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
Jason from ETCH Sparkling: Purpose
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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.
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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.