Small Business Made Simple Podcast

After 370 episodes, and almost 7 years, this is the last Small Business Made Simple Podcast episode. It's an emotional Goodbye but a necessary one right now.

Please don't be a stranger, come join the Private Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/LikeMindedBusinessOwners

Visit the website (check out the new branding!) https://www.socialmediaandmarketing.com.au

Or Come follow Jenn on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenndonovan_/

Episode 369: Outsourcing, Overwhelm & Finding Freedom with Natasha Collins

Are you drowning in admin and stuck doing the tasks you don't love? In this episode of the Small Business Made Simple Podcast, I chat with Natasha Collins from Amity Resources about how outsourcing can free up your time, reduce overwhelm, and help you get back to doing what lights you up in business.

Natasha shares her own story of building businesses from the ground up—including how Amity Resources was born—and why outsourcing isn't just about saving time, it's about creating more joy and freedom in your business (and life).

If you've ever thought, "It's just easier if I do it myself," or found yourself working 70+ hours a week, this conversation is for you. From practical tips on what to outsource first, to tackling the mental blocks around delegating, Natasha brings so much wisdom and encouragement for small business owners.

👉 Tune in now to hear how outsourcing could be the missing piece in growing your business without burning out.

🟠 WANT 365 IDEAS ON WHAT TO POST ON SOCIAL MEDIA? Free eBook – https://socialmediaandmarketing.com.au/freebies/365-days-of-content-ideas-for-social-media/

🟣 READY TO LIFT YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA GAME? Take the Challenge: https://jenn-donovan.myflodesk.com/fivedaychallenge

🟢 Let's talk strategy with a free 3-Part Video series: https://socialmediaandmarketing.com.au/freebies/marketing-strategy-three-part-mini-video-series/

🔵 SHOW NOTES (including a transcription of this episode and all links and resources): www.socialmediaandmarketing.com.au/369

🟡DM JENN OVER ON INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/jenndonovan_/

🔴⭕ Purchase a copy of my new book Small Town Big Impact here: www.socialmediaandmarketing.com.au

Ever wondered how different generations really impact your business—both as customers and as employees?

In this week's Small Business Made Simple Podcast, I sit down with the fabulous Michelle Pascoe to unpack the power (and quirks!) of generational marketing and leadership. From Baby Boomers to Gen Z—and even the brand-new Betas—we explore what motivates each group, the assumptions that hold us back, and how smart leaders can bridge the gaps.

🎧 You'll walk away with:

• Practical insights into managing and motivating multi-generational teams

• Fresh ideas on connecting with customers across six generations

• Real strategies you can put into action today (not "one day")

So grab your notebook, lean in, and get ready to see your business through a whole new generational lens.

Take a listen to episode 368 and hear the GOLD!

🟠 WANT 365 IDEAS ON WHAT TO POST ON SOCIAL MEDIA? Free eBook – https://socialmediaandmarketing.com.au/freebies/365-days-of-content-ideas-for-social-media/

🟣 READY TO LIFT YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA GAME? Take the Challenge: https://jenn-donovan.myflodesk.com/fivedaychallenge

🟢 Let's talk strategy with a free 3-Part Video series: https://socialmediaandmarketing.com.au/freebies/marketing-strategy-three-part-mini-video-series/

🔵 SHOW NOTES (including a transcription of this episode and all links and resources): www.socialmediaandmarketing.com.au/368

🟡DM JENN OVER ON INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/jenndonovan_/

🔴⭕ Purchase a copy of my new book Small Town Big Impact here: www.socialmediaandmarketing.com.au

**How to Humanise Your Brand in the Age of AI**

*Small Business Made Simple Podcast with host Jenn Donovan & guest Fiona Killackey*

Are you curious about harnessing the power of AI in your business, without losing the magic that makes your brand uniquely human? In this episode, Jenn Donovan sits down with Fiona Killackey, founder of My Daily Business, for a thought-provoking and practical chat on navigating business in the AI era.

Fiona shares her journey from magazine editor to marketing lead at major brands, all the way to running her own business, always with a focus on aligning your work with your values and living life *beyond the hustle*. Together, they discuss:

- How AI is changing the landscape for small business owners - The risks of relying too heavily on technology (and how to keep it as your assistant, not your authority) - Practical ways to humanise your brand, connect authentically, and stand out - Combatting AI bias and why your unique voice matters now more than ever - Tools and tips Fiona uses daily for business *and* life efficiency

Whether you're an AI skeptic or you're eager to adopt the latest tech, this episode will inspire you to combine the best of both worlds: innovation and heart. Plus, hear about Fiona's popular books and the one AI tool she swears by for creative entrepreneurs.

Hit play to find out how to future-proof your brand with authenticity, storytelling, and a very human approach to technology!

