The 5 Minute Business Boost®

In this episode, Sam chats about when in business, it’s easy to focus on the daily grind—quoting jobs, servicing clients, following up on sales, suppliers, cleaning, chasing invoices, juggling life and those pesky socials. But when was the last time you paused to celebrate a milestone? Whether it’s your first birthday, your hundredth sale, or winning an award, these are moments worth shouting abou...

Back by popular demand! Phil East’s last episode ( ep91 ) was one of our most listened to—and he’s back to dive deeper. In this episode ( 1st of a series of 3 ), Phil shares four powerful strategies to accelerate profit without increasing your marketing spend. Learn how to craft a million-dollar message, attract high-quality leads, use bundling to boost sales, and create compelling offers that con...

If you’ve ever been told to “write a business case” or “you should have a business plan”—but weren’t exactly sure which one you needed or why—this episode is for you. In today’s episode, Sam is breaking down the difference between a business case and a business plan , and how small business owners like you can use both to make smarter decisions and grow with confidence. Grab a free business plan (...

In today's episode, Sam is speaking about how you are more than just a logo Branding is often reduced to a logo, a colour scheme, or a well-designed website. But real branding goes deeper—it’s how you conduct yourself, how people experience you, and how they feel after an interaction with you. As a small business owner, you are your brand. Whether you’re at work, attending an event, engaging onlin...

In this episode Sam is discussing "What happens to your social media and devices when you die?" We rarely think about it, but our social media accounts and devices often outlive us. If you run a business, your online presence—whether on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or other platforms—can become a question mark when you’re no longer here to manage it. The same applies to smartphones, tablets, and...

Taking good notes can make all the difference when running a business or an organisation. Whether you need to capture key points from meetings, create action items, or record discussions, note-taking apps can save time and improve efficiency. But with so many options available, how do you choose the right one? Sam chats about investing in one and the options, both free and paid. Lets get cracking....

In this episode, Sam discusses Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) for small businesses in Victoria. Highlighting how they protect confidentiality, intellectual property, and sensitive client information. Drawing on over 25 years as a small business advisor, Sam explains why confidentiality is crucial and shares practical tips on effectively using NDAs to safeguard your business. Disclaimer : seek le...

Whether you’re a small business owner or a solo entrepreneur, having a centralised, easily accessible hub for all your digital links is crucial. Today, Sam is reviewing Linktree —a platform that has evolved far beyond simply hosting a list of URLs—and discussing the top five takeaways that make it a must-have tool for your small business. Tune and let's get cracking.. If you love the episode… subs...

Leading on from a previous podcast ( see eps 89 ), as we know our retailers and hospitality are doing it tough and it's always around finances. So, to help us further I have invited an absolute powerhouse in the world of profit acceleration & business growth—Phil East. Phil is a Profit Acceleration Specialist and Business Strategist with a mission to take profit acceleration mainstream. Phil c...

In the fast-paced world of social media, staying updated with the latest trends is crucial for small businesses aiming to maintain a competitive edge. But with so much happening, how can we keep up? To shed light on these developments, I've delved into insights from two sources: Hootsuite's "Social Trends 2025 " and Social Media Examiner's "Industry Report 2024 ." These reports offer valuable pers...

In this week's episode Sam discusses Australia's small businesses in the retail and hospitality sectors that are currently navigating a complex landscape marked by rising operational costs, stringent compliance requirements, and shifting consumer behaviours. These challenges are compounded by increased global online sales and a customer base grappling with a higher cost of living. Sam explores 6 c...

In this episode inspired by a neighbour, let's call him Brian, Sam delves into the world of AI Agents. AI agents are no longer just for tech giants. With user-friendly, scalable solutions, businesses of all sizes can now save time, reduce costs, and enhance customer service—without needing massive budgets or deep technical expertise. So let's get into it. Articles noted/ referred to - “The rise of...

