Part 4: Why Most Local Businesses Never Scale (And How to Fix It)

Part 4: Why Most Local Businesses Never Scale (And How to Fix It)

In this final episode of her four-part series, Michelle dives into two of the most often confused terms in business: growth and scaling. While they may sound like the same thing, they actually aren’t. She gives a clear definition of the two terms, as well as a real-life example, to make sure you truly understand the difference and are able to grow and scale your business effectively. Michelle breaks down her four pillars of scale using her senior concierge business example to help give a clear picture of her framework in motion. If you've ever asked "how do I make more money," Michelle's here to tell you that's the wrong question. The right one? How do I make more money without my life getting more complicated? That's scaling. And by the end of this episode, you'll know exactly how to build it. Chapters [Start] Growth vs. Scale: Michelle shows how growth and scale are not the same thing and why confusing the two will cost you and your business. 06:20 The Landscaping Company: A real-life example that makes the growth vs. scale distinction clear and shows which one you should be building toward. 10:08 Four Ways to Scale: Using the senior concierge business to show four practical examples of scaling. 19:51 The Four Pillars of Scale: Michelle's framework for building a business that can run without you. 31:11 The Freedom Test: The question every business owner needs to answer, and the mindset shift that changes everything. Links & Resources Part 1: How To Build A Local Business That Doesn't Need You Every Day Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/part-1-how-to-build-a-local-business-that-doesnt/id1846129748?i=1000774169881] | Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/episode/56prOONMJfQ4UKH5db9FS8?si=yX7DLAHFTsCaMJdKri6IAQ] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itbFZpPu350] Part 2: How Any Local Business Can Get 10 New Customers in the Next 7 Dayshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/part-2-how-any-local-business-can-get-10-new-customers/id1846129748?i=1000775153857 Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/part-2-how-any-local-business-can-get-10-new-customers/id1846129748?i=1000775153857] | Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/episode/19RHy7C26d06v9grpvHdi1?si=wRt4VbMsR6-N5SvxbWa9VQ] | YouTube [https://youtu.be/gqFD2NGk6xI?si=y-YRTEuEUiBe8qeC] Part 3: How to Turn One-Time Buyers into Recurring Revenue Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/part-3-how-to-turn-one-time-buyers-into-recurring-revenue/id1846129748?i=1000776100388] | Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/episode/5mvmJIza67ekqIsQOgGPlK?si=5eQZZuvoScSiVKmNftPh_g] | YouTube [https://youtu.be/9spqXIy1_Hk?si=BfDQdb9qWWVajoNR] The Local Guild Practical AI, smarter sales systems, and proven growth strategies for small businesses ready to win more customers. Start your 7-Day FREE Sales Jumpstart here: www.revenuerascals.com/thelocalguild [http://www.revenuerascals.com/thelocalguild] Objectionly 14-Day Free Trial If you are a founder or sales manager who wants to sell more and stop losing days to call review, Objectionly gives you back your time and puts accountability where it belongs. Grab your 14-Day Free Trial now: https://objectionly.com/?via=revenuerascals [https://objectionly.com/?via=revenuerascals] Go High Level 30-Day Free Trial The AI-powered business operating system. All the tools you need to capture, nurture, and close new leads into bookings, sales, reviews, and repeat customers! Grab your 30-Day Free Trial now: www.revenuerascals.com/ghl [http://www.revenuerascals.com/ghl] Access All Revenue Rascals Resources for FREE at www.revenuerascals.com/listen [http://www.revenuerascals.com/listen] One-time sign-up gives you everything you need, including FREE hot seat coaching once a month with Michelle.  Local business owner? Stop guessing your way through growth. The Local Guild helps you get more customers, use AI practically, and build predictable revenue without becoming a full-time marketer. Start the free 7 Day Sales Jumpstart here: revenuerascals.com/thelocalguild [http://revenuerascals.com/thelocalguild] Want my eyes on your revenue strategy? Grab a call with Michelle. Revenue Rascals Discovery Call with Michelle Terpstra [https://book.revenuerascals.com/michelle] Check out three ways Michelle and her team can support your path to predictable growth. [https://michelleterpstra.com/workwithus/]  Connect with Michelle: * MichelleTerpstra.com [https://michelleterpstra.com/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellecuocoterpstra/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/themichelleterpstra/?hl=en] * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@revenuerascals] Disclaimer: Some episodes of Revenue Rascals may include paid sponsorships or affiliate partnerships. We only feature brands, products, or services that align with our values and are relevant to helping founders, revenue leaders, and entrepreneurs grow. Sponsorships help support the show—opinions shared are always our own.  Michelle Terpstra's Privacy Policy [https://michelleterpstra.com/privacy-policy/]

