The Digital Course Assistant Podcast

📌 HEADS UP! THIS IS AN ARCHIVED EPISODE OF SUBSCRIPTION BOX BASICS. SOME OF THE OFFERS & LINKS MAY NO LONGER BE AVAILABLE.

Year End Tax Planning with Jamie Trull - Alternate title: Make your kid a millionaire!

Are your year-end tax preparations causing you sleepless nights? What if I told you there are strategies to transform this dreaded task into a source of growth for your business? Today, we are joined by the brilliant Jamie Troull, a financial literacy coach, and profit strategist who shares her journey from a corporate CPA to becoming a champion of financial education for small businesses.

We navigated through the process of tax planning, not just as a compliance practice but a strategic tool for business growth. She shared her unique experience on how the pandemic led to a strategic pivot in her business, causing the exponential growth of her Facebook group from 5,000 to 30,000 members.

Jamie offered practical tips on how to maximize write-offs, understanding deductions and the brilliant strategy of hiring your kids. 🏆

Towards the end, we dissected the significance of understanding business books and write-offs. Jamie's insights on how to use documents like profit and loss statements and balance sheets to make informed decisions were spot on.

Also, we played a little game of tax deductions for subscription box businesses, from the importance of having a business bank account to the best way to document expenses.

Whether you're just starting out or running a successful subscription box business, this episode is packed with nuggets of wisdom that will empower you to take control of your financial future. Tune in, and let's conquer those tax fears together!

Links:

• Jamie's video on hiring your kids
• Hiring Your Kids Toolkit
• Follow Jamie Trull on Instagram
• Jamie's S Corp Toolbox
• Jamie's P&L template

Some of the links above may be affiliate links. 

You’re listening to an archived episode from my Subscription Box Basics days. While these tips are still gold for subscription box owners, things have evolved! I’m now helping course creators launch faster, market better, and stress less with my new show, the Digital Course Assistant Podcast. So if you have a course or may launch one in the future, stay subscribed for binge-worthy seasons full of practical, AI-powered strategies to grow your course business smarter and simpler.

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Are you ready to make your Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping count? We're here to equip you with the best deals and tools that will help you maximize your entrepreneurial potential.

Our Deals:

• We've got 50% off on all our digital products including the Master Planning Template, Company Playbook, and the No Wait Waitlist - resources that could completely transform your operations, business plan, and overall clarity. 
• And YES,  you can score 50% off our signature Subscription Box Bootcamp filled with over 60 short video lessons, worksheets, templates, checklists, marketing swipe files, and more! 
• To top it all off, we're also giving a sneak peek at our physical workbook for the Subscription Box Bootcamp program at an introductory price of $99 this holiday shopping weekend. 

Coupled with our insider tips on planning ahead, bagging the best deals, and even a nifty hack for Amazon shoppers, you'll be more than ready to make this Black Friday and Cyber Monday the most productive yet!

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Ready to elevate your subscription box game? Pave your way to creating that 'wow' moment with your customers as we welcome Courtney Hubbard from BoxUp. Courtney gives us a deep insight into the world of custom boxes, showcasing how they're not just containers, but an extension of your brand. Creating a unique first impression, these boxes are your silent ambassadors that can help you stand a class apart from the competition. 

Dive into this informative episode as we explore the ins and outs of ordering custom boxes. Master the nuances of box design, the importance of size selection, and the benefits of planning ahead with Courtney's expert insights. Not just that, we also learn how to smartly estimate shipping costs and the necessity of getting samples first. As a bonus, Courtney also shares a fantastic offer, especially for our listeners - the chance to get your hands on 12 free boxes. Don't let this episode pass you by - it's filled with invaluable tips straight from an industry expert!

• Use code SBB12 for 12 free custom printed boxes (just pay shipping) at https://go.boxup.com/julieball
• BoxUp on IG: https://www.instagram.com/iboxup/
• BoxUp on FB: https://www.facebook.com/boxup.printing/

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Get ready to supercharge your subscription box business! We sat down with Marissa Stone, a marketing maven from the AddEvent team, to unearth the power of their groundbreaking software. Imagine your events - ready and waiting on your customer's calendars - without you having to lift a finger. That's the magic of AddEvent, and we dive into its robust features in this episode.

Can you guess the secret sauce that makes subscription boxes irresistible? It's the anticipation! And there's no better way to build it than with calendar events. From reminders to enter giveaways to sneak peeks into upcoming boxes, Marissa shares a treasure trove of tips to keep your customers on the edge of their seats. In this lively discussion, we explore how AddEvent can help you create a seamless customer experience that’s both memorable and engaging.

But we didn't stop there. In the final segment of the episode, we talk about the importance of trying something new, a philosophy that Marissa and the AddEvent team embody. Whether you're just starting or looking to level up, AddEvent has the resources to propel your subscription box business to new heights. Join us on this enlightening journey to discover how you can increase loyalty, engagement, and ultimately, your bottom line. Buckle up and tune in; we promise it’s a ride worth taking!

Links mentioned

• Try AddEvent for yourself! (affiliate link)
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• Twitter
• Facebook
• Instagram

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Did you ever want to pick the brain of a graphic designer? That's exactly what Julie does today with Kaila of Dox Design. She's got tons of experience building brands but specifically subscription box packaging!

A note from Kaila: Hey, Fur Friends! Kaila here—the crazy dog-lady behind Dox Design. I’m a proud fur-mama to three dachshunds, lover of all 70’s music, and the OG Swiftie (I’ve seen her on every tour, even as just an opener!)

After taking my first few years out of college in the traditional agency route, I felt restless… like my cup wasn’t being filled to the top. I wanted to take my two favorite things—dogs and design—and create something that nobody had done before. Something big, bold, and most importantly, drool-worthy. And so, Dox Design was born!

From e-commerce stores to brick-and-mortars, Dox’s team of designers is brand-focused (and dog-obsessed) in everything that we create. We transform boring brown boxes into experiences that elevate your bizz and create a lasting connection with your audience.

LINKS
-Get A Brand Audit: https://calendly.com/kaila-1/1hour
-Have Us Design Your Subscription Box: https://dox.design/landing/subscription-box
-Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dox.design/ 
-The brand that Kaila mentioned (headband story): https://wondermintgoods.com

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Journey with us back in time as we reminisce about the amazing Box Besties Retreat in October 2024. It's not just about the breathtaking environment and rooftop drinks; it's about the genuine moments and friendships formed in our barefoot business meetings and poolside mastermind sessions.

Did you hear about the swag bags?! And that YOU can win one, chock-full with intentional goodies, all tailored to create the perfect retreat experience. Turquoise totes from Bella Rose Designs, custom notebooks by Sub Summit, and Kimi Wilson's delightful shower fizzies all made it to the bag plus so much more. You'll hear how these fabulous vendors not only contributed their products but also added value with engaging content. Check out the links below!

You might have missed the Box Besties retreat but you can still score a swag bag! It's jam packed with goodies you'll love!

🎉 Enter the giveaway at https://kingsumo.com/g/eiz4hk/win-a-box-besties-retreat-swag-bag

Shout out to our generous sponsors: 

• Notebook & t-shirt from Sub Summit - https://subsummit.com
• Custom tote bag by Bella Rose Design - https://www.bellarosedesign.com
• Custom mug by Subscription Box Designs - https://www.subscriptionboxdesigns.com
• Clutch & pen set from Sparkle Hustle Grow - https://www.sparklehustlegrow.com
• Peachy Colada Shower Fizzies by Kimi Wilson - https://kimiwilson.com and check out the BTS video at https://bit.ly/3SajML5
• Badass Habits book & weekly planner pad from Smartass & Sass - https://smartassandsass.com
• Hair ties from The Subscription Box Planner - https://subscriptionboxplanner.com/julie (affiliate link)
• Software audit download from The MJW Group - https://www.themjwgrp.com
• Plus some extra goodies from us at Subscription Box Basics!

📦 Want to be the first to know details for future retreats? Join the retreat waitlist at https://www.subscriptionboxbasics.com/retreat

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📌 HEADS UP! THIS IS AN ARCHIVED EPISODE OF SUBSCRIPTION BOX BASICS. SOME OF THE OFFERS & LINKS MAY NO LONGER BE AVAILABLE.

Get ready to uncover the exciting world of inventory with our special guest, Ciara Stockeland. Ciara is a seasoned entrepreneur, profit strategist, and inventory expert who has spent her career advocating for small businesses, including on Capitol Hill. 

She'll take us through her captivating journey of launching a unique subscription box business, nurturing its growth, and eventually, selling it with success. Her deep-rooted passion for small businesses and her fascinating tales of entrepreneurship are sure to leave you inspired and informed.

In the latter half of our conversation, Ciara will delve into the nuances of leveraging inventory to generate higher profits and keep more cash in the business. She shares her compelling experience of recognizing the importance of prioritizing profit over top-line revenue and the strategic use of inventory to amass wealth. 

The discussion will also touch upon an interesting concept - size doesn't matter; profitability does. Ciara will also introduce her book, Inventory Genius, which offers valuable insights into her method and her success story. So tune in for an enriching discussion packed with actionable advice and lessons from a very successful entrepreneur.

•  Ciara's website 
• Inventory Genius book
• Inventory Genius podcast 
• Work with Ciara
• Ciara on IG: https://www.instagram.com/ciarastockeland
• Inventory Genius on IG: https://www.instagram.com/inventorygenius

You’re listening to an archived episode from my Subscription Box Basics days. While these tips are still gold for subscription box owners, things have evolved! I’m now helping course creators launch faster, market better, and stress less with my new show, the Digital Course Assistant Podcast. So if you have a course or may launch one in the future, stay subscribed for binge-worthy seasons full of practical, AI-powered strategies to grow your course business smarter and simpler.

Support the show

Meet Jessica from Actlive Life subscription box! Listen in as she tells her launch story and shares her journey from the behind the scenes. We were lucky enough to support Jessica in our spring 2023 cohort of Box Besties and even got to meet her IRL at Sub Summit this year!

A note from Jessica:
I'm Jessica! I'm a Midwest mom with two growing daughters and a supportive husband. I’m a big dreamer who loves learning and trying out new things, and I'm always up for a challenge.

Fitness has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I've completed four marathons so far, including the New York City and Boston Marathons, and I hope to run another one someday (it’s been a few years). For me, fitness is about feeling good and improving my overall wellbeing.

As a busy mom, I understand how hard it can be to find time for self-care and fitness. That's why I want to help other women, especially those who prefer to work out at home. I know that not everyone is comfortable going to the gym or wants to work out in public, so I'm here to provide at-home encouragement, motivation, and support with the Active Life subscription box.

I want to make fitness fun, not a chore.

LINKS

• Try out an Actlive Life Box and can save 10% off their first subscription with code: Boxes10 at www.ActliveLife.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/actlivelifebox
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actlivelife
• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/actlivelife/

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Highlighting Erica, the ingenious founder of Empowering Leo Coaching, we delve into the riveting narrative of her entrepreneurial journey. This episode takes you on a cathartic journey as Erica, a police officer's wife, beautifully intertwines her personal experiences with her mission to ease solo parenting challenges often faced by police wives through her future monthly subscription box. 

Get ready to be captivated as Erica candidly unearths her process, revealing how she had to revise her original box idea which was not gaining the momentum she envisioned. Venturing further, we tap into the profound discussions between Erica and me, exploring ways she could harness existing events and local enterprises to promote her subscription box. 

Here's a promise - you'll be amazed as we brainstorm the possibilities of collaborating with event organizers to materialize her ideas and discuss how she could serve the police wives community through speaking engagements and local support ventures. Erica’s unwavering dedication to her community is inspiring, highlighting her commitment to devise solutions and foster connections.

As we near the end, the conversation takes a tactical turn, emphasizing the significance of meticulous planning and setting realistic expectations when launching a subscription box venture. Erica’s invaluable insights on pacing the process, the importance of a pre-launch runway and harnessing giveaways to drive enthusiasm will surely ignite the entrepreneur in you. Be all ears as we discuss the vitality of building an email list, employing lead magnets, and how Erica’s affinity for gift giving aids her business. Get ready to join us on this enlightening journey with Erica as she navigates the exhilarating world of subscription boxes.

• Website  - https://empoweringleowcoaching.com/
• Empowering LEOW on IG - https://www.instagram.com/empoweringleow
• Empowering LEOW FB group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1933689860296872

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Listen up as we dish up some serious wisdom for all subscription box entrepreneurs in today's conversation with the planning guru herself, Jess Principe, the co-founder of the Subscription Box Planner, Jess is no stranger to the power of effective planning. We dive deep into the realm of planning and underscore its vital role in achieving our business goals. Jess illuminates us on how planning isn't a mere task but rather the magic potion that catalyzes our path to success. 

Our chat extends into an exploration of the Subscription Box Planner's evolution, a tool Jess and her co-founder Becky have developed with valuable inputs from fellow entrepreneurs. From the inclusion of planner stickers to the launch of digital versions, every feature tells a tale of growth and innovation. Jess also demystifies the concept of the 'big three' - a key strategy that can set subscription box entrepreneurs on track to their goals. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur in this space or a newbie, this conversation is a treasure trove of insights to guide your journey!

• Order with our affiliate link to get your special bonus: https://subscriptionboxplanner.com/julie/
• Follow Jess on IG: https://www.instagram.com/jessica_principe
• 2024 cover reveal - Peep the other sneak peeks while you're at it!

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