April 29, 2024 • 32 mins
Julie sits down with Sub Summit co-founder Paul Chambers for a candid conversation about what to expect at this year's event. From the CUBE Awards to his most anticipated speakers and more, this laid-back chat between two friends is a great way to learn more about the event and hear about how you might be able to go for free. Julie tells her story of how she cold-called the guys at Sub Summit (as a newbie back in 2017) and now has been on stage 7 times! Enjoy this fun, laid-back episode.
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(00:00):
So you want to launch asubscription box and don't know
where to start, girl, you are inthe right place.
I'm Julie ball and I'm ReneeGonzalez, your host here at
subscription box basics, apodcast for new and aspiring
subscription box entrepreneurswanting to avoid overwhelm.
So grab a coffee, some pen andpaper, and let's have some fun.
Julie (00:22):
Hey everybody.
And welcome back to subscriptionbox basics.
I'm Julie Ball, your head coachhere.
And today I'm joined by one ofmy friends.
I've known him for forever.
Probably seven years now.
His name is Paul Chambers.
He is a multi passionateentrepreneur and one of the
founders of sub summit.
Welcome back to the podcast.
Paul (00:43):
I wish I had my soundboard in here that played the applause
sound.
Cause thanks.
Yeah.
Also it's, I think it soundscooler when we say we've known
each other for almost a decadenow.
Julie (00:56):
Okay.
We'll say it that way.
Paul (00:57):
Yeah.
So long.
That's a long time, but it'sgreat.
It's like, I love ourfriendship.
I love every year when you showup at some summit, it's like,
Julie's here, Julie, Renee, likethe whole crew comes rolling in
and you guys are awesome.
Julie (01:09):
We're going to be talking, obviously, we're going
to be talking about SubSummittoday.
But before we start, I have totell you how I met Paul and the
crew from SubSummit.
I had been watching from afar.
The SubSummit was first inDetroit, and then I think, what,
it was in Denver.
The next year
Paul (01:23):
to Austin and then Denver,
Julie (01:25):
Austin, then Denver.
So the first time I went was inDenver and these guys didn't
know me yet.
But that was about to change.
I straight up cold called thesub summit office to introduce
myself and let them know that Iwas interested in being a part
of sub summit more than just aparticipant.
And I remember Paul, I think itwas you that I talked with that.
(01:50):
You called me back and I wassitting in like a CVS parking
lot or something talking to you.
And I'm like, this is the mostimportant call of my life right
now because I was such a newbiesub box entrepreneur.
So here we are having thisconversation and I knew it was
really important to be in theroom there to get connected with
(02:10):
the sub summit team and be apart of this.
Just because that's who I am.
Like I wanted to be a part ofit.
And so I remember My way in wasI said that I would be willing
to give all of your femalespeakers a Sparkle Hustle grow
box as their speaker gift.
And you guys were like, cool.
Yeah, that works.
Paul (02:31):
Yeah.
So it's so funny.
I remember that now as you, asyou expand on that story a
little bit, I remember that,that moment.
And, I didn't realize your sideof the story and what's, you
know, I, on my side, I was like,guys, like, I'm about to call
Julie Ball back.
Julie Ball, like this, like, Idon't want to screw this up.
Can you just like, be here withme?
I had a whole room filled withpeople and they're there
(02:52):
coaching and they're like, giveme thumbs up or thumbs down as I
was saying things.
So I'm glad it worked out.
Julie (02:58):
Yeah.
Oh, I'm glad it worked out toit.
Here we are now.
You've let me speak on the stagemultiple times and we've just
had this great banter aboutsubscription boxes.
And I appreciate that becauseyou keep it real.
Like you've started a box in thepast.
You've sold it.
And now you and the crew put onthis amazing event.
Let's talk about let's telleveryone about this event
(03:18):
because It was a couple monthsago that Jen came on and told us
all about SubSummit, but I'mconstantly chattering about it.
So just, just tell them thedetails, what it is, where it
is, and when it is.
Paul (03:29):
Yep.
Well, I'll get the basics donefirst.
SubSummit find a lot atsubsummit.
com, but it's in Dallas, June 17to 19, coming up here 2024.
And it is a multi day eventhonoring and, and people.
in helping build some of thebest subscription membership
recurring revenue brands in theworld.
So anything you subscribe to inyour life, those are the brands
(03:51):
that are there from subscriptionboxes to subscribe and save to a
lot of stream providers,different things.
And what's fun about that iswe're all in the same trench
together.
You know, working hard to helpbuild amazing customer
relationships and provideamazing value.
And so the, these, these, these,Conversations happen all
throughout the event.
You get to go to sessions.
(04:11):
We have a huge expo hall.
We have an award ceremony.
We have a pitch competition.
And while we're approaching 2000attendees this year, we really
work hard to make sure it stillhas that sort of like family
environment, that sort ofenvironment, and it really,
really holds true really well.
And admittedly, like we startedthe conference a little
selfishly.
We were running the subscriptionbox that we had ourselves at the
(04:33):
time.
And we wanted to meet othersubscription box owners.
And so we launched the event andit worked.
Like we learned a ton, like welearned directly from Michael
Birkham from FabFitFun like somestrategies and things like that.
And so that same thing stillhappens today at SubSummit.
And it's, it's very cool to, tosee.
Julie (04:50):
And I remember very specifically at past events,
feeling a little starstrucksaying, Oh my gosh, I'm, I was
on stage one time interviewingone of the girls from FabFitFun.
I was like, never and neverwould I.
ever be able to queue this up onmy own if there wasn't a
subscription event.
I remember meeting the foundersof different softwares that I've
(05:11):
used in the past and I got toshake their hand and say, Hey,
thanks because what you builtchanged my life.
And it was just really, reallycool.
And One of the things that Reneeand I love the most is just the,
is getting to know the people inthe industry.
And I've never been in anindustry that the people have
been so kind and generous withtheir knowledge.
(05:32):
So many people in that room, inthe entire sub summit, went to
see you succeed.
And that's partly why they'rethere.
And I think that's just, you'vecreated an amazing environment
for that.
Paul (05:43):
Well, thank you.
Yeah.
It's, it's been so fun to, towatch it evolve and grow.
And I'll tell you a little bitof a secret that we, I don't
think we talk about a ton, butI'll never forget this moment
when, when Michael fromFabFitFun, he came to the event.
First of all, we're like, Oh mygosh, we got Michael, the co
founder of FabFitFun, which islike one of the fastest growing,
biggest subscription boxes atthe time, still really big.
(06:04):
And they do some amazing things.
We're like, Oh my gosh, he'sgoing to be here.
He shows up.
He's like, guys, like.
Thanks so much for having me,but I'm going to be honest, I'm
starstruck with Liz Cadman.
He wanted to meet somebody thereand we're like, we wanted to
meet you and then you want tomeet somebody else like this.
Unbelievable.
Liz Cadman was running mysubscription addiction at the
time and they were growing fast,giving them tons of business.
And he's just like, soenthralled with wanting to meet
(06:25):
her.
And, you know, so it's all verycircular and, and, you know,
you're right.
Everybody's so helpful to eachother.
And we hear this sometimes, youknow People talk about like
share a wallet and fighting forlike customers and, but that's
not the feeling you get in thatroom.
Right.
And you know, we're at thatlevel where we're like not too
big of a conference, but we'rebig enough where you get like
(06:46):
good variety and meet a lot ofgreat people.
And you still have that.
Intimacy, I think so.
It's very, very fun.
Julie (06:53):
Yeah.
And we, before we startedrecording, we were talking about
the value of being in the room.
So let's talk about that now.
So we were just talking aboutbeing starstruck, but it's not
really necessarily about that.
It's about learning from them.
So many people will go on yourstages and share about their
wins, but they'll also shareabout their losses, their
mistakes.
(07:14):
So not only does that validateme or, or all your other
attendees saying, okay, you'renot the only one who makes
mistakes, but we can learn fromthem as well.
We're shaking hands with peoplewho are, you know, at our level,
maybe a couple of steps ahead ormaybe 10 steps ahead.
And there's just so much to gainfrom those relationships and
being in the room with thosepeople.
Paul (07:35):
Yeah.
Yeah.
I emailed people.
I linked to message people a lottrying to share the, the message
of sub summit.
And when I see the response comeback, like, Hey, yeah, I
appreciate the invite.
I'm heads down in the businessright now.
I really want to like stay init, stay focused on like, ah,
they only knew and sometimes Iwrite back, I'm like, listen, I
totally understand and respectthat and agree with that
(07:58):
mentality to some extent.
But let me tell you, like, beingin the room sometimes, like that
one serendipitous moment, thatone interaction you might have
could change the course of yourbusiness, can change the course
of life.
And this isn't just like subsummit.
