The 5 Minute Business Boost®

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.

The 5 Minute Business Boost® is a business podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 159 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 83. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Unknown Host hosts The 5 Minute Business Boost®, a business show with 159 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

• 

  Episode #158

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

  Sep 8, 202618 minS4

  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.

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #58

  5 business lessons from Dolly Parton: building more than a business ( Business Development )

  Sep 1, 202619 minS4

  Dolly Parton was one of the world's most recognisable entertainers, but behind the rhinestones, music and humour was also an extraordinary businesswoman who understood branding, intellectual property, partnerships, tourism and the power of investing back into the community that helped shape her. In this special episode of The 5-Minute Business Boost , Sam looks beyond Dolly's music to explore five practical lessons small-business owners can take from the way she built her career and legacy. From refusing to give away the publishing rights to I Will Always Love You , to helping transform tourism in East Tennessee through Dollywood, Dolly's story is a fascinating example of knowing the value of what you create and remaining unmistakably yourself as you grow. We also explore Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, which began in her home county in 1995, inspired by her father who could not read or write, and grew into an international program delivering free books to children from birth to age five. It's a wonderful example of solving a real problem, removing barriers and building something capable of becoming much bigger than the person who started it. In memory of Dolly Dolly's family has asked those wishing to honour her memory to consider supporting Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in lieu of flowers. Donate to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library A fitting way to continue a remarkable legacy — helping put books into the hands of children. ------------------------------------------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.

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #157

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

  Aug 25, 202611 minS4

  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.

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #156

  AI and Photography: It’s already in your Camera Bag ( Business Development )

  Aug 18, 202616 minS4

  AI is already changing photography — and not just through completely generated images. In this episode of The 5-Minute Business Boost, Sam looks at how AI is becoming embedded in the photography tools we already use, from iPhones and Photoshop to specialist platforms such as Magnific and online galleries like Zenfolio. Sam explores how AI can help with editing, image enhancement, culling, face recognition and workflow, as well as the questions worth asking before you add another subscription: what problem does it solve, is it already included in something you pay for, and are there tutorials to help you actually use it well? The goal isn’t to use more AI. It’s to choose the right tools to save time, improve your images and make your photography workflow a little smarter. 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.

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Episode #155

  Guest Series - Kate from Zaza & Douglas ( Art and Business Development )

  Aug 11, 202621 minS4

  In this special guest episode of The 5-Minute Business Boost, Sam chats with artist and ceramicist Kate from Zaza & Douglas about the journey of turning creativity into a successful handmade business. From studying dance at the Victorian College of the Arts to travelling the world with Qantas and visiting some of the world's greatest galleries, Kate shares how each chapter of her life has shaped her artistic style and inspired her work. Discover how Kate creates deeply personal commissioned artworks by weaving together the stories, emotions and values of her clients with the symbolism found in Australian native plants and wildlife. She also shares the inspiration behind her expressive paintings, handcrafted ceramics and the importance of creating art that brings calm, connection and meaning into people's homes. Whether you're an artist, maker and or a small business owner, this episode is full of practical wisdom about backing yourself, putting your work out into the world and not being afraid to "try another table" if the first opportunity doesn't work out. It's an inspiring conversation about creativity, resilience and building a business by staying true to your passion. Zaza & Douglas works are available from the following art spaces : Mira Marysville Gippsland Art Gallery Yea Wetlands Discovery Centre Shepparton Art Museum Or Contact Zaza & Douglas directly via : email: zazadouglas@outlook.com Mobile: 0407 017 694 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.

  ListenShow Notes

Recent guests on The 5 Minute Business Boost®. Study who booked and why before you pitch.

Based on semantic analysis of episode topics and host coverage, this show is a strong guest fit for executives in:

Industry fit is computed by PitchCentric using vector embeddings of the show's episode catalog.