Alright, business builders, here’s the big one — the moment you start thinking… “I think I’m ready to work with a marketing agency.”

It’s exciting, right? You’ve put in the hours, grown your customer base, and built something pretty special, but now you’re wondering how to take it to that next level.

That’s when most business owners hit this stage — you’ve maxed out your personal capacity, and now you’re asking, “Okay, who can help me scale?”

Well, today’s chat is for you. I am unpacking what it really means to be “agency ready.” You’ll hear how to prepare, what to expect, and which agencies across Australia are delivering results — depending on your business type and budget.

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Links:

1. King Kong – https://kingkong.co

2. Propel Digital – https://propeldigital.com.au

3. Where Are You – https://www.whereareyou.au

4. Digital Performax – https://hemantkalwani.com/blog/ecommerce-marketing-agencies-in-australia

5. Constructiv Digital – https://www.constructivdigital.com.au

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If you love the episode… subscribe, share, and like. I’d love a review, or let me know about a future topic.

While you’re on the website, check out my Small Business Kickstart Kit — it’s a one-page plan, social media calendar, marketing checklist, and Canva templates, all ready to go. Instant download at samhicks.com.au.

Sign up for the 5-Minute Business Boost newsletter, or see how we can work together to achieve your small business goals — whether through mentoring, attending a workshop, or a brief 1-hour course or even your choice of training..

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

Your website is your first impression — your digital handshake. In this episode, we explore the golden rules of online etiquette for small businesses, covering website user experience, accessibility, and trust. Learn how to make your site more professional, user-friendly, and aligned with Australian best practices.

From reducing pop-up overload to using Aussie English that resonates with your local audience, this episode is packed with practical tips (and a few pet peeves) to help you stand out online for all the right reasons.

Next Episode will be Part 2 – Social Media Etiquette for Small Businesses: Learn how to stay kind, professional, and calm on every platform.

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If you love the episode… subscribe, share, and like. I’d love a review, or let me know about a future topic.

While you’re on the website, check out my Small Business Kickstart Kit — it’s a one-page plan, social media calendar, marketing checklist, and Canva templates, all ready to go. Instant download at samhicks.com.au.

Sign up for the 5-Minute Business Boost newsletter, or see how we can work together to achieve your small business goals — whether through mentoring, attending a workshop, or a brief 1-hour course or even your choice of training..

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

In this episode of the 5-Minute Business Boost, Sam sits down with Lynda McAlary-Smith, Victorian Small Business Commissioner, to unpack how the VSBC helps business owners resolve disputes, cut red tape, and create a fairer playing field across Victoria.

Lynda shares insights from the front line — from supporting farmers through debt mediation to helping councils become genuinely small-business friendly. They discuss the top challenges facing business owners right now, the power of local networks, and why advocacy backed by real stories matters.

You’ll hear how the VSBC works behind the scenes with councils, banks and government to keep small business voices heard and ensure practical, low-cost solutions are available when issues arise.

If you run a business in Victoria, this chat will help you understand where to turn for support, what the Commission does, and how strong collaboration keeps our local economy thriving.

Learn more: vsbc.vic.gov.au

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If you love the episode… subscribe, share, and like. I’d love a review, or let me know about a future topic.

While you’re on the website, check out my Small Business Kickstart Kit — it’s a one-page plan, social media calendar, marketing checklist, and Canva templates, all ready to go. Instant download at samhicks.com.au.

Sign up for the 5-Minute Business Boost newsletter, or see how we can work together to achieve your small business goals — whether through mentoring, attending a workshop, or a brief 1-hour course or even your choice of training..

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

What can small business owners learn from Jeremy Clarkson’s wild leap into farming? In this episode of The 5-Minute Business Boost, we look at the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of Clarkson’s Farm — from battling the elements to reinventing revenue streams with a farm shop, a pub, and a butchery.

Beyond the laughs, Clarkson highlights the resilience needed to succeed in business, the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people, and the power of storytelling in building a loyal customer base. Whether you run a café, a consultancy, or a creative brand, you’ll find powerful takeaways on pivoting, persistence, and building community support.

Key Takeaways:

• Grit and resilience matter more than instant success.
• Diversifying and pivoting can help you survive and thrive.
• People and partnerships are at the heart of every business.
• Storytelling creates connection and builds loyal customers.
• Supporting local is vital — for farmers and small businesses alike.

Tune in for an entertaining five-minute boost of business wisdom — Clarkson-style!

If you love the episode… subscribe, share, and like. I’d love a review, or let me know about a future topic.

While you’re on the website, check out my Small Business Kickstart Kit — it’s a one-page plan, social media calendar, marketing checklist, and Canva templates, all ready to go. Instant download at samhicks.com.au.

Sign up for the 5-Minute Business Boost newsletter, or see how we can work together to achieve your small business goals — whether through mentoring, attending a workshop, or a brief 1-hour course or even your choice of training..

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

In this episode, I share insights from Tyler, the Creator’s world tour stop at Rod Laver Arena—where music, creativity, and entrepreneurship collide. From his DIY beginnings with Odd Future to global success across music, fashion, and design, Tyler shows us the power of discipline, reinvention, and authenticity.

For families, his story highlights the value of supporting teens’ passions and encouraging self-expression. For business owners, it’s a reminder to stay true to your brand, embrace change, and see setbacks as springboards for growth.

Tune in for lessons on work ethic, creativity, and why standing out always beats fitting in.

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If you love the episode… subscribe, share, and like. I’d love a review, or let me know about a future topic.

While you’re on the website, check out my Small Business Kickstart Kit — it’s a one-page plan, social media calendar, marketing checklist, and Canva templates, all ready to go. Instant download at samhicks.com.au.

Sign up for the 5-Minute Business Boost newsletter, or see how we can work together to achieve your small business goals — whether through mentoring, attending a workshop, or a brief 1-hour course or even your choice of training..

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

Running a small business in Australia comes with big challenges and even bigger opportunities.

In this episode, discover why a CRM isn’t just for big companies — it’s essential for any team that wants to organise contacts, follow up reliably, and protect customer data in 2025.

We’ll compare top options like HubSpot, Bigin, EngageBay, and Less Annoying CRM, covering real costs, ease of use, privacy, support, and the key tech features that matter.

You can tune in for practical, actionable advice tailored for your small business.

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CRM's mentioned

• HubSpot CRM: https://www.hubspot.com
• Bigin by Zoho: https://www.bigin.com/the-bigin-story.html
• EngageBay: https://www.engagebay.com
• Less Annoying CRM: https://www.lessannoyingcrm.com
• Monday CRM: https://monday.com/crm-mobile
• Salesmate CRM: https://www.salesmate.io/crm/
• Creatio CRM: https://www.creatio.com/crm-demo

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If you love the episode… subscribe, share, and like. I’d love a review, or let me know about a future topic.

While you’re on the website, check out my Small Business Kickstart Kit — it’s a one-page plan, social media calendar, marketing checklist, and Canva templates, all ready to go. Instant download at samhicks.com.au.

Sign up for the 5-Minute Business Boost newsletter, or see how we can work together to achieve your small business goals — whether through mentoring, attending a workshop, or a brief 1-hour course or even your choice of training..

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

A conversion is more than a sale — it’s any action that moves your audience closer to becoming a customer. In this episode, I break down the difference between macro and micro conversions, explore where conversions happen (from social media and Google Business Profile to your website), and share how trust, accessibility, and user experience all play a role.

We’ll also talk about how AI and personalisation are transforming conversions for small businesses, why optimisation is never a one-off project, and how to think beyond the first sale to grow loyalty and lifetime value.

Plus, you’ll hear mini examples from cafés, gyms, landscapers, and local stores putting these ideas into practice.

If you want to turn more clicks into customers, this one’s for you.

If you love the episode… subscribe, share, and like. I’d love a review, or let me know about a future topic.

While you’re on the website, check out my Small Business Kickstart Kit — it’s a one-page plan, social media calendar, marketing checklist, and Canva templates, all ready to go. Instant download at samhicks.com.au.

Sign up for the 5-Minute Business Boost newsletter, or see how we can work together to achieve your small business goals — whether through mentoring, attending a workshop, or a brief 1-hour course or even your choice of training..

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

In this special episode, Sam talks to Trevor Renison—tradie, mentor, and founder of Trev’s Story—about smashing the stigma of mental health in Australia’s trades sector. After 47 years in the industry and overcoming intense personal battles,

Trev is undertaking "The Great Barrow Push": walking 600km from Marysville to Canberra, wheelbarrow in hand, to raise awareness and funds for suicide prevention.

Trev’s journey is raw, honest, and urgent. Hear firsthand why tradies are at risk, what stops them from seeking help, and what real support looks like.

Please note, this episode contains open dialogue about suicide and mental health struggles—listen with care, and know help is available. If this episode raises concerns for you or someone you know, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or talk to a trusted health professional.

Trevs website - https://www.trevsstory.com/

The Video - https://youtu.be/XjKO5fhfoBU

Support by buying a marble; https://www.trevsstory.com/marbleforamate

If you love the episode… subscribe, share, and like. I’d love a review, or let me know about a future topic.

While you’re on the website, check out my Small Business Kickstart Kit — it’s a one-page plan, social media calendar, marketing checklist, and Canva templates, all ready to go. Instant download at samhicks.com.au.

Sign up for the 5-Minute Business Boost newsletter, or see how we can work together to achieve your small business goals — whether through mentoring, attending a workshop, or a brief 1-hour course or even your choice of training..

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