Ready to give LinkedIn another chance? In this episode of the Small Business Made Simple Podcast, I chat with LinkedIn expert Kate Merryweather, who shares why LinkedIn isn't just another social platform — it's a goldmine for small business owners ready to be more visible, connect with the right audience, and grow their business.

Kate reveals why copy-pasting your Facebook or Instagram strategy won't work, how the LinkedIn algorithm differs across countries, and why being just 10% braver than others can make you stand out online.

Whether you've tried LinkedIn before or you're curious about making it your go-to platform, Kate's insights will give you the confidence (and the strategy) to show up smarter.

Plus — she's joining me live at the Social Media & Marketing Conference on Friday, 29th August 2025 in Melbourne. Don't miss her expert tips in person! Tickets available here: https://www.socialmediaandmarketing.com.au/conference

👉 Tune in now and discover how LinkedIn could be the platform that finally works for you.

🎙️ Episode Title: Podcasting & PR for FREE with Jules Brooke

Ever wondered how to use podcasting and PR to grow your influence — without spending a cent? In this episode of the Small Business Made Simple Podcast, I sit down with the incredible Jules Brooke, founder of She's The Boss and Women Speakers Australia, to unpack how small business owners can get visible, connect with influencers, and harness media opportunities to build credibility.

Jules shares her unique approach to podcasting as a powerful relationship-building tool (hello, instant coffee with CEOs!) and why PR is one of the most underrated — yet free — marketing strategies for small business. If you've ever thought PR was too hard, Jules is here to prove it's not only doable, but essential.

We also dive into what she'll be sharing on stage at the 2025 Social Media & Marketing Conference in Melbourne — helping business owners like you embrace podcasting and PR as game-changing strategies.

✨ Tune in and discover how to:

• Use podcasting to connect with decision-makers and grow your network

• Leverage PR to build trust and credibility for your brand

• Overcome the fear and just give it a go

🎧 Listen now and get inspired to make your business more visible than ever!

🎙 Episode 364a: AI, Marketing & Avoiding Burnout with Tracy Sheen

AI is moving fast—but how can small business owners harness it without getting lost in the overwhelm? In this bonus episode, I chat with Tracy Sheen, digital guide, speaker, and author of AI and You: Business Reimagined. Tracy shares practical ways you can use AI to supercharge your marketing, streamline content, and avoid burnout, while still keeping your brand voice and values intact.

We also talk about the upcoming Social Media & Marketing Conference Melbourne 2025, where Tracy is one of our keynote speakers. If you've been curious about AI but unsure where to start, this episode is packed with real-world insights, a few laughs, and some no-nonsense advice to help you stay visible online without adding more stress.

🎟 Grab your ticket to the conference: socialmediaandmarketing.com.au/conference

SEO made simple (finally!).

In this bonus episode, I'm joined by Ray Pastoors, one of the brilliant keynote speakers at the Social Media & Marketing Conference 2025. Ray has over 20 years of digital experience and a passion for making SEO and search strategies easy to understand — no jargon, no overwhelm, just practical tips you can actually use.

We talk about what's really changing in Google and search right now, how small business owners can become more visible online (even if you don't have a website!), and why organic search is still one of the most powerful growth tools in your marketing toolkit.

Ray also shares what he'll be covering at the conference in Melbourne on Friday 29 August 2025 — and trust me, this is one keynote you'll want to hear live.

🎧 Tune in now and get a sneak peek of the gold he'll be sharing from the stage!

Get Your Ticket here: https://www.socialmediaandmarketing.com.au/conference

What if your business could give you more joy, freedom and inspiration?

In this special episode, I'm joined by my friend and conference speaker Emma Lovell, the original Bleisure (business + leisure) Coach. We talk all about retreats, rest, and how weaving a little more leisure into your business can spark creativity, attract your ideal clients, and actually help you grow faster.

Emma also shares why she literally changed her flight back from the US so she wouldn't miss the Social Media & Marketing Conference on Friday 29 August 2025 in Melbourne CBD (so really, what's your excuse?). https://www.socialmediaandmarketing.com.au/conference

If you're ready to rethink marketing, rediscover balance, and learn how fun can fuel your business, this is the episode for you.

🎧 Hit play now and join the conversation.

Ready to grow your small business without burning out? In this episode, I'm joined by Troy Trewin from Grow Your Small Business — a man who's seen it all: 26 years in business, 30+ partnerships, and more lessons (and laughs) than you can count.

We talk about the three biggest mistakes small business owners are still making in 2025, why people and marketing are your greatest growth levers, and how to start thinking about your exit strategy (even if you're years away from selling).

This one's packed with practical tips, real-world experience, and the kind of advice you wish you'd had years ago.

And if you love the idea of sharpening your skills even more, don't miss the Social Media & Marketing Conference on Friday 29 August 2025 in Melbourne CBD. It's your chance to learn from top experts (including me!) and connect with like-minded business owners. Tickets at socialmediaandmarketing.com.au/conference.

If you're ready to work smarter, lead better, and grow with confidence — hit play!