Client Challenge
Our client had years of hands-on experience handling visa applications in Canada. She knew the process inside out, from temporary permits to permanent residency applications. However, she believed she couldn't turn this expertise into a business because she lacked a law degree. Concerned about legal restrictions, she hesitated to take the leap, fearing she would be unable to offer her services in a compliant way.
Our Approach
We started by assessing the legal landscape. After careful research, we identified a solution: she could legally assist clients in filling out their applications, provided they submitted them themselves. This small but critical adjustment allowed her to operate fully within legal boundaries while leveraging her expertise.
But a business model is more than just compliance—it's about making services attractive and accessible. We restructured her offering by positioning her as an affordable alternative to expensive legal firms. Since she didn't have to act as a legal representative or communicate with the government on behalf of her clients, she could price her services lower, making them more appealing to a wider audience.
This also meant she could handle more clients efficiently, increasing her revenue potential.
To further enhance her value, we suggested a strategic partnership with a lawyer. If a client required legal representation, she could refer them to a trusted attorney and earn a commission. This not only expanded her service range but also created an additional revenue stream without adding workload.
Results
By month two, she had secured her first paying clients. As word spread about her affordable and efficient services, her business grew steadily. What started as uncertainty turned into a thriving venture—all because the right business model shaped her expertise into something desirable and legally viable.
Key Takeaway
This case underscores an essential truth: a business model is often more critical than the idea itself. Structuring a business the right way doesn't just make it possible—it makes it profitable.