Afleveringen
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In this episode, Sam break down the essentials of dropshipping ā one of Australiaās most accessible eCommerce models.
Learn how it works, why itās 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 highlights critical legal and compliance tips and shares three top success strategies to help you avoid common pitfalls.
Ready to explore if dropshipping is right for you?
(*Excuse the yawns - it had been a HUGE week.)
If you love the episodeā¦ subscribe, share, and like, Iād love a review or let me know about a future topic.
Head over to the website, samhicks.com.au and sign up for the 5-minute business boost newsletter.
Or see how we can work together to reach your small business goals; whether via mentoring, attending a workshop or a small 1-hour course.
Follow me on social media (@samhickscomau) and remember, anything is possible in business.
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Sources:
1. DataFeedWatch,
2. Dropshipzone,
3. Dropshipping.com,
4. Sleek,
5. Spocket,
6. Sprintlaw,
7. AutoDS,
8. Shopify,
9. LegalVision,
10. GemPages
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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 ā with real case studies and actionable strategies.
Pure gold in this series and thanks to Phil from Profit Improvers for being such a great sport and sharing his insights from his books and experience working with small businesses just like yours.
So Phil, thanks againālisteners, go to https://bit.ly/BizBoostProfitSim and start accelerating your profits today!
If you love the episodeā¦ subscribe, share, like, I'd love a review or let me know about a future topic.
Head over to the website, samhicks.com.au and sign up for the 5-minute business boost newsletter.
Or see how we can work together to reach your small business goals; whether via mentoring, attending a workshop or a small 1-hour course.
Follow me on social media (@samhickscomau) and remember, anything is possible in business.
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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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 highlights the tough decisions being made by regional families and businesses and calls for a greater understanding of the real pressures facing Victoriaās agricultural sector.
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If you love the episodeā¦ subscribe, share, like, or let me know about a future topic.
Head over to the website, samhicks.com.au and sign up for the 5-minute business boost newsletter.
Or see how we can work together to reach your small business goals; whether via mentoring, attending a workshop or a small 1-hour course.
Follow me on social media (@samhickscomau) and remember, anything is possible in business.
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With the help of AI, Sam has reviewed a wide range of sources see transcript.
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Understanding Law in Everyday Life ā with Katie from Mal Ryan & Glen
In this episode, Iām joined by Katie from Mal Ryan & Glen, Mansfieldās oldest law firmāserving 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 how small business ownersāand everyday peopleācan use it to better understand their rights, responsibilities, and where to get help when the law intersects with life.
Learn more at viclawweek.org.au.
There are events statewide.
Thanks to Katie Lockey from https://www.malryanglen.com.au/
for being my guest and chatting about Law week 2025.
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In this episode Sam is diving into marketing plans, even the ones scribbled on the back of a napkin.
Because hereās 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 perfect.
Start where you are, with whatever you have, a napkin, a note on your phone, or a quick sketch on paper.
If you love the episodeā¦ subscribe, share, like, or let me know about a future topic.
Head over to the website, samhicks.com.au and sign up for the 5-minute business boost newsletter.
Or see how we can work together to reach your small business goals; whether via mentoring, attending a workshop or a small 1-hour course.
Follow me on social media (@samhickscomau) and remember, anything is possible in business.
SHOW NOTES
Marketing Plan Templates and Tools
Business Victoria Marketing Plan Template ā A free, detailed Word template to help you create and update your marketing plan step-by-step
DIY Digital Marketing Plan Template ā A practical 5-page template designed for Australian small businesses, including goal setting and financial basics
The Marketing Planner ā An intuitive tool to organise your marketing goals and projects throughout the year
ClickUp ā A cloud-based project management tool ideal for planning and tracking marketing tasks.
Additional Resources ā Check local government and business advisory sites for workshops and support tailored to Victorian small businesses.
www.samhicks.com.au - Looking for a no-fuss one-page plan? Check out the art of crafting one.
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Phil Eastās last episode ( ep91 ) was one of our most listened toāand heās 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 strategies.
