The 5 Minute Business Boost®

This episode explores the real challenges facing small businesses in regional Victoria—from rising costs and labour shortages to digital struggles, shifting forestry policy, and increasing compliance burdens.

Drawing on recent local research and direct feedback from business owners across sectors, including trades, retail, agriculture, hospitality, and more, Sam highlights why small businesses are vital to community resilience and w...

Ready to move on from your small business?

In this episode, Sam discusses breaking down the essentials of effective exit planning—why starting early matters, the key steps every business owner should take, and practical options for passing the baton.

Whether you’re considering retirement, a sale, or transitioning to a family member, you’ll hear expert tips on maximising value, smoothing the handover, and avoiding common pitfalls.

Get...

In this episode, Sam dives into the legendary career of Ozzy Osbourne—the “Prince of Darkness”—and uncovers powerful lessons in personal branding, resilience, and innovation that every small business owner can apply.

From pioneering heavy metal with Black Sabbath to reinventing himself as a solo artist, reality TV star, and festival creator, Ozzy’s journey is a masterclass in staying true to your brand while adapting to change.

We e...

It’s one of the most powerful questions you can ask as a small business owner: What problem do you solve?

In this episode of the 5-Minute Business Boost, we explore why this question matters more than ever—and how answering it clearly can transform your marketing, customer loyalty, and competitive edge.

We’ll cover practical ways to uncover the real pain points of your audience, including:

• Customer feedback and behaviour analysis
• S...

Your book is live on Amazon KDP—now what?

In Part 2 of this series, we dive into how your website can become a powerful tool to boost book sales, grow your audience, and build your author brand.

Whether you're using WordPress with WooCommerce or another setup, this episode offers practical steps to:

• Link to your Amazon book page using affiliate links
• Set up your book in WooCommerce as an “External Product”
• Promote your book with b...

Ready to publish your book but not sure how?

This episode of the 5-Minute Business Boost walks you through the basics of Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)—a powerful self-publishing platform that offers global reach, print-on-demand, and zero upfront costs.

Whether you’ve got a finished manuscript or already printed copies, this practical guide will help you understand how to:

• Set up your KDP account
• Prepare and format your m...

Ready to get your business seen by more people—without blowing your budget?

In this episode of the Five Minute Business Boost, Sam breaks down how to set up your very first Facebook brand awareness campaign with just $150 over three weeks.

You’ll learn:

• The difference between “Awareness” and “Reach” objectives in Meta Ads Manager, and how to pick the right one for your goals
• How to create authentic, eye-catching ads using short vid...

In this episode, Sam breaks down how to place your very first Facebook ad—step by step.

From setting a budget and choosing the right objective to using Meta’s AI tools to build your audience, this guide is perfect for small business owners getting started with paid ads.

Sam also covers creative tips, how to set up your ad inside Ads Manager, and what to expect when you launch.

It’s simple, actionable, and built for beginners.

Next e...

In this episode, I explore the power of social media schedulers for small business owners.

Whether you're juggling Instagram, LinkedIn, or TikTok, these tools can help you show up consistently without losing your sanity.

I break down the pros and cons of top platforms like Publer, Loomly, Blaze AI, and Sendible—plus share my insights from a year of testing.

Learn what features to look for, how to avoid costly currency conversion tra...

Google’s AI Mode is changing how people search—and while it’s not yet available in Australia, it’s on the way.

In this episode, I break down five practical, powerful takeaways from Exposure Ninja's Podcast #357 that small businesses can start using now to get ahead.

We cover why brand mentions beat backlinks, why case studies matter more than testimonials, and how to future-proof your content and digital PR strategy for the AI-powe...

In this episode, Sam break down the essentials of dropshipping — one of Australia’s most accessible eCommerce models.

Learn how it works, why it’s gaining popularity, and what steps you need to take to launch your own dropshipping business.

Sam covers key topics like choosing a niche, registering your business, finding reliable Australian suppliers, and using automation tools.

Plus, based on research, and highlighted by AI, Sam hig...

Ready to unlock serious profit acceleration for your small business?

In Episode 105 of the 5-Minute Business Boost podcast, we welcome back Phil East to close out our 3-part series on Profit Acceleration Secrets.

Phil dives into how digital marketing and drip campaigns can 10X your leads, nurture trust, and significantly increase lifetime customer value — with real case studies and actionable strategies.

Pure gold in this series and ...

In this episode, Sam offers a personal and practical perspective on how drought and the new Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) are impacting Victorian farmers and rural communities.

She unpacks the changes to the fire levy, set to take effect in July 2025, and explains what these reforms mean for primary producers already managing the challenges of low rainfall, rising costs, and increased financial pressures.

Sam also hig...

Understanding Law in Everyday Life – with Katie from Mal Ryan & Glen

In this episode, I’m joined by Katie from Mal Ryan & Glen, Mansfield’s oldest law firm—serving the region since 1921.

With deep community roots and offices in Mansfield and Alexandra, the firm is known for practical legal advice that supports locals through life, family, property, and business matters.

Katie shares what Victorian Law Week is all about and ho...

In this episode Sam is diving into marketing plans, even the ones scribbled on the back of a napkin.

Because here’s the truth: any plan, no matter how simple or messy, is better than no plan at all.

Why does it matter?

A marketing plan gives you direction and focus. It stops you from spinning your wheels, guessing what to do next, or feeling overwhelmed by all the marketing options out there. The golden rule? Done is better than perfe...

Phil East’s last episode ( ep91 ) was one of our most listened to—and he’s back to dive deeper in the second part of a three-part series for 2025.

In this episode Phil chats to Sam about Sales Optimization & Client Retention.

These strategies focus on extracting more value from existing customers and networks, which is often the fastest way to grow profits.

Phil discusses how to maximize every customer interaction with four strate...

In this milestone 100th episode, Sam Hicks turns the mic on herself for a somewhat unscripted, somewhat scripted conversation about the journey so far.

From starting her first business as a teenager to helping over 3,000 small businesses across Victoria, Sam shares personal stories, lessons learned, challenges faced, and what continues to drive her work today.

It’s honest, reflective, and packed with insights for anyone on their smal...

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 about.

And guess what?

Celebrating them on...

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 convert.

The Profit Acceleration Simulato...