The 4 Economies Of Change

How to leverage these four economies in your regional community by knowing the root cause of change and leveraging from them.

Let’s Talk About The Four Economies of Change (And Why Your Regional Town Should Jump On Board!)

Hey there, fun seekers and community builders! If you’ve been wondering why your favorite local shop has a “for lease” sign in the window, or you’re itching to shake things up in your town, pull up a chair—I’m about to break down the four big economies of change that are flipping the business world on its head. Trust me, you don’t need a business degree to get this stuff—and there’s never been a better time to turn your region into a thriving hub. Ready? Let’s dive in!

The Four Game-Changers: Get To Know Them

So what are these mysterious “economies of change” you keep hearing about? Here they are—bright, bold, and already changing how we live and work:

The Sharing Economy: Think Airbnb, rideshare apps, or borrowing a neighbor’s bike instead of buying one. It’s peer-to-peer magic—why own when you can share?
The Gig Economy: Side hustles! Temporary jobs! Freelancers, delivery drivers, café hosts, and “Ubers” everywhere. Basically, more people than ever can work on their own terms, pick and choose gigs, and shake off the old 9-to-5.
The Circular Economy: No more ‘take, make, dispose.’ We’re talking “Make, Use, Return” instead, like recycling your old phone so it gets a new life. Waste less, do more!
The Digital Economy: Shopping, selling, and connecting all online. Whether you’re running an Instagram store, hosting e-meetings from your living room, or discovering new customers on the other side of the planet—it’s all digital, baby!

Change Is Real & It’s Happening Everywhere

You’ve probably seen it in your own neighborhood—empty shopfronts, more parcels arriving than people at the local bar, and everyone glued to their phones. When I visited Maryborough, I was floored to hear that 250+ packages zip into town every day thanks to online shopping! Crazy, right?

This shift isn’t just an Australian thing. In the U.S., half of Millennials are active in new gig-style jobs. Europe’s obsessed with sustainability—I mean, children in Germany learn how to sort recycling before they learn algebra. Even remote spots in France, Spain, and Queensland are getting in on the act: live nature cams at coffee shops, local currencies, and coworking spaces to help community business boom.

“It’s Not The Future—It’s Already Here”

During my travels (and workshops from Brisbane to Barcelona!), most local business owners had no clue what these change economies were—or how much opportunity they offer. I get it: it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But as my 85-year-old dad says: “Google him up!” Don’t just complain about closures—let’s figure out how to use these trends to keep your town thriving.

Let’s run through some super simple examples for each:

● Sharing Economy

Rent surfboards rather than buy
Start a carpool, offer Couchsurfing, try coworking or coliving
Crowdfund ideas or lend out rarely used gear

● Gig Economy

Offer delivery to the elderly
Host guests with Airbnb or similar
Set up as a freelance barista, tutor, or anything in between

● Circular Economy

Run the world’s BIGGEST garage sale!
Organize recycling drives or “upcycling” projects
Hold startup weekends to solve community issues

● Digital Economy

Sell local goods on Instagram, eBay, or Amazon
Run live events online to connect with wider audiences
Use apps like BitTravel or Everledger for digital trade and integrity

Mindset Matters—Are We Ready?

The heart of this whole change thing? Sustainability—using what we already have, caring for our planet, and getting creative with resources. The consumer mindset’s shifting, too: people care about how products are made, how far they travel, and what happens after we’re done with them. No more mountains of plastic kids’ toys—let’s swap, share, and recycle!

Why Should Your Regional Town Care?

Because, seriously, this is the best time in history for small business to make a big impact! With the right mindset and a dash of curiosity, even tiny communities can access global markets, connect with mentors, and solve their own problems (and maybe the world’s). Not bad, eh?

Local governments and schools should jump on this train, too—by knowing and sharing what’s happening, everyone gets a shot at success.

“Don’t Be Afraid—Just Get Curious!”

Sure, social media can feel scary. But in a world where a one-person coffee hut can thrill tourists with vulture nest live-streams, anything’s possible! It’s about asking good questions, listening to your customers, and solving real problems—right where you are.

So, why can’t you just build a world-class business from regional Australia, America, or anywhere? Spoiler alert: you totally can!

Final Tips For Regional Rockstars

Build something people actually need
Speak plain language, build trust, and focus on real human problems
Don’t be afraid to ask for help—connect with mentors, join online forums, and learn from the best worldwide
Get kids learning about these economies early—they’re the ones who’ll change the world next

Business is fun, messy, and all about relationships. As an early-stage startup mentor, I’ve watched towns transform when they embrace change and get creative. So, let’s help each other, keep it simple, and never stop learning. Who knows—the next big thing might come from your street!