The 5 Minute Business Boost®

SAM HICKS
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The 5-Minute Business Boost® with Sam Hicks Small business is a big job. Sometimes you just need a little boost. Join Sam Hicks for practical advice, honest conversations and fresh ideas to help you move your business forward. From marketing and business development to AI, digital tools and the realities of running a regional business, each episode brings something useful to your working week. Expect simple strategies, guest conversations and the occasional reality check. Short episodes that fit around your day, with longer chats when the topic deserves it. Based in regional Victoria, made for small business owners wherever you call home. New episodes every Wednesday at 10 am. About Sam Sam Hicks is a small business adviser specialising in business development, marketing and photography. Based in North East Victoria, she’s been running businesses since she was 18 and helps small business owners simplify their plans, sharpen their marketing and take their next step. Her approach draws on hands-on business experience and years of involvement in community and regional initiatives. Practical advice, grounded in real life. Work with Sam For small business consulting, marketing strategy, workshops, one-on-one mentoring or a focused one-hour session, visit the website. You can also sign up for The 5-Minute Business Boost® monthly newsletter. https://samhicks.com.au Follow the podcast: @5minbusinessboost Support the podcast Enjoying The 5-Minute Business Boost®? Buy me a coffee and help keep practical small business advice free. Your support helps cover the costs of producing and sharing the show. https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=4R24Y3N79KUQE Listening, sharing and recommending the podcast are always appreciated, too. Remember, in small business, anything is possible.

  1. 1d ago

    How much more can small business take? (Business Development and Advocacy)

    How much more can small business owners carry before something has to give? This week, Sam is fired up. From rising costs to the prospect of more website compliance, I’m asking whether policymakers understand what each additional requirement means for the person serving customers, paying bills and doing the paperwork after dinner. An honest—and slightly feisty—look at the pressure of running a small business, and why the hopes and dreams behind it deserve more consideration. Sources: Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman — Small business population and key issues: https://asbfeo.gov.au/small-business-data-portal/small-business-population-and-key-issuesReserve Bank of Australia — Interest rate decision, 3 November 2026: https://www.rba.gov.au/media-releases/2026/mr-26-30.htmlABC News — RBA lifts interest rates to highest level in 18 years: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-11-03/rba-lifts-interest-rates-november-2026-highest-rate-in-18-years/107340050Australian Government — Proposed Digital Duty of Care: https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/media-communications/internet/online-safety/digital-duty-careCOSBOA — New online safety laws could create new hurdles for small business: https://cosboa.org.au/post/new-online-safety-laws-could-create-new-hurdles-for-small-business/Office of Impact Analysis — Digital Duty of Care Model for Online Safety: https://oia.pmc.gov.au/published-impact-analyses-and-reports/digital-duty-care-model-online-safety --------------------------------888--------------------------------- Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, share it with another small business owner, or leave a review—it helps more people find the show. For the monthly newsletter, workshops, mentoring and practical business support, visit www.samhicks.com.au 🎙️ New episodes every Wednesday at 10 am. 📱 Follow the podcast @5minbusinessboost. ☕ Found something useful? Buy me a coffee and help keep The 5-Minute Business Boost® free: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=4R24Y3N79KUQE Remember, in small business, anything is possible.

    How much more can small business take? (Business Development and Advocacy)

  2. Oct 27

    Will they remember you? Getting back to advertising basics ( Marketing )

    You’ve paid for an advert. Now you’re waiting for the enquiries. But are you judging it by the right expectations? This week, Sam gets back to advertising basics, exploring human behaviour, brand recall and that familiar “rule of seven”. Inspired by a conversation with Sarah Levinger on the Social Media Marketing Podcast, this episode asks a question every small business should consider: will they remember you when they need you? Tune in for a practical perspective and one simple Business Boost to try this week. Mentioned in this episode: • Sarah Levinger on the Social Media Marketing Podcast: https://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/741 Customer journey episodes: Season 1, Episodes 10 and 11 (2022) by @the5minutebusinessboostbysamhicks Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, share it with another small business owner, or leave a review—it helps more people find the show. For the monthly newsletter, workshops, mentoring and practical business support, visit www.samhicks.com.au New episodes every Wednesday at 10 am. Follow the podcast @5minbusinessboost. Found something useful? Buy me a coffee and help keep The 5-Minute Business Boost® free: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=4R24Y3N79KUQE Remember, in small business, anything is possible.