I'm coming from that standpoint.
I think just those.
In person interactions in a lotof ways, the benefit of sub
summit is everybody's in thatsame boat together.
You're going to have thoseconversations that are much more
(08:20):
meaningful.
But like those in personconversations, I think, Amir
from Prella last year and sharedwith me is like, we had one
interaction in the hallwaypassing by somebody that paid
for our next like 10 years ofbeing at sub summit.
Wow.
And, and he's like, it just, Youjust happen to find those, those
(08:40):
bump into moments.
And we do a lot of things tocurate those, those moments too,
you know, from like the welcomereception to the way we position
our stages, the way we positionlike our, our expo hall and how
you walk through it, the way thefront porch is laid out.
We spend money, you know, thecube awards is a loss leader for
us.
We spend significantly more onproducing the keyboards than the
(09:01):
sponsorship even covers.
if I were to tell you the realnumbers, it would blow your
mind.
And, but it's like such a funexperience.
It's a great interaction and it,and it makes it, so it creates
so many moments for people,whether it be in the cocktail
hour beforehand or walking thered carpet, or, you know, as
you're waiting to, to grab atable or the after party, that's
(09:23):
part of it.
Those moments where you get totalk to somebody.
And like you said, the more,Oftentimes I say to individuals,
especially like our speakers,because it's a lot of my focus
is the more you can share, themore sort of vulnerable that
you'll be, the more you'll getback.
I don't know if you found this,Julie, like, like I've found in
(09:45):
my business travels when I,somebody will ask me like, how's
this business going to be like,well, it's either going to be
amazing or it's going to beterrible.
Let me tell you why I think it'sgoing to be terrible.
And just like giving them alllike the trials and tribulations
because.
As a growing entrepreneurmyself, and I don't want to say
like when I was younger, like,cause I'm always younger.
There's always somebody I admiredoing more than me and feel
(10:05):
like, oh gosh, I should be doingmore.
But when earlier in my, mycareer, when I would like talk
to entrepreneurs and they wouldbe like, yeah, no, everything's
great and business is good.
That didn't feed me as much.
It didn't feed what I needed.
I love understanding all aspectsof it.
Yeah.
And, and hearing that.
And so like when you give thatlike you get that back too, and
(10:26):
it's super, super valuable.
Julie (10:28):
Yeah.
It reminds me of that book from,I don't know, you probably
didn't read this, but JennaKutcher wrote a book, How Are
You Really?
And it's like when you askpeople like, Hey, how are you?
And they're like, Oh, I'm good.
How are you?
Good.
You know, it's such a surfacelevel conversation and she takes
it down deeper and she's like,no, I'm good.
How are you really, like, howare you really doing?
(10:49):
And that's, that almost feelslike what you could talk about
at sub summit.
You can talk about thechallenges of being in the
trenches.
You can talk about, okay.
Hey, what's working for you withacquisition right now?
Hey, I need some help in thisarea.
And whether there is someonethat you meet, you can talk
about that with, whether it is atrack or a session that like
(11:10):
specifically covers it or Orthese new table talks.
I wanted to ask you if you couldexpand on the whole table talk
concept that you guys areimplementing this year.
Paul (11:20):
Yeah, that's another thing we're doing that we're spending
a ton of money on.
Because we feel it'll deliver aton of value.
to everybody.
So I've participated in tabletalks in a variety of different
fashions.
I've gone to like a Zora eventwhere, we're talking and I did
one at like a recharge event onetime.
Anyway, we, this is the firstyear we're rolling it out at sub
summit.
And the way table talks work isyou will sign up for a specific
(11:42):
topic.
So let's say it's onacquisition.
Let's say it's about AI or aboutoperations and fulfillment.
You'll show up at the table andat the table, you'll be
algorithmically matched withlike minded individuals and
similar sized businesses, and tosit there and talk about that
particular topic that you signedup for.
And on the table will be alittle card that says the topic
(12:03):
and a couple like thoughtstarter questions.
So like three to four likethought starter questions.
So let's say it's about like thetable talk will be about
acquisition.
We'll say what acquisitionchannels are most successful for
you right now.
How are you expanding in thoseacquisition channels?
And we know like that's a hugechallenge right now in the
space.
And so you'll be, We're talkingwith five to six different peers
at this table about thoseparticular topics.
(12:25):
And it's a great way to learnfrom each other because it's
almost like it's almost forcingthe conversation where you make
it, you'll get those bump intomoments, but this is producing
that conversation like rightthere for you at that moment.
Julie (12:37):
Yeah.
It's full of intent.
Like everyone's there with thesame intention to learn from
each other.
So how do they become a part ofthe table talks?
Is that something you sign upfor on site or is that in
advance?
Paul (12:46):
It'll be in advance.
So when you register you'll get.
Sign up as part of the processfor like all of SubSummit.
If you're going through theHosted Merchant Program, you
know, every, everything goesthrough the app and through the
software that we use.
Julie (12:59):
Okay.
Paul (13:00):
And I think it's about three to four weeks, three weeks
ahead of the event, you'll startto fill out a little bit more
details on your profile.
You'll start to elect for if youwant to do table talks, express
the topics you're interested inparticipating in.
Okay.
And then we the software worksthe magic from there.
Julie (13:16):
That is so cool.
I cannot wait to see that inaction.
Paul (13:20):
Yeah.
Julie (13:20):
Will that be in, where will that be at the event?
Paul (13:23):
So that'll be on day two.
So Tuesday morning, it'll bebefore the event kicks off that
day.
Okay.
We'll have some food down thereas you come down, fill your
belly.
Have some amazing conversation,and that'll be up in our, our
main room, I believe.
Julie (13:37):
Okay.
Wherever it
Paul (13:37):
is, somebody will direct you.
Julie (13:38):
It'll be there, yeah.
And you guys always have so manypeople, like, helping, like, air
traffic control, pointing youto, if you're looking for
something.
So, you always have such a greatsetup.
So let's talk about hostedmeetings.
You mentioned that earlier and Ihave had a few questions about
those.
People asking me, you know, isthat how you go for free?
(13:58):
Like, what are the hostedmeetings and why would I want to
do those?
Tell me, let's talk about thatbecause I think that's a huge
opportunity and it's, it's not ahuge commitment.
Paul (14:07):
No, it's really not.
And what's cool about it, sothis is the same, we use the
same software that ShopTalk usesand Grocery Shop and FinTech
Meetup.
A lot of events use thissoftware because it's super
smart in the way it works andbrings people together.
So you can apply for theprogram.
You go to subsummit.
com and see free tickets andtravel.
And if you have If you have atleast half a million in annual
(14:29):
revenue, so not just not likemother recurring, just total
annual revenue, you'll qualifyno problem.
If you're below that, then wehave a certain number of seats
available for that.
So if you're just starting up,that's okay.
Still apply because we do havesome seats available if you're
below that threshold.
And the way it works is you'llthen fill out your profile and
say you know, tell us about yourbusiness and, and different
(14:50):
things like that.
And you say the solutions thatyou're interested in learning
more about.
So if you're interested inlooking for a new shipping
partner, if you want to learnmore about, you know, logistics,
if you want to learn more aboutmarketing, and then on the other
side of that, there are thesolution providers and they fill
out the types of companies areinterested in meeting with and
who they want to help sharetheir solutions with.
Then the, again, that magicalgorithm goes to work just
(15:12):
before Subs Summit, and it'llmutually match you with people
who are interested in meetingwith you and you're interested
in meeting with.
And then on site, during Subssummit, there's a select two
hour window where you'll bescheduled for some meetings.
Okay.
You sit down and take six, sixto eight meetings while you're
on site, sometimes less thanthat.
And then you'll get a freeticket to Subs Summit, and then
you'll get up to$750 in traveland hotel reimbursement.
Julie (15:35):
That's amazing.
It's a way for
Paul (15:35):
everybody.
Julie (15:36):
You're like spoon feeding the people and softwares and
vendors that they need, as wellas a ticket and some
reimbursement.
It's just such a no brainer.
Paul (15:46):
Yeah, it's a, it's a win for everybody because you're
right.
Like the vendors get to meet theprospects that they're most
interested in talking to.
The, the merchants get to meetthe solutions providers that
they're most interested inlearning about.
And, and if they find great waysto work together, then that's
really, that's really cool.
I've actually participated onthe merchant side at ShopTalk
before I went as one of thebrands that we, we have.
And got to meet some greatpeople and actually was able to,
(16:11):
to meet some solutions providersthat we still work with today.
Oh, how cool.
So it works.
It does.
Absolutely.
And look, there are times wherelike, you'll be meeting with the
wrong person, like, you know,something doesn't match up
perfectly, but you know, that'spart of the, you know, part of
the, part of the process, butgenerally it all matches up
pretty well.
