Leading on from a previous podcast ( see eps 89 ), as we know our retailers and hospitality are doing it tough and it's always around finances. So, to help us further I have invited an absolute powerhouse in the world of profit acceleration & business growth—Phil East.

Phil is a Profit Acceleration Specialist and Business Strategist with a mission to take profit acceleration mainstream. Phil combines his background in accounting, banking & marketing to help business owners implement proven, low-cost to no-cost strategies that uncover hidden revenue streams and create sustainable growth.

So in this must-listen-to episode, Sam seeks to gain some insights on how we can improve profit in our small businesses..

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Follow Phil on Linked In and Facebook - look for profit improver.

You can download his book here and and just for you there are some bonuses after you sign up with your email.

( btw check out the last chapter - another hidden strategy )

For the action takers ( the book downloaders ) exclusive bonus is a free 12-month enrolment in Profit Improvers online business academy, "The most powerful and dynamic client attraction programme ever created!" Valued at $997- A 52-week Virtual MBA business growth Inc.

Its free once you get that confirmation & access detail email from Phil.

Inclusive of this deal is access to the advertising and marketing samples ad library for dozens of business types, and an 8-part Financial Training Academy..... plus much more

Access The marketing academy at www.profitimprover.com.au and use the login button on the top right.

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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; whether via mentoring, attending a workshop or a small 1-hour course.

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

In the fast-paced world of social media, staying updated with the latest trends is crucial for small businesses aiming to maintain a competitive edge.

But with so much happening, how can we keep up?

To shed light on these developments, I've delved into insights from two sources: Hootsuite's "Social Trends 2025" and Social Media Examiner's "Industry Report 2024."

These reports offer valuable perspectives on the evolving social media environment and provide actionable strategies tailored for small businesses.

By understanding and implementing these insights, small business owners can effectively engage their target audiences and drive growth in this ever-changing digital era.

After reviewing ( and yes AI helped ) I have identified the top five social media insights that small business owners could & should consider for stronger digital marketing strategies in 2025.

Let's get started!

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; whether via mentoring, attending a workshop or a small 1-hour course.

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

In this week's episode Sam discusses Australia's small businesses in the retail and hospitality sectors that are currently navigating a complex landscape marked by rising operational costs, stringent compliance requirements, and shifting consumer behaviours.

These challenges are compounded by increased global online sales and a customer base grappling with a higher cost of living.

Sam explores 6 challenges and 6 potential opportunities with the help of some articles and reports.

Hoping to inspire our small business owners to identify potential opportunities.

Links

Australian Retailers Association (ARA)

https://www.retail.org.au/news-and-insights/investing-in-employees

https://thebigsmallbusinesssurvey.com/

Australia Posts e-commerce industry report 2024

Future Food Blog

The daily telegraph

https://supy.io/

https://www.restoke.ai/

https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/the-secret-report-showing-how-victorian-businesses-are-being-stifled-20240814-p5k2d1.html

If you love the episode… subscribe, share, like, or tell me 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 collaborate to reach your small business goals, whether through mentoring, attending a workshop, or a one-hour course.

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

In this episode inspired by a neighbour, let's call him Brian, Sam delves into the world of AI Agents.

AI agents are no longer just for tech giants. With user-friendly, scalable solutions, businesses of all sizes can now save time, reduce costs, and enhance customer service—without needing massive budgets or deep technical expertise.

So let's get into it.

Articles noted/ referred to -

1. “The rise of AI agents: unlocking their full potential” by Gaurav Tewari a Forbes Council Member
2. Zapier via an article titled " The best AI chatbots in 2024" by Miguel Rebelo
3. Deloitte’s State of AI in the Enterprise (3rd Edition, 2020)
4. Website Amazon Web Services (AWS) ( contact lens )

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; whether via mentoring, attending a workshop or a small 1-hour course.

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

In the first episode of 2025, Sam speaks about cybercrime.

Cybercrime is on the rise in Australia, with small businesses often targeted due to limited resources and security measures.

In this podcast, Sam explores the tactics cybercriminals use and provides actionable tips to protect your business interspersed with some real-life examples.

There will also be mentions of podcasts and reports that were of interest.

Check the transcript & show notes below for the links.

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, whether via mentoring, attending a workshop, or a small 1-hour course.

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

Show notes;

Data

https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/bigideas/who-is-using-your-data-/102315204?utm_content=link&utm_medium=content_shared

Breaches

https://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/notifiable-data-breaches

Reports

https://www.cyber.gov.au/about-us/view-all-content/reports-and-statistics/annual-cyber-threat-report-2023-2024

Cyber security

https://www.cyber.gov.au/learn-basics/explore-basics/passphrases

The Australian Cyber Security Center (ACSC) is the Australian Government's lead agency for cyber security. Their role is to protect Australians from cyber threats.

Small business cyber security guide ( see summary below )

https://www.cyber.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-03/ACSC_Small_Business_Cyber_Security_Guide_V6.pdf

Emails and websites

https://www.cyber.gov.au/resources-business-and-government/maintaining-devices-and-systems/system-hardening-and-administration/web-hardening/implementing-certificates-tls-https-and-opportunistic-tls

Jess Taylor and Leonie Becker join Sam to be part of a 3-part MINI series on HR.

Sage HR consulting simplifies the complex world of employee relations for business owners. Whether you're looking for outsourced HR services, tailored training programs, or upskilling HR professionals, Sage HR provides a fresh perspective on your business needs.

Their goal is to help your organisation, and your people thrive, creating a strong foundation for success and growth.

Over the 3 weeks mini sessions, with the help of Jess and Leonie from Sage HR Consulting, we are going to explore the essential elements that make successful companies thrive.

The mini-series will include

1. Creating a strong company culture ( episode 84 )

2. Building a performance culture ( last week's episode 85 )

3. Managing Underperformance or bad behaviours in the workplace. (today's Episode )

This series will be invaluable for businesses and or organisations of all sizes and we look forward to sharing some of their expertise in the world of HR.

www.sagehrconsulting.com.au

Email: hello@sagehrconsulting.com.au

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; whether via mentoring, attending a workshop or a small 1-hour course.

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

Jess Taylor and Leonie Becker join Sam to be part of a 3-part MINI series on HR.

Sage HR consulting simplifies the complex world of employee relations for business owners. Whether you're looking for outsourced HR services, tailored training programs, or upskilling HR professionals, Sage HR provides a fresh perspective on your business needs.

Their goal is to help your organisation, and your people thrive, creating a strong foundation for success and growth.

Over the next 2 weeks, with the help of Jess and Leonie from Sage HR Consulting, we are going to explore the essential elements that make successful companies thrive.

The mini-series will include

1. Creating a strong company culture (last week's episode 84)

2. Building a performance culture (today's Episode)

3. Managing underperformance or bad behaviours in the workplace.

This series will be invaluable for businesses and or organisations of all sizes and we look forward to sharing some of their expertise in the world of HR.

www.sagehrconsulting.com.au

Email: hello@sagehrconsulting.com.au

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; whether via mentoring, attending a workshop or a small 1-hour course.

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

Jess Taylor and Leonie Becker join Sam to be part of a 3-part MINI series on HR.

Sage HR consulting simplifies the complex world of employee relations for business owners. Whether you're looking for outsourced HR services, tailored training programs, or upskilling HR professionals, Sage HR provides a fresh perspective on your business needs.

Their goal is to help your organisation, and your people thrive, creating a strong foundation for success and growth.

Over the next 3 weeks, with the help of Jess and Leonie from Sage HR Consulting, we are going to explore the essential elements that make successful companies thrive.

The mini-series will include

1. Creating a strong company culture (today's Episode )

2. Building a performance culture

3. Managing underperformance or bad behaviours in the workplace.

This series will be invaluable for businesses and or organisations of all sizes, and we look forward to sharing some of their expertise in the world of HR.

www.sagehrconsulting.com.au

Email: hello@sagehrconsulting.com.au

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; whether via mentoring, attending a workshop, or a small 1-hour course.

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