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
Alli from Walker Events: Passion
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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!
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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.