Upselling & cross-selling increase transaction size.Down-selling ensures you donāt lose customers who hesitate.Alliances & joint ventures generate new business for free.Additional services create recurring revenue and deeper relationships.The Profit Acceleration Simulator that Phil speaks about is available at
https://bit.ly/BizBoostProfitSim.
Itās a free tool that shows how small changes in each area can lead to massive profit growth.
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Make sure you hit the Subscribe button and tune in for Part 3: Advanced Scaling Strategies right here on The 5 Minute Business Boost Ā® Podcast
If you love the episodeā¦ subscribe, share, like, or let me know about a future topic.
Head over to the website, samhicks.com.au and sign up for the 5-minute business boost newsletter.
Or see how we can work together to reach your small business goals; whether via mentoring, attending a workshop or a small 1-hour course.
Follow me on social media (@samhickscomau) and remember, anything is possible in business.
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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.
Itās honest, reflective, and packed with insights for anyone on their small business path.
NOTE - thank you to all my listeners for listening/ tuning in, downloading or referring episodes to friends and clients.
And thanks to my current clients and fam bam that support me. <3
And to my amazing guests - THANK YOU!
If you love the episodeā¦ subscribe, share, like, or let me know about a future topic.
Head over to the website, samhicks.com.au and sign up for the 5-minute business boost newsletter.
Or see how we can work together to reach your small business goals; whether via mentoring, attending a workshop or a small 1-hour course.
Follow me on social media (@samhickscomau) and remember, anything is possible in business.
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In this episode, Sam chats about when in business, itās easy to focus on the daily grindāquoting 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 itās your first birthday, your hundredth sale, or winning an award, these are moments worth shouting about.
And guess what?
Celebrating them online isnāt just feel-goodāitās smart business too.
Show note links;
Industry data on poddies -
https://riverside.fm/blog/podcast-statistics?utm_source=chatgpt.com
https://thesocialshepherd.com/blog/podcast-statistics
Brazil stat - https://www.canva.com/canva-create/
If you love the episodeā¦ subscribe, share, like, or let me know about a future topic.
Head over to the website, samhicks.com.au and sign up for the 5-minute business boost newsletter.
Or see how we can work together to reach your small business goals; whether via mentoring, attending a workshop or a small 1-hour course.
Follow me on social media (@samhickscomau) and remember, anything is possible in business.
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Back by popular demand! Phil Eastās last episode ( ep91 ) was one of our most listened toāand heās 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 Simulator that Phil speaks about is available at
https://bit.ly/BizBoostProfitSim.
Itās a free tool that shows how small changes in each area can lead to massive profit growth.
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Make sure you hit the Subscribe button and tune in for Part 2: Sales Optimization & Client Retention right here on The 5 Minute Business Boost Ā® Podcast
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If you love the episodeā¦ subscribe, share, like, or let me know about a future topic.
Head over to the website, samhicks.com.au and sign up for the 5-minute business boost newsletter.
Or see how we can work together to reach your small business goals; whether via mentoring, attending a workshop or a small 1-hour course.
Follow me on social media (@samhickscomau) and remember, anything is possible in business.
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If youāve ever been told to āwrite a business caseā or āyou should have a business planāābut werenāt exactly sure which one you needed or whyāthis episode is for you.
In todayās 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 ( and a one-page action plan ) from Business Victoria
Reach out directly to me at [email protected], and I can assist with a one-page business plan - takes about an hour and yes, there is a cost.
Direct link here
If you love the episodeā¦ subscribe, share, like, or let me know about a future topic.
Head over to the website, samhicks.com.au and sign up for the 5-minute business boost newsletter.
Or see how we can work together to reach your small business goals, whether via mentoring, attending a workshop, or a one-hour course.
Follow me on social media (@samhickscomau) and remember, anything is possible in business.
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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 deeperāitās 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 youāre at work, attending an event, engaging online, or simply out in the community, your actions shape how people perceive you and your business.
If you love the episodeā¦ subscribe, share, like, or let me know about a future topic.
Head over to the website, samhicks.com.au and sign up for the 5-minute business boost newsletter.
Or see how we can work together to reach your small business goals; whether via mentoring, attending a workshop or a small 1-hour course.
