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.

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.

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&Ernie 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.

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.

 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Purpose-driven, for-purpose, heart-led, social-enterprise, profit-for-purpose…

There are a lot of ways to describe businesses that have a purpose or a mission, but there’s also a common misconception that business that have a purpose, or are driven by advocacy for example - shouldn’t be ‘for profit’. 

Today’s episode is about how possible (and awesome) it is to be a business that contributes to a cause or charity with the win-win of it contributing to your own bottom line or brand awareness.

I talk about how to choose what organisation you align with and why you might choose it. How to be authentic and genuine in your actions and why that’s important and I also cover off on a few ways you can contribute without having to donate money - for those who just don’t have the profits to spare yet.

Thanks for listening!

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.

Just a few years ago, Jason and Andy Quin conceived, developed and launched a really special range of alcohol-free, inclusive drinks, called ETCH Sparkling, that celebrate health and native Australian fruits and herbs. Special for those reasons alone, but the personal journey that led them here is significant and an important part of their brand story.

Jason worked in the wine industry for two decades and found himself at a point where alcohol was playing a role in his life that he could no longer sustain. His journey to wellness and his acceptance that he could no longer work in the industry he had loved was the catalyst for this powerful shift.

I hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as I enjoyed hearing Jason’s story of how they have developed and marketed ETCH so far, and his frank and frankly enlightening observations of the role alcohol plays in all our lives.

If talking about alcohol or alcohol addiction is a trigger for you then you may want to skip this episode. 

Before I get to how you can find ETCH Sparkling’s products, I would like to list a few resources below - some are mentioned in the episode:

A great place to start is with your local GP, who can advise and refer you. If you are looking for some more anonymous help, there is a website called Drinkwise that has an extensive range of resources and contacts.

Jason references Sober in the Country, led by Shana Whan, which is a grassroots NFP working hard to impact drinking in regional and rural areas. You can find them on Instagram or online. He also mentions ‘Noelene’ who is a rural sobriety coach. You can find her here online or on Instagram 

To find ETCH you can buy online at etchsparkling.com.au. You’ll see a list of their stockists there and what markets they attend. Ask for them at your specialist grocer or IGA and help them find new stockists. Follow along with their story, recipes, tips and inspiration on Instagram.

Jason refers to a book called ‘Shoe Dog’ by author Phil Knight.

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.

There’s a lot that can be said about family when it comes to business, especially small business. It’s very hard to run your own business without involving your family - whether directly or indirectly. Setting boundaries and having clear intentions can all get a little blurred when you don’t have that distinction between work and home…I should know.

This episode gives you five thought-starters to help get you working better together in your family business. I hope it helps you!

In this episode I mentioned Google Keep, it’s free and super easy to use.

I also read an email from a listener - Shelby - and suggested she (and anyone else) check out Real Bread by George’s online Sourdough Made Easy course;  I’m forever grateful to Georgie for teaching me how to make bread.

Thanks for listening!

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 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.

Are you one of the many many people who left their home town seeking greener pastures, fame or fortune only to feel that pull back when the time came to raise your own family? I am and so is Sarah Rowan, my guest today. 

Sarah lives in rural New South Wales and, alongside her brother, took over the reins of the family business - Harden Bearings and Hardware. She also runs a second business with her husband and, over generations, her family has become an important part of the business community in Harden.

Sarah’s passion for her small town is palpable. Her connection to her family is lovely and the sense that the town itself is one big family shines through. It makes me want to jump in a car and go buy some hardware from them…

To find out more head to Harden Bearings and Hardware on Instagram or Facebook.

Sarah’s other family business is Kumiai Ryu Martial Arts System in Harden on Instagram or Facebook.

Join the Small Town Business conversation on Instagram or Facebook or visit us online.

So many beautiful places are tucked away on roads less travelled. If you’re in one and you’d like to tell your story, please send me an email to smalltownbusiness.pod@gmail.com

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.

Authenticity is such a slippery little sucker. We know it’s important, but what does it actually mean to be authentic when it comes to your business or your social media and marketing?

In this episode I reflect on my conversation with Doug in episode 8 and I’ve pulled out five thought starters on what I think authenticity means and how you can look at what you’re doing and maybe tweak a few things to get you feeling more like you and then…more confident in what you’re doing.

I hope it helps you!

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.

About Small Town Business:

Small Town Business shines a light on people making big things happen in small towns, regional and rural communities.

Each episode is in two-parts. In Part one, we chat with a small-town business owner, hand picked because they have a particularly special story to tell. They generously share the ups and downs and all the in-betweens of their business, before part two where I draw out one of the key points of the discussion into a specific learning with a focus on marketing and business development.

Follow along for inspiring stories from community-driven, authentic people. Then let Erika McInerney - that’s me your host - teach you how you can take that inspiration and turn into into action for your business.

Whether you’re already living in a small town, thinking of moving, or wondering what business is like outside the city - this podcast is for you.

Make sure you follow or subscribe so you don’t miss an episode and, if you’ve just found this, make sure you start from the beginning.

For more info, visit smalltownbusinesspodcast.au

About Erika:

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.

 Over the past two years I’ve talked with a lot of people who took a redundancy or lost their jobs during the pandemic. People who found themselves with either no choice but to start their own business or, in the case of this guest, saw an opportunity to take a risk and explore what he could build with his passion and knowledge and networks. 

I’m speaking with Doug Moczynski from Gippsland Adventure Therapy, a wellbeing service working with young people with disabilities or trauma to provide them with a safe space to explore the world, learn and have some fun. 

Doug is a larger than life character who brings an energy and authenticity to everything he does. This chat covers a lot of ground, but circles back to how he has built this business by being real and honest and authentic. That comes through in everything he does - from dealing with clients to posting on his social media. What you see is what you get. It works to build trust and networks and community.

So many learnings!

Follow @gippslandadventuretherapy on Instagram or visit www.gippslandadventuretherapy.com.au to find out more.

Join the Small Town Business conversation on Instagram or Facebook or visit us online.

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.

About Small Town Business:

Small Town Business shines a light on people making big things happen in small towns, regional and rural communities.

Each episode is in two-parts. In Part one, we chat with a small-town business owner, hand picked because they have a particularly special story to tell. They generously share the ups and downs and all the in-betweens of their business, before part two where I draw out one of the key points of the discussion into a specific learning with a focus on marketing and business development.

Follow along for inspiring stories from community-driven, authentic people. Then let Erika McInerney - that’s me your host - teach you how you can take that inspiration and turn into into action for your business.

Whether you’re already living in a small town, thinking of moving, or wondering what business is like outside the city - this podcast is for you.

Make sure you follow or subscribe so you don’t miss an episode and, if you’ve just found this, make sure you start from the beginning.

For more info, visit smalltownbusinesspodcast.au

As this podcast season progresses, I’m realising that everyone I speak with has something in common. The safety net of their own community. If you’ve been listening along, you might have noticed that too.

So in this episode, I’m going to take my learnings from Dave (episode 6) and look a little deeper at the role that community can play in your business. The different types of community. How you can grow a community and why it’s important that, when you move to a small town, you seek to build your safety net in an authentic way.

I hope it helps you.

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.

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.

About Small Town Business:

Small Town Business shines a light on people making big things happen in small towns, regional and rural communities.

Each episode is in two-parts. In Part one, we chat with a small-town business owner, hand picked because they have a particularly special story to tell. They generously share the ups and downs and all the in-betweens of their business, before part two where I draw out one of the key points of the discussion into a specific learning with a focus on marketing and business development.

Follow along for inspiring stories from community-driven, authentic people. Then let Erika McInerney - that’s me your host - teach you how you can take that inspiration and turn into into action for your business.

Whether you’re already living in a small town, thinking of moving, or wondering what business is like outside the city - this podcast is for you.

Make sure you follow or subscribe so you don’t miss an episode and, if you’ve just found this, make sure you start from the beginning.

For more info, visit smalltownbusinesspodcast.au

 One of my favourite sayings is ‘a rising tide lifts all boats’ and I reckon Dave, his wife Mich and their network of business owners, foodies, makers and shakers are definitely that tide. 

We’re back in Warragul because I really wanted to introduce you to  Dave, who would talk for days to share his knowledge on what community over competition really means. His willingness to ‘muck in’ and contribute to the overall success of the retailers in this town is admirable and smart - you’ll hear why that investment in time yields such a great return in a physical and emotional sense.

I think you’ll enjoy hearing his thoughts on how to be a leader, how to grow your business in a small town and why he supports local whenever he can.

I’m personally in awe of his confidence, his tenacity and his willingness to take risks - knowing the safety net they have built with care and authenticity will catch them.

🌱 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.

In this episode we reference a number of businesses:

String+Salt: (Instagram | Facebook)

Cleaver Salumi Cabinets  (Instagram | Facebook)

Spice Oddity (Instagram | Facebook)

Join the Small Town Business conversation on Instagram or Facebook or visit us online.

Audio production by Jet Streamer

About Small Town Business:

Small Town Business shines a light on people making big things happen in small towns, regional and rural communities.

Each episode is in two-parts. In Part one, we chat with a small-town business owner, hand picked because they have a particularly special story to tell. They generously share the ups and downs and all the in-betweens of their business, before part two where I draw out one of the key points of the discussion into a specific learning with a focus on marketing and business development.

Follow along for inspiring stories from community-driven, authentic people. Then let Erika McInerney - that’s me your host - teach you how you can take that inspiration and turn into into action for your business.

Whether you’re already living in a small town, thinking of moving, or wondering what business is like outside the city - this podcast is for you.

Make sure you follow or subscribe so you don’t miss an episode and, if you’ve just found this, make sure you start from the beginning.

For more info, vi

I’m back again talking about confidence and how you can channel it if you’ve got it, or muster it up if you don’t. 

You’ll hear my thoughts on five ways that you can work on your confidence and, in doing so, put your best foot forward in your business. Have the capacity to deal with stuff like rejection or slow social media growth or when people write stupid comments on your posts. To have the confidence to ask for what you want and take action on the things you need to do to propel your business forward.

I hope it helps you.  

🌱 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.

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.

Audio production by Jet Streamer

About Small Town Business:

Small Town Business shines a light on people making big things happen in small towns, regional and rural communities.

Each episode is in two-parts. In Part one, we chat with a small-town business owner, hand picked because they have a particularly special story to tell. They generously share the ups and downs and all the in-betweens of their business, before part two where I draw out one of the key points of the discussion into a specific learning with a focus on marketing and business development.

Follow along for inspiring stories from community-driven, authentic people. Then let Erika McInerney - that’s me your host - teach you how you can take that inspiration and turn into into action for your business.

Whether you’re already living in a small town, thinking of moving, or wondering what business is like outside the city - this podcast is for you.

Make sure you follow or subscribe so you don’t miss an episode and, if you’ve just found this, make sure you start from the beginning.

For more info, visit smalltownbusinesspodcast.au

Confidence. Backing yourself. Sometimes when you’re starting out in business you really do have to fake it till you make it. And I’m not talking about anything dodgy here. I mean digging deep and faking the confidence that you need to walk into a room and say hey I’m here and you need my fantastic products.

That’s the confidence you need to grow a business like this one - Friendie Audio. 

From here in my home town of Warragul, Victoria - Jane Sahhar and her husband Phil create hi-tech, fashion forward, sportsluxe headphones, audio sunglasses, speakers, watch bands, tech and sports accessories. Beautiful quality products.

Jane shares the Friendie story with us in this incredibly helpful chat. She talks about how it all started, why and how they kept reinvesting in the business (instead of getting a new bathroom) and why that reinvestment - backing themselves - has been central to their success. We talk ups and downs, looking after yourself and why community and supporting local is at the heart of their business.

Visit Friendie’s website and follow @friendie_audio on Instagram to find out more.

🌱 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.

Join the Small Town Business conversation on Instagram or Facebook or visit us online.

Audio production by Jet Streamer

About Small Town Business:

Small Town Business shines a light on people making big things happen in small towns, regional and rural communities.

