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I Invest For Dividends and Financial Freedom

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I have always been obsessed with investments that pay cash flow. I’m talking about investments that pay me regular dividend checks (often in growing amounts) just to hold said companies. There is nothing more exciting in personal finance than when one sees their money working for them, while they sleep!

Check This Out These Are Dividend ChecksOver the last 20+ years, I have personally built a dividend stock portfolio with over 30 positions in world-class companies. My dividend portfolio is driving an increasing stream of passive income that gets larger with each year that passes. Whether we are in a bull market or bear market, I am always averaging into my favorite dividend-paying stocks, building my stream of passive income.

While my blog, PPC Ian, has roots in digital advertising and careers, I am now also spending considerable time sharing my passion for personal finance online. I have mostly accomplished this via my quickly growing PPC Ian YouTube Channel (now over 2,000 subscribers). However, I also want to start sharing some of my personal finance insights here on my blog too. After all, this blog is a reflection of me. At the end of the day, I think you will find that there are so many parallels between digital marketing and investing.

Today’s post introduces my passion for dividend investing. If you’ve been wondering about dividends and my personal strategy, this post is for you! Also, I’m thrilled to share some of my recent videos too.

What Is A Dividend?

Many publicly-traded companies choose to pay dividends. A dividend is a cash distribution from a company. When one buys stock in a company, they are a part owner in said company. Just for being a part owner, one gets a cut of the profits, in the form of cash dividends. Companies that pay dividends take a portion of their net income and literally distribute it to shareholders. Such companies, in my opinion, are shareholder friendly and truly care about their owners.

Many large blue chip companies, like Procter & Gamble (PG) and Kimberly Clark (KMB), pay dividends on a quarterly schedule. And, they have a track record of increasing dividends each year. This is where the real magic happens: One is handsomely rewarded (via an increasing stream of dividend income) for buying and then holding for years (or even decades) on end.

If one holds their shares in a brokerage account, dividends often show up electronically in one’s cash balance, as they are paid out. If one holds stock directly, with a transfer agent, dividends will either be sent in the mail (in the form of a check) or can often be automatically reinvested to buy additional shares of the issuing company.

At the end of the day, dividends are a form of income automation. One can either get a job and work for money (active income) or hold stock and receive dividends for doing nothing (passive income). My journey has been one of saving as much active income as possible and then converting it into passive income. (I save money from my job and then buy dividend-paying stocks, and have been doing so for a very long time.)

While one may think it takes thousands to get started, that’s just not true. In fact, I encourage you to check out my recent video about how I literally counted up loose change that was sitting around doing nothing, and converted it into a dividend stream of $30/year in perpetuity! That $30/year will now always be there, and will grow over time – how inspiring!

What Is Financial Freedom?

What is the end goal of all this income automation? At the end of the day, I aim to achieve the holy grail of dividend investing: financial freedom. This is the precise point where my stream of dividend income covers all of my living expenses.

Many dividend investors live extremely frugally and/or play geo arbitrage (they move to locations geographically that are cheaper) to achieve financial freedom quicker. (If expenses go down, it’s easier to cover said expenses, as less dividend income is required.) I totally respect everyone in the dividend community, and understand why this route is appealing. That being said, this strategy is just not for me. I enjoy living in the expensive San Francisco Bay Area and also enjoy some fancy things. As such, financial freedom will take me a bit longer than other dividend investors, and I am ok with that.

While financial freedom has the potential to totally change one’s life, how do I personally envision my future self? Honestly, not too different from my present self. I still plan on being a family man, blogger/vlogger, commercial real estate developer, digital marketer, and investor (of course). That said, I will likely utilize my freedom to up the bar with our philanthropy, travel a bit more (and cross some destinations off my bucket list), and spend even more time pursuing my passions. I truly believe that one has to stay busy and productive, even once financial freedom is achieved.

At its core, dividend investing is about investing in dividends and not stuff. As mentioned, I do enjoy some of the finer things in life. That said, I also need to keep it in perspective. Financial freedom is goal number one, and I think you’ll enjoy my recent video about this very topic.

Which Companies Pay Dividends?

It just so happens that some of the largest, most stable, and most notable brands in the world pay dividends. It’s a win-win since such blue chip companies tend to reward investors with dividend income while providing incredible stability. I like to think of it as the "sleep at night" factor. I never lose sleep owning dividend companies because (1) I’m in it for the dividends and not capital appreciation (although capital appreciation is a nice bonus) and (2) I’m confident in the long-term prospects of such companies.

Of course, not all dividend companies are great just because they pay dividends. This is where stock analysis comes into the picture. It’s critical to analyze each and every dividend stock candidate thoroughly before it is worthy of buying. That being said, this is the topic of another post, so please stay tuned. (Although, if you want to jump ahead right now, I do have a few videos on my YouTube channel covering fundamental stock analysis in depth.)

In my personal portfolio, I like representation from most major industries and sectors out there. Thankfully, I have found great dividend companies across the board. Following are some of my favorite industries: healthcare, consumer non-cyclical (think: food/beverage and basic goods), industrials, utilities, retail, restaurants, real estate (real estate investment trusts or REITS), technology, energy, transportation, and more.

Also worth noting; Dividends are not just a US-centric thing. Companies from all over the world pay dividends. It’s easy to gain international exposure via (1) US firms that do a large percentage of their business overseas and also (2) via ADRs (American Depository Receipts) where foreign-based firms trade on US stock exchanges.

Which Companies Do I Personally Like?

Want some examples? I’m personally buying Kimberly Clark (KMB) and Procter & Gamble (PG) this year. You may be familiar with Kimberly Clark because they produce such amazing brands as Kleenex tissues and Huggies diapers. You may be familiar with Procter & Gamble because they produce Tide detergent and Gillette razors. Their products are literally throughout my entire house (and most houses in America).

I personally like these companies for 2018 because they are core holdings of mine (positions that I love and I see contributing a strong percentage of future dividend income). Moreover, they appear to be "on sale" right now. While I own over 30 stocks, I only buy a handful at any given time (those that are trading at discounted valuations). In other words: While others are running away, I like to buy. I think you’ll enjoy my new video highlighting my personal investment themes for 2018, with a focus on acquiring more KMB and PG.

How Can One Get Started?

As with anything in life, it all starts with research and education. I’m a swimmer and a runner. In fact, I just swam 3,000 yards the other day (took about one hour of continuous swimming). The first 500 yards were the hardest, as my muscles felt the most fatigue and strain getting warmed up. Then, as endorphins kicked in, the rest was easy. And, I probably could have gone further, but it’s important to pace oneself and conserve power for the next time.

