As we continue the celebration of International Women Month, I believe it is so important for us to remember to #choosetochange the norms to build great businesses for our families (i.e our grandmother, our mothers, our girls); as well as contribute to the economy and build our communities in our neck of the woods. Let us build back a better Canada. Let us build back our communities during pandemic times and give hope for the future. I believe it is important to explore the lens of female entrepreneurs who share with us their stories and deep dive into their business journeys.
In conversation with Corinne Bordeaux who wears many hats including Entrepreneur, Instructor, and Legal Guide. Corinne pivoted from Corporate Law into entrepreneurship in 2012 and has never looked back. What started as a 40-hour in-person legal course developed for small business owners has now also turned into guided legal templates for Canadians doing business online. Corinne has a knack for making things practical and easy to implement. Being a Lawyer since 2002 has given her perspective and experience to boil things down to the essentials. Corinne is originally from Cape Breton Island and lives in Halifax, Nova Scottie with her spouse, Martin, two teenagers Enya and Owen and new rescue pup, Kiwi. Corinne’s motto is “Work Hard. Have Fun. Give Back.”
In this episode we discussed her big career pivots and having options for growth in multiple pathways; the importance of increasing legal literacy in an organization at a very early stage; building community and serving orders through music and all that jazz that makes her life so exciting.
Below are two strategic business questions which I pulled out of this episode because of the golden gems she dropped.
Question: What advice do you have for entrepreneurs who are starting their businesses?
Four golden nuggets:
- Put legal issues on your “to do list;
- Do your best to understand some basic legal issues and make it an important part of your business just as you would the financial, sales and marketing functions;
- You do not have to be an expert but it is important to have a baseline of legal knowledge within your organization and tap into the deep legal expertise as needed; and
- Make it a priority to understand the basic principles of PIPEDA Canadian
Question: Putting on your legal hat, what advice do you have for startups prior to setting up the business structure?
Response: Entrepreneurs can sometimes get confused with varying advice between a Lawyer and Accountant since this advice will have varied perspectives. A quick office meeting/zoom call with an Accountant and Lawyer in the room at the same time would be very advantageous to limit any confusion from the onset.
Question: What is your favourite book?
Response: Start With Why by Simon Sinek
These are some super golden nuggets for you to take with you and apply as you wish as long as it resonates with you in your career journey. The Canadian Side Hustle Business Podcast with Producer and Host Irenia Roussel, was designed for you to give you the inspiration and tactical advice you need to succeed in business. There will be no sugar coating on the hard steps. You will need to hear this to help you stay in the long game. Believe me when I say : “you need to have staying power to be successful in business today.”
Every week, we will bring you some key tactical business insights to help you grow and scale your Canadian Side Hustle Business. Feel free to send in a direct message with your feedback here. Your feedback is important to us because this is how we can make this even more relevant as we build this platform for you!
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