Part 3: How to Turn One-Time Buyers into Recurring Revenue

Getting a customer is only half the battle. Keeping them is where real businesses are built.  Michelle breaks down how the world's biggest companies spend less energy chasing new customers and more energy giving them a reason to keep buying. Using real-world examples, she shows how membership models and recurring revenue systems create predictable income. This method is vastly different than the "start from zero every month" cycle so many small business owners get stuck in. From there, Michelle brings it back to the senior concierge business she's been building throughout the series. She lays out five rules for turning one-off transactions into lasting customer relationships. She gives a challenge that reframes the entire customer relationship, and gives actionable steps you can take this week to start identifying your own recurring revenue opportunities. Chapters [Start] Why Retention Beats Acquisition: Michelle shows the stats on customer retention and explains why chasing new customers isn’t the best growth lever. 05:45 Big Brand Case Studies: A look at some big brand-name companies and how they have mastered this customer concept. 13:01 Applying It to the Senior Concierge Business: Bringing the lessons back to the series' example business and introducing the idea of selling "peace of mind." 17:07 The 5 Rules of Recurring Revenue: Michelle's framework that gives you five steps to create recurring revenue for your business. 20:40 This Week's Challenge: A call-your-best-customers challenge, and a story about using trained AI tools to build real growth strategy. Links & Resources Part 1: How To Build A Local Business That Doesn't Need You Every Day Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/part-1-how-to-build-a-local-business-that-doesnt/id1846129748?i=1000774169881] | Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/episode/56prOONMJfQ4UKH5db9FS8?si=yX7DLAHFTsCaMJdKri6IAQ] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itbFZpPu350] Part 2: How Any Local Business Can Get 10 New Customers in the Next 7 Days Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/part-2-how-any-local-business-can-get-10-new-customers/id1846129748?i=1000775153857] | Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/episode/19RHy7C26d06v9grpvHdi1?si=wRt4VbMsR6-N5SvxbWa9VQ] | YouTube [https://youtu.be/gqFD2NGk6xI?si=y-YRTEuEUiBe8qeC] Can a Small Business Really Make Money While It Sleeps? | Building Recurring Revenue the Rascal Way Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/can-a-small-business-really-make-money-while-it/id1846129748?i=1000736249817] | Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/episode/5ErlOnWpyGbjhFYWt5d3dV?si=5i0li3yvRki-J-oVmqJG6A] | YouTube [https://youtu.be/ZcFZBZfBE0U?si=mdwvW3i00CLGtuWw] The Local Guild Practical AI, smarter sales systems, and proven growth strategies for small businesses ready to win more customers. Start your 7-Day FREE Sales Jumpstart here: www.revenuerascals.com/thelocalguild [http://www.revenuerascals.com/thelocalguild] Objectionly 14-Day Free Trial If you are a founder or sales manager who wants to sell more and stop losing days to call review, Objectionly gives you back your time and puts accountability where it belongs. Grab your 14-Day Free Trial now: https://objectionly.com/?via=revenuerascals [https://objectionly.com/?via=revenuerascals] Go High Level 30-Day Free Trial The AI-powered business operating system. All the tools you need to capture, nurture, and close new leads into bookings, sales, reviews, and repeat customers! Grab your 30-Day Free Trial now: www.revenuerascals.com/ghl [http://www.revenuerascals.com/ghl] Access All Revenue Rascals Resources for FREE at www.revenuerascals.com/listen [http://www.revenuerascals.com/listen] One-time sign-up gives you everything you need, including FREE hot seat coaching once a month with Michelle.  Local business owner? Stop guessing your way through growth. The Local Guild helps you get more customers, use AI practically, and build predictable revenue without becoming a full-time marketer. Start the free 7 Day Sales Jumpstart here: revenuerascals.com/thelocalguild [http://revenuerascals.com/thelocalguild] Want my eyes on your revenue strategy? Grab a call with Michelle. Revenue Rascals Discovery Call with Michelle Terpstra [https://book.revenuerascals.com/michelle] Check out three ways Michelle and her team can support your path to predictable growth. [https://michelleterpstra.com/workwithus/]  Connect with Michelle: * MichelleTerpstra.com [https://michelleterpstra.com/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellecuocoterpstra/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/themichelleterpstra/?hl=en] * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@revenuerascals] Disclaimer: Some episodes of Revenue Rascals may include paid sponsorships or affiliate partnerships. We only feature brands, products, or services that align with our values and are relevant to helping founders, revenue leaders, and entrepreneurs grow. Sponsorships help support the show—opinions shared are always our own.  Michelle Terpstra's Privacy Policy [https://michelleterpstra.com/privacy-policy/]

