The 5 Minute Business Boost®

In this episode, Sam chats about vehicle signage and her top 5 tips.

Every opportunity to advertise and build your brand is valuable.

One of the most effective yet often overlooked methods is vehicle signage. Whether you're a tradesperson, service provider, or small business owner, wrapping your vehicle with eye-catching, informative signage can significantly boost your visibility and attract new customers.

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Or see how we can work together to reach your small business goals by visiting https://samhicks.com.au/old-home/lets-go/

Follow me on social media (@samhickscomau) and remember, anything is possible in business.

In this episode, Sam discusses sharing your story online and offers 5 points to consider.

Online, sharing your personal story has become more powerful and accessible than ever. Whether it's through social media platforms, email newsletters (EDMs), blogs, or other digital avenues, telling your story can create meaningful connections and foster a sense of community.

However, with the vast amount of content being shared online, it can be challenging to stand out and genuinely connect with your audience.

This is where authenticity comes into play.

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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 by visiting https://samhicks.com.au/

Follow me on social media (@samhickscomau) and remember, anything is possible in business.

Today I am with a local artist who has exhibited nationally and globally. Born and raised in Acheron, Murrindindi, Marian, as her website explains, has honed her craft over decades, experimenting with various styles before finding her true voice in freeform impressionism.

We sit down for a chat about art, hemp, and what her inspirations and successes have been. Her life is like her art—bold, expressive, and full of energy for her caretaking of land in Murrindindi, her life, and her art.

(Warning: There are 2 swear words; I have decided not to not edit them out.)

If you love the episode… 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 by visiting https://samhicks.com.au/old-home/lets-go/

Follow me on social media (@samhickscomau) and remember, anything is possible in business.

Regional Victoria comes alive with major events, from food and wine to animals, displays, vehicle shows, music festivals, and sporting tournaments.

We have it all.

Even if these events don't directly target your usual clientele, there are ways to attract a slice of the visitor pie or, as one of my famous sayings is – leverage!!

So, let's get creative, get customers, and raise awareness of your brand – I outline my top 8 tips in part 1!

If you love the episode… 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 by visiting https://samhicks.com.au/old-home/lets-go/

Follow me on social media (@samhickscomau) and remember, anything is possible in business.

In this episode, Sam speaks about her top 5 tips for writing grants for small & medium-sized businesses.

She tackles the elephant in the room - the good, the bad, and the ugly—but all is not lost as she shares her top 5 tips to consider when applying for a small business grant.

A must listen if you are considering applying for a small business grant in Victoria.

Anywhere really.

If you love the episode… 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 by visiting https://samhicks.com.au/old-home/lets-go/

Follow me on social media (@samhickscomau) and remember, anything is possible in business.

Today Sam discusses her top 5 tips for writing grants for your community group or Not-for-profit organisation.

After 32 plus grants submitted, with another 10 co-written, and 30 DRAFT submissions given to Sam to read, in the realm of $5–10 million worth of dollars – grants and community development are a happy place for Sam.

So tune in and glean some insights into the world of successful grant writing.

If you love the episode… 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 by visiting https://samhicks.com.au/old-home/lets-go/

Follow me on social media (@samhickscomau) and remember, anything is possible in business.

My poem was read out as part of the 2024 Regional Telecommunications Review community meeting held on May 3rd in Benalla.

This is based on my journey over 24 years of living in a " black spot." I simply asked AI to generate a poem based on our story.

Short and sweet.

If you love the episode… 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 by visiting https://samhicks.com.au/old-home/lets-go/

Follow me on social media (@samhickscomau) and remember, anything is possible in business.

For 24 years, living on our cattle farm in rural Victoria meant a constant struggle with internet access.

Telstra Black Spot, thanks to the valleys around us, has turned simple tasks like making a call or checking email into frustrating ordeals.

We endured years of unreliable landlines – especially bad in winter with waterlogged pits—then slow ADSL, and finally, the limitations of satellite internet.

So grab a cuppa and listen to our journey. I hope it inspires you not to give up and to seek solace in a supportive group.

Now if you are interested in Starlink and are keen, here's one free month of Starlink service! Starlink high-speed internet is great for streaming, video calls, and gaming in even the most remote locations on Earth. https://www.starlink.com/?referral=RC-180651-83806-13&app_source=share

If you love the episode… 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 by visiting https://samhicks.com.au/old-home/lets-go/

Follow me on social media (@samhickscomau) and remember, anything is possible in business.

Today Sam is speaking to a small business owner to find out about their business journey, so there are 5 questions!

Sounds easy, right?

So get ready for some great insights, reflections, and some laughter.....potentially some real serious bits too—as we catch up with Rohan Webb as he navigates a new direction for his business journey.

Rohan has spent his career in sales, marketing and business management while having a side hobby of dreaming up side businesses and getting them off the ground.

He has recently decided to turn this hobby into a full-time gig focused on business consulting, digital transformation, workshops and coaching.

And we can't mention space....tune in to find out why!

If you love the episode… 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 by visiting https://samhicks.com.au/old-home/lets-go/

Follow me on social media (@samhickscomau) and remember, anything is possible in business.

In this episode, Pt. 2, Sam discusses the challenges of those first 12 months.

In the last episode, Sam chatted about the first three; here is the remainder of the challenges.

(The first five are identified by Business.Gov.Au plus another 3 or so that Sam has identified.)

Listen in for some reflections, some heavy parts, tips, and advice but overall this episode is something to think about for those first 12 months!

If you love the episode… 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 by visiting https://samhicks.com.au/old-home/lets-go/

Follow me on social media (@samhickscomau) and remember, anything is possible in business.