Julie (16:28):
It's like match.
com.
I just got lucky that my firstmatch turned out to be my
husband.
Paul (16:34):
That's amazing.
Those are your first match?
Oh my gosh.
Julie (16:39):
Back in 2007.
Yeah, we, the first month that Ijoined, I filled out my survey
and at the time, I don't know ifit's the same now, but I got an
email with a, it was literally agrid of men that matched my
profile and what percent thatthey matched up.
And so Kenny was in that firstemail and I winked at him.
(17:05):
Because that's the way it was inMatch.
com.
If you showed interest, youknow, like swipe right or swipe
left.
Basically, if you're interested,you could wink at them.
So I sent him a virtual wink andit's all history from there.
Paul (17:16):
That is so funny.
That's amazing.
Fun fact.
Kenny, Kenny is pretty cute.
I'm going to wink at him.
That's so
Julie (17:23):
awesome.
Okay, so we clearly got offtrack.
Let's finish up with the hostedmeetings program.
So real quick they can go tosubsummit.
com.
That's awesome.
And learn some more about howand apply online.
How long did you did you say themeetings typically are
Paul (17:39):
meetings are only 15 minutes a piece.
And then there's a dedicatedblock at sub summit for for that
time frame.
Julie (17:46):
Perfect.
So you're not going to bemissing.
Yeah.
Paul (17:49):
No, you're not going to be missing content.
The only thing that we producethroughout the entire event this
year is our studio stagesponsored by bold commerce.
There are a new sponsor on that.
So I'm very cool.
I love Jay Myers, by the way,like shout outs.
I can I met
Julie (18:01):
him at the cube awards reception a couple of years ago.
He's a riot.
Paul (18:05):
He's, he's a model Canadian.
Like he, like Like you, you meethim, you'd be like, you're
Canadian.
You're way too nice.
Julie (18:13):
Yeah.
Well, and he turned around andgave me his business card while
we were standing in line fordrinks.
Paul (18:17):
Oh, that's great.
I love Jay.
So the studio stage is producedthrough the entire event where
we had that in our expo halllast year, this year we're
moving it upstairs.
So you're going to pass it andwe're doing podcasts throughout
the entire event, which you'regoing to be doing.
Yes.
Renee
Julie (18:33):
and I will be doing a live podcast.
Paul (18:34):
Yep, we're doing a live, we're doing two live episodes of
Texas Heat, which is a new showwe started producing here in
house, where we eat brisketcovered in like hot sauce.
And it gets like similar to hotones.
It gets hotter as it goes on.
So you're going to watch somepeople meltdown live.
Okay,
Julie (18:50):
whose hot sauce do you use?
Paul (18:52):
So we've demoed a couple here.
We tried to do Texas based hotsauce.
I talked to Ma Dukes the otherday.
They're going to be shippingsome in.
I'm trying to get the Gas MonkeyGarage guys to send us some hot
sauces.
Do you have any otherrecommendations?
Julie (19:05):
I do.
I will send you somerecommendations.
I am not Like, I'm not spicy.
I don't do the heat thing.
Paul (19:12):
You're spicy.
I might be spicy,
Julie (19:14):
but I don't do the heat thing.
I've got a student that does ahot sauce business who's, who is
leaning into the subscriptionmodel.
So I'll connect with you offlineabout that.
We've got to get that queued up.
Paul (19:27):
Yes, absolutely.
We'd love to.
It's, it's such a fun show.
And I'm not a, I'm not a spicyguy either.
But I will, I will sufferthrough it for the sake of good
content.
Julie (19:38):
Oh, man.
Paul (19:39):
So we'll see.
Julie (19:40):
I'll be watching that one live.
That's for sure.
Paul (19:42):
Yes.
That'll be fun.
We currently have it slottedjust before it's supposed to go,
like, do opening remarks on mainstage.
I'm like, Lauren, we need tomove this because I can't be
like going on stage, like, as aball of sweat and like, my mouth
is on fire.
I'm not going to be able totalk.
You like, cause when it getshot, it's almost like you're
drunk, you know, you're like.
You lose.
Makes you dizzy.
Yeah, and you're just liketalking for the sake of talking.
Julie (20:05):
My tongue goes numb if something's too spicy.
Paul (20:07):
Right.
Julie (20:08):
How am I supposed to talk if my tongue is numb?
Paul (20:10):
Yeah, right.
It's just a disaster.
So we're going to move that timeslot so it's like later in the
show.
So yeah, the studio stages onthat main level right by the
hosted meetings.
You'll see all those there.
And then down below we've gotthe expo hall and then our track
stages are down there.
And then upstairs is theChargeby Theater where we do all
of our main content too.
Cool.
So I just gave you a tour ofSubSummit.
Julie (20:30):
Yeah, basically.
So if you haven't been to a subsummit too, and he keeps saying
expo hall.
So think of it as like, you canwalk through the aisles and all
the vendors are there to talk toyou.
Now you don't have to talk toanyone.
I love walking through and justseeing what's available and
having conversations.
And so I would recommend thatyou carve out sometime, if
(20:51):
you're going to sub summit.
Summit, carve out some time toactually walk the expo hall
because you never know whoyou're gonna meet there.
I remember one year I met Janinefrom Share Sale and we still
keep in touch and in fact, Ihave a call with her next week
just to dive deeper into ShareSale as I learn more about
affiliate partnerships.
And so it's, it's just a reallygreat place to see what's, you
(21:15):
don't know what you don't know.
Paul (21:17):
Right.
Julie (21:17):
You know what I mean?
I love that line.
Paul (21:19):
And it's, you know, a lot of times too, if you're working
with these companies, it's goodto get FaceTime with them.
It's good to meet that person inperson and talk to them.
And because that could have itsadvantages down the line.
Let's say you have a challengewith, with shipping with
something.
And the fact that you've gottenthat FaceTime with that person.
It's going to help you.
It's going to be, you know, orif you haven't had a chance to
meet them yet, you've beentalking to them about using
(21:40):
their solution.
And, you know, you get a chanceto like, finally, like, see
like, okay, there's a realcompany, real person.
I don't know.
I like that, that humanconnection.
And I think both you and I are,introvert extroverts, where are
we like, I call us
Julie (21:54):
ambiverts.
Paul (21:55):
Ambiverts.
Yes.
That's the term too.
Where we like, we're good withinteracting with people.
We also need that recharge time.
Julie (22:01):
Yep.
And
Paul (22:01):
so a lot of times, like if I find myself walking through
that expo hall in any expo hallfor that sake, you know, you can
do your heads down thing, butsometimes I'll, you know, say,
hi, hope you're having a goodday.
I'm not a good.
Fit to talk right now or I'm ona mission right now and we'll
catch up later.
You know, it's, it's a low, itdoesn't need to be anything that
has any friction to it either.
Julie (22:22):
Agreed.
A hundred percent.
So we've talked about the hostedmeetings.
We've talked about the expohall, live podcasting.
We've talked about table talks.
What's something that you'rereally looking forward to?
Paul (22:36):
Let's see here.
So.
I don't know if we're going topull it off or not.
I think we're going to be ableto off.
Yes, we'll make it happen.
So this year we're going to do alive from the red carpet
broadcast while everybody'sgathering at the cocktail hour.
So, you know, we do ourkeyboards on the Tuesday night
and we roll out the red carpetand the paparazzi are all there.
(22:58):
It's, it's very overwhelming.
Awesome.
We got to walk the red carpet.
But Louie and I are going to getup on the studio stage there
and.
Talk about what you expect forthe night.
We're going to talk about whatpeople are wearing, you know,
what their outfits are and thenhopefully be able to do some
like live interviews as well.
I get excited for that.
I'm excited for the amazinglineup of speakers that we have.
(23:20):
We're so fortunate to have, youknow, I'm like scrolling the
webpage here, like everybodyfrom so the Leo.
Live shots from, he runsmarketing over at FabFitFun,
super nice guy really willing tolike have some amazing
conversations.
Ben from, you know, one of the,the president and founders of
True Classic, they've grown andscaled a huge brand.
Nick Sharma is going to bethere.
(23:41):
He's always so wonderful.
He's good.
And these are, and these arebrands that like, these are,
it's a, Started like in thetrenches with it.
The other one that's, I'm, I'mso enthralled with Tiffany
Johnson.
She works at Amazon webservices, AWS, but she runs the
e comm house and.
She, she's just so smart.
I'm like, gosh, where did, like,I want to download your brain,
(24:03):
the things she knows, the peopleshe knows, Christina Tashi from
pretty letter set there, sort oflike, it's just on and on and on
about, you know, some amazingspeakers and talking about whole
range of content and topics.
And we actually have our prettyfull schedule online too.
