The 5 Minute Business Boost®

Hosted by SAM HICKS

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Episodes

146

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

Podcast Overview In this weekly podcast, Sam shares real, practical insights on small business — from marketing and business development to what’s actually happening on the ground in regional Victoria. Expect honest conversations, simple strategies, and the occasional reality check to help you move your business forward. Show notes and resources are available with each episode via the Sam Hicks website. About Sam Sam Hicks is a small business advisor specialising in business development, marketing, and photography. Based in North East Victoria, she’s been running businesses since she was 18 and works closely with small business owners to simplify, focus, and grow. Her approach is grounded in real-world experience — both in business and through active involvement in community and regional initiatives. Work With Sam If you’re ready to take your business to the next level, you can work with Sam through: Small business consulting Marketing strategy Workshops One-on-one mentoring Focused 1-hour sessions You can also sign up for the 5-Minute Business Boost monthly newsletter via the website.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 17, 20269 min

Food photography for DSLR users: 5 principles for better food photos ( Marketing & Photography )

People eat with their eyes first.In this episode of The 5-Minute Business Boost, Sam shares five practical food photography principles that can help cafés, wineries, food producers, bakers, restaurants and small businesses create more appealing food images using a DSLR camera.Drawing on years of commercial food photography experience, Sam explains why great food photography isn't about expensive equipment—it's about understanding light, texture, composition, camera settings and storytelling.Whether you're photographing products for social media, your website, menus or marketing materials, these simple techniques can help your images stand out and make customers hungry.In this episode you'll learn:• Why lighting is the most important ingredient in food photography • How texture and shine create appetite appeal • Simple composition techniques that improve every image • DSLR settings that help achieve professional-looking results • How styling and storytelling bring food photos to lifeMaster these five principles and you'll be well on your way to creating food photographs that don't just look good—they help sell your product.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.

June 10, 202612 min

What Canva, Boost Juice, Redballoon and iVorey can teach small business owners ( Business Development )

What do Canva, Boost Juice, RedBalloon and iVorey have in common – and what can their stories teach you as a small business owner?In this short, practical episode, I break down five lessons from some of Australia’s most recognisable brands: starting with a problem (not a product), launching before you feel “ready”, backing yourself through rejection, adapting as markets change, and thinking bigger than your postcode.You’ll walk away with three simple reflection questions and one tiny action you can take today to move your business forward – no huge budget, investors or big team required.Check them out hereCanva – https://www.canva.comcanvaBoost Juice – https://www.boostjuice.com.auwikipediaRedBalloon – https://www.redballoon.com.auherbusinessIvorey – https://www.ivorey.ioIf 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.

June 3, 202612 min

Why buying local helps your business (Business Development &Marketing)

We often ask customers to support local, but how often do we think about where our own business dollars are going?In this episode, Sam explores why buying local isn't just good for the community — it's good business.From building stronger relationships and improving service levels to supporting local jobs and creating economic resilience, buying local can have a significant impact on your business and the region around you.Drawing on Australian research and real-world examples, Sam explains the local multiplier effect and why even small purchasing decisions can make a difference.What You'll Learn:• Why small businesses make up 97.3% of Australian businesses • The economic impact of spending locally • What the local multiplier effect means for your community • Why local suppliers often provide greater value than the cheapest option • How buying local strengthens regional economies and creates jobs • A simple question every business owner should ask before making their next purchaseBecause when local businesses support local businesses, everybody wins.------------------------------------------------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.#smallbusiness #marketingstrategy #businessdevelopment #5minutebusinessboost #podcast #regionalbusiness #samhicks

May 27, 202612 min

The art of selling: monetising your creativity online ( Business Development &Marketing )

Creative talent is only part of the equation, artists also need visibility, confidence and practical business skills to grow sustainably.In this episode of the 5-Minute Business Boost, Sam shares five key lessons artists can learn from creative business workshops delivered across regional Victoria.From photographing artwork properly and telling the story behind your work, to social media, pricing and building confidence as a creative business owner — this episode is packed with practical insights for artists, makers and creatives.What You’ll Learn:Why storytelling matters in selling artworkSimple photography tips for showcasing your artHow to make social media feel manageableThe real challenges behind pricing creative workWhy artists need small business skills tooPerfect for artists, makers, creatives, market stall holders and anyone building a creative practice.----------------------------------------------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.