    Will they remember you? Getting back to advertising basics ( Marketing )

  3. Oct 20

    Busy doesn't mean profitable ( Business Development )

    A full diary, plenty of customers and money coming through the business might sound like success. But are you actually making a profit? In this episode, Sam explores the difference between being busy and being profitable, the hidden costs business owners often overlook, and one simple exercise to help you better understand your numbers. Because more work isn't always the answer. The financial principles disscussed align with Australian Government guidance on improving cash flow and pricing strategies. Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, share it with another small business owner, or leave a review—it helps more people find the show. For the monthly newsletter, workshops, mentoring and practical business support, visit www.samhicks.com.au New episodes every Wednesday at 10 am. Follow the podcast @5minbusinessboost. Found something useful? Buy me a coffee and help keep The 5-Minute Business Boost® free: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=4R24Y3N79KUQE Remember, in small business, anything is possible.

    Busy doesn't mean profitable ( Business Development )

  4. Oct 13

    From frustration to action: 5 Lessons in effective advocacy (Community & Business Advocacy)

    Can one voice really make a difference? Following months of community advocacy after the January 2026 bushfires in North East Victoria, some welcome news about our local bridges has prompted Sam to reflect on what it really takes to create change. In this episode of The 5-Minute Business Boost, Sam shares five practical lessons in effective advocacy, drawing on her experience in small business, community leadership and bushfire recovery. Whether you're a small business owner, volunteer, committee member or passionate community advocate, discover why making a difference isn't always about being the loudest voice in the room. Because good advocacy isn't just about being heard — it's about making progress. Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, share it with another small business owner, or leave a review—it helps more people find the show. For the monthly newsletter, workshops, mentoring and practical business support, visit www.samhicks.com.au 🎙️ New episodes every Wednesday at 10 am. 📱 Follow the podcast @5minbusinessboost. ☕ Found something useful? Buy me a coffee and help keep The 5-Minute Business Boost® free: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=4R24Y3N79KUQE Remember, in small business, anything is possible.

    From frustration to action: 5 Lessons in effective advocacy (Community & Business Advocacy)

  5. Oct 6

    Everything’s Urgent. Now What? ( Business Development )

    Flat out all day, but your to-do list hasn’t budged? When you run a small business, everything can feel urgent—especially when you’re running low on energy. This week, Sam shares an honest look at those overloaded days and a practical way to choose what deserves your attention next. Tune in for a little breathing room and one simple Business Boost to try tomorrow. Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, share it with another small business owner, or leave a review—it helps more people find the show. For the monthly newsletter, workshops, mentoring and practical business support, visit www.samhicks.com.au 🎙️ New episodes every Wednesday at 10 am. 📱 Follow the podcast @5minbusinessboost. ☕ Found something useful? Buy me a coffee and help keep The 5-Minute Business Boost® free: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=4R24Y3N79KUQE Remember, in small business, anything is possible.

    Everything’s Urgent. Now What? ( Business Development )

  6. Sep 30

    90 Days Left: Your Small Business End-of-Year Check (Business Development)

    With October upon us and the Reserve Bank announcing another interest rate increase, the final quarter of 2026 is a timely opportunity to take stock of your small business. Are your everyday systems working for you? Is your marketing ready for the Christmas rush? And are you making time to look after the person running the business? In this episode, Sam shares five practical areas worth reviewing before the year ends, plus a simple 30-minute Business Boost exercise to help you identify your priorities and take action. Because finishing the year well isn't necessarily about doing more. It's about making the next 90 days count. Research reference: Reserve Bank of Australia – Media Releases ----------------888------------------------ If you enjoyed this episode, hit subscribe, share it with another small business owner, and leave a review — it helps more people find the show. Head to the website to sign up for the 5-Minute Business Boost newsletter, or explore how we can work together across consulting, marketing strategy, social media, workshops, mentoring, or a focused 1-hour session. New podcast episodes drop weekly every Wednesday at 10 am and newsie now monthly. Follow along on social media @samhickscomau — and remember, in small business, anything is possible.