Dividend investing is exactly the same. Those early days will be the most difficult, as one makes mistakes and learns the basics. However, after a while, it becomes reasonably easy. In fact, the biggest challenge experienced by dividend investors is one of patience and persistence. It literally takes decades of converting active income into passive income to reach financial freedom (unless one is starting with a phenomenal base). And, this is why it’s important to "pace oneself", just as in my swimming example.

Dividend investing is not a "set it and forget it" strategy. One is not just going to invest a lump sum of money. Rather, it’s a strategy of dollar cost averaging over time. One will typically buy stock (in small, bite sized quantities) at regular intervals. Because it’s a process, I personally believe it’s always best to get started sooner than later.

If one is interested in getting started, I have found that my video on How To Invest $10,000 is particularly helpful. The most popular dividend video on my YouTube channel, it seems like many investors just starting out have $10,000 seed capital. Learn how I would personally invest my first $10,000 if I were starting all over again in the following video.

Of course, it’s important to note that I’m just sharing my personal strategy here. I cannot comment on anyone else’s situation. At the end of the day, it’s important that each dividend investor develop their own, unique strategy. Thanks for reading, and I hope to see you over on my YouTube channel!

Disclosure: I am long Kimberly-Clark (KMB) and Procter & Gamble (PG). I own both of these stocks in my portfolio.

Disclaimer: I’m not a licensed investment advisor. Today’s blog post and related videos are just for entertainment and fun. This blog post and related videos are NOT investment advice. Please talk to your licensed investment advisor before making any financial decisions.

All content on my blog YouTube channel is (c) Copyright IJL Productions LLC.

Angel Investing: My Experience With SAFE Agreements

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Happy New Year, everybody! Having placed three angel investments during a single year, 2017 was a big year for this investor. While I primarily invest for dividends and cash flow (via dividend-paying stocks and real estate), I now allocate around (but no more than) 10% of my portfolio to higher risk angel investments. While these investments can carry higher risk, they can also provide a massive source of capital that can later be re-deployed in more traditional cash-flow investments. It’s a way of investing in people I know and support, while supercharging my returns. And, I’m at the stage where this strategy (and exposure to risk) makes sense.

Ian Lopuch Carmel CAAs a side note, I recently wrote a blog post on My Angel Investing Strategy. If you have not read it yet, that post provides some great background on my overall angel investing strategy.

During 2017, two of my angel investments were very early stage ones. Meaning: I invested before an official valuation had even been placed on the company. (Typically, valuations for private companies are assigned during the first big institutional investment of around $6,000,000 or more.) Pre-institutional funding, many startups are choosing to go the SAFE Agreement or Convertible Note route. And, it makes sense because pegging a valuation and partaking in a traditional funding round can be very expensive for the company at such an early stage.

While I’m not an expert by any means, today’s blog post highlights my experience with these types of investments. I want to discuss what they are, how they work, and the pros/cons of investing in these types of early stage investments.

My Angel Investing Video

Before we even start with today’s post, I want to share a recent YouTube video that highlights many of the concepts discussed today. If you prefer video instead of reading, this video will definitely be for you. If you really want to learn these concepts, you may consider watching the video and reading the post!

What Are SAFE Agreements?

SAFE stands for Simple Agreement for Future Equity. Basically, when one invests in a SAFE Agreement, they do not own any equity in the company, yet. However, at some point in the future, the SAFE Agreement will convert into equity.

What Are Convertible Notes?

Convertible Notes are quite similar. A note is a debt instrument. Basically, the investor is lending the company money. Typically, interest rates are very low (the minimum required by law). At some point in the future, the expectation is that the note will be converted into equity. Convertible notes can operate in a very similar manner to SAFE Agreements.

Key Point 1: Get A Sense of Timing

When investing in SAFE Agreements and/or Convertible Notes, it’s critically important to understand timing of the equity conversion event. The whole goal of these investments is the conversion event into equity.

Typically, such instruments will convert into equity at the time of the first big institutional funding event (typically around $6,000,000 or more). As an angel investor, I exclusively invest in people that I know (very well). I get to know the operations of the company, and often become a partner of the company. The closer we are to the perceived equity conversion event, the better. In my modeling, I always add a buffer since conversion typically takes longer than anticipated. As a general rule of thumb, I like SAFE Agreements and Convertible Notes that have a perceived conversion event within the next year.

Worth noting, institutional equity financing sometimes takes longer than expected. I really like instruments that offer a failsafe. Some agreements will have a valuation cap that is used as the equity valuation should there be no equity financing within a specified amount of time. For example: If there’s no equity financing within x number of years, there may be a clause that just converts your SAFE or Convertible Note into equity stock pegged at y valuation. (Side note: Just make sure the valuation seems reasonable, based on all present data available.)

Key Point 2: Understand The Discount

With these types of angel investments, your money is not going to really grow until after the equity conversion event. Once the equity conversion event happens, my expectation is that I will earn several hundred percent (or more) return on investment. Until then, however, my money is essentially tied up.

Being tied up, I always want to get some type of reward. In my experience, this reward comes via the discount factor. Meaning: There will typically be a discount given to early investors at time of the institutional financing event. Let’s say a company raises x million at y per share valuation. If one’s SAFE or Convertible Note has a discount provision, the early investor will receive their equity stake at y per share minus the discount!

This is the reward for investing early, and allows one’s total dollar investment to generate more shares (than if one had waited and invested along side the institutional investor). As a rule of thumb, I expect discount factors to be in the 10% to 25% range, depending on level for risk and anticipated timing of the conversion event. In my experience, this is a reasonable level of return for one year’s time, in a higher risk angel investment.

Key Point 3: Understand The Valuation Cap

Valuation cap sometimes differs based on agreement. I want to offer two scenarios where valuation cap may enter one’s angel investing agreement.

Scenario 1: Runaway Valuation Insurance

Let’s say the perceived valuation of a company right now is quite low. Let’s say you’re getting in very early and it’s only worth a few million dollars or less. However, let’s say that the company grows quickly. By the time the instrument converts over to equity, let’s say hypothetical valuation is $100 million or more. If one’s discount factor is just 10%, one’s instrument will convert over at a $90 million valuation, hardly a good deal for the risk being undertaken! (And, hardly the upside that the investor should experience being an early supporter and advocate.)

Sometimes, valuation caps are used to protect investors in this very scenario. Let’s say there’s a hypothetical $10 million valuation cap. At time of the institutional funding, some agreements read that the conversion valuation is the lesser of (1) the valuation at time of funding minus the discount factor or (2) the valuation cap.

Scenario 2: No Institutional Financing Event

Let’s say several years have passed by without an institutional financing event. Meaning: No company valuation has been pegged. Some agreements read that, at a specified date, the SAFE or Convertible Note will convert into equity at the valuation cap. For this reason, it’s very key that one is comfortable investing at the valuation cap level, based on all information available and all due diligence performed.