May 20, 202613 min

From search to success: 5 things every small business needs to know about online visibility (Marketing )

From Search to Success: Elevating Your Business’s Online VisibilityOnline visibility has changed — and small businesses can no longer rely on just having a website and hoping customers find them.In this episode, Sam explores the changing world of SEO, GEO, Google Business, social media and AI tools, and what small businesses actually need to focus on in 2026 to stay visible online.From Google rankings and reviews through to AI-generated search results and social media discovery, this episode breaks down the practical things businesses can do right now to improve their digital presence without getting overwhelmed.What You’ll Learn:Why Google Business still matters enormouslyThe difference between SEO and GEO explained simplyHow AI tools are changing online searchWhy social media is now a search engineHow to use AI tools without losing your authentic voiceSimple ways to improve your online visibility this weekA practical episode for small business owners wanting to stay visible, relevant and easier to find online.--------------8--------------------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..

May 13, 202610 min

Artful Engagement: social media & brand building for creatives ( Marketing )

In this episode of the 5-Minute Business Boost, Sam shares insights from the 2025 “Artful Engagement: Social Media & Brand Building for Creatives” workshop series delivered with Yea Arts.This episode explores the realities of social media for artists, makers and creatives — without the fluff, overwhelm or pressure to become a full-time influencer.From building an artistic brand to sharing process, consistency and using AI tools without losing authenticity, this is a practical conversation designed to help creatives promote their work with more confidence.What You’ll LearnWhy your process is often more engaging than the finished artworkHow consistency beats perfection onlineThe importance of building a recognisable creative brandWhy artists don’t need to be on every social platformWhere AI can help creatives — and where your voice still mattersSimple ways to connect with audiences without feeling “salesy”If your arts group, gallery, council or creative network would like to host an “Artful Engagement” workshop in your region or online, get in touch with Sam Hicks via samhicks.com.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.

May 5, 20269 min

Sticking to your knitting: why your point of difference matters (Marketing)

In this episode of the 5-Minute Business Boost, Sam talks about the old business saying “stick to your knitting” or is her saying...? And why it still matters for small businesses today.From competing against nearly 20 ceramic studios within a 20-kilometre radius in the 1980s, to today’s world of endless trends, reels, AI tools and shiny marketing distractions, this episode explores the importance of staying focused on your point of difference.Because customers don’t need you to do everything. They need to clearly understand what you do well.If you’ve ever felt pulled in too many directions by trends, competitors or marketing noise — this episode is your reminder to get back to what makes your business memorable.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.

April 29, 202611 min

Websites – SEO and GEO explained simply ( Marketing )

Websites don’t need to be complicated to work—but they do need to be clear.In this episode, Sam breaks down the difference between SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) and GEO (Generative Engine Optimisation) in plain English.With search shifting towards AI-driven results, it’s no longer just about being found on Google it’s about being understood and recommended by AI tools as well.This episode walks through what actually matters on your website, how WordPress plugins can support you behind the scenes, and how to use AI to create content that is searchable, useful, and still sounds like you.If your website feels a bit “set and forget”… this is your reset.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..

April 22, 20267 min

10 questions your AI should ask before writing your next Facebook post ( Marketing )

AI can write your Facebook posts—but only if you give it the right direction.In this episode, Sam breaks down the 10 simple questions your AI needs answered before it generates content, so your posts actually connect, sound like you, and drive action.If your content has been feeling a bit “meh,” this is your fix, less fluff, more strategy, and better results from the tools you’re already using.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.

April 15, 20269 min

Death by subscription: how small businesses can stop the slow bleed ( Business Development )

Small businesses aren’t going under because of one big expense anymore, it’s the slow bleed of subscriptions.In this episode, Sam unpacks how $10, $30, and $99 monthly tools quietly stack up and eat into profit, often without businesses even realising it.From design software to SEO tools, scheduling platforms to AI subscriptions — it all adds up.The good news? Most businesses don’t need more tools… they need better decisions.What You’ll LearnWhy subscription creep is one of the biggest hidden costs in small businessThe shift from owning software to renting everythingHow to decide whether to build, buy, or borrow toolsReal examples of cutting costs without losing capabilityPractical swaps to reduce your monthly spend immediatelyA simple 10-minute audit to review your subscriptionsIf 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.