The 5 Minute Business Boost®

SAM HICKS
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In this ongoing weekly podcast series, Sam will discuss all things small business in Victoria, Australia. It could be topics related to business development, marketing, photography, or even a combination of all three. Also, community development and volunteering... possibly some small business advocacy and information for the NFP sector as well. There will be discussions, reviews, tips, tricks, guests, and so much more, depending on how your host, Sam Hicks, is feeling. So, possums, listen up, and here we go. Further information, show notes are included with each episode, and/or resources are available from the Sam Hicks website. About Sam Sam Hicks is a “make-a-difference type of person” with a passion for regional business development, marketing, and photography. She lives in North East Victoria, Australia, has been running small businesses since she was 18, and loves working with other small business owners to achieve their goals! Qualifications include an MBA in Marketing Management (MBA), a Graduate Certificate in Digital Marketing (GradCertDMktg), and many more. However, it is practical experience from her paid and volunteer endeavours and those of her clients that fuels this sharing of knowledge. Want to reach out to work with Sam? Check out the Let's Go page if you are a small business in Victoria, and you want to take your small business to the next level. Sign up for the non-spammy newsletter with humour within its 600 words... delivered each Wednesday at the same time as this podcast > 5-Minute Business Boost. Get in touch to organise a workshop, explore our range of workshops, or connect to learn more about one-on-one mentoring and our comprehensive range of products and resources. If you run a small business in Victoria, Australia, and want to be on the poddy, reach out: to 5minbizboost@samhicks.com.au

  1. Guest Series - Jon Inch - Director - Mansfield Debt Recovery

    12/16/2025

    Guest Series - Jon Inch - Director - Mansfield Debt Recovery

    In this episode, the last one for 2025, Sam chats with Jon from Mansfield Debt Recovery about the realities of debt collection for small business owners. With more than half of Australian small businesses experiencing cashflow-negative months due to late payments, understanding when and how to engage a debt collector is essential. Jon walks through the key moments to seek help, what the debt-collection process actually involves, the red flags to watch for, and the common myths around what debt collectors can and can’t do. Mansfield Debt Recovery supports tradies and small businesses across North-East Victoria with a respectful, fair, and practical approach to getting businesses back into the black. ---------------------------------------------------- Need some assistance with Small Business Debt Recovery - chat to Jon - 0455 629 621 Follow on Facebook or send an email to mansfielddebtrecovery@gmail.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ If you enjoyed this episode, hit subscribe, share it with a fellow small business owner, and leave a review. It all helps more people find the show. While you are on the website, check out my Small Business Kickstart Kit. It includes a one-page business plan, simple social media calendar, marketing checklist, and plug-and-play Canva templates. Instant download at samhicks.com.au. You can also sign up for the 5-Minute Business Boost newsletter, or explore how we can work together on your business: • small business consulting, • marketing strategy, • social media and digital marketing, • workshops, • mentoring, or a • focused 1-hour training session. New podcast episodes and the weekly newsletter drop every Wednesday at 10am. Follow me on social media (@samhickscomau) and remember in small business, anything is possible. #smallbusiness #smallbusinessconsulting #marketingstrategy #businessdevelopment #5minutebusinessboost #podcast #smallbiz #regionalbusiness #samhicks

    18 min
  2. The secret sauce behind a great value proposition

    12/02/2025

    The secret sauce behind a great value proposition

    In this episode of the 5-Minute Business Boost, I am unpacking one of the most important tools in your marketing toolkit: your value proposition. It’s the simple, powerful sentence that tells customers who you help, what problem you solve and why you’re the best choice. If your messaging feels a bit fuzzy or you struggle to explain your business without rambling, this episode will help you sharpen your clarity fast. You’ll learn: • Why a strong value proposition matters more than ever • the three questions every value proposition must answer • the most common mistakes small business owners make • a simple framework to write your own one-liner • real examples across different industries • a quick exercise you can do in under two minutes This episode is designed to help small business owners simplify their message, stand out from competitors and create marketing that actually makes sense to customers. If you enjoyed this episode, hit subscribe, share it with a fellow small business owner, and leave a review. It all helps more people find the show. While you are on the website, check out my Small Business Kickstart Kit. It includes a one-page business plan, simple social media calendar, marketing checklist, and plug-and-play Canva templates. Instant download at samhicks.com.au. You can also sign up for the 5-Minute Business Boost newsletter, or explore how we can work together on your business: small business consulting, marketing strategy, social media and digital marketing, workshops, mentoring, or a focused 1-hour training session. New podcast episodes and the weekly newsletter drop every Wednesday at 10am. Follow me on social media (@samhickscomau) and remember: in small business, anything is possible. #smallbusiness #smallbusinessconsulting #marketingstrategy #businessdevelopment #5minutebusinessboost #podcast #smallbiz #regionalbusiness #samhicks

    9 min
  3. Omnichannel made simple: how small businesses can show up everywhere - without burning out (Marketing)

    11/25/2025

    Omnichannel made simple: how small businesses can show up everywhere - without burning out (Marketing)