Part 2: How Any Local Business Can Get 10 New Customers in the Next 7 Days

Now that we know how to build a 10/10 business model, how do we actually get customers? And how do we get them quickly? In this second installment of Michelle’s four-part series on building a local business from the ground up, she lays out a practical framework for landing your first 10 customers. Her step-by-step layout is perfect for anyone who needs to know where to start building their local customer base. She challenges the over-preparation trap that keeps most business owners stuck in planning mode instead of actually generating revenue. Michelle walks through four core steps to help you get started on finding customers and keeping them coming back. She also introduces her AVP formula as the foundation for every sales conversation and follow-up interaction. Whether you're in pre-launch or simply in a revenue slump, Michelle ends by giving a seven-day action plan you can activate immediately. Chapters [Start] Part 1 Recap: Michelle recaps Part 1 and poses the core question for this episode: how do you actually get customers quickly? 05:19 Step 1: How to make it easy for customers to buy from you so that they keep coming back for more. 13:03 Step 2: The importance of giving people a reason to act when it comes to purchasing from your company. 16:04 Step 3: Finding your audience and borrowing an existing group of customers to get your flow started. 21:59 Step 4: Why you need to follow up with customers to make sure they know you care about their business with you. 25:45 The 7-Day Action Plan: A day-by-day breakdown of what to do in seven days to generate new customers for any local business. Links & Resources Part 1: How To Build A Local Business That Doesn't Need You Every Day Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/part-1-how-to-build-a-local-business-that-doesnt/id1846129748?i=1000774169881] | Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/episode/56prOONMJfQ4UKH5db9FS8?si=yX7DLAHFTsCaMJdKri6IAQ] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itbFZpPu350] Why Your CRM Isn't Closing Deals (And the Fix That Generated $4M) Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-your-crm-isnt-closing-deals-and-the-fix/id1846129748?i=1000772190542] | Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/episode/6YaZRuwZSDbzrxARiF1INU?si=wbzaaW8KS_aKRVWz_VVahQ] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVZ2PDEruZY] The Local Guild Practical AI, smarter sales systems, and proven growth strategies for small businesses ready to win more customers. Start your 7-Day FREE Sales Jumpstart here: www.revenuerascals.com/thelocalguild [http://www.revenuerascals.com/thelocalguild] Objectionly 14-Day Free Trial If you are a founder or sales manager who wants to sell more and stop losing days to call review, Objectionly gives you back your time and puts accountability where it belongs. Grab your 14-Day Free Trial now: https://objectionly.com/?via=revenuerascals [https://objectionly.com/?via=revenuerascals] Go High Level 30-Day Free Trial The AI-powered business operating system. All the tools you need to capture, nurture, and close new leads into bookings, sales, reviews, and repeat customers! Grab your 30-Day Free Trial now: www.revenuerascals.com/ghl [http://www.revenuerascals.com/ghl] Access All Revenue Rascals Resources for FREE at www.revenuerascals.com/listen [http://www.revenuerascals.com/listen] One-time sign-up gives you everything you need, including FREE hot seat coaching once a month with Michelle.  Local business owner? Stop guessing your way through growth. The Local Guild helps you get more customers, use AI practically, and build predictable revenue without becoming a full-time marketer. Start the free 7 Day Sales Jumpstart here: revenuerascals.com/thelocalguild [http://revenuerascals.com/thelocalguild] Want my eyes on your revenue strategy? Grab a call with Michelle. Revenue Rascals Discovery Call with Michelle Terpstra [https://book.revenuerascals.com/michelle] Check out three ways Michelle and her team can support your path to predictable growth. [https://michelleterpstra.com/workwithus/]  Connect with Michelle: * MichelleTerpstra.com [https://michelleterpstra.com/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellecuocoterpstra/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/themichelleterpstra/?hl=en] * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@revenuerascals] Disclaimer: Some episodes of Revenue Rascals may include paid sponsorships or affiliate partnerships. We only feature brands, products, or services that align with our values and are relevant to helping founders, revenue leaders, and entrepreneurs grow. Sponsorships help support the show—opinions shared are always our own.  Michelle Terpstra's Privacy Policy [https://michelleterpstra.com/privacy-policy/]

