In this bonus episode of the Small Business Made Simple Podcast, I’m sharing a powerful conversation I had live on LinkedIn with one of the speakers at my upcoming Social Media and Marketing Conference, the brilliant Zoe Simmons.

Zoe is an award-winning journalist, disability advocate, and all-round powerhouse, and she’s here to challenge the way we think about marketing. Spoiler alert – 20% of the population lives with a disability, and yet, most marketing leaves them out.

We chat about:

• Why inclusive marketing matters now more than ever

• Simple things you can do to make your business more accessible

• The lightbulb moments you’ll experience when you just start thinking differently

Zoe will be taking the stage on 29 August in Melbourne at the Social Media and Marketing Conference to deliver even more practical, empowering, and mindset-shifting insights.

🎟️ Haven’t grabbed your ticket yet? Head to https://www.socialmediaandmarketing.com.au/conference  before the next price rise.

Whether you're already booked in and can’t wait to meet Zoe in person, or this conversation is the nudge you needed – this episode is a must-listen.

** Purchase your 2025 Social Media and Marketing Conference ticket for $199 here: https://www.socialmediaandmarketing.com.au/351 **

Episode 351 – How to Do “The People Stuff” Better in Your Business with Amy Christopherson

Got a team? Thinking about building one? Or just wondering how to lead better without losing your mind (or your weekends)? This episode is for you.

This week on the Small Business Made Simple Podcast, I’m joined by HR expert and small business champion, Amy Christopherson from Grounded HR. Amy’s on a mission to make the “people part” of business less daunting and more empowering—for you and your team. Whether you’ve got a handful of contractors or a fast-growing squad, we’re diving into how to lead with purpose, put solid contracts in place (hint: not the ChatGPT kind), and create a culture that makes people want to stay.

Tune in for practical HR advice, real talk about hiring fears, and a timely reminder that investing in people is actually investing in your profits.

🎧 Ready to lead better and grow with confidence? Hit play now.

👉 Listen to the full episode at socialmediaandmarketing.com.au/351

BONUS EPISODE – Visibility, Awards & Why It’s Time You Made Some Noise (with Jemimah Ashleigh)

Surprise! I’m popping into your ears today with a juicy bonus episode. This is a chat I had live on socials with the fabulous Jemimah Ashleigh, visibility expert, founder of The Visibility Lab, and one of the incredible speakers at my Social Media & Marketing Conference in Melbourne this August.

In this raw and real conversation, we unpack why entering business awards is one of the most underused, undervalued, and totally brilliant marketing strategies out there. (Spoiler alert: it’s not about trophies, it’s about credibility, visibility, and opportunity.)

We talk about:

• Why being “quietly brilliant” isn’t a strategy anymore

• How awards give you a massive ROI (even if you don’t win!)

• The mindset shift that’ll help you finally back yourself and get seen

This convo is full of gold for anyone ready to step into the spotlight, even if the tech at the start is a little less than polished (classic me 🙈).

🎟️ If you haven’t grabbed your ticket to the conference yet, do it! Head to socialmediaandmarketing.com.au/conference.

** Come Along to the 2025 Social Media and Marketing Conference in Melbourne - in August - get your tickets here: https://www.socialmediaandmarketing.com.au/conference

The Real Reason Businesses Are Closing (And How to Stay Ahead) - Podcast Episode 349

Innovation. It's not just a buzzword, it's the lifeline of business. In this episode of the Small Business Made Simple Podcast, I’m diving into what happens when businesses stop evolving. Spoiler alert: they start disappearing.

Think iconic brands like Katies and Just Jeans or long-running shows like The Project and Q&A, gone, not because they weren’t loved, but because they didn’t innovate.

So, let me ask you this, when was the last time you did something innovative in your business?

In this honest and action-packed episode, I explore:

• What innovation really means for small business owners (and no, it’s not just shiny tech)

• Why marketing and innovation are the only two things that truly matter in business

• How I’m walking the innovation talk by launching the 2025 Social Media & Marketing Conference

Whether you’re stuck in the “this is how we’ve always done it” cycle or ready to shake things up, this episode is your nudge (or maybe your push!) to get curious, get courageous, and start innovating.

Tune in now, because doing what you’ve always done may not get you where you want to go next.

🎧 Listen to the episode: https://www.socialmediaandmarketing.com.au/podcast 

EPISODE 348: Is PR the Most Underrated Marketing Strategy for Small Business? With Liz Nable

PR – it’s the free marketing strategy that small business owners often overlook… but not today!

In this week’s episode of the Small Business Made Simple Podcast, I’m joined by the fabulous Liz Nabel—former TV journalist, now media and PR coach – and we’re diving into the world of getting your business into the media for FREE.

We chat all things public relations (spoiler: it doesn’t stand for press release!), how to find media angles in your business, how AI can actually help if writing’s not your thing, and why pitching your story doesn’t need to be scary – just smart.

Liz shares her journey from chasing breaking news to building a million-dollar business using the power of PR – with zero marketing budget. If you’ve ever thought, “PR isn’t for me,” this episode might just change your mind (and your visibility).

🎧 Tune in now and find out how to build your brand, your authority, and your audience – without spending a cent.

