The 5 Minute Business Boost®

Hosted by SAM HICKS

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167

Latest episode

Nov 2026

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About the show

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.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

November 3, 20269 min

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-issues Reserve Bank of Australia — Interest rate decision, 3 November 2026: https://www.rba.gov.au/media-releases/2026/mr-26-30.html ABC 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/107340050 Australian Government — Proposed Digital Duty of Care: https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/media-communications/internet/online-safety/digital-duty-care COSBOA — 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.

October 27, 20267 min

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.

October 20, 20269 min

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.

October 13, 202617 min

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.

October 6, 20267 min

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.

September 30, 202614 min

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.

September 23, 202611 min

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.

September 16, 202611 min

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..

September 9, 202617 min

Special Guest Series - Lets meet Mel from GIVIT ( Not for Profits )

In this episode of The 5-Minute Business Boost, Sam chats with Mel Peverill, Victorian Engagement Officer with GIVIT, to learn more about the organisation and the role it plays in connecting generosity with genuine community need. GIVIT is a national Australian not-for-profit that has been leading responsible donation management for more than 15 years. Its online platform connects people, businesses and community groups wanting to give with charities, councils and support services requesting specific goods and services for people experiencing hardship. Sam and Mel talk about how GIVIT works, why giving people exactly what they need matters, and how businesses and individuals can make their generosity count — particularly when communities are facing disaster, recovery or difficult times. If you wish to help or simply see what we have been chatting about visit https://givit.org.au 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.

August 26, 202611 min

Your time is inventory: stop giving it away ( Business Development )

If you run a service-based small business, your time is one of your most valuable assets — but how much of it are you accidentally giving away? In this episode of The 5-Minute Business Boost , Sam Hicks looks at the hidden cost of no-shows, unpaid advice, meetings that run overtime, endless “quick questions” and other small time leaks that can quietly add up to thousands of dollars each year. You'll also hear about three simple booking options — Google Calendar appointment scheduling, Calendly and Setmore — and why the most important question isn't necessarily “What does this software cost?” but “What is the problem costing my business?” In this episode: Why your available time should be treated like inventory How to calculate the real cost of lost or unpaid time The difference between deliberately giving your time and simply losing it How booking systems, reminders and deposits can reduce no-shows Why boundaries around meetings, quoting and free advice matter A simple five-day exercise to identify where your time is disappearing Your time is inventory. Make sure you're deciding what happens to it. 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.