    90 Days Left: Your Small Business End-of-Year Check (Business Development)

  7. Sep 23

    Before you trust AI with your business: 5 simple safety checks

    AI is now built into more of the tools we use every day — from ChatGPT and Canva to websites, email platforms and business software. But as AI becomes more useful, small business owners also need to think about how they’re using it. In this episode, Sam looks at a few simple safety checks around privacy, accuracy, human oversight and responsible use — without turning it into a compliance lecture. If AI is becoming part of your business, this episode is a good reminder to use it with your eyes open. --------------888----------------- If you enjoyed this episode, hit subscribe, share it with another small business owner, and leave a review — it helps more people find the show. Head to the website to sign up for the 5-Minute Business Boost newsletter, or explore how we can work together across consulting, marketing strategy, social media, workshops, mentoring, or a focused 1-hour session. New podcast episodes drop weekly every Wednesday at 10 am and newsie now monthly. Follow along on social media @samhickscomau — and remember, in small business, anything is possible.

    Before you trust AI with your business: 5 simple safety checks

  8. Sep 16

    Substack for Small Business: worth it or just another platform?

    You may have heard of Substack, but what actually is it — and does it have any real value for small business owners? In this episode, Sam looks at how Substack combines blogging, email, podcasts and social discovery, who it could suit, and whether it’s worth adding to your marketing mix. Before you sign up for yet another platform, tune in and find out whether Substack could actually help you build a stronger audience — or just create more work. -------------------888-------------------------------------- If you enjoyed this episode, hit subscribe, share it with another small business owner, and leave a review — it helps more people find the show. Head to the website to sign up for the 5-Minute Business Boost newsletter, or explore how we can work together across consulting, marketing strategy, social media, workshops, mentoring, or a focused 1-hour session. New podcast episodes drop weekly every Wednesday at 10 am and newsie now monthly. Follow along on social media @samhickscomau — and remember, in small business, anything is possible..

    Substack for Small Business: worth it or just another platform?
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The 5-Minute Business Boost® with Sam Hicks Small business is a big job. Sometimes you just need a little boost. Join Sam Hicks for practical advice, honest conversations and fresh ideas to help you move your business forward. From marketing and business development to AI, digital tools and the realities of running a regional business, each episode brings something useful to your working week. Expect simple strategies, guest conversations and the occasional reality check. Short episodes that fit around your day, with longer chats when the topic deserves it. Based in regional Victoria, made for small business owners wherever you call home. New episodes every Wednesday at 10 am. About Sam Sam Hicks is a small business adviser specialising in business development, marketing and photography. Based in North East Victoria, she’s been running businesses since she was 18 and helps small business owners simplify their plans, sharpen their marketing and take their next step. Her approach draws on hands-on business experience and years of involvement in community and regional initiatives. Practical advice, grounded in real life. Work with Sam For small business consulting, marketing strategy, workshops, one-on-one mentoring or a focused one-hour session, visit the website. You can also sign up for The 5-Minute Business Boost® monthly newsletter. https://samhicks.com.au Follow the podcast: @5minbusinessboost Support the podcast Enjoying The 5-Minute Business Boost®? Buy me a coffee and help keep practical small business advice free. Your support helps cover the costs of producing and sharing the show. https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=4R24Y3N79KUQE Listening, sharing and recommending the podcast are always appreciated, too. Remember, in small business, anything is possible.

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