Key Point 4: Avoid Buy Out Clauses

Investing in SAFE Agreements and Convertible Notes is risky business. It’s also an incredible amount of work. The goal of the work is getting in early and eventually owning equity for one’s hard work. (Of course, it’s also rewarding investing in those your truly care about.) As such, it’s critical to search such agreements for any potential buy out clause. Meaning: I typically won’t sign anything if the company has the right to simply buy out my agreement for the same amount I invested (plus a nominal interest rate). It’s just not worth my time and risk to invest in such instruments unless I have a very high level of confidence that the equity conversion event will happen.

Key Point 5: Be Prepared For Tied Up Money

Once someone invests in an angel investment, the money is tied up for a very long time. In fact, when I make such investments I assume I will never see the money again. If one is not willing to lose it all, such investments many not be the right fit.

In reality, I have never lost money on an angel investment, and my track record is impeccable. After all, I only invest in people and companies that I know personally. I’m quite picky. That said, I approach each deal with the same philosophy that I will not see my money for a long, long time, if at all. Of course, I never invest money in such instruments that I would need anytime soon (if ever). Building a business is hard work. It takes a long time. It takes even longer for investors to be rewarded.

Key Point 6: Make Sure You Are An Accredited Investor

When it comes to angel investments, there are two general types of offerings. The first class of offerings are under Rule 506(b), meaning the company raising funds is not actually advertising the investment opportunity. These are the types of opportunities that investors, like myself, literally find by reaching out and asking, "Hey, can I invest in your company." The second class of offerings are under Rule 506(c), meaning the company raising funds is able to actively market the investment opportunity. The company can actually reach out (via social media and other means) and advertise the investment opportunity.

Both 506(b) and 506(c) offerings require the investor to be accredited. However, 506(c) offerings require official verification of one’s accredited status (often by a third party service that specializes in such accreditation).

The key point here is to make sure that one is an accredited investor. If one is not, then angel investing is not going to be an option. However, there are a few hacks: (1) Become an "angel investor" by working at a company and earning employee stock options (this has been a hugely valuable strategy in my own career) or (2) start your own company. While it may seem like a bummer, these rules actually help safeguard investors from risk.

Key Point 7: Don’t Forget To Give Back

What’s the point of all this investing and money? At the end of the day, it offers financial freedom and opportunity. It offers the opportunity to pursue one’s dreams! Also, it offers the ability to give back and help others. I love giving back, and even created a website called Lopuch.org to journal our charitable contributions. The more one earns, the greater their responsibility to give back and help others. And, I think you will find that the act of giving back is actually more rewarding than even making the money!

Thanks for reading, and I wish you all the success in the world in your investing and beyond!

Disclaimer: I am not a licensed investment advisor and today’s post is not investment advice. This post is just for fun and entertainment. If you are going to invest in angel investments (or anything else), please consult a licensed financial advisor first.

MentorBox Book Review: My Favorite Book So Far

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Those who have been following PPC Ian for a while know that I love MentorBox. A program co-founded by Alex Mehr, Ph.D. and Tai Lopez, MentorBox provides a truly unique self-education platform. As a paying customer, MentorBox got me reading again, and has me consuming and putting into action two books per month! These are books that are taking my life to the next level. I’m investing aggressively in my self-education.

MentorBox Mastermind Meetup

MentorBox Mastermind Meetup In San Francisco

Having written a variety of posts here on PPC Ian about MentorBox and having filmed a variety of video reviews on YouTube, I often receive questions about the program. One of my recurring questions goes like this, "Hey Ian, it seems like MentorBox offers a variety of books, mainly around sales, marketing, and professional success in business. However, I was wondering: Does the program also mix in books about other topics as well?"

Today’s post is a response to this very question. In short: Yes, MentorBox absolutely provides value above and beyond sales, marketing, and business. I’m on the physical box product and love the randomness of the books I receive spanning all different topics. As the most avid readers I know (including Tai Lopez, the man who reads a book a day), I truly enjoy how the MentorBox team chooses books for me each and every month. Most books are ones I would have never picked on my own – how amazing! (It’s this curation of books alone that provides a tremendous value in my life, but I’ve already covered that in length in my other reviews.)

You. Are. The. One. By Kute Blackson

Just recently, I received a book about spirituality called “You. Are. The. One.” by Kute Blackson. While I have enjoyed all of the MentorBox lessons that have come my way, this book is my favorite so far. In fact, I not only enjoyed the cheat sheet, study guide, nearly 2-hour video interview with Kute himself, but also read the book cover-to-cover. I don’t read all of the books in MentorBox, but I do from time-to-time when the topic really draws my interest.

An Adventure In Spirituality

I consider myself a spiritual person, increasingly so over the last few years. Spirituality has become an important component of my life, and one that I want to develop substantially. Spirituality brings comfort, motivation, big ideas, energy, caring for others, purpose, and so much more! As soon as I received this book, I knew it was going to be a great one!

Kute Blackson: The New Voice of Spirituality

Let’s start with the author. I’m really impressed with Kute Blackson. Not only is his message powerful, but his delivery is even more powerful:

  • Upon watching the video with Jonathan Kendall (COO at MentorBox) and Kute Blackson, you can clearly experience and appreciate the power of Kute’s delivery. Having grown up in a large church environment, Kute is a master of public speaking. In fact, for years he went to his father’s church in the middle of the night to practice preaching. I truly appreciate the preaching style of Kute’s delivery. He’s a pastor for the Internet generation.
  • Kute Blackson really has a larger-than-life presence. His approach is grounded in confidence, knowledge, power, and caring for others. MentorBox adds a completely new dimension to Kute’s work because the video allows us to all experience Kute’s presence (and this presence does not come across in reading the book alone).
  • It is a personal goal of mine to smile more frequently, so I really enjoyed seeing Kute’s smile throughout the video. Experiencing Kute’s smile and his ability to toggle between serious and happy topics is truly unique.
  • Kute’s life experience is incredible and is the source of his great wisdom. I suggest enjoying this book to learn how real-world challenges and life experiences have shaped Kute’s philosophy and timeless wisdom.

Lessons Learned From You. Are. The. One.

I cannot even begin to summarize this book, because the lessons are so incredibly bountiful and deep. However, I want to take this opportunity to share three of my favorite insights from You. Are. The. One. (and the accompanying MentorBox materials).

Lesson 1: Follow Your Authentic Self

Kute explains that we all have greatness encoded in our genes. Literally, he says, "YOU ARE THE ONE." We also all have gifts, passions, and dreams. We have everything we need!

The world does not owe us anything. Nobody owes us anything. Rather, we all owe the world our gifts. We are in a unique time in human history, and the world needs our gifts more than ever before.

It is no coincidence that one has a particular dream. It is not by accident. Your dream has chosen you. Go after that dream with everything you have. Make sure that your dream aligns with doing greater good for society. It’s time to serve others!