Part 1: How To Build A Local Business That Doesn't Need You Every Day

How do you actually start a 10/10 business? In part one of this four-part series, Michelle runs a live experiment of building a brand new local business from scratch, so you can follow every decision in real time. She uses the example of a senior concierge service; a relationship-based support business that helps older adults stay independent while giving their families peace of mind. Michelle breaks down exactly what this business does, what it doesn't do, and why she believes the timing makes it one of the most compelling local business opportunities available right now. But this episode isn't really about senior concierge services. It's about the framework behind building any well-designed business. Using her Rascal Business Score, Michelle walks through eight critical criteria every business idea should be evaluated against before any money is spent. This practical check will tell you whether what you're building is actually set up to give you the freedom you’re looking for. Chapters [Start] Build a Business, Not a Job: Michelle sets up the series by sharing her own mistake of building a business and introduces the senior concierge concept. 02:45 The Senior Concierge Business: A breakdown of services, pricing packages, and who the real customer is in this business model. 11:06 The Rascal Business Score: Michelle's scoring system for businesses that utilizes eight categories to measure its potential. 23:04 Startup Costs the Simple Way: How to budget for building a business and make decisions that won’t break the bank. 38:16 Rascal Wrap-Up: Key takeaways, a challenge to score your own business idea, and a preview of episode two. Links & Resources The Local Guild Practical AI, smarter sales systems, and proven growth strategies for small businesses ready to win more customers. Start your 7-Day FREE Sales Jumpstart here: www.revenuerascals.com/thelocalguild [http://www.revenuerascals.com/thelocalguild] Objectionly 14-Day Free Trial If you are a founder or sales manager who wants to sell more and stop losing days to call review, Objectionly gives you back your time and puts accountability where it belongs. Grab your 14-Day Free Trial now: https://objectionly.com/?via=revenuerascals [https://objectionly.com/?via=revenuerascals] Go High Level 30-Day Free Trial: The AI-powered business operating system. All the tools you need to capture, nurture, and close new leads into bookings, sales, reviews, and repeat customers! Grab your 30-Day Free Trial now: www.revenuerascals.com/ghl [http://www.revenuerascals.com/ghl] Access All Revenue Rascals Resources for FREE at www.revenuerascals.com/listen [http://www.revenuerascals.com/listen] One-time sign-up gives you everything you need, including FREE hot seat coaching once a month with Michelle.  Local business owner? Stop guessing your way through growth. The Local Guild helps you get more customers, use AI practically, and build predictable revenue without becoming a full-time marketer. Start the free 7 Day Sales Jumpstart here: revenuerascals.com/thelocalguild [http://revenuerascals.com/thelocalguild] Want my eyes on your revenue strategy? Grab a call with Michelle. Revenue Rascals Discovery Call with Michelle Terpstra [https://book.revenuerascals.com/michelle] Check out three ways Michelle and her team can support your path to predictable growth. [https://michelleterpstra.com/workwithus/]  Connect with Michelle: * MichelleTerpstra.com [https://michelleterpstra.com/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellecuocoterpstra/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/themichelleterpstra/?hl=en] * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@revenuerascals] Disclaimer: Some episodes of Revenue Rascals may include paid sponsorships or affiliate partnerships. We only feature brands, products, or services that align with our values and are relevant to helping founders, revenue leaders, and entrepreneurs grow. Sponsorships help support the show—opinions shared are always our own.  Michelle Terpstra's Privacy Policy [https://michelleterpstra.com/privacy-policy/]

Subscriptions That Matter | Navigating Click-to-Cancel Laws with Keren de Zwart

Small business owners love to talk about sales funnels and marketing hacks, but almost nobody wants to think about the nitty-gritty legal matters — until something goes wrong.  Michelle sits down with business lawyer and longtime friend, Keren de Zwart, to look at the legal side of running a business, making it feel approachable instead of intimidating. They dig into the most common risk areas that founders overlook, including why "free" templates can backfire, and how even a little transparency can save a business. Keren shares how she moved from a traditional corporate law firm into building her own practice, and how she has learned to set boundaries between motherhood and running a growing business. Whether you are just getting your contracts in order or trying to figure out how to scale a subscription offer, Keren offers practical guidance, coming from someone who has spent her career making legal support accessible to small business owners. Chapters [Start] “Not Your Father’s Lawyer”: Michelle introduces attorney Keren de Zwart, who shares her path from a traditional corporate firm to building her own practice. 06:53 Legal Essentials for Small Businesses: The most common legal gaps and fundamentals for people starting their own business to be aware of. 15:30 Keren’s Template Shop: Keren dives into the legalities of buying and selling legal templates online, and why hers are more legitimate than others. 20:10 Click-to-Cancel Rules: A look at the state and federal rules around recurring billing, and how to avoid chargebacks. 35:55 The Mom-Founder Juggle: Talking about how Keren structures her offers and balances her business with parenting duties. Links & Resources Connect with Keren de Zwart Not Your Father's Lawyer - Website [https://notyourfatherslawyer.com/] Not Your Father's Lawyer on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/notyourfatherslawyer/] The Local Guild Practical AI, smarter sales systems, and proven growth strategies for small businesses ready to win more customers. Start your 7-Day FREE Sales Jumpstart here: www.revenuerascals.com/thelocalguild [http://www.revenuerascals.com/thelocalguild] Objectionly 14-Day Free Trial If you are a founder or sales manager who wants to sell more and stop losing days to call review, Objectionly gives you back your time and puts accountability where it belongs. Grab your 14-Day Free Trial now: https://objectionly.com/?via=revenuerascals [https://objectionly.com/?via=revenuerascals] Go High Level 30-Day Free Trial: The AI-powered business operating system. All the tools you need to capture, nurture, and close new leads into bookings, sales, reviews, and repeat customers! Grab your 30-Day Free Trial now: www.revenuerascals.com/ghl [http://www.revenuerascals.com/ghl] Access All Revenue Rascals Resources for FREE at www.revenuerascals.com/listen [http://www.revenuerascals.com/listen] One-time sign-up gives you everything you need, including FREE hot seat coaching once a month with Michelle.  Local business owner? Stop guessing your way through growth. The Local Guild helps you get more customers, use AI practically, and build predictable revenue without becoming a full-time marketer. Start the free 7 Day Sales Jumpstart here: revenuerascals.com/thelocalguild [http://revenuerascals.com/thelocalguild] Want my eyes on your revenue strategy? Grab a call with Michelle. Revenue Rascals Discovery Call with Michelle Terpstra [https://book.revenuerascals.com/michelle] Check out three ways Michelle and her team can support your path to predictable growth. [https://michelleterpstra.com/workwithus/]  Connect with Michelle: * MichelleTerpstra.com [https://michelleterpstra.com/] * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellecuocoterpstra/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/themichelleterpstra/?hl=en] * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@revenuerascals] Disclaimer: Some episodes of Revenue Rascals may include paid sponsorships or affiliate partnerships. We only feature brands, products, or services that align with our values and are relevant to helping founders, revenue leaders, and entrepreneurs grow. Sponsorships help support the show—opinions shared are always our own.  Michelle Terpstra's Privacy Policy [https://michelleterpstra.com/privacy-policy/]