    In this episode, Sam demystifies the buzzword “omnichannel” and breaks it down into something practical, achievable, and genuinely helpful for small business owners. If your Instagram, website, Google Business Profile, and email list all feel like separate versions of you, you don’t have an omnichannel strategy — you just have a bunch of channels. Today, we fix that. Sam unpacks what omnichannel actually means, why customers now expect it, and the simple steps you can take to create a consistent brand experience across all the places your business shows up. What is covered: – The difference between multichannel and omnichannel (and why it matters) – Why consistency beats being “everywhere” – How to choose the right core channels for your business – Simple ways to make the customer experience feel seamless – Light-touch data tips that don’t require complicated software – How to “create once, distribute smart” to save hours every week – A 30-day experiment you can try to get started Who it’s for: Small business owners, makers, service providers, and anyone juggling multiple online platforms and wanting a clearer, calmer way to market their business. If you love the episode… subscribe, share, and like. I’d love a review, or let me know about a future topic. While you’re on the website, check out my Small Business Kickstart Kit — it’s a one-page plan, social media calendar, marketing checklist, and Canva templates, all ready to go. Instant download at samhicks.com.au. Sign up for the 5-Minute Business Boost ® newsletter, or see how we can work together to achieve your small business goals — whether through mentoring, attending a workshop, or a brief 1-hour course or even your choice of training. Follow me on social media (@samhickscomau) and remember, anything is possible in business.

    13 min
  4. Guest Series - Lars Klint - Principle Developer Advocate, author, trainer, MVP, YT creator & so much more.. (Business Development)

    11/18/2025

    Guest Series - Lars Klint - Principle Developer Advocate, author, trainer, MVP, YT creator & so much more.. (Business Development)

    In this episode, Sam is joined by Lars Klint — Principal Developer Advocate at Atlassian, long-time Microsoft Azure MVP, author, trainer, community leader, classic car collector, and part-time wrangler of Australian Outback Internet. Lars works deeply in the world of cloud computing, particularly within the Atlassian ecosystem (including Jira, Confluence, and DevOps tools) and Microsoft Azure’s global cloud platform. He’s been in the software community for over 20 years and co-organises DDD Melbourne, one of Australia’s most inclusive developer conferences. He also runs events with Microsoft, creates technical training content, and has spoken at more than 100 tech events worldwide. And yes — he also lives on a farm in regional Victoria with llamas. In this episode, we talk about: His new tech book — why write one when everyone says it pays little?How to run a side business while working full-time.How small steps can evolve into a thriving business or a long-term project.YouTube: with 200+ videos and over 3 million views, why he chose the platform and how small businesses can benefit from using it.Whether the internet is ready for Lars’ next move… rockets?It’s a fun, honest, practical conversation for anyone juggling work, creativity, side hustles, tech, or big dreams on limited time. Takeaway - make it fun. Links • Website https://larsklint.com/ • YouTube https://youtube.com/@larsklinttech • Book https://www.manning.com/books/microsoft-azure-in-action ------------------------------------ If you love the episode… subscribe, share, and like. I’d love a review, or let me know about a future topic. While you’re on the website, check out my Small Business Kickstart Kit — it’s a one-page plan, social media calendar, marketing checklist, and Canva templates, all ready to go. Instant download at samhicks.com.au. Sign up for the 5-Minute Business Boost newsletter, or see how we can work together to achieve your small business goals — whether through mentoring, attending a workshop, or a brief 1-hour course or even your choice of training.. Follow me on social media (@samhickscomau) and remember, anything is possible in business.

    40 min
  5. Setbacks to comebacks: how to turn failure into success. ( Business Development )

    11/11/2025

    Setbacks to comebacks: how to turn failure into success. ( Business Development )

    In this candid episode, Sam shares the reality of small-business slip-ups — from misquotes and budget blowouts to those “oh no” moments when everything goes sideways. You’ll learn practical ways to pause, reset, and turn failure into forward motion. You’ll hear about: How to handle mistakes without spirallingWhy reflection beats self-blame every timeTurning failure into feedbackUsing support networks for recoverySimple steps to regroup and rebuild confidenceKey Quote: “Success isn’t final, failure isn’t fatal — it’s the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill Takeaway: Every setback is a setup for your next comeback. Learn it, fix it, move on — and keep building the business you’re proud of. If you love the episode… subscribe, share, and like. I’d love a review, or let me know about a future topic. While you’re on the website, check out my Small Business Kickstart Kit — it’s a one-page plan, social media calendar, marketing checklist, and Canva templates, all ready to go. Instant download at samhicks.com.au. Sign up for the 5-Minute Business Boost newsletter, or see how we can work together to achieve your small business goals — whether through mentoring, attending a workshop, or a brief 1-hour course or even your choice of training.. Follow me on social media (@samhickscomau) and remember, anything is possible in business.