Lesson 2: Your Thoughts Are Not Who You Are

How many of you reading have negative thoughts come up from time-to-time? How about de-motivating thoughts, ones that tell you that you are not good enough or may never live the life you want? Reality check: Everyone has these thoughts. And, they are absolutely not real.

Kute explains that thoughts are completely different from who we are. They are a representation of our brains trying to be cautious and protect us, a relic from old times. We need to observe our thoughts, but we do not need to dwell on them. If a de-motivating thought comes up, it’s important to realize that it’s just a thought. And, it’s important to give it no power!

On a higher level, Kute asks us to challenge our entire way of thinking. Are there certain beliefs that we hold because of our conditioning? It’s important that we all seek our own truth. We should not allow our minds to take away our freedom and dreams.

Lesson 3: Spirituality Is Everywhere

If you’ve been reading PPC Ian for a long time, you may remember that I like to Pray While I’m Running. In a similar way, Kute explains that life is a meditation. Spirituality is everywhere. Spirituality should be a part of every moment of one’s life. There is no separation. Life is about enjoying the ordinary moments, and there is deep meaning in all moments.

Thanks MentorBox, For An Incredible Book On Spirituality

I truly enjoyed this book, and hope my review helps illustrate the diversity of titles and topics within MentorBox. (MentorBox is definitely not only about lessons in sales and marketing.)

Each year, I’m a big fan of giving holiday gifts to business partners, friends, co-workers, and family. The Five Minute Journal has been a favorite gift to give, and I always have a stack of them ready to go. In fact, I just handed out two Five Minute Journals last week!

I’m pleased to now have another go-to gift book, "You. Are. The. One." by Kute Blackson! I just ordered a stack, and look forward to giving these out as gifts too. This holiday season, I already have a list of friends and co-workers who will receive this book from me – how neat! (As a bonus tip: Whether I’m giving away The Five Minute Journal or You. Are. The. One., I like to take the time to write a heartfelt message inside the cover. It’s all about making gifts personal and meaningful!)

Say Thank You To PPC Ian – My MentorBox Affiliate Link

Ian Lopuch Mentor Box Stanford

Stanford University (My Alma Mater) Is The Perfect Place To Take In Mentor Box

Before I sign off for today, I want to let you know that I am an affiliate of MentorBox. What does this mean? When someone purchases via my affiliate link, the customer pays the same price, however I earn a commission. If you enjoyed my review today and plan on signing up for MentorBox anyways, I would be forever grateful if you signed up via My MentorBox Link (affiliate link). It would mean the world to me, and help keep the lights on here at PPC Ian.

Of course, you can always head directly to MentorBox as well. At the end of the day, I just want to see you thrive. I wish you all the success in the world!

Want To Learn Even More?

Want to learn even more about MentorBox? I have a variety of posts here, and YouTube videos too! I hope you enjoy all of them. Another fun recent one is My 15-Day MentorBox Challenge. Learn how I personally approach MentorBox each month, getting maximum time efficiency and results. On a related note, my other recent post Is MentorBox Worth It? (Of Course!) elaborates on my MentorBox process even more. I think you will enjoy these posts, as they mark the evolution of my own personal self-education strategy. Just beginning on your journey? My Original Mentorbox Review is a brilliant place to start, offering an overall review of the program and also several video reviews. It’s the hub of all things Mentorbox here on PPC Ian.

Affiliate Disclosure: I am a MentorBox affiliate. If you find my review helpful and end up purchasing via my affiliate link, I will earn a commission and be grateful for your support.

My London Real Academy Review

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About two and a half years ago, when I made the transition from the corporate world to full time entrepreneur and investor, I started investing heavily in my self-education. Historically, the bulk of my education has been formal (BS in Computer Science and Minor in Economics from Stanford University) and on the job (high-powered executive roles at successful Silicon Valley technology companies).

London Real Ian LopuchHowever, one day while watching Tai Lopez on YouTube, it hit me: I need to be investing (heavily) in my self-education via books. Time is scarce, but I need to make the time, I need to do it. So, I started reading and eventually discovered Mentorbox. (If you’ve been reading PPC Ian for a while, you know that I love Mentorbox and have thrived under that program, reading two books per month.) However, before Mentorbox was even invented, Tai Lopez brought me to London Real.

I wanted to learn more about Tai Lopez, this man who reads a book a day. I wanted to find out what he’s all about. So, I searched and found that Brian Rose interviewed him (several times) on London Real. Upon finding the London Real YouTube Channel and the London Real Academy, I was immediately intrigued. After enjoying London Real’s extensive free content for quite some time, I decided to sign up for the London Real Academy. Today’s post is a review of my personal experience. It covers exactly what this exciting program offers.

What Is London Real?

Let’s start with the man behind London Real. Mr. Brian Rose is an ex-banker, based out of London. US-born and educated, Brian left the US to pursue his banking career in London. Eventually, he achieved incredible success, but knew something was missing, he knew that banking was not his forever path. So, he took the entrepreneurial plunge and created London Real, a platform that educates others (like you and me) via interviews with the most interesting and brightest minds in our world.

A YouTube-centric business, London Real offers new interviews with amazing people each and every week, for free. Brian typically offers the first half of each episode on YouTube. Then, if you want to enjoy the rest, you can head over to his website (it’s free), and watch there.

If you’ve been following PPC Ian for a while, you know that I enjoy Mentorbox because the program curates the books for me. I love the element of surprise, I enjoy the diversity and unexpectedness of the titles chosen. In a similar fashion, Brian’s interviews are truly diverse. One week, he could be interviewing British boxing legend, Chris Eubank Sr. The next, he might be interviewing Alex and Mimi Ikonn, entrepreneurial leaders and creators of The Five Minute Journal (also one of my favorites). I’m a big believer that the best lessons come from unexpected sources. Without London Real, I would have never known some of these leaders. I would have never listened to their wisdom. London Real curates a diverse set of the best and brightest mentors out there, imparting their life lessons and wisdom. How amazing!

Enjoy London Real For Free

When I first got introduced to London Real via those Tai Lopez interviews, I enjoyed the program for free, for months. The amazing thing about London Real is it’s free. A huge wealth of knowledge is there for anyone, and that’s why Brian’s YouTube channel has so many subscribers.

As a side note, this business model really resonates with me. As a YouTuber myself, one that aspires to help as many people as possible, I do believe in the power of offering free content. My education from London Real has helped on my own broadcasting journey.

Get Even More With London Real Academy

One day, after learning so much for free, I decided to pay and give the London Real Academy a chance. More than anything, I viewed this as my opportunity to pay Brian Rose for his hard work. Regardless of what the Academy had to offer, I wanted to step up and say, "thank you". Of course, the London Real Academy exceeded my expectations.

