaking in Japanese. In 2014, she started a Japanese conversation club. Japanese friends heard what she was doing and came along to support the group on their journey to fluency. In 2017 the members suggested she start an online conversation club too and so now she has developed a growing and thriving online community. She arranges weekly online conversation club calls in Japanese, supporting and introducing Japanese speakers from around the world and is now running a growing online website with courses and community.  

Om Podcasten

This is your spot for learning about starting or growing your Japan related business or side hustle. Interviews and conversations with Japan related entrepreneurs and small business owners, both in Japan and globally, provide education and entertainment in each episode. On the podcast I have solo episodes and also talk with successful entrepreneurs connected to Japan (what I call "Japanpreneurs") that motivate and inspire you to take the next step in creating your own version of success. Sometimes I have a section called "Japanpreneur Quick Tips" where I explore recent business trends that affect entrepreneurs, highlight businesses or people who provide inspiration and creativity, as well as offer recommendations, reviews, and small business tips.