Follow me on social media (@samhickscomau) and remember, anything is possible in business.
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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 presenceāwhether on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or other platformsācan become a question mark when youāre no longer here to manage it. The same applies to smartphones, tablets, and computers, many of which hold important business and personal data.
An early disclaimer, this episode Sam talks about death based on personal experiences both with loved ones, clients and friends.
So if this is not for you at this time, you may find another episode that will work for you this week.
If you love the episodeā¦ subscribe, share, like, or let me know about a future topic.
Head over to the website, samhicks.com.au and sign up for the 5-minute business boost newsletter.
Or see how we can work together to reach your small business goals; whether via mentoring, attending a workshop or a small 1-hour course.
Follow me on social media (@samhickscomau) and remember, anything is possible in business.
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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...
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Episode notes - links
Built-in Meeting Tools
Microsoft Teams: https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/office/automate-notetaking-in-microsoft-teams-meetings-37657f91-39b5-40eb-9421-45141e3ce9f6
Zoom AI Companion: https://zoom.us
Google Meet Transcription: https://workspace.google.com
Paid Apps with Advanced Features
Otter.ai: https://otter.ai
Fireflies.ai: https://fireflies.ai
Fathom: https://fathom.video
MeetGeek: https://meetgeek.ai
tl;dv: https://tldv.io
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If you love the episodeā¦ subscribe, share, like, or let me know about a future topic.
Head over to the website, samhicks.com.au and sign up for the 5-minute business boost newsletter.
Or see how we can work together to reach your small business goals; whether via mentoring, attending a workshop or a small 1-hour course.
Follow me on social media (@samhickscomau) and remember, anything is possible in business.
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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 legal advice, as I am discussing agreements in this podcast as a starting point and inspiration to consider if you need one for your application or situation.
Yours needs to be tailored and of course, it needs to be reviewed by an independent legal advisor.
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Links:
IP Australia
https://www.ipaustralia.gov.au/tools-and-research/business-resources/non-disclosure-agreements/Non-disclosure-contract-generator
Lawpath
https://lawpath.com.au/legal-documents/ppc-non-disclosure-agreement-one-way
Legal Vision
https://legalvision.com.au/documents/confidentiality-agreement/?form=true&form_dl=true
Business Victoria works with INNOVIC
https://www.innovic.com.au/resources/
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If you love the episodeā¦ subscribe, share, like, or let me know about a future topic.
Head over to the website, samhicks.com.au and sign up for the 5-minute business boost newsletter.
Or see how we can work together to reach your small business goals; whether via mentoring, attending a workshop or a small 1-hour course.
Follow me on social media (@samhickscomau) and remember, anything is possible in business.
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Whether youāre 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 Linktreeāa platform that has evolved far beyond simply hosting a list of URLsāand 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 episodeā¦ subscribe, share, like, or let me know about a future topic.
Head over to the website, samhicks.com.au and sign up for the 5-minute business boost newsletter.
Or see how we can work together to reach your small business goals; whether via mentoring, attending a workshop or a small 1-hour course.
Follow me on social media (@samhickscomau) and remember, anything is possible in business.
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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 growthāPhil East.
Phil is a Profit Acceleration Specialist and Business Strategist with a mission to take profit acceleration mainstream. Phil combines his background in accounting, banking & marketing to help business owners implement proven, low-cost to no-cost strategies that uncover hidden revenue streams and create sustainable growth.
So in this must-listen-to episode, Sam seeks to gain some insights on how we can improve profit in our small businesses...
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Follow Phil on Linked In and Facebook - look for profit improver.
You can download his book here and and just for you there are some bonuses after you sign up with your email.
( btw check out the last chapter - another hidden strategy )
For the action takers ( the book downloaders ) exclusive bonus is a free 12-month enrolment in Profit Improvers online business academy, "The most powerful and dynamic client attraction programme ever created!" Valued at $997- A 52-week Virtual MBA business growth Inc.
Its free once you get that confirmation & access detail email from Phil.
Inclusive of this deal is access to the advertising and marketing samples ad library for dozens of business types, and an 8-part Financial Training Academy..... plus much more
Access The marketing academy at www.profitimprover.com.au and use the login button on the top right.
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If you love the episodeā¦ subscribe, share, like, or let me know about a future topic.
Head over to the website, samhicks.com.au and sign up for the 5-minute business boost newsletter.
Or see how we can work together to reach your small business goals; whether via mentoring, attending a workshop or a small 1-hour course.
Follow me on social media (@samhickscomau) and remember, anything is possible in business.
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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 perspectives on the evolving social media environment and provide actionable strategies tailored for small businesses.
By understanding and implementing these insights, small business owners can effectively engage their target audiences and drive growth in this ever-changing digital era.
After reviewing ( and yes AI helped ) I have identified the top five social media insights that small business owners could & should consider for stronger digital marketing strategies in 2025.
Let's get started!
If you love the episodeā¦ subscribe, share, like, or let me know about a future topic.
Head over to the website, samhicks.com.au and sign up for the 5-minute business boost newsletter.
Or see how we can work together to reach your small business goals; whether via mentoring, attending a workshop or a small 1-hour course.
Follow me on social media (@samhickscomau) and remember, anything is possible in business.
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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 challenges and 6 potential opportunities with the help of some articles and reports.
Hoping to inspire our small business owners to identify potential opportunities.
Links
Australian Retailers Association (ARA)
https://www.retail.org.au/news-and-insights/investing-in-employees
https://thebigsmallbusinesssurvey.com/
Australia Posts e-commerce industry report 2024
Future Food Blog
The daily telegraph
https://supy.io/
https://www.restoke.ai/
https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/the-secret-report-showing-how-victorian-businesses-are-being-stifled-20240814-p5k2d1.html
If you love the episodeā¦ subscribe, share, like, or tell me about a future topic.
Head over to the website, samhicks.com.au and sign up for the 5-minute business boost newsletter.
Or see how we can collaborate to reach your small business goals, whether through mentoring, attending a workshop, or a one-hour course.
Follow me on social media (@samhickscomau) and remember, anything is possible in business.
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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 serviceāwithout needing massive budgets or deep technical expertise.
So let's get into it.
Articles noted/ referred to -
āThe rise of AI agents: unlocking their full potentialā by Gaurav Tewari a Forbes Council MemberZapier via an article titled " The best AI chatbots in 2024" by Miguel RebeloDeloitteās State of AI in the Enterprise (3rd Edition, 2020)Website Amazon Web Services (AWS) ( contact lens )If you love the episodeā¦ subscribe, share, like, or let me know about a future topic.
Head over to the website, samhicks.com.au and sign up for the 5-minute business boost newsletter.
Or see how we can work together to reach your small business goals; whether via mentoring, attending a workshop or a small 1-hour course.
Follow me on social media (@samhickscomau) and remember, anything is possible in business.
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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 were of interest.
Check the transcript & show notes below for the links.
If you love the episodeā¦ subscribe, share, like, or let me know about a future topic.
Head over to the website, samhicks.com.au, and sign up for the 5-minute business boost newsletter.
Or see how we can work together to reach your small business goals, whether via mentoring, attending a workshop, or a small 1-hour course.
Follow me on social media (@samhickscomau), and remember, anything is possible in business.
Show notes;
Data
https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/bigideas/who-is-using-your-data-/102315204?utm_content=link&utm_medium=content_shared
Breaches
https://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/notifiable-data-breaches
Reports
https://www.cyber.gov.au/about-us/view-all-content/reports-and-statistics/annual-cyber-threat-report-2023-2024
Cyber security
https://www.cyber.gov.au/learn-basics/explore-basics/passphrases
The Australian Cyber Security Center (ACSC) is the Australian Government's lead agency for cyber security. Their role is to protect Australians from cyber threats.
Small business cyber security guide ( see summary below )
https://www.cyber.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-03/ACSC_Small_Business_Cyber_Security_Guide_V6.pdf
Emails and websites
https://www.cyber.gov.au/resources-business-and-government/maintaining-devices-and-systems/system-hardening-and-administration/web-hardening/implementing-certificates-tls-https-and-opportunistic-tls
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