As a paying member of the Academy, here’s what I enjoy the most:

  • Early access to upcoming London Real episodes. Brian uploads his latest work, before he’s had a chance to fully edit for general release. This is my favorite benefit of the Academy, and I enjoy the early access videos weekly. This alone is a huge benefit that pushes my self-education to the next level.
  • Access to the exclusive Facebook Group of like-minded entrepreneurs and individuals taking their lives to the next level. London Real attracts some of the coolest people around. While I haven’t made full use of the Facebook Group, I see this as an asset that could truly help during my entrepreneurial journey.
  • Weekly challenges (based on best practices from those interviewed on London Real) that push my comfort zone. Being an entrepreneur is all about challenging one’s comfort zone, and the London Real Academy provides a great platform for getting in the right mindset.
  • Bonus content such as Dan Pena’s exclusive seminars at the Ritz.

Some of My Favorite Episodes

My favorite part about London Real is that many of my favorite episodes are truly unexpected. London Real connects me with bright people and perspectives that I would have never found myself. Here are a few of my favorite episodes:

  • The True Geordie: When I first saw the thumbnail for this episode, I didn’t know what to expect. I saw a big, strong guy with tattoos. I assumed that he must be here on London Real to talk about weight lifting. How interesting that The True Geordie is one of the must successful YouTubers around, someone who literally started with nothing. His story is so incredibly motivating, and I have since become a True Geordie fan and follower. This is a quintessential example of how London Real connects me with amazing people who I would have never known about otherwise.
  • Chris Eubank Sr.: Another interesting one, I was not sure what to expect since I’m not big on watching sports. Being a British boxing legend, I assumed that Eubank would discuss his craft. And, he did. However, his message is so much larger! I learned about the importance of impeccable speech. Moreover, I learned a multitude of philosophical lessons on life itself. Mr. Eubank is a true student of life and taught me that, "Genius is obsession in one area."
  • Dan Pena: London Real also connected me to this interesting businessman who lives in a castle in Scotland. While he may come across a little strong at times and I don’t always agree with the language that he uses, Dan’s message sure is important: Get up and get stuff done. A no-nonsense kind of guy, Dan encourages everyone to be their personal best and push their limits. He argues that most of us are barely scratching the surface of our potential.
  • Alex and Mimi Ikonn: The Five Minute Journal literally transformed my morning (and nighttime) routine. I love this journal and it makes my life so much more fun, productive, and exciting. I also regularly gift The Five Minute Journal to friends, family, and business colleagues. I would have never known about this amazing journal if it were not for London Real. More than that, the episodes with Alex and Mimi have helped shape my perspectives on life and entrepreneurship. They are amazing!
  • Tai Lopez: When people see Tai Lopez in his garage with Ferraris and books, some are immediately intrigued. Others are immediately skeptical. You’ve seen his "in my garage" video, right? As a marketer myself, I truly respect Tai’s methods of attracting people to his message, because his message is empowering and needs to be heard (read more books and find mentors who can elevate your game). The London Real interviews with Tai Lopez provided a traditional, interview-based forum to really get to know the man who reads a book a day. These are some of the first London Real episodes that I enjoyed, and I’m still a Tai Lopez fan to this day.
  • Dorian Yates: I am very familiar with Dorian Yates, and most men who grew up during my generation are too! A legendary bodybuilder, Dorian’s interviews showed me the power of "going into the lab". Unlike some of his United States counterparts, Dorian did not live a flashy lifestyle. To the contrary, he was all about keeping a low profile and hard work. At times, he would isolate himself to fully focus on his craft. In life and business, this mentality can truly help at times, and I really enjoyed Dorian’s episodes on London Real.

The London Real Accelerators

London Real, in addition to their Academy, now offers Accelerators. These premium courses offer the student a one-on-one opportunity to partner with Brian and his team on specific areas of life. So far, Accelerators offered include the Business Accelerator, Broadcast Yourself Accelerator, Life Accelerator, and Public Speaking Accelerator. While I have not had the chance to try a London Real Accelerator yet, I hope to at some point in the future. While these are more expensive courses, they offer the ability to really take one’s game to the next level (in a huge way).

Thank You, Brian and Team

I wanted to close out by thanking Brian and the London Real team. My experience has been truly wonderful and London Real has been a truly important piece of my self-education puzzle. London Real has also played "connector" role in leading me to other sources of information (and people) who have helped me tremendously.

I am so excited about the future, because I know that London Real will keep evolving and getting better. A closing tip for everyone reading: This weekend, instead of watching your normal TV programs with friends and family, consider London Real instead. It will teach you new skills, give everyone topics to talk about and debate, and elevate everyone’s game!

Affiliate Disclosure: Right now, there is no affiliate program (to my knowledge). However, I hope to be an affiliate of London Real at some point in the future.

Image of Ian Lopuch © PPCIan.com

Advice For Entrepreneurs Who Face Setbacks

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Today, I realized that I made an entrepreneurial mistake, one that created a setback (monetary, time, and some ego too). There’s no doubt about it: Being an entrepreneur has its ups and downs. Today, I experienced one of the entrepreneurial downs. When I realized the magnitude of my mistake, I ended up dwelling on the mistake way too long. When you’re an entrepreneur, your work has so much meaning, it’s so personal. This is a good thing, it’s that sense of pride and ownership that makes entrepreneurship so rewarding. That being said, mistakes can really hit home hard, as they challenge your life’s work.

Stay on your grind. Never give up.A little more background: This is one of those mistakes that’s done. I Just have to sit back and let time pass, something that can be challenging for someone used to taking action.

While I do not consider myself an expert handling these types of setbacks (I’m still growing and learning as an entrepreneur and student of life), I have compiled some strategies over the years that help. I want to share some practical business advice today for entrepreneurs facing challenges. The next time you make an entrepreneurial, business, or life mistake, I hope you can refer to this list and speed up your time to productivity and happiness.

Today’s list is meant to help you move forward and leave your setback behind. Your most valuable asset as an entrepreneur is time, and the last thing we want to do is waste valuable time that could otherwise move one’s business forward. Let’s jump into my advice and tips!

Tip 1: Just Do Something, Anything

Once you’ve made that mistake (and/or faced a setback), it’s so easy to dwell and relive the situation over and over. I have to admit: I probably spent a few hours today analyzing my situation from every possible angle. Ultimately, one strategy that helped me move forward is finding small wins on other projects. I just started doing easy, small tasks such as approving invoices. Any activity can help one more forward. It’s all about creating momentum and moving on to productive work that can move your business forward.

Tip 2: Listen To Music

There’s a reason that I donate so much money to The Fender Music Foundation and Musicians On Call via Lopuch.org: I love music, I find motivation in music, and I want a bright future for music. Put your headphones on, find some motivating and inspiring tunes, and start listening. The music can get your mind off the challenge at hand. More than that, music brings us all together. When I’m facing a challenge, I love music that addresses challenges in a positive light!