So I'm excited for that.
I'm excited.
I don't know, Julie, it's allI'm excited for all of it.
I'm sorry, I don't have aspecific answer for you.
(24:23):
That's okay.
Julie (24:24):
No, and so if you're listening and you want to see
what else is on the schedule, goahead on subsummit.
com, you can see that.
I remember, I think it was lastyear, I really loved, there was
a big session, like in the bigtheater someone from Google was
talking about data, and thatsounds super boring.
I remember looking at Renee,like, with wide eyes multiple
(24:45):
times.
Like, did you just hear that?
That's crazy.
And then maybe it was two yearsago, someone in the large
theater did a talk on salespsychology.
Paul (24:54):
Yeah.
And
Julie (24:56):
it was just like mind blowing, like what are, like the
psychology of buying and ofconsumer habits and stuff.
And those are things that Iwould never just randomly find
myself reading about online orlike researching.
But with it being one of thesessions there, we went and we
were just like our jaws werehitting the floor with some of
(25:18):
the things they were sharing.
Paul (25:19):
Wait, wait.
Time out.
Hang on.
This is amazing.
Nancy Harhut is going to bethere this year.
Is she?
Yes.
Yes.
So she was supposed to be lastyear and she emailed me like
last minute.
She's like, I'm so sorry.
I've never done this before.
I remember that.
I, I, I fell ill.
And I'm like, first, Nancy'slike one of the nicest people in
the world.
It was like, so I wasn't likemad about it.
I was like, Nancy, if, Ifyou're, if you're backing out of
speaking, like something's gotto be wrong with you, I hope
(25:41):
you're going to be okay.
Anyway, she's back.
She's coming this year andhopefully she stays healthy.
I told her to lock herself in abubble for the weeks ahead of
sub summit and she's going to beon our main stage on day one.
And I'm so excited.
I, I always say to like the teamhere, like, so when we're
talking about marketingstrategies and stuff, I go, what
would Nancy do?
Let's just open up Nancy's bookand like take anything out of
(26:02):
it.
And that's like, she is.
Email marketing genius.
And just before her, we're aboutto lock this in.
So I'm going to say it now.
Peter Fader from Wharton isgoing to come up and talk,
Peter.
I've been, I've been talking toPeter since 2019 about coming to
sub summit.
He's an absolute genius when itcomes to like understanding
customer lifetime value.
(26:22):
And so we're going to like kickoff with him on the main stage,
talking about like customerlifetime value and customer
relationships.
And then and the, the, the, the,the, the, the, the, the, the,
the, the, the, the, the, the,the, the, the, the, the, the,
the, Nancy's gonna come up andthen we're gonna do the pitch
competition and it's like, it'san unbelievable day.
So
Julie (26:38):
much.
Yes.
Paul (26:39):
Yeah.
So like, if you just come tofinance alone.
It's worth it.
And then the next day, actually,Nancy's going to be leading some
conversation during our Women'sSubscription Hour.
Julie (26:49):
Yay!
Paul (26:50):
Which is going to be right behind the front porch down in
the Expo Hall.
So again, like, doing Q& A withNancy, like, that alone is going
to be so awesome.
I think Ciara, Ciara Stocklin,was she one of your friends?
Yep.
She's leading a session.
So there's going to be like someawesome tips on inventory.
I think if you're just to comefor Nancy and, and CR, like that
(27:13):
alone will, will cover, like,you'll learn some things right
there too.
Julie (27:17):
Okay.
Can it just be tomorrow?
Like,
Paul (27:20):
can we just
Julie (27:20):
go to Sub Summit tomorrow?
I'm really getting excited.
I
Paul (27:23):
know.
I know.
Julie (27:24):
It's a fun event every year.
I mean, you guys definitelyinject fun into something that
could be super boring.
You know, I'm, I don't, want togo to another boring conference.
And so it helps to know that youguys are behind it.
So I know there's always goingto be fun infused.
Paul (27:40):
Yeah.
And I think too, the other thingto think about oftentimes if
you're a solopreneur and you'rejust getting started, it's a
little intimidating to walk intoit by yourself, know that you
will find fast friends there.
You will meet somebody, you willhave that, that time.
And, and.
You know, even if you're walkingthe show floor by yourself,
(28:02):
like, I think you'll see tons ofvalue, but like, it's such a
friendly environment that, thatshould really be kind of a low
concern on your mind thatyou'll, you'll find somebody
there to hang out with your, wehave our welcome reception that
first day.
It's a great opportunity to meetamazing people.
And you know, it's, it's good tojust learn and grow.
Julie (28:20):
Yeah.
And Renee and I will be at thatwelcome session helping newbies
meet each other, because if thisis your first time, we want to
help you meet someone to do theevent with, because you'll have
a better time and you'll be moreproductive.
You'll stay on task.
If you actually have someone todo the, the summit with.
And so, and you have 100 percentfull permission to come tap me
(28:44):
or Renee on the shoulder andintroduce yourself.
You know, us at least, you knowwhat I mean?
If you're a first timer and yousay, I don't know anyone.
Yes, you do.
You know, me, you know, Renee,
Paul (28:53):
you know,
Julie (28:54):
Paul.
Yeah.
Paul (28:55):
And you a thousand percent too.
You might see me running througha million miles an hour.
if you stop me, I will alwaysstop and, and focus on the
conversation and take the timeto chat.
Unless there's like somethingurgent blowing up.
I gotta run like a flash driveto a room or something.
Sometimes that happens.
Or
Julie (29:10):
unless your mouth is burning from the heat, from the
Texas heat show.
I
Paul (29:14):
need milk right now.
But I'm always happy to help.
And that's the, the, the thing Ilike to stop and ask is, you
know, how can I help?
Is there anything I can behelpful with if, if you're there
to meet somebody or you'rehoping to meet a speaker or
anything, any way that I canoffer help any way that our team
can offer help?
Allie and Morgan, my, my 13 yearold daughters are there, there
(29:35):
are more than if you see twogirls that look exactly the same
that look a little bit like methey're there to help and, and
Parker, would they be on
Julie (29:42):
stage?
Yeah.
Paul (29:43):
They're going to be back on stage again this year at the
awards.
And the rule was they couldstart coming to Sub Summit when
they turn 10 for all my kids.
And so this year, today actuallyis Parker's birthday.
He just turned 10 today.
Yeah! Happy birthday, Parker!Yes.
He will be at Sub Summit thisyear as well.
So if you see a little dude thatlooks kind of like me or my
brother, because sometimes I seemy brother in Parker's face,
(30:05):
oddly.
Funny.
But sub him too.
He's always happy to help.
Julie (30:09):
Okay, are you going to have the t shirt cannon?
Paul (30:12):
Yes, and we will be loading it up this year, not
with just t shirts, but with subsummit socks as well.
So we're going to.
Oh, wow.
And it's really fun when you putlike three pairs of socks in the
t shirt cannon, it like createslike this like splattering of
socks all over the place.
It's awesome.
Yeah, we'll invent it.
Julie (30:29):
Oh, man.
Okay.
This has been so fun chattingabout sub summit, a little less
structured conversation, and Ican really appreciate that,
Paul.
So we're going to send everyoneto subsummit.
com.
I know that there's a certaindate that the hosted meetings
program, I think ends May 3rd,right?
Paul (30:49):
Yep.
Yep.
Coming up.
Julie (30:50):
And I think ticket prices go up soon too.
So guys, don't wait Dallas,Texas, June 17th through the
19th.
We'll be there.
We hope you'll be there as well.
Any closing thoughts, Paul?
Paul (31:03):
No, look, I mean, I think this is a constantly evolving
business.
E commerce always has its.
Ups and downs and challenges andsuccesses.
And I think, you know, right nowtimes are challenging with that
growing acquisition costs andthings like that, but it doesn't
mean that this is impossible.
It doesn't mean that this isn'tsomething that can be worked
(31:23):
through.
And I think this is a greatopportunity to take that time to
regroup, to learn, to grow, totalk to what other people are
doing, because.
I know I talked to all of ourspeakers.
So I know there are great waysto continue to market and be
successful.
It's just about uncovering thoselittle things that work best for
you and work best for yourbusiness.
And so sub summit is really aplace where you can make that
happen.
(31:44):
And so if you can afford thetime, which I'd encourage you to
find a way to afford it and makethe investment, it will pay for
itself and it'll pay dividends.
So we'd love to have you there.
And honestly, If any way I canever be helpful, message me on
LinkedIn, shoot me an email,paul.
chambers at subsummit.
com.
Always happy to help in any waypossible.
Julie (32:04):
Thank you.
We appreciate that.
And guys, if you're listeningand you, you want to ask me any
questions or Renee, anyquestions, you know, that our
DMS are open on Instagram.