In the first episode of 2025, Sam speaks about cybercrime. Cybercrime is on the rise in Australia, with small businesses often targeted due to limited resources and security measures. In this podcast, Sam explores the tactics cybercriminals use and provides actionable tips to protect your business interspersed with some real-life examples. There will also be mentions of podcasts and reports that w...

"Welcome to the 5-Minute Business Boost , your weekly dose of all things small business in Australia. I'm your host, Sam Hicks, and together, we'll dive into business development, marketing, photography, and everything in between! Whether you're a small business owner, a community advocate, or a nonprofit leader, there’s something for everyone. Expect tips, tricks, guest interviews, and plenty of...

Jess Taylor and Leonie Becker join Sam to be part of a 3-part MINI series on HR. Sage HR consulting simplifies the complex world of employee relations for business owners. Whether you're looking for outsourced HR services, tailored training programs, or upskilling HR professionals, Sage HR provides a fresh perspective on your business needs. Their goal is to help your organisation, and your people...

Jess Taylor and Leonie Becker join Sam to be part of a 3-part MINI series on HR. Sage HR consulting simplifies the complex world of employee relations for business owners. Whether you're looking for outsourced HR services, tailored training programs, or upskilling HR professionals, Sage HR provides a fresh perspective on your business needs. Their goal is to help your organisation, and your people...

Jess Taylor and Leonie Becker join Sam to be part of a 3-part MINI series on HR. Sage HR consulting simplifies the complex world of employee relations for business owners. Whether you're looking for outsourced HR services, tailored training programs, or upskilling HR professionals, Sage HR provides a fresh perspective on your business needs. Their goal is to help your organisation, and your people...

Organising community events is a fantastic way to unite people, celebrate local culture, and bring lasting impact to your area. In this episode of The 5-Minute Business Boost , Sam shares her hard-earned wisdom from 24 years of experience being involved and running events in the region. From securing funding to engaging the local community and ensuring your sponsors feel appreciated, these five ti...

In this week's episode, Sam chats with Saskia Van Bever who is the founder of Activate Community Consulting. Saskia's mission is to activate people, places, and organisations to achieve their goals. Working with local governments, businesses, and NFPs’ s in the northeast of Victoria, she shares some valuable insights. Activate Community Consulting assists communities and businesses in achieving th...

In today’s episode Sam is joined by Andrew Hosken, Branch Manager of Customer Experience & Education at the State Revenue Office (SRO). They will be talking about the new short-stay levy legislation coming into effect on 1 January 2025 and how it impacts small businesses in rural Victoria. Key topics we cover: · Andrew’s role at the SRO · What is the new short-stay levy all about? · How will t...

Today Sam discusses 5 benefits of copywriting courses for small businesses. So if you want to improve your marketing, connect better with customers, and save on outsourcing costs, then this episode may be for you. From improving your website’s SEO to creating persuasive marketing materials, copywriting skills can make a BIG difference in your business success. Tune in to find out why copywriting c...

Calling all tradies! Are you struggling to get seen online? In today's podcast episode, Sam is breaking down her top 5 proven tips to boost your digital presence: ✅ Master your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) ✅ Get listed in the right industry directories ✅ Create a simple but effective website ✅ Use social media strategically (without it taking over your life!) ✅ Keep y...

Running a small business can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to making the right decisions. In this episode, Sam chats about the top 5 questions asked by small business owners, including: Which business model should I choose? Do I really need a website? Where can I find the best business resources? Which accounting package works best for my business? What permits, licenses, and insurance...

Today, Sam is talking about a topic that's crucial for your small business success: the power of PR. If as a small business owner you want to boost your brand awareness and build a positive reputation? You cannot underestimate the power of public relations (PR). In this episode of Sam explores 10 practical tips to help you, including: · Engaging in community activities · Leveraging social media ·...

In this episode, Sam catches up with Michele Gierck. Michele is a specialist memoir writer and biographer with two of her own memoirs published, highly skilled and experienced, having worked with and written books for some of Australia’s top entrepreneurs. Business often people find great value having their personal profile written by Michele, as much for the process as the end product, and what i...