Tip 3: Go For A Walk

Just sitting at my desk, I was getting nowhere. I felt unproductive. So, I went outside for a walk. While the walk did not completely change things, it was a start. The fresh air helped clear my mind.

Tip 4: None of Us Are In Control, Trust In God

Of course I’m going to make mistakes and face setbacks! After all, I’m not in charge here. After my mistake, I ultimately ended up praying and placing my worry on God. He’s got it from here! If you’re a spiritual person, mistakes can be a really wonderful time to embrace your spirituality.

Tip 5: Talk To Someone Knowledgeable and Experienced at Business

Just talking about your setback can help. Upon discovering my setback, I immediately called my wife. And, then I called her again later in the day. And, I called her a third time even later. I am so thankful and lucky to have such an amazing wife that will listen, share logic and reason, and support me through a rough day. (Bonus Tip: Know someone else who is facing a setback? Has someone come to you to chat? Make sure to help them in their time of need. As entrepreneurs, we’re all in this together and need to help one another.)

Tip 6: Let Time Do It’s Thing

Time is an amazing force. In the moment, setbacks can sometimes take over. They seem like the only thing that matters. However, with each passing day, your setback shrinks and fades. A year from now, your setback will seem small. Five years from now, you may not even remember what you were worrying about! Time can be your greatest ally.

Conclusion: Nobody Is Immune From Mistakes, We’re Human

At the end of the day, none of us are immune from mistakes and setbacks. Being an entrepreneur sets you up for more challenges than the average person, because you are pushing the limits, multitasking, wearing many hats, and starting something new from the ground floor – all incredibly hard (yet rewarding) work!

The reason I’m sharing my story and advice today is to show everyone that I am human (just like you), despite my great success. We are all in this together! If one does not make mistakes, they are not pushing themselves hard enough. If one does not make mistakes, how can they possibly learn? The silver lining from my experience today: I’m learning and improving, in real time. The next time you make a mistake, remember these tips and remember that you’re in great company! It’s all part of being an entrepreneur, and comes with the territory. Keep learning and moving forward!

Stay on Your Grind Quote © PPCIan.com

Journaling Our Philanthropy This Thanksgiving

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Here on PPC Ian, I blog about digital marketing, investing, and business. Once in a while, I also enjoy sharing personal stories, such as my recent posts about My Dad Bod and Lessons Learned From Running. At the end of the day, it’s these personal stories and experiences that make life fun. And, it’s the non-work experiences where I often learn the most about life. Today, I want to share another personal story, one about our dedication to philanthropy. I’m sharing this story just in time for Thanksgiving, as our philanthropy is just one way we like to say, "thank you".

Lopuch Dot OrgOver the years, I have always had a heart for others. I like helping other people, and that’s actually the genesis behind this very blog. I also like serving others via community service and charitable contributions. There are few things that give greater purpose to life, in my opinion, than family and helping others.

A few years ago, when I discovered Jesus Christ (or, rather, he discovered me) and got baptized, the concept of charity became even more important in my life. I started learning about the power of tithing. These days, I am more committed to charity than ever before. In fact, one of the driving forces behind my quest for massive success in the business and investing worlds is the ability to give back.

From a financial and digital marketing background, I am also very well grounded in the power of numbers and the power of documenting numbers. Anything that is tracked and monitored can be improved. Moreover, the very process of journaling amplifies success, in my opinion. For this very reason, I write down my goals each and every day in My Five Minute Journal. And, I keep my stock portfolio as up-to-date as possible.

A few months ago, after finding a really amazing web developer and having such great success re-launching the website for my business IJL Productions, an idea was born! Why not create a website that shares our philanthropic contributions with the world, a journal of sorts? And, the rest is history!

I’m thrilled to announce the launch of Lopuch.org, my newest website. You’ll find details about our favorite charities and a really neat history of charitable contributions (that I plan on updating quarterly). I’m so excited about this website because I am confident it will take our charitable contributions to the next level (remember, documentation fuels success) and I’m quite hopeful it will motivate others to give back.

I hope you enjoy my new website, and learning a bit about our giving history and favorite charities. More than anything, I think you’ll enjoy my thoughts and prayers that are recorded each time we give. While we have a long way to go until our eventual goals are met, I am so happy with our progress to-date. Just as investments compound over time, I am certain our charitable contributions to follow a similar trajectory! This Thanksgiving, remember to be thankful for everything you and your family have. And, remember to give back to others. No matter how small your contributions, every penny donated and act of kindness given can be life-changing for others.

Image of Lopuch Dot Org © Lopuch.org

How I Lost 40 Pounds: My Dad Bod

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When we had our son just around 2.5 years ago, some of my co-workers at the time joked that I would get "Dad Bod". At 210 pounds, I had already gained quite a bit of weight in recent years (largely due to an unhealthy diet, very long hours worked, and insufficient exercise). So, gaining even more weight frightened me quite a bit. I still remember coming home from work and telling my wife about my fear of getting dad bod. I didn’t want to lose even more traction on my health and fitness.

Ian Lopuch Weight Loss

Ian Lopuch In Maui, Hawaii

Over the 2.5 years that followed the birth of my son, I actually ended up losing 40 pounds for a variety of reasons, something I would have never forecasted nor imagined. I’m now in the best shape of my life, and couldn’t feel better. Today’s post is a chronicle of my dad bod (a good thing, in my case!) and the strategies (both intentional and unintentional) that have transformed my life. I’m very proud of my health and fitness, so I probably can’t help but brag a little. That being said, the purpose of this post is one of inspiration and positivity. I’m hoping that my post inspires change, helping others regain their youth, energy, and happiness in life!

My Son: My Greatest Purpose In Life

Being a father has been life-transforming. I cannot begin to describe the tremendous sense of purpose that my little guy has brought into my life. My son is also behind my amazing physical transformation.

Now that I’m a dad, I just don’t understand this concept of dad bod. Our little guy is so energetic. I’m always playing with him, chasing him around, and even exercising together. We have so much fun together, and I’m constantly in motion. Being a dad is exercise in itself, and one of the main drivers behind my weight loss. While I used to sit around in my spare time, I now never have a dull moment (unless I’m sleeping). I’m constantly on my feet, having fun with our little man.

This brings me to the point: If one takes an active role in parenting, your child could be a great driver in your own physical fitness, whether you’re the dad or the mom.

Bonus Tip: Doing some dad/toddler squats is one of my favorite exercises. It’s easy: Just hold your child in your arms while squatting. Get in a good 20-30 reps at a time. It’s great exercise and your child will have a blast, bonding with you and laughing!