We love to talk shop.
So let us know if you havequestions, we're happy to point
you in the right direction andwe hope to see you at sub
summit.
Thanks for listening today andwe'll see you in the next
episode.
(32:24):
Bye.
So you want to launch asubscription box and don't know
where to start, girl, you are inthe right place.
I'm Julie ball and I'm ReneeGonzalez, your host here at
subscription box basics, apodcast for new and aspiring
subscription box entrepreneurswanting to avoid overwhelm.
So grab a coffee, some pen andpaper, and let's have some fun.
Julie (00:22):
Hey everybody.
And welcome back to subscriptionbox basics.
I'm Julie Ball, your head coachhere.
And today I'm joined by one ofmy friends.
I've known him for forever.
Probably seven years now.
His name is Paul Chambers.
He is a multi passionateentrepreneur and one of the
founders of sub summit.
Welcome back to the podcast.
Paul (00:43):
I wish I had my soundboard in here that played the applause
sound.
Cause thanks.
Yeah.
Also it's, I think it soundscooler when we say we've known
each other for almost a decadenow.
Julie (00:56):
Okay.
We'll say it that way.
Paul (00:57):
Yeah.
So long.
That's a long time, but it'sgreat.
It's like, I love ourfriendship.
I love every year when you showup at some summit, it's like,
Julie's here, Julie, Renee, likethe whole crew comes rolling in
and you guys are awesome.
Julie (01:09):
We're going to be talking, obviously, we're going
to be talking about SubSummittoday.
But before we start, I have totell you how I met Paul and the
crew from SubSummit.
I had been watching from afar.
The SubSummit was first inDetroit, and then I think, what,
it was in Denver.
The next year
Paul (01:23):
to Austin and then Denver,
Julie (01:25):
Austin, then Denver.
So the first time I went was inDenver and these guys didn't
know me yet.
But that was about to change.
I straight up cold called thesub summit office to introduce
myself and let them know that Iwas interested in being a part
of sub summit more than just aparticipant.
And I remember Paul, I think itwas you that I talked with that.
(01:50):
You called me back and I wassitting in like a CVS parking
lot or something talking to you.
And I'm like, this is the mostimportant call of my life right
now because I was such a newbiesub box entrepreneur.
So here we are having thisconversation and I knew it was
really important to be in theroom there to get connected with
(02:10):
the sub summit team and be apart of this.
Just because that's who I am.
Like I wanted to be a part ofit.
And so I remember My way in wasI said that I would be willing
to give all of your femalespeakers a Sparkle Hustle grow
box as their speaker gift.
And you guys were like, cool.
Yeah, that works.
Paul (02:31):
Yeah.
So it's so funny.
I remember that now as you, asyou expand on that story a
little bit, I remember that,that moment.
And, I didn't realize your sideof the story and what's, you
know, I, on my side, I was like,guys, like, I'm about to call
Julie Ball back.
Julie Ball, like this, like, Idon't want to screw this up.
Can you just like, be here withme?
I had a whole room filled withpeople and they're there
(02:52):
coaching and they're like, giveme thumbs up or thumbs down as I
was saying things.
So I'm glad it worked out.
Julie (02:58):
Yeah.
Oh, I'm glad it worked out toit.
Here we are now.
You've let me speak on the stagemultiple times and we've just
had this great banter aboutsubscription boxes.
And I appreciate that becauseyou keep it real.
Like you've started a box in thepast.
You've sold it.
And now you and the crew put onthis amazing event.
Let's talk about let's telleveryone about this event
(03:18):
because It was a couple monthsago that Jen came on and told us
all about SubSummit, but I'mconstantly chattering about it.
So just, just tell them thedetails, what it is, where it
is, and when it is.
Paul (03:29):
Yep.
Well, I'll get the basics donefirst.
SubSummit find a lot atsubsummit.
com, but it's in Dallas, June 17to 19, coming up here 2024.
And it is a multi day eventhonoring and, and people.
in helping build some of thebest subscription membership
recurring revenue brands in theworld.
So anything you subscribe to inyour life, those are the brands
(03:51):
that are there from subscriptionboxes to subscribe and save to a
lot of stream providers,different things.
And what's fun about that iswe're all in the same trench
together.
You know, working hard to helpbuild amazing customer
relationships and provideamazing value.
And so the, these, these, these,Conversations happen all
throughout the event.
You get to go to sessions.
(04:11):
We have a huge expo hall.
We have an award ceremony.
We have a pitch competition.
And while we're approaching 2000attendees this year, we really
work hard to make sure it stillhas that sort of like family
environment, that sort ofenvironment, and it really,
really holds true really well.
And admittedly, like we startedthe conference a little
selfishly.
We were running the subscriptionbox that we had ourselves at the
(04:33):
time.
And we wanted to meet othersubscription box owners.
And so we launched the event andit worked.
Like we learned a ton, like welearned directly from Michael
Birkham from FabFitFun like somestrategies and things like that.
And so that same thing stillhappens today at SubSummit.
And it's, it's very cool to, tosee.
Julie (04:50):
And I remember very specifically at past events,
feeling a little starstrucksaying, Oh my gosh, I'm, I was
on stage one time interviewingone of the girls from FabFitFun.
I was like, never and neverwould I.
ever be able to queue this up onmy own if there wasn't a
subscription event.
I remember meeting the foundersof different softwares that I've
(05:11):
used in the past and I got toshake their hand and say, Hey,
thanks because what you builtchanged my life.
And it was just really, reallycool.
And One of the things that Reneeand I love the most is just the,
is getting to know the people inthe industry.
And I've never been in anindustry that the people have
been so kind and generous withtheir knowledge.
(05:32):
So many people in that room, inthe entire sub summit, went to
see you succeed.
And that's partly why they'rethere.
And I think that's just, you'vecreated an amazing environment
for that.
Paul (05:43):
Well, thank you.
Yeah.
It's, it's been so fun to, towatch it evolve and grow.
And I'll tell you a little bitof a secret that we, I don't
think we talk about a ton, butI'll never forget this moment
when, when Michael fromFabFitFun, he came to the event.
First of all, we're like, Oh mygosh, we got Michael, the co
founder of FabFitFun, which islike one of the fastest growing,
biggest subscription boxes atthe time, still really big.
(06:04):
And they do some amazing things.
We're like, Oh my gosh, he'sgoing to be here.
He shows up.
He's like, guys, like.
Thanks so much for having me,but I'm going to be honest, I'm
starstruck with Liz Cadman.
He wanted to meet somebody thereand we're like, we wanted to
meet you and then you want tomeet somebody else like this.
Unbelievable.
Liz Cadman was running mysubscription addiction at the
time and they were growing fast,giving them tons of business.
And he's just like, soenthralled with wanting to meet
(06:25):
her.
And, you know, so it's all verycircular and, and, you know,
you're right.
Everybody's so helpful to eachother.
And we hear this sometimes, youknow People talk about like
share a wallet and fighting forlike customers and, but that's
not the feeling you get in thatroom.
Right.
And you know, we're at thatlevel where we're like not too
big of a conference, but we'rebig enough where you get like
(06:46):
good variety and meet a lot ofgreat people.
And you still have that.
Intimacy, I think so.
It's very, very fun.
Julie (06:53):
Yeah.
And we, before we startedrecording, we were talking about
the value of being in the room.
So let's talk about that now.
So we were just talking aboutbeing starstruck, but it's not
really necessarily about that.
It's about learning from them.
So many people will go on yourstages and share about their
wins, but they'll also shareabout their losses, their
mistakes.
(07:14):
So not only does that validateme or, or all your other
attendees saying, okay, you'renot the only one who makes
mistakes, but we can learn fromthem as well.
We're shaking hands with peoplewho are, you know, at our level,
maybe a couple of steps ahead ormaybe 10 steps ahead.
And there's just so much to gainfrom those relationships and
being in the room with thosepeople.
Paul (07:35):
Yeah.
Yeah.
I emailed people.
I linked to message people a lottrying to share the, the message
of sub summit.
And when I see the response comeback, like, Hey, yeah, I
appreciate the invite.
I'm heads down in the businessright now.
I really want to like stay init, stay focused on like, ah,
they only knew and sometimes Iwrite back, I'm like, listen, I
totally understand and respectthat and agree with that
(07:58):
mentality to some extent.
But let me tell you, like, beingin the room sometimes, like that
one serendipitous moment, thatone interaction you might have
could change the course of yourbusiness, can change the course
of life.
And this isn't just like subsummit.
I'm coming from that standpoint.
I think just those.
In person interactions in a lotof ways, the benefit of sub
summit is everybody's in thatsame boat together.
You're going to have thoseconversations that are much more
(08:20):
meaningful.
But like those in personconversations, I think, Amir
from Prella last year and sharedwith me is like, we had one
interaction in the hallwaypassing by somebody that paid
for our next like 10 years ofbeing at sub summit.
Wow.
And, and he's like, it just, Youjust happen to find those, those
(08:40):
bump into moments.
And we do a lot of things tocurate those, those moments too,
you know, from like the welcomereception to the way we position
our stages, the way we positionlike our, our expo hall and how
you walk through it, the way thefront porch is laid out.
We spend money, you know, thecube awards is a loss leader for
us.
We spend significantly more onproducing the keyboards than the
(09:01):
sponsorship even covers.
if I were to tell you the realnumbers, it would blow your
mind.
And, but it's like such a funexperience.
It's a great interaction and it,and it makes it, so it creates
so many moments for people,whether it be in the cocktail
hour beforehand or walking thered carpet, or, you know, as
you're waiting to, to grab atable or the after party, that's
(09:23):
part of it.
Those moments where you get totalk to somebody.
And like you said, the more,Oftentimes I say to individuals,
especially like our speakers,because it's a lot of my focus
is the more you can share, themore sort of vulnerable that
you'll be, the more you'll getback.
I don't know if you found this,Julie, like, like I've found in
(09:45):
my business travels when I,somebody will ask me like, how's
this business going to be like,well, it's either going to be
amazing or it's going to beterrible.
Let me tell you why I think it'sgoing to be terrible.
And just like giving them alllike the trials and tribulations
because.
As a growing entrepreneurmyself, and I don't want to say
like when I was younger, like,cause I'm always younger.
There's always somebody I admiredoing more than me and feel
(10:05):
like, oh gosh, I should be doingmore.
But when earlier in my, mycareer, when I would like talk
to entrepreneurs and they wouldbe like, yeah, no, everything's
great and business is good.
That didn't feed me as much.
It didn't feed what I needed.
I love understanding all aspectsof it.
Yeah.
And, and hearing that.
And so like when you give thatlike you get that back too, and
(10:26):
it's super, super valuable.
Julie (10:28):
Yeah.
It reminds me of that book from,I don't know, you probably
didn't read this, but JennaKutcher wrote a book, How Are
You Really?
And it's like when you askpeople like, Hey, how are you?
And they're like, Oh, I'm good.
How are you?
Good.
You know, it's such a surfacelevel conversation and she takes
it down deeper and she's like,no, I'm good.
How are you really, like, howare you really doing?
(10:49):
And that's, that almost feelslike what you could talk about
at sub summit.
You can talk about thechallenges of being in the
trenches.
You can talk about, okay.
Hey, what's working for you withacquisition right now?
Hey, I need some help in thisarea.
And whether there is someonethat you meet, you can talk
about that with, whether it is atrack or a session that like
(11:10):
specifically covers it or Orthese new table talks.
I wanted to ask you if you couldexpand on the whole table talk
concept that you guys areimplementing this year.
Paul (11:20):
Yeah, that's another thing we're doing that we're spending
a ton of money on.
Because we feel it'll deliver aton of value.
to everybody.
So I've participated in tabletalks in a variety of different
fashions.
I've gone to like a Zora eventwhere, we're talking and I did
one at like a recharge event onetime.
Anyway, we, this is the firstyear we're rolling it out at sub
summit.
And the way table talks work isyou will sign up for a specific
(11:42):
topic.
So let's say it's onacquisition.
Let's say it's about AI or aboutoperations and fulfillment.
You'll show up at the table andat the table, you'll be
algorithmically matched withlike minded individuals and
similar sized businesses, and tosit there and talk about that
particular topic that you signedup for.
And on the table will be alittle card that says the topic
(12:03):
and a couple like thoughtstarter questions.
So like three to four likethought starter questions.
So let's say it's about like thetable talk will be about
acquisition.
We'll say what acquisitionchannels are most successful for
you right now.
How are you expanding in thoseacquisition channels?
And we know like that's a hugechallenge right now in the
space.
And so you'll be, We're talkingwith five to six different peers
at this table about thoseparticular topics.
(12:25):
And it's a great way to learnfrom each other because it's
almost like it's almost forcingthe conversation where you make
it, you'll get those bump intomoments, but this is producing
that conversation like rightthere for you at that moment.
Julie (12:37):
Yeah.
It's full of intent.
Like everyone's there with thesame intention to learn from
each other.
So how do they become a part ofthe table talks?
Is that something you sign upfor on site or is that in
advance?
Paul (12:46):
It'll be in advance.
So when you register you'll get.
Sign up as part of the processfor like all of SubSummit.
If you're going through theHosted Merchant Program, you
know, every, everything goesthrough the app and through the
software that we use.
Julie (12:59):
Okay.
Paul (13:00):
And I think it's about three to four weeks, three weeks
ahead of the event, you'll startto fill out a little bit more
details on your profile.
You'll start to elect for if youwant to do table talks, express
the topics you're interested inparticipating in.
Okay.
And then we the software worksthe magic from there.
Julie (13:16):
That is so cool.
I cannot wait to see that inaction.
Paul (13:20):
Yeah.
Julie (13:20):
Will that be in, where will that be at the event?
Paul (13:23):
So that'll be on day two.
So Tuesday morning, it'll bebefore the event kicks off that
day.
Okay.
We'll have some food down thereas you come down, fill your
belly.
Have some amazing conversation,and that'll be up in our, our
main room, I believe.
Julie (13:37):
Okay.
Wherever it
Paul (13:37):
is, somebody will direct you.
Julie (13:38):
It'll be there, yeah.
And you guys always have so manypeople, like, helping, like, air
traffic control, pointing youto, if you're looking for
something.
So, you always have such a greatsetup.
So let's talk about hostedmeetings.
You mentioned that earlier and Ihave had a few questions about
those.
People asking me, you know, isthat how you go for free?
(13:58):
Like, what are the hostedmeetings and why would I want to
do those?
Tell me, let's talk about thatbecause I think that's a huge
opportunity and it's, it's not ahuge commitment.
Paul (14:07):
No, it's really not.
And what's cool about it, sothis is the same, we use the
same software that ShopTalk usesand Grocery Shop and FinTech
Meetup.
A lot of events use thissoftware because it's super
smart in the way it works andbrings people together.
So you can apply for theprogram.
You go to subsummit.
com and see free tickets andtravel.
And if you have If you have atleast half a million in annual
(14:29):
revenue, so not just not likemother recurring, just total
annual revenue, you'll qualifyno problem.
If you're below that, then wehave a certain number of seats
available for that.
So if you're just starting up,that's okay.
Still apply because we do havesome seats available if you're
below that threshold.
And the way it works is you'llthen fill out your profile and
say you know, tell us about yourbusiness and, and different
(14:50):
things like that.
And you say the solutions thatyou're interested in learning
more about.
So if you're interested inlooking for a new shipping
partner, if you want to learnmore about, you know, logistics,
if you want to learn more aboutmarketing, and then on the other
side of that, there are thesolution providers and they fill
out the types of companies areinterested in meeting with and
who they want to help sharetheir solutions with.
Then the, again, that magicalgorithm goes to work just
(15:12):
before Subs Summit, and it'llmutually match you with people
who are interested in meetingwith you and you're interested
in meeting with.
And then on site, during Subssummit, there's a select two
hour window where you'll bescheduled for some meetings.
Okay.
You sit down and take six, sixto eight meetings while you're
on site, sometimes less thanthat.
And then you'll get a freeticket to Subs Summit, and then
you'll get up to$750 in traveland hotel reimbursement.
Julie (15:35):
That's amazing.
It's a way for
Paul (15:35):
everybody.
Julie (15:36):
You're like spoon feeding the people and softwares and
vendors that they need, as wellas a ticket and some
reimbursement.
It's just such a no brainer.
Paul (15:46):
Yeah, it's a, it's a win for everybody because you're
right.
Like the vendors get to meet theprospects that they're most
interested in talking to.
The, the merchants get to meetthe solutions providers that
they're most interested inlearning about.
And, and if they find great waysto work together, then that's
really, that's really cool.
I've actually participated onthe merchant side at ShopTalk
before I went as one of thebrands that we, we have.
And got to meet some greatpeople and actually was able to,
(16:11):
to meet some solutions providersthat we still work with today.
Oh, how cool.
So it works.
It does.
Absolutely.
And look, there are times wherelike, you'll be meeting with the
wrong person, like, you know,something doesn't match up
perfectly, but you know, that'spart of the, you know, part of
the, part of the process, butgenerally it all matches up
pretty well.
Julie (16:28):
It's like match.
com.
I just got lucky that my firstmatch turned out to be my
husband.
Paul (16:34):
That's amazing.
Those are your first match?
Oh my gosh.
Julie (16:39):
Back in 2007.
Yeah, we, the first month that Ijoined, I filled out my survey
and at the time, I don't know ifit's the same now, but I got an
email with a, it was literally agrid of men that matched my
profile and what percent thatthey matched up.
And so Kenny was in that firstemail and I winked at him.
(17:05):
Because that's the way it was inMatch.
com.
If you showed interest, youknow, like swipe right or swipe
left.
Basically, if you're interested,you could wink at them.
So I sent him a virtual wink andit's all history from there.
Paul (17:16):
That is so funny.
That's amazing.
Fun fact.
Kenny, Kenny is pretty cute.
I'm going to wink at him.
That's so
Julie (17:23):
awesome.
Okay, so we clearly got offtrack.
Let's finish up with the hostedmeetings program.
So real quick they can go tosubsummit.
com.
That's awesome.
And learn some more about howand apply online.
How long did you did you say themeetings typically are
Paul (17:39):
meetings are only 15 minutes a piece.
And then there's a dedicatedblock at sub summit for for that
time frame.
Julie (17:46):
Perfect.
So you're not going to bemissing.
Yeah.
Paul (17:49):
No, you're not going to be missing content.
The only thing that we producethroughout the entire event this
year is our studio stagesponsored by bold commerce.
There are a new sponsor on that.
So I'm very cool.
I love Jay Myers, by the way,like shout outs.
I can I met
Julie (18:01):
him at the cube awards reception a couple of years ago.
He's a riot.
Paul (18:05):
He's, he's a model Canadian.
Like he, like Like you, you meethim, you'd be like, you're
Canadian.
You're way too nice.
Julie (18:13):
Yeah.
Well, and he turned around andgave me his business card while
we were standing in line fordrinks.
Paul (18:17):
Oh, that's great.
I love Jay.
So the studio stage is producedthrough the entire event where
we had that in our expo halllast year, this year we're
moving it upstairs.
So you're going to pass it andwe're doing podcasts throughout
the entire event, which you'regoing to be doing.
Yes.
Renee
Julie (18:33):
and I will be doing a live podcast.
Paul (18:34):
Yep, we're doing a live, we're doing two live episodes of
Texas Heat, which is a new showwe started producing here in
house, where we eat brisketcovered in like hot sauce.
And it gets like similar to hotones.
It gets hotter as it goes on.
So you're going to watch somepeople meltdown live.
Okay,
Julie (18:50):
whose hot sauce do you use?
Paul (18:52):
So we've demoed a couple here.
We tried to do Texas based hotsauce.
I talked to Ma Dukes the otherday.
They're going to be shippingsome in.
I'm trying to get the Gas MonkeyGarage guys to send us some hot
sauces.
Do you have any otherrecommendations?
Julie (19:05):
I do.
I will send you somerecommendations.
I am not Like, I'm not spicy.
I don't do the heat thing.
Paul (19:12):
You're spicy.
I might be spicy,
Julie (19:14):
but I don't do the heat thing.
I've got a student that does ahot sauce business who's, who is
leaning into the subscriptionmodel.
So I'll connect with you offlineabout that.
We've got to get that queued up.
Paul (19:27):
Yes, absolutely.
We'd love to.
It's, it's such a fun show.
And I'm not a, I'm not a spicyguy either.
But I will, I will sufferthrough it for the sake of good
content.
Julie (19:38):
Oh, man.
Paul (19:39):
So we'll see.
Julie (19:40):
I'll be watching that one live.
That's for sure.
Paul (19:42):
Yes.
That'll be fun.
We currently have it slottedjust before it's supposed to go,
like, do opening remarks on mainstage.
I'm like, Lauren, we need tomove this because I can't be
like going on stage, like, as aball of sweat and like, my mouth
is on fire.
I'm not going to be able totalk.
You like, cause when it getshot, it's almost like you're
drunk, you know, you're like.
You lose.
Makes you dizzy.
Yeah, and you're just liketalking for the sake of talking.
Julie (20:05):
My tongue goes numb if something's too spicy.
Paul (20:07):
Right.
Julie (20:08):
How am I supposed to talk if my tongue is numb?
Paul (20:10):
Yeah, right.
It's just a disaster.
So we're going to move that timeslot so it's like later in the
show.
So yeah, the studio stages onthat main level right by the
hosted meetings.
You'll see all those there.
And then down below we've gotthe expo hall and then our track
stages are down there.
And then upstairs is theChargeby Theater where we do all
of our main content too.
Cool.
So I just gave you a tour ofSubSummit.
Julie (20:30):
Yeah, basically.
So if you haven't been to a subsummit too, and he keeps saying
expo hall.
So think of it as like, you canwalk through the aisles and all
the vendors are there to talk toyou.
Now you don't have to talk toanyone.
I love walking through and justseeing what's available and
having conversations.
And so I would recommend thatyou carve out sometime, if
(20:51):
you're going to sub summit.
Summit, carve out some time toactually walk the expo hall
because you never know whoyou're gonna meet there.
I remember one year I met Janinefrom Share Sale and we still
keep in touch and in fact, Ihave a call with her next week
just to dive deeper into ShareSale as I learn more about
affiliate partnerships.
And so it's, it's just a reallygreat place to see what's, you
(21:15):
don't know what you don't know.
Paul (21:17):
Right.
Julie (21:17):
You know what I mean?
I love that line.
Paul (21:19):
And it's, you know, a lot of times too, if you're working
with these companies, it's goodto get FaceTime with them.
It's good to meet that person inperson and talk to them.
And because that could have itsadvantages down the line.
Let's say you have a challengewith, with shipping with
something.
And the fact that you've gottenthat FaceTime with that person.
It's going to help you.
It's going to be, you know, orif you haven't had a chance to
meet them yet, you've beentalking to them about using
(21:40):
their solution.
And, you know, you get a chanceto like, finally, like, see
like, okay, there's a realcompany, real person.
I don't know.
I like that, that humanconnection.
And I think both you and I are,introvert extroverts, where are
we like, I call us
Julie (21:54):
ambiverts.
Paul (21:55):
Ambiverts.
Yes.
That's the term too.
Where we like, we're good withinteracting with people.
We also need that recharge time.
Julie (22:01):
Yep.
And
Paul (22:01):
so a lot of times, like if I find myself walking through
that expo hall in any expo hallfor that sake, you know, you can
do your heads down thing, butsometimes I'll, you know, say,
hi, hope you're having a goodday.
I'm not a good.
Fit to talk right now or I'm ona mission right now and we'll
catch up later.
You know, it's, it's a low, itdoesn't need to be anything that
has any friction to it either.
Julie (22:22):
Agreed.
A hundred percent.
So we've talked about the hostedmeetings.
We've talked about the expohall, live podcasting.
We've talked about table talks.
What's something that you'rereally looking forward to?
Paul (22:36):
Let's see here.
So.
I don't know if we're going topull it off or not.
I think we're going to be ableto off.
Yes, we'll make it happen.
So this year we're going to do alive from the red carpet
broadcast while everybody'sgathering at the cocktail hour.
So, you know, we do ourkeyboards on the Tuesday night
and we roll out the red carpetand the paparazzi are all there.
(22:58):
It's, it's very overwhelming.
Awesome.
We got to walk the red carpet.
But Louie and I are going to getup on the studio stage there
and.
Talk about what you expect forthe night.
We're going to talk about whatpeople are wearing, you know,
what their outfits are and thenhopefully be able to do some
like live interviews as well.
I get excited for that.
I'm excited for the amazinglineup of speakers that we have.
(23:20):
We're so fortunate to have, youknow, I'm like scrolling the
webpage here, like everybodyfrom so the Leo.
Live shots from, he runsmarketing over at FabFitFun,
super nice guy really willing tolike have some amazing
conversations.
Ben from, you know, one of the,the president and founders of
True Classic, they've grown andscaled a huge brand.
Nick Sharma is going to bethere.
(23:41):
He's always so wonderful.
He's good.
And these are, and these arebrands that like, these are,
it's a, Started like in thetrenches with it.
The other one that's, I'm, I'mso enthralled with Tiffany
Johnson.
She works at Amazon webservices, AWS, but she runs the
e comm house and.
She, she's just so smart.
I'm like, gosh, where did, like,I want to download your brain,
(24:03):
the things she knows, the peopleshe knows, Christina Tashi from
pretty letter set there, sort oflike, it's just on and on and on
about, you know, some amazingspeakers and talking about whole
range of content and topics.
And we actually have our prettyfull schedule online too.
So I'm excited for that.
I'm excited.
I don't know, Julie, it's allI'm excited for all of it.
I'm sorry, I don't have aspecific answer for you.
(24:23):
That's okay.
Julie (24:24):
No, and so if you're listening and you want to see
what else is on the schedule, goahead on subsummit.
com, you can see that.
I remember, I think it was lastyear, I really loved, there was
a big session, like in the bigtheater someone from Google was
talking about data, and thatsounds super boring.
I remember looking at Renee,like, with wide eyes multiple
(24:45):
times.
Like, did you just hear that?
That's crazy.
And then maybe it was two yearsago, someone in the large
theater did a talk on salespsychology.
Paul (24:54):
Yeah.
And
Julie (24:56):
it was just like mind blowing, like what are, like the
psychology of buying and ofconsumer habits and stuff.
And those are things that Iwould never just randomly find
myself reading about online orlike researching.
But with it being one of thesessions there, we went and we
were just like our jaws werehitting the floor with some of
(25:18):
the things they were sharing.
Paul (25:19):
Wait, wait.
Time out.
Hang on.
This is amazing.
Nancy Harhut is going to bethere this year.
Is she?
Yes.
Yes.
So she was supposed to be lastyear and she emailed me like
last minute.
She's like, I'm so sorry.
I've never done this before.
I remember that.
I, I, I fell ill.
And I'm like, first, Nancy'slike one of the nicest people in
the world.
It was like, so I wasn't likemad about it.
I was like, Nancy, if, Ifyou're, if you're backing out of
speaking, like something's gotto be wrong with you, I hope
(25:41):
you're going to be okay.
Anyway, she's back.
She's coming this year andhopefully she stays healthy.
I told her to lock herself in abubble for the weeks ahead of
sub summit and she's going to beon our main stage on day one.
And I'm so excited.
I, I always say to like the teamhere, like, so when we're
talking about marketingstrategies and stuff, I go, what
would Nancy do?
Let's just open up Nancy's bookand like take anything out of
(26:02):
it.
And that's like, she is.
Email marketing genius.
And just before her, we're aboutto lock this in.
So I'm going to say it now.
Peter Fader from Wharton isgoing to come up and talk,
Peter.
I've been, I've been talking toPeter since 2019 about coming to
sub summit.
He's an absolute genius when itcomes to like understanding
customer lifetime value.
(26:22):
And so we're going to like kickoff with him on the main stage,
talking about like customerlifetime value and customer
relationships.
And then and the, the, the, the,the, the, the, the, the, the,
the, the, the, the, the, the,the, the, the, the, the, the,
the, Nancy's gonna come up andthen we're gonna do the pitch
competition and it's like, it'san unbelievable day.
So
Julie (26:38):
much.
Yes.
Paul (26:39):
Yeah.
So like, if you just come tofinance alone.
It's worth it.
And then the next day, actually,Nancy's going to be leading some
conversation during our Women'sSubscription Hour.
Julie (26:49):
Yay!
Paul (26:50):
Which is going to be right behind the front porch down in
the Expo Hall.
So again, like, doing Q& A withNancy, like, that alone is going
to be so awesome.
I think Ciara, Ciara Stocklin,was she one of your friends?
Yep.
She's leading a session.
So there's going to be like someawesome tips on inventory.
I think if you're just to comefor Nancy and, and CR, like that
(27:13):
alone will, will cover, like,you'll learn some things right
there too.
Julie (27:17):
Okay.
Can it just be tomorrow?
Like,
Paul (27:20):
can we just
Julie (27:20):
go to Sub Summit tomorrow?
I'm really getting excited.
I
Paul (27:23):
know.
I know.
Julie (27:24):
It's a fun event every year.
I mean, you guys definitelyinject fun into something that
could be super boring.
You know, I'm, I don't, want togo to another boring conference.
And so it helps to know that youguys are behind it.
So I know there's always goingto be fun infused.
Paul (27:40):
Yeah.
And I think too, the other thingto think about oftentimes if
you're a solopreneur and you'rejust getting started, it's a
little intimidating to walk intoit by yourself, know that you
will find fast friends there.
You will meet somebody, you willhave that, that time.
And, and.
You know, even if you're walkingthe show floor by yourself,
(28:02):
like, I think you'll see tons ofvalue, but like, it's such a
friendly environment that, thatshould really be kind of a low
concern on your mind thatyou'll, you'll find somebody
there to hang out with your, wehave our welcome reception that
first day.
It's a great opportunity to meetamazing people.
And you know, it's, it's good tojust learn and grow.
Julie (28:20):
Yeah.
And Renee and I will be at thatwelcome session helping newbies
meet each other, because if thisis your first time, we want to
help you meet someone to do theevent with, because you'll have
a better time and you'll be moreproductive.
You'll stay on task.
If you actually have someone todo the, the summit with.
And so, and you have 100 percentfull permission to come tap me
(28:44):
or Renee on the shoulder andintroduce yourself.
You know, us at least, you knowwhat I mean?
If you're a first timer and yousay, I don't know anyone.
Yes, you do.
You know, me, you know, Renee,
Paul (28:53):
you know,
Julie (28:54):
Paul.
Yeah.
Paul (28:55):
And you a thousand percent too.
You might see me running througha million miles an hour.
if you stop me, I will alwaysstop and, and focus on the
conversation and take the timeto chat.
Unless there's like somethingurgent blowing up.
I gotta run like a flash driveto a room or something.
Sometimes that happens.
Or
Julie (29:10):
unless your mouth is burning from the heat, from the
Texas heat show.
I
Paul (29:14):
need milk right now.
But I'm always happy to help.
And that's the, the, the thing Ilike to stop and ask is, you
know, how can I help?
Is there anything I can behelpful with if, if you're there
to meet somebody or you'rehoping to meet a speaker or
anything, any way that I canoffer help any way that our team
can offer help?
Allie and Morgan, my, my 13 yearold daughters are there, there
(29:35):
are more than if you see twogirls that look exactly the same
that look a little bit like methey're there to help and, and
Parker, would they be on
Julie (29:42):
stage?
Yeah.
Paul (29:43):
They're going to be back on stage again this year at the
awards.
And the rule was they couldstart coming to Sub Summit when
they turn 10 for all my kids.
And so this year, today actuallyis Parker's birthday.
He just turned 10 today.
Yeah! Happy birthday, Parker!Yes.
He will be at Sub Summit thisyear as well.
So if you see a little dude thatlooks kind of like me or my
brother, because sometimes I seemy brother in Parker's face,
(30:05):
oddly.
Funny.
But sub him too.
He's always happy to help.
Julie (30:09):
Okay, are you going to have the t shirt cannon?
Paul (30:12):
Yes, and we will be loading it up this year, not
with just t shirts, but with subsummit socks as well.
So we're going to.
Oh, wow.
And it's really fun when you putlike three pairs of socks in the
t shirt cannon, it like createslike this like splattering of
socks all over the place.
It's awesome.
Yeah, we'll invent it.
Julie (30:29):
Oh, man.
Okay.
This has been so fun chattingabout sub summit, a little less
structured conversation, and Ican really appreciate that,
Paul.
So we're going to send everyoneto subsummit.
com.
I know that there's a certaindate that the hosted meetings
program, I think ends May 3rd,right?
Paul (30:49):
Yep.
Yep.
Coming up.
Julie (30:50):
And I think ticket prices go up soon too.
So guys, don't wait Dallas,Texas, June 17th through the
19th.
We'll be there.
We hope you'll be there as well.
Any closing thoughts, Paul?
Paul (31:03):
No, look, I mean, I think this is a constantly evolving
business.
E commerce always has its.
Ups and downs and challenges andsuccesses.
And I think, you know, right nowtimes are challenging with that
growing acquisition costs andthings like that, but it doesn't
mean that this is impossible.
It doesn't mean that this isn'tsomething that can be worked
(31:23):
through.
And I think this is a greatopportunity to take that time to
regroup, to learn, to grow, totalk to what other people are
doing, because.
I know I talked to all of ourspeakers.
So I know there are great waysto continue to market and be
successful.
It's just about uncovering thoselittle things that work best for
you and work best for yourbusiness.
And so sub summit is really aplace where you can make that
happen.
(31:44):
And so if you can afford thetime, which I'd encourage you to
find a way to afford it and makethe investment, it will pay for
itself and it'll pay dividends.
So we'd love to have you there.
And honestly, If any way I canever be helpful, message me on
LinkedIn, shoot me an email,paul.
chambers at subsummit.
com.
Always happy to help in any waypossible.
Julie (32:04):
Thank you.
We appreciate that.
And guys, if you're listeningand you, you want to ask me any
questions or Renee, anyquestions, you know, that our
DMS are open on Instagram.
We love to talk shop.
So let us know if you havequestions, we're happy to point
you in the right direction andwe hope to see you at sub
summit.
Thanks for listening today andwe'll see you in the next
episode.
(32:24):
Bye.
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