Each episode is in two-parts. In Part one, we chat with a small-town business owner, hand picked because they have a particularly special story to tell. They generously share the ups and downs and all the in-betweens of their business, before part two where I draw out one of the key points of the discussion into a specific learning with a focus on marketing and business development.

Follow along for inspiring stories from community-driven, authentic people. Then let Erika McInerney - that’s me your host - teach you how you can take that inspiration and turn into into action for your business.

Whether you’re already living in a small town, thinking of moving, or wondering what business is like outside the city - this podcast is for you.

Make sure you follow or subscribe so you don’t miss an episode and, if you’ve just found this, make sure you start from the beginning.

For more info, visit smalltownbusinesspodcast.au

In this episode I dig a little deeper into the idea of ‘virality’. Why DO we dream of a large following? Why do we crave NUMBERS when it comes to our social media? 

You’ll hear my thoughts on five key features of viral content and how you can learn from that for your own business marketing.

As you’re listening, have a think about how you could take this advice and use it to make your social media marketing better and, importantly, to help you make your experience better. Because this stuff is stressful and I know a lot of you are spending more time than you have on creating content and refreshing your feed hoping to see those numbers spike.

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.

Catch up on last episode with The Invy Baker.
Visit The Invy Baker's website and Instagram

🌱 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.

Join the Small Town Business conversation on Instagram or Facebook or visit us online.

Audio production by Jet Streamer

About Small Town Business:

Small Town Business shines a light on people making big things happen in small towns, regional and rural communities.

Each episode is in two-parts. In Part one, we chat with a small-town business owner, hand picked because they have a particularly special story to tell. They generously share the ups and downs and all the in-betweens of their business, before part two where I draw out one of the key points of the discussion into a specific learning with a focus on marketing and business development.

Follow along for inspiring stories from community-driven, authentic people. Then let Erika McInerney - that’s me your host - teach you how you can take that inspiration and turn into into action for your business.

Whether you’re already living in a small town, thinking of moving, or wondering what business is like outside the city - this podcast is for you.

Make sure you follow or subscribe so you don’t miss an episode and, if you’ve just found this, make sure you start from the beginning.

For more info, visit smalltownbusinesspodcast.au

 In the midst of all the lockdowns in 2020, Hanna Lofgren and her husband Grego Montalban Sanchez (aka The Invy Baker), set up a micro-bakery in the small coastal town of Inverloch, South Gippsland.

Their intention was to create a lifestyle business that would take Grego away from the grind of #cheflife and allow them to spend time together with their young family. 

My guest, Hanna, gives us some great insight into how they set up the business and why it’s important to them to stick to their vision, somewhat despite the fact that they have become a viral hit on Instagram-  with over 120,000 (and growing) very engaged followers.

How did that happen? What are they doing right? What does it all mean for their business?

Hanna gives us a very honest and fresh perspective on what it means to go viral as a small business in a regional area. I think you’ll learn a lot from her experience and her customer-focused approach.

🌱 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.

Visit The Invy Baker's website and follow @theinvybaker on Instagram to find out more.

Join the Small Town Business conversation on Instagram or Facebook or visit us online.

Audio production by Jet Streamer

About Small Town Business:

Small Town Business shines a light on people making big things happen in small towns, regional and rural communities.

Each episode is in two-parts. In Part one, we chat with a small-town business owner, hand picked because they have a particularly special story to tell. They generously share the ups and downs and all the in-betweens of their business, before part two where I draw out one of the key points of the discussion into a specific learning with a focus on marketing and business development.

Follow along for inspiring stories from community-driven, authentic people. Then let Erika McInerney - that’s me your host - teach you how you can take that inspiration and turn into into action for your business.

Whether you’re already living in a small town, thinking of moving, or wondering what business is like outside the city - this podcast is for you.

Make sure you follow or subscribe so you don’t miss an episode and, if you’ve just found this, make sure you start from the beginning.

For more info, visit smalltownbusinesspodcast.au

Small Town Business is coming soon! 

Follow along for inspiring stories from community-driven, authentic people. Then let Erika McInerney - that’s me your host - teach you how you can take that inspiration and turn into into action for your business.

Make sure you follow or subscribe so you don’t miss the first episode!