Running and Swimming: Establishing New Routines

These days, I’m doing everything in my power to challenge traditions and establish new routines. I’m mixing exercise with my workday (during my lunch break), and have experienced a new surge in energy, happiness, and productivity.

Over the last two years, I phased my favorite exercise routines (those that I had largely ignored for years) back into my life: running and swimming. First, I started running (typically between 6-8 miles) once per week. As a bonus, I really enjoy Praying While I Run. And, my wife, son, and I have been Competing In 5K Races.

More recently, we also joined a fitness club with an amazing pool, and I started swimming about 1,500-2,000 yards once per week. I also pepper in impromptu exercise such as pushups and jump lunges a few times per week on my off-days. Slowly but surely, I have phased exercise back into life. While I didn’t do it all at once, I started seeing results immediately. And, things only got better with time.

I’ve now found the perfect routine, one that has helped drive my waist size down from size 38 to size 32. Many view exercise as time wasted, or time that could have been spent working. I am here to say that it is the opposite. Exercise gives me energy. It increases my focus and productivity at work. It makes me a better employee and entrepreneur.

Bonus Tip: Even if you can’t get out of the office, you can stay active. Consider doing some pushups, sit-ups, jump lunges, and squats throughout your day. Don’t worry what others say (or if you look wacky). Just go to a spare conference room or even in your office parking lot. You’ll often find me staring an impromptu set of jump lunges just about anywhere.

The Emergency Room Visit That Changed My Life

Those who used to work with me remember me as the guy that always ordered a soda at lunch. I also enjoyed a variety of unhealthy foods including chocolates, donuts, and sweets available in our office kitchen. To make matters worse, I would get out of the office regularly to visit the local coffee shop, even when I was not hungry. (It was a reason to take a break and get out of the office.)

One day, all of this unhealthy eating caught up with me! I ended up in the emergency room late at night, chocking on broccoli from dinner. It was really terrifying: The food was stuck and wouldn’t pass from my esophagus to my stomach. Ultimately, I ended up going into emergency surgery and the doctor had to "scope out" the food. The doctor determined that my situation was the result of acid reflux, which was the byproduct of my poor diet.

After this incident, everything changed. I had to improve my diet for my son and my wife. I just couldn’t do it anymore. Thankfully, I had all the help and support in the world from my amazing wife. She bought me a game-changing book on transforming to a diet low in acidity, and transformed the foods in our house and kitchen.

Now, I have a very different diet, one that is healthy and low in acidity. In fact, I quit beverages other than water cold turkey! At first, it was a little difficult. Now, I rarely have a craving for low-quality foods. While I took Prilosec as part of my recovery as well (the first 9 months), I am now officially off the medication without issue. My renewed diet has been a game-changer for my health and fitness.

The weirdest part of it all? My acid reflux did not have the typical symptoms (I experienced zero heartburn). I challenge you to truly debate and refine your diet. Even if you feel great now, those unhealthy foods (unless consumed in moderation) can land you in the emergency room when you least expect it, with no advanced warning.

You Can Do It Too

Back when I weighed 210 pounds, I would have never imagined that I’d be down at 170 in only 2.5 years time! (More than that, it was not even a goal of mine. At 210, I was still among the slimmest of my male colleagues and felt reasonably comfortable with my weight.)

Looking back, it has been quite a journey. It has been all about incremental, baby steps. I have implemented one small improvement at a time, sometimes without even thinking about it. I know you can do it too. I truly hope this post serves as motivation for others out there who want to lose weight and/or improve their health. Here’s to our collective health, fitness, and happiness!

Image in this post © PPCIan.com

My Experience Speaking at G5 In Bend, Oregon

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If you’ve been reading PPC Ian for a while, you know that I’m a huge fan of public speaking. It’s so much fun and such an adrenaline rush. I enjoy adding great value to the audience, while also learning from audience questions and other panelists. More than anything, I enjoy the thrill of becoming a better public speaker each and every time.

Ian Lopuch G5 Bend Oregon

Ian Lopuch At The G5 Headquarters In Bend, Oregon

Just recently, I had the tremendous opportunity to present on an esteemed panel at the G5 all hands meeting. For those that don’t know, G5 is the leading digital marketing and technology platform for commercial real estate (verticals like self storage, multi-family residential, and senior living). G5 is one of my personal favorite business partners and I cannot say enough great things about their platform. (A Fun Fact: My history with G5 and public speaking has quite the track record. I Presented at the Self Storage Association Conference in New Orleans with Christine Munther, and I more recently Presented at the California Self Storage Association Conference in Redondo Beach with Ryan Barnhart.)

The Oxford Hotel Bend Oregon

The Oxford Hotel In Bend, Oregon, My Favorite

This time, G5 hosted my teammates and I for a fun week at their headquarters. We met with all of their teams: executive leadership, product, marketing, sales, client services, and others. In addition to collaborating, brainstorming, and having fun in beautiful Bend, Oregon (the home of G5 and an amazing place overall), G5 invited me to present on a panel at their all hands meeting. A rapidly growing technology company, I had the opportunity to share insights and answer questions (the client’s perspective) in front of hundreds of employees. Our panel lasted over one hour, so we had a great time going into depth about all topics related to digital marketing.

Drake Park Bend Oregon

Incomparable Drake Park In Bend, OR

Some of my favorite takeaways from this business trip:

  • In-person meetings are everything. I work with G5 on a day-to-day basis via email and phone. However, having that in-person face time with the team took our relationship to the next level. Business is all about the people, and it’s important to make time for in-person meetings, meals, and fun activities. I thank G5 for taking the initiative to invite us out, and for the amazing 5-star hospitality. You went above and beyond to make our experience a memorable one.
  • Great companies truly value customer feedback and insights. I’m incredibly impressed with the entire G5 team, and this experience took everything to the next level. G5’s level of dedication to customer success serves as a case study.
  • Bend, Oregon is a really special place. While it can get quite chilly in the fall and wintertime, Bend ranks amongst my favorite places ever. It’s all about the amazing downtown (with incredible shops, cafes, and restaurants), the scenic outdoor active lifestyle (it’s the best being in a very active and athletic city), and the people. Case in point: I found myself striking up conversations with random people at the hotel, cafes, and airport. People here are friendly and down-to-earth. Coming from a big, busy city atmosphere, I really cherished the Bend, Oregon experience.
  • The Oxford Hotel is one of my favorite hotels around. I had the pleasure of staying at this beautiful place a few years back when I visited G5 for the first time, and I enjoyed it even more this time around. The Oxford Hotel ranks among my favorite hotels in the entire world. The vibe, customer service, size (not too big, not too small), location, amenities, and quality of this hotel place it in a league of its own.
  • It’s a very different experience running in the cold! I went out for an early morning run my last day and it was incredibly chilly. I think it’s the first time I went running without breaking a sweat (while still pushing myself quite hard). As a traveler, I did not bring the right attire (a hat and gloves would have helped). Needless to say, I felt frozen in my hands and head. After taking a warm shower after, I felt so incredibly refreshed. I’m going to have to try this more often. While running in cold weather has different challenges from my typical running routine (warm and sometimes hot weather), it’s a really special and invigorating experience.