    10 min
  6. Digital Marketing Etiquette for Small Businesses – Pt 2: Social Media (Business Development & Marketing)

    11/04/2025

    Digital Marketing Etiquette for Small Businesses – Pt 2: Social Media (Business Development & Marketing)

    If you joined us for part 1 of this 2-part series, we talked about website etiquette — the dos, don’ts, and cringe-worthy moments to avoid online. Today, we’re looking at part two: Social Media Etiquette for Small Businesses. This is where most people get tripped up, whether it’s shouting in all caps, oversharing, or forgetting to fact-check before hitting “post.” Let’s fix that together. --------------------- If you love the episode… subscribe, share, and like. I’d love a review, or let me know about a future topic. While you’re on the website, check out my Small Business Kickstart Kit — it’s a one-page plan, social media calendar, marketing checklist, and Canva templates, all ready to go. Instant download at samhicks.com.au. Sign up for the 5-Minute Business Boost newsletter, or see how we can work together to achieve your small business goals — whether through mentoring, attending a workshop, or a brief 1-hour course or even your choice of training.. Follow me on social media (@samhickscomau) and remember, anything is possible in business.

    11 min
  7. Help Sam – I Think I’m Agency Ready (Business Development & Marketing)

    10/28/2025

    Help Sam – I Think I’m Agency Ready (Business Development & Marketing)

    Alright, business builders, here’s the big one — the moment you start thinking… “I think I’m ready to work with a marketing agency.” It’s exciting, right? You’ve put in the hours, grown your customer base, and built something pretty special, but now you’re wondering how to take it to that next level. That’s when most business owners hit this stage — you’ve maxed out your personal capacity, and now you’re asking, “Okay, who can help me scale?” Well, today’s chat is for you. I am unpacking what it really means to be “agency ready.” You’ll hear how to prepare, what to expect, and which agencies across Australia are delivering results — depending on your business type and budget. ---------------------- Links: 1. King Kong – https://kingkong.co 2. Propel Digital – https://propeldigital.com.au 3. Where Are You – https://www.whereareyou.au 4. Digital Performax – https://hemantkalwani.com/blog/ecommerce-marketing-agencies-in-australia 5. Constructiv Digital – https://www.constructivdigital.com.au ------------------------------------------- If you love the episode… subscribe, share, and like. I’d love a review, or let me know about a future topic. While you’re on the website, check out my Small Business Kickstart Kit — it’s a one-page plan, social media calendar, marketing checklist, and Canva templates, all ready to go. Instant download at samhicks.com.au. Sign up for the 5-Minute Business Boost newsletter, or see how we can work together to achieve your small business goals — whether through mentoring, attending a workshop, or a brief 1-hour course or even your choice of training.. Follow me on social media (@samhickscomau) and remember, anything is possible in business.

    24 min
  8. Digital Marketing Etiquette for Small Businesses – Part 1: Websites (Business Development & Marketing)

    10/21/2025

    Digital Marketing Etiquette for Small Businesses – Part 1: Websites (Business Development & Marketing)

    Your website is your first impression — your digital handshake. In this episode, we explore the golden rules of online etiquette for small businesses, covering website user experience, accessibility, and trust. Learn how to make your site more professional, user-friendly, and aligned with Australian best practices. From reducing pop-up overload to using Aussie English that resonates with your local audience, this episode is packed with practical tips (and a few pet peeves) to help you stand out online for all the right reasons. Next Episode will be Part 2 – Social Media Etiquette for Small Businesses: Learn how to stay kind, professional, and calm on every platform. ----------------------------- If you love the episode… subscribe, share, and like. I’d love a review, or let me know about a future topic. While you’re on the website, check out my Small Business Kickstart Kit — it’s a one-page plan, social media calendar, marketing checklist, and Canva templates, all ready to go. Instant download at samhicks.com.au. Sign up for the 5-Minute Business Boost newsletter, or see how we can work together to achieve your small business goals — whether through mentoring, attending a workshop, or a brief 1-hour course or even your choice of training.. Follow me on social media (@samhickscomau) and remember, anything is possible in business.

    9 min
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Trailer

About

In this ongoing weekly podcast series, Sam will discuss all things small business in Victoria, Australia. It could be topics related to business development, marketing, photography, or even a combination of all three. Also, community development and volunteering... possibly some small business advocacy and information for the NFP sector as well. There will be discussions, reviews, tips, tricks, guests, and so much more, depending on how your host, Sam Hicks, is feeling. So, possums, listen up, and here we go. Further information, show notes are included with each episode, and/or resources are available from the Sam Hicks website. About Sam Sam Hicks is a “make-a-difference type of person” with a passion for regional business development, marketing, and photography. She lives in North East Victoria, Australia, has been running small businesses since she was 18, and loves working with other small business owners to achieve their goals! Qualifications include an MBA in Marketing Management (MBA), a Graduate Certificate in Digital Marketing (GradCertDMktg), and many more. However, it is practical experience from her paid and volunteer endeavours and those of her clients that fuels this sharing of knowledge. Want to reach out to work with Sam? Check out the Let's Go page if you are a small business in Victoria, and you want to take your small business to the next level. Sign up for the non-spammy newsletter with humour within its 600 words... delivered each Wednesday at the same time as this podcast > 5-Minute Business Boost. Get in touch to organise a workshop, explore our range of workshops, or connect to learn more about one-on-one mentoring and our comprehensive range of products and resources. If you run a small business in Victoria, Australia, and want to be on the poddy, reach out: to 5minbizboost@samhicks.com.au

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