Small Town Business with Erika McInerney
Want practical marketing strategies, real-world business lessons and honest conversations from people building successful businesses in small towns?
You’re in the right place.
Small Town Business shines a light on the people building big things in small places and pulls out the practical insights you can actually use in your own business.
Each week, I bring you conversations with business owners, regional leaders and everyday operators growing dream businesses surrounded by community. And sometimes, it’s just me - Erika from Mac&Ernie - sharing honest thoughts, practical strategies, what I’m seeing work right now and what's going to work into the future.
I’m a marketing specialist and customer experience strategist with 30 years working with businesses who want growth that feels sustainable, not stressful.
I'm focused on regional, suburban and small town businesses because, outside the big cities, things work differently. Relationships matter. Reputation matters. Community matters.
Small Town Business is about marketing, customer experience and driving sales in a way that feels authentic and not pushy. Strategic but not overwhelming.
If you’re building a business in a small town (or thinking about it), this is your space.
If you want help building your business, head to www.macandernie.com.au/contact and tell me what you need - I'm here to help.
Small Town Business with Erika McInerney
Kristy from Green Hills Farm and The Ridge House: The Tree Change
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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.