I wanted to close out by sincerely thanking the entire G5 team, especially Dan Hobin (CEO), Patrick Davidson (COO), and Taylor Kimberly (our incomparable Account Manager). Without the people behind G5, our digital marketing (and so much more) would not be where it is today. Here’s to many more years of amazing partnership.

Just For Fun: My Video From Drake Park

Having a little free time while visiting Bend, I made sure to spend some quality time in Drake Park, one of my favorite places in Bend (and arguably one of the most beautiful parks in the world). While chilling in Drake Park, I enjoyed filming some PPC Ian YouTube videos about investing (I always travel with my selfie stick and microphone). In the inspired state this type of setting creates, I especially enjoyed filming this video about how Dividend Growth Investing Brings Hope and Purpose To One’s Life. I hope you enjoy the content of the video, and also the scenery.

Images in this post © PPCIan.com

Is Mentorbox Worth It? (Is It Worth The Money?)

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I’m back with another Mentorbox challenge! If you’ve been following PPC Ian for a while, you know that Mentorbox (a product founded by Tai Lopez and Alex Mehr) has been taking my business, entrepreneurial, and life skills to the next level. You also may know that I recently completed My Mentorbox 15-Day Challenge with great success.

Mentorbox Tai LopezWell, this month, it happened again. I have to admit: I procrastinated and let a week slip by with no Mentorbox. It was just sitting there. I got caught up in my day-to-day work. That’s not right and not aligned with my goals, so I decided it’s time for another challenge. There’s nothing like a good challenge to push momentum in my favor. This time, I’m going to challenge myself to complete Mentorbox in 7 days. And then, I’ll have the entire rest of the month to implement lessons learned and take my new found life and business to the next level.

Just like last month, I’m going to share my personal journal and chronicle my 7-Day Mentorbox Challenge, right here for you to see. And, I’ll catch you again after my journal with major conclusions and thoughts. Ultimately, the purpose of today’s post is to discuss the question: Is Mentorbox worth it? Is Mentorbox worth the money? Let’s follow my Mentorbox challenge and see. See you below, after my journal.

My Personal Mentorbox Journal

  • Day 1, Part 1 (5 minutes): It all started by watching the intro video to learn about this month’s themes. Alex and Jonathon explain that this Mentor Box offers insights on how to get ready for the long-haul. Do I have a moonshot dream in my personal life or business life? I need to think into the future. What would I like to have happen? Sometimes we are so focused on "the now." We say, "I want a return right now." That being said, wouldn’t it be nice if my product sold in 50 years, in 70 years? What if my product had a real lasting value? I’m really pleased with this month’s themes because I regularly think about these very questions. At heart, I’m all about the long-term and love long-term goals because I believe that compound interest applies to all aspects of life (not just financial).
  • Day 1, Part 2 (60 minutes): Next, I transitioned into the video for A Mind for Numbers by Barbara Oakley. When I first received this month’s Mentorbox, I was a bit confused by the title of this book and thought that it would help me be better at math. It turns out that this book is not about math at all! Interestingly, this video covers two of Barbara’s books. It covers Mindshift too, which is not included as a physical book but covered in the video. This particular video presented so many amazing insights that I was regularly pausing to catch up on my note taking. While I experienced at least ten big takeaways, I want to highlight two of my favorites: (1) Selective ignorance. You should say "no" to most requests and a strategic "yes" to a few. I have learned this lesson in the real world, and just completed a blog post and video about The Power of Saying No. (2) If you create a habit of procrastination, it can change your life for the worse. Best way to tackle it is the Pomodoro Technique. Here’s how: Turn off all distractions. Set a timer for 25-55 minutes. Go into deep work. When you’re done, award yourself. I love this!
  • Day 2, Part 1 (30 minutes): Today, I got out my office and went out into the field. I took at working sushi lunch followed by some time at one of my favorite coffee shops. I have found that Getting Out of The Office Increases My Productivity. During my working lunch, I completed a good portion of A Mind For Numbers workbook. A few big breakthroughs that came from this exercise. (Breakthrough 1) I want my second skill to be videography. In particular, I want to become an expert on filming, acting, and producing the best YouTube videos in the financial space. I’m already making great progress, and you can read more about my Top 20 YouTube Tips in my recent blog post. That said, I have a long way to go until this is a true second skill the way that digital marketing and investing are primary skills. I will be able to evaluate my success by hitting 100,000 YouTube subscribers, a lofty goal. (Breakthrough 2) Selective ignorance: It’s ok to say "no". This topic is very timely for me because I just got finished saying "no" to a particular opportunity. I have gotten a lot better at this over the years. (Breakthrough 3) I face the challenge of being distracted by my phone and social media. I will practice the Pomodoro Technique to break the cycle and become even more productive.
  • Day 3: Very busy day with work, unfortunately did not get to Mentorbox.
  • Day 4: Very busy day with work, unfortunately did not get to Mentorbox.
  • Day 5: Very busy day with work, unfortunately did not get to Mentorbox.
  • Day 6 (73 minutes): Another busy day, but had to jump back into it. At the end of the day, despite being a bit tired, I decided to finish A Mind For Numbers. I finished the video and completed the workbook during the video. Following are a few interesting thoughts and lessons from today’s Mentorbox session. Never brag about not getting enough sleep. You have neurocognitive needs to solve big problems. That said, if you have the next big idea, it’s ok to lose sleep from time to time. (Reminder To Self) This is something that has been a personal focus on mine. Need to stay focused on getting quality sleep. (Reminder To Self) There is no better way to learn than testing oneself. While I’m already a really great investor, I can always be better. This is one more reason that my YouTube Investing Videos are so important. They help others, while training the teacher as well! (Reminder To Self) I need to remind myself daily of how it will actually feel to achieve my goals. In addition to writing down my goals, I literally need to visualize and feel what it will be like!
  • Day 7 (15 minutes): Today, during some downtime at Starbucks between meetings, I jumped into Perennial Seller by Ryan Holiday. I’m really excited since I truly enjoy and identify with Ryan’s work (perhaps because we both have digital marketing backgrounds). This book is all about creating work that lasts and adds value forever (a theme I really identify with). Following are some lessons from the video interview with Ryan Holiday. You should spend 80% of your time making and 20% marketing. (Cool Thought From Ryan) Your idea should be this secret plan that you are quietly working on. Don’t tell anyone!
  • Day 8, Part 1 (40 minutