Small Town Business with Erika McInerney

Text me your thoughts If you own a business, one day you’ll be faced with the decision of what to do next - what’s your exit strategy? In this episode, I cover a lot of ideas, meant to be thought-starters, for you to get started on an exit strategy now. I think it’s never too early to plan for your future and some of these options have a long lead time. Join the Small Town Business conversation on Instagram or Facebook or visit online where you can get in touch. The Small Town Business Podcast was recorded on the lands of the GunaiKurnai and I wish to pay my respects to their Elders; past and present. Audio production by Laura at Podcast Support Services.

Text me your thoughts Sara Howard is a copywriter, content marketer, and founder of Writers Australia, a copywriting and content agency she spent 18 years growing into the go-to writing team for major corporates and not-for-profits. While growing her agency from very-part-time-while-wrangling-toddlers to a talented in-house team and impressive roster of clients, Sara pioneered a different kind of agency culture. Now she’s moved into a very different stage of her life as she and her husband have recently made a sea change and left their much older kids to ‘wrangle’ themselves in the City. Sara’s recently published book ‘Beyond Solo’ is a blueprint for micro business owners and side hustlers wanting to get more out of their business and we talk a little bit about how in this episode. As a micro business myself, I found this chat incredibly helpful, I hope you do too. Join the Small Town Business conversation on Instagram or Facebook or visit online where you can get in touch. The Small Town Business Podcast was recorded on the lands of the GunaiKurnai and I wish to pay my respects to their Elders; past and present. Audio production by Laura at Podcast Support Services.

Text me your thoughts If you’ve identified a problem you’d like to solve or help to solve, you’ve got a number of great choices to make towards that end. One of those choices is to create a successful, sustainable business that contributes in some way to the greater good or to a specific need you’ve identified. That’s not necessarily a charity or not-for-profit, it might be a ‘social enterprise’ and this episode unpacks what that is and how you could get started building one. Mentioned in this episode was Disinfluencer , Social Traders and B Corp. Join the Small Town Business conversation on Instagram or Facebook or visit online where you can get in touch. You can find me (Erika) at Mac&Erni e where I offer marketing strategy and social media training and lots more important advice for wherever you’re at in your business. The Small Town Business Podcast was recorded on the lands of the GunaiKurnai and I wish to pay my respects to their Elders; past and present. Audio production by Laura at Podcast Support Services.

Text me your thoughts I’ve always thought that the best business ideas come from noticing something that’s missing in the world. Something important and necessary. Simone Eyles did just that. She noticed that the media and marketing channels are seriously light on for imagery and representation of people living with a disability so she got to work, putting her entrepreneurial brain and her big heart into this new and exciting venture. I hope you get to the end of this episode and see what I see in what Simone is building in Disinfluencer, a business dedicated to empowering people with disabilities and helping businesses embrace inclusion. Find Disinfluencer online and on Instagram and Facebook . Be sure to connect with Simone and tell her I sent you. Join the Small Town Business conversation on Instagram or Facebook or visit online where you can get in touch. The Small Town Business Podcast was recorded on the lands of the GunaiKurnai and I wish to pay my respects to their Elders; past and present. Audio production by Laura at Podcast Support Services.

Text me your thoughts When crisis hits your town or your business, it’s hard to know where to start. This episode is packed with practical ideas to prepare for disaster or down time, but also advice on what to do and how to approach marketing and promotion when things are not ‘business as usual’. Join the Small Town Business conversation on Instagram or Facebook or visit online where you can get in touch. The Small Town Business Podcast was recorded on the lands of the GunaiKurnai and I wish to pay my respects to their Elders; past and present. Audio production by Laura at Podcast Support Services.

Text me your thoughts Andy McCarthy is an entrepreneur, best known for building a renewable energy business from a tiny town called Mirboo North in South Gippsland Victoria. He later sold his company ‘Gippsland Solar’ to the RACV but he hasn’t lost his passion for renewables. Andy now delivers keynote speeches, leadership training and workshops, and advises businesses, government and regulators on policy, strategy and authentic leadership. He also recently published a memoir called ‘Here Comes the Sun’. He’s a husband, a father of a handful of very energetic boys and alongside all of that, he’s an active member of his local community. Despite that list it’s that last point that we focus on in this episode. In early 2024, Andy’s home town was rocked by a freak and incredibly destructive storm. What the town did next has been fascinating to watch and I think a lot of small towns can learn from their experience. If you’d like to find out more about Andy, you can grab his book here or find him on LinkedIn. Also mentioned in this episode was The Mirboo North and District Community Foundation , The Gippsland Community Leadership Program , TAFE Gippsland , South Gippsland Shire Council , Sikh Volunteers Australia , Mirboo North Op Shop, Join the Small Town Business conversation on Instagram or Facebook or visit online where you can get in touch. The Small Town Business Podcast was recorded on the lands of the GunaiKurnai and I wish to pay my respects to their Elders; past and present. Audio production by Laura at Podcast Support Services.

Text me your thoughts I’m sure we’ve all been there - seen a sign on a window or a post in a local facebook group with that ‘business for sale’ headline. It starts you thinking…what if?? In this episode I’ve pulled together five key things to consider, to look out for, to plan for if you’re thinking of buying an established business or, if you already have. There are more things to consider but here are my five: Brand reputation and identity Marketing assets Staff Supply chain Business plan and/or strategy Let me know if this episode inspires you to get started or to strengthen the business you’re in right now - in your small town. Mentioned in this episode is String + Salt and The New Red. Erika McInerney is the founder of Mac&Ernie - specialising in social media and marketing training for small business, community organisations and leaders in regional and rural areas. Find out more about Mac&Ernie or head to Instagram , Facebook or LinkedIn for loads of free tips and smart, authentic marketing advice. Join the Small Town Business conversation on Instagram or Facebook or visit us online. The Small Town Business podcast was recorded on the lands of the GunaiKurnai and I wish to pay my respects to their Elders; past and present. Audio production by Laura at Podcast Support Services.

Text me your thoughts Kate Toon is a multi award winning entrepreneur, author and speaker. In the circles I work in, she’s well known for her commonsense approach to complex beasts like SEO and digital marketing. And then in 2024, out of the blue, she bought her local bookshop and has shared her journey with refreshing honesty. Kate is not technically from a small town, but she is in a small community and strip of retail shops that functions a bit like a small town - anyone listening from a suburb that has something like this will understand what I mean. Kate has a lot of great advice to share about what it’s like buying an established business - what to look out for and some of the hurdles she’s jumped and I highly recommend connecting with her on one or more of her own channels because she’s very generous with her time and smarts and also good fun. Find the Umina Beach Book Nook on Instagram or Facebook and check out Kate and all the things she does on her website here. Join the Small Town Business conversation on Instagram or Facebook or visit online where you can get in touch. The Small Town Business Podcast was recorded on the lands of the GunaiKurnai and I wish to pay my respects to their Elders; past and present. Audio production by Laura at Podcast Support Services.

Text me your thoughts How do you grow a thriving business in a small town, regional or rural area? One way is to learn from others and this podcast is a great place to do just that. If you’ve ever wondered how to make big things happen in a regional or rural area, you’re in the right place. I’m sharing exciting updates about Small Town Business, what’s coming up in Season 2, and why you’re going to want to tune in. I’ve been busy interviewing incredible business owners who are making waves in their small towns. People with big ideas, smart strategies, and inspiring stories that you can learn from. You’ll walk away with fresh ideas, real-world insights, and a notebook full of possibilities to help you grow your business and make an impact in your community. Season 2 kicks off on April 7, and I can’t wait to get back to connecting with you! In the meantime, catch up on past episodes, and make sure to hit follow or subscribe so you don’t miss a thing. Got a business story to share? Let’s chat! Connect with me over on Instagram @smalltownbusiness_podcast and tell me what’s happening in your small town.

Text me your thoughts Alex Thomas is a rural health and safety specialist and advocate for safety and wellbeing in regional and rural areas - especially on farms. In this episode she tells us her very personal ‘why’ and why she’s so passionate about this topic. She has chosen women to help her in her mission through her organisation ‘Plant a Seed for Safety’ and campaign #SaveALifeListenToYourWife and it’s such a great story, I’m sure you’ll love it! Make sure you go and check out what she’s up to on her website or follow along on Instagram and Facebook . You can book Alex to run workshops in your town, grab the very cool conversation-starting shirts or sponsor this life-changing program - just get in touch with her to find out how. Join the Small Town Business conversation on Instagram or Facebook or visit us online . The Small Town Business podcast was recorded on the lands of the GunaiKurnai and I wish to pay my respects to their elders; past, present and emerging. Audio production by Jetstreamer. 🌱 This episode is proudly sponsored by Visit Gippsland, the land of many wonders. Plan a trip via their interactive website at www.visitgippsland.com.au , or be inspired on Instagram or Facebook .

Text me your thoughts Sometimes to make a treechange you have to leave your career behind and start something new. There are so many pros to building a local business - especially to support your lifestyle or family goals, if commuting back and forth to the nearest City just isn’t possible. In this episode, I take some of the tips I’ve gotten from other local businesses, to help you start something before you’ve even left your City home. What steps can you be taking right now to increase your chance of starting your new business from a position of strength? To have customers lining up before you open the doors. To build community and a network of supporters that will connect you into your new town? Let me know if this episode inspires you to get started or to strengthen the business you’re in right now - in your small town. Erika McInerney is the founder of Mac&Ernie - specialising in social media and marketing training for small business, community organisations and leaders in regional and rural areas. Find out more about Mac&Ernie or head to Instagram , Facebook or LinkedIn for loads of free tips and smart, authentic marketing advice. Join the Small Town Business conversation on Instagram or Facebook or visit us online . The Small Town Business podcast was recorded on the lands of the GunaiKurnai and I wish to pay my respects to their elders; past, present and emerging. Audio production by Jetstreamer. 🌱 This episode is proudly sponsored by Visit Gippsland, the land of many wonders. Plan a trip via their interactive website at www.visitgippsland.com.au , or be inspired on Instagram or Facebook .

Text me your thoughts Kristy Plumridge is the owner of Greenhills Farm and The Ridge House in Yarragon, West Gippsland. She and her husband Neil made a treechange from Melbourne in 2015 but they did it a little differently - pretty smartly I think. They bought a farm with no experience BUT rather than taking their inexperience in farming and jumping straight in, they have built up multiple businesses over the years on the land slowly and carefully. They have come in and out of Melbourne, learning, growing, collaborating and immersing themselves in the local Yarragon community. Now they are almost ready to move full time, because their country businesses are able to support them. Sounds good - they should teach people what they did right? Well they are planning to. This episode is for anyone who loves the idea of trading in their City lifestyle for a farm in the country. Kristy is incredibly generous with her knowledge and I think you’ll love hearing about all the learnings that have made their businesses tick. Follow Kristy and Neil’s journey on one or all of these channels: Greenhills Farm on Instagram or The Ridge House on Facebook or Instagram . Also mentioned is Creative Harvest , a wonderful annual event held around Gippsland. Check them out on Facebook or Instagram too. And the wonderful Hogget Kitchen popped up a couple of times too so go and check them out on Instagram or Facebook . Join the Small Town Business conversation on Instagram or Facebook or visit us online . The Small Town Business podcast was recorded on the lands of the GunaiKurnai and I wish to pay my respects to their elders; past, present and emerging. Audio production by Jetstreamer. 🌱 This episode is proudly sponsored by Visit Gippsland, the land of many wonders. Plan a trip via their interactive website at www.visitgippsland.com.au , or be inspired on Instagram or Facebook .

Text me your thoughts Even though I believe there is usually a place for social media in your marketing, I will rarely encourage anyone to JUST focus on it. Having a healthy spread of promotional and marketing activity allows you to reach a broader audience and mitigate any potential disasters - like getting locked out of your social media accounts. Which happens a LOT. So today I’m going to talk about three ways to promote your small town business or brand that complement your social media activity and help you to build strong connections with your local community and local markets. Erika McInerney is the founder of Mac&Ernie - specialising in social media and marketing training for small business, community organisations and leaders in regional and rural areas. Find out more about Mac&Ernie or head to Instagram , Facebook or LinkedIn for loads of free tips and smart, authentic marketing advice. Join the Small Town Business conversation on Instagram or Facebook or visit us online . The Small Town Business podcast was recorded on the lands of the GunaiKurnai and I wish to pay my respects to their elders; past, present and emerging. Audio production by Jetstreamer. 🌱 This episode is proudly sponsored by Visit Gippsland, the land of many wonders. Plan a trip via their interactive website at www.visitgippsland.com.au , or be inspired on Instagram or Facebook .

Text me your thoughts How much time and effort do you spend working on your business’ social media? Is it at the expense of other media? There’s increasing pressure from all around us to believe that social is the only way you can build your business or promote yourself, your business or brand but there are options. Great options… In this interview, Kimberley Furness from OAK Magazine and I talk about media from all angles. Even though we are both social media trainers, we agree that media has a greater role to play both in our business and yours. Kimberley is based in Bendigo in North Central Victoria. She is an award-winning magazine publisher, podcaster, speaker, social media trainer and passionate supporter of regional women in business. Please go and check out OAK Magazine (it’s fabulous), check out her podcast or follow her on Instagram. Also mentioned in this episode is Dr Nicolette Snowden Oral Historian and She Mentors on networking and mentoring. Join the Small Town Business conversation on Instagram or Facebook or visit us online . The Small Town Business podcast was recorded on the lands of the GunaiKurnai and I wish to pay my respects to their elders; past, present and emerging. Audio production by Jet Streamer. 🌱 This episode is proudly sponsored by Visit Gippsland, the land of many wonders. Plan a trip via their interactive website at www.visitgippsland.com.au , or be inspired on Instagram or Facebook .

Text me your thoughts If you’re in a small business, chances are you’re wearing the marketing and social media hat. Being close to the heart of your business makes you the best person for the job, but sometimes it can be hard to share the type of content that really connects you to your audience and converts them into customers. How much do you share? Are you holding back from your audience or are you transparent? In this episode I look into the marketing concept of ‘building in public’, what it means, who is doing it well and how you could use this approach with your business or brand. Mentioned in this episode was Paynter Jacket - find them online or on Instagram Erika McInerney is the founder of Mac&Ernie - specialising in social media and marketing training for small business, community organisations and leaders in regional and rural areas. Find out more about Mac&Ernie or head to Instagram , Facebook or LinkedIn for loads of free tips and smart, authentic marketing advice. Join the Small Town Business conversation on Instagram or Facebook or visit us online . The Small Town Business podcast was recorded on the lands of the GunaiKurnai and I wish to pay my respects to their elders; past, present and emerging. Audio production by Jetstreamer. 🌱 This episode is proudly sponsored by Visit Gippsland, the land of many wonders. Plan a trip via their interactive website at www.visitgippsland.com.au , or be inspired on Instagram or Facebook .

Text me your thoughts My guest, Amy from The New Red, is no stranger to a good pivot, having traveled a winding road in her career and life. More recently in her small business she went into battle against her local Council to keep her successful woodworking and emerging skills training business afloat but chose to put her mental health first - pivoting into an entirely new direction. Amy’s honesty, creativity and drive are pretty inspirational. I think you’re going to love this interview. Amy is based in the small town of Trafalgar in Gippsland, South Eastern Victoria. Make sure you go and check her out on Instagram { https://www.instagram.com/thenew.red } or head to her website https://www.thenewred.com.au/ Join the Small Town Business conversation on Instagram or Facebook or visit us online . The Small Town Business podcast was recorded on the lands of the GunaiKurnai and I wish to pay my respects to their elders; past, present and emerging. Audio production by Jetstreamer. 🌱 This episode is proudly sponsored by Visit Gippsland, the land of many wonders. Plan a trip via their interactive website at www.visitgippsland.com.au , or be inspired on Instagram or Facebook .

Text me your thoughts Are you a lifelong learner? I am! Learning comes with success and failure and, in small business, it comes from listening to others’ experiences. In this episode I open up about some of my learnings and challenges to date. I hope it helps - even if it just validates some of your challenges. You’re not alone! Mentioned in this episode www.business.gov.au This episode is the last of this series and I’ll be back in a few weeks. Make sure you follow or subscribe so I pop back in when I release the next fabulous interview. Erika McInerney is the founder of Mac&Ernie - specialising in social media and marketing training for small business, community organisations and leaders in regional and rural areas. Find out more about Mac&Ernie or head to Instagram , Facebook or LinkedIn for loads of free tips and smart, authentic marketing advice. Join the Small Town Business conversation on Instagram or Facebook or visit us online . The Small Town Business podcast was recorded on the lands of the Gunaikurnai and I wish to pay my respects to their elders; past and present and emerging. Audio production by Jetstreamer. 🌱 This episode is proudly sponsored by Visit Gippsland, the land of many wonders. Plan a trip via their interactive website at www.visitgippsland.com.au , or be inspired on Instagram or Facebook .

Text me your thoughts My guest, Jackie Yong from Soilz Alive, describes herself as a curious human, compost enthusiast and hair lover…three things that you wouldn’t think you could turn into a business. But she has and it’s great. It wasn’t all smooth sailing though and Jackie generously shares her ups and downs in this chat. I hope you enjoy it! To find Soilz Alive and maybe try a bag or two in your garden, head to her website or connect with her on Instagram or Facebook . Other regional small businesses mentioned in this episode are OAK Magazine , Curium Legal and Words on a Page . Join the Small Town Business conversation on Instagram or Facebook or visit us online . The Small Town Business podcast was recorded on the lands of the GunaiKurnai and I wish to pay my respects to their elders; past, present and emerging. Audio production by Jetstreamer. 🌱 This episode is proudly sponsored by Visit Gippsland, the land of many wonders. Plan a trip via their interactive website at www.visitgippsland.com.au , or be inspired on Instagram or Facebook .

Text me your thoughts This week I’m talking about passion. How to find it when you’re feeling stuck or how to know what you could or should be doing. I give you a few thoughts on how being passionate about your business can backfire and some tools to try and prevent that. Passion is an incredible foundation for a business and is absolutely essential if you’re working or volunteering for a community organisation. I hope this episode helps you find yours and keep it going. Thanks for listening. Mentioned in this episode was Ness from Business Together. Find them online or on Instagram . Erika McInerney is the founder of Mac&Ernie - specialising in social media and marketing training for small business, community organisations and leaders in regional and rural areas. Find out more about Mac&Ernie or head to Instagram , Facebook or LinkedIn for loads of free tips and smart, authentic marketing advice. Join the Small Town Business conversation on Instagram or Facebook or visit us online . The Small Town Business podcast was recorded on the lands of the GunaiKurnai and I wish to pay my respects to their elders; past, present and emerging. Audio production by Jetstreamer. 🌱 This episode is proudly sponsored by Visit Gippsland, the land of many wonders. Plan a trip via their interactive website at www.visitgippsland.com.au , or be inspired on Instagram or Facebook .

Text me your thoughts Does your small town have a calendar of events that you attend regularly? If not, do you wish it did? Conceptualising, creating and running events is no small feat and it requires a lot of hard work and passion. My guest, Alli Walker from Walker Events has that passion and you’ll hear it today. Alli will give you just a little bit of insight into how she went from working in healthcare in Melbourne, to running events for thousands of people up in the snow town of Mansfield, Victoria. She talks us through some of the highs and lows and we talk about the economic benefits of events and how they contribute to tourism. If you’ve had a treechange and are wondering how you can immerse yourself quickly into your new community - go seek out your local market and stick your hand up to volunteer some time. You won’t regret it. If you’d like to get in touch with Alli or follow along with her events, head to Walker Events on Instagram. Mansfield Farmers Market is on the fourth Saturday of every month and you can check them out on Instagram or Facebook and you can also find out more about the Lantern Festival on Instagram . We also mention the Victorian Farmers Market Association (VFMA) https://www.vfma.org.au or on Instagram. Thanks for listening! Join the Small Town Business conversation on Instagram or Facebook or visit us online . The Small Town Business podcast was recorded on the lands of the GunaiKurnai and I wish to pay my respects to their elders; past, present and emerging. Audio production by Jetstreamer. 🌱 This episode is proudly sponsored by Visit Gippsland, the land of many wonders. Plan a trip via their interactive website at www.visitgippsland.com.au , or be inspired on Instagram or Facebook .