Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Corinne Boudreau, founder of Online Legal Essentials Inc., located in Halifax, NS, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My business has created an online store for legal templates. These are designed for Canadian businesses operating online. I found it frustrating as a long-time business lawyer that small businesses found my services intimidating and too expensive. These products came from years of advising clients and then several years of teaching a course live and in-person to small business owners. I got good at boiling things down to the essentials, including contract templates and lessons that business owners can use to create a solid legal foundation in a much more accessible format.
Tell us about yourself
When I took a business degree, I wanted to be an entrepreneur, but back in the 90s, this was not as popular a career choice. I thought that I had to invent the next velcro or software product. After getting a law degree and working at a big firm for 11 years, I hit the wall. I decided to start my own law business, which after a few twists and turns, has led me to running an online template shop. I am motivated by helping small businesses grow and scale their businesses.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I have been able to be creative and innovative in an industry (legal) that is very adverse to change. Looking back, this has been a big accomplishment.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
It is hard to create something from scratch that customers want and are willing to pay for. There are so many moving parts! I had no idea that I would need to learn so many things about copyrighting, digital marketing, FB ads, etc. It can be exhausting at times, but I also find it very motivating.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- For the key relationships in your business (think clients, employees, contractors, students), get your agreements in writing. This will help you get on the same page from the beginning of the relationship and also help you enforce the terms if things go sideways.
- Make sure your business website is not opening you up to legal risks. There are four things you should have on your website - Privacy Policy, Copyright Notice, Disclaimers, and Terms of Use. Check to see what you may be missing.
- If you are creating content and distributing it online (either free or paid), educate yourself about the basics of copyright laws. You don't want to improperly use other people's content, and you want to protect your creations (that you put all of your blood, sweat, and tears into).
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Getting your legal house in order does not need to be scary or expensive. Put it on your list for 2022!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.onlinelegalessentials.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/onlinelegalessentials
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legalguidecorinne/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lawyercorinne
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corinne-boudreau-9b7b144/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.