Scaling one business is tough. Scaling five at once while doubling revenue? That takes strategy. Michelle Nohotima, an entrepreneur and investor, has spent the last year and a half building what she calls her “business empire.” Starting with three businesses, she’s expanded to five plus property investments, pushing revenue past $4 million.
Three Keys to Scaling Local Businesses
Running multiple businesses isn’t just about doing more – it’s about being smart with how you grow. Michelle breaks down her approach into three key areas that helped her scale across different industries.
Expanding Revenue Streams
Money loves options. Michelle knows this firsthand. “I introduced retail products, created new partnerships, and invested in property,” she says. It’s not just about making more money – it’s about playing it smart. When one stream slows down, others can pick up the slack. She’s not just talking about different products – she’s spread across whole industries. “I have businesses spanning retail, pet boarding, the disability sector, as well as investment properties,” Michelle explains. This isn’t random scattering – it’s strategic diversification. When one industry hits a rough patch, others can keep things moving.
But multiple streams need careful watching. Michelle keeps a close eye on the numbers, tracking expenses and looking for ways to improve margins. She’s big on building relationships that matter: “Always look for better deals by forming partnerships with your distributors and suppliers.” Smart financing plays a big part too. Michelle recommends using cash flow forecasts to track money movement and getting creative with business acquisition. As she puts it, look for “no money down deals while growing the revenue at the same time.”
Improving Customer Service
Money matters, but customers matter more. Michelle puts it straight: “Give your customers the best customer journey from start to finish.” This isn’t just nice talk – it’s business strategy. Happy customers come back, and they bring friends. She’s serious about service quality. “I’m really big on providing first class customer service in all of my businesses,” she says. The payoff? “This also leads to a lot of business through word of mouth and referrals.” In local business, reputation travels fast.
But good service isn’t enough on its own. “You also need to have a good marketing plan for acquiring new customers and keeping repeat customers,” Michelle notes. Her approach mixes old and new: social media, website ads, local newspaper spots, and customer loyalty programs. It’s about being where your customers are, whether that’s online or in the local paper.
Focusing on Cash Flow
Growth needs fuel, and that fuel is cash flow. Michelle emphasizes keeping close tabs on “expenses and cost of goods” while always looking for ways to improve the bottom line. This isn’t just bean-counting – it’s about making sure growth is sustainable. Her cash flow forecast system helps spot problems before they happen. It’s not just about tracking what’s going out – it’s about making sure there’s always enough coming in to fuel the next stage of growth.
Michelle’s approach shows that scaling isn’t just about getting bigger – it’s about getting smarter. “These three tips will allow you to scale your businesses,” she says. But what makes her strategy work is how these pieces fit together. Multiple revenue streams provide stability. Great customer service keeps those streams flowing. And careful financial management makes sure nothing goes to waste.
The result? A business portfolio that’s not just bigger, but stronger. In eighteen months, she’s added two businesses, stepped into property investment, and doubled revenue. That’s what smart scaling looks like in action.
To learn more about Michelle Nohotima and her approach, visit her website or check out her LinkedIn profile.