🟠 WANT TO JOIN ME FOR THE 2025 SOCIAL MEDIA AND MARKETING CONFERENCE IN MELBOURNE, 29 AUGUST?  https://socialmediaandmarketing.com.au/conference

🟣 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/348 

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

** Get Along to the 2025 Social Media and Marketing Conference in Melbourne on 29th August - tickets now on sale - https://www.socialmediaandmarketing.com.au/conference

Ready to unlock what "good growth" really means for your small business? In this episode of Small Business Made Simple, host Jen Donovan sits down with Sarah Howard, founder of Writers Australia and author of "Beyond Solo." Sarah shares her 18-year journey from solo freelancer to agency leader and dives deep into the realities of business growth—spoiler alert, it's not always about getting bigger!

Jen and Sarah chat about why listening to your customers is key, the challenges (and rewards) of building a team, what to delegate or outsource, and how to design a business that supports your life, not the other way around. Plus, Sarah introduces the concept of the "A-Team Collective" and explains why it's absolutely OK to stay small if that's what suits you.

If you've ever wondered how to grow your business on your own terms, manage people effectively, or even plan for your eventual exit, this episode is packed with practical advice, real stories, and plenty of inspiration to help you build a business—and a life—you love.

Tune in and discover a new approach to business growth that's all about purpose, values, and freedom!

Episode 346 – Hashtags in 2025: Should You Still Bother?

Let’s talk hashtags—the little pound sign that once ruled the social media world… but in 2025, are they still pulling their weight?

In this episode of the Small Business Made Simple Podcast, I’m cutting through the confusion and diving into what hashtags really do now, which platforms they still matter on, and whether you should keep using them or ditch them altogether.

If you’re still popping #smallbizlife or #foryoupage into every post, but not seeing results—this episode is for you.

You’ll learn: ✅ The truth about how hashtags work on Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn and Facebook in 2025 ✅ How many hashtags to use (and which ones to skip completely) ✅ The rise of keyword-rich captions and why they’re now more powerful than your tag strategy ✅ 5 things to focus on instead of obsessing over hashtags ✅ A fresh, simplified approach to social media that prioritises connection over confusion

Hashtags aren’t dead—but they’re no longer your growth engine. They’re the seasoning, not the main meal.

🎧 Tune in now to learn what actually moves the needle in 2025 social media marketing. Or read the full show notes at: www.socialmediaandmarketing.com.au/346

Episode 345 – How to Build a Micro Funnel in 24 Hours

Think funnels are too complicated, too techy, or just plain too hard? Think again, lovely.

In this episode of the Small Business Made Simple Podcast, I’m showing you how to build a smart, simple micro funnel in just 24 hours—without losing your mind, spending weeks mapping things out, or writing a 67-email sequence.

Whether you’re launching soon, need a quick win, or want to stop sending people to your homepage and hoping for the best—this episode is your sign to stop overthinking and start funnel-ing.

You’ll learn: ✅ What a micro funnel is (and why it works so well for small business) ✅ The 3 essentials you need to get started today ✅ The simple steps: from freebie to follow-up email to next action ✅ How to promote your funnel without ads or a big list ✅ My favourite tools and a secret AI shortcut to make it even easier!

✨ This episode is perfect for service providers, e-commerce brands, coaches, creatives and anyone ready to stop chasing leads and start converting them.

🎧 Press play now or head to the full show notes at: www.socialmediaandmarketing.com.au/345 Let’s build you a lead machine that works while you sleep—without needing a tech degree.

Episode 344 – The Lie of “Just Be Consistent”: Marketing Advice I Wish I’d Questioned Sooner

We’ve all heard it: “Just be consistent.” It sounds helpful. Harmless. Even wise.

But what if that well-meaning advice is leading you to burnout, bland marketing, and busywork with zero results?

In this episode of the Small Business Made Simple Podcast, I’m busting one of the biggest marketing myths out there—that consistency alone is the magic fix for your business visibility. (Spoiler: it’s not.)

If you’re posting daily, showing up in stories, emailing your list religiously—and still wondering “Why isn’t this working?”—this one’s for you.

Inside this episode: ✅ Why consistency without clarity leads to chaos ✅ The difference between strategy and survival posting ✅ What I wish I’d been told about content, messaging, and momentum ✅ How to reset your marketing to be consistent with purpose ✅ Three practical ways to make your marketing work harder (and feel lighter)

✨This is your permission slip to pause, rework what isn’t landing, and stop creating just for the sake of showing up.

You’ll walk away with a refreshed view on consistency—one that’s aligned, strategic, and sustainable. Because being consistent should support your business, not drain it.

🎧 Tune in now or catch the full show notes at: www.socialmediaandmarketing.com.au/344

Struggling to make LinkedIn work for your small business? In this episode, I sit down with Michael Clark from Athletic Koala, a digital marketing expert who’s cracked the code on using LinkedIn for real business growth — especially in 2025. We dive into how to build a community on LinkedIn, use content to position yourself as a subject matter expert, and why giving away your best knowledge is the best marketing strategy you’ve got. You’ll learn why old-school Facebook and Google Ads just aren’t cutting it anymore, how to get over your fear of video, and exactly what types of posts are working on LinkedIn right now. This one’s practical, insightful, and peppered with Michael’s signature wit and wisdom — perfect for small biz owners who are ready to make LinkedIn their top sales platform.

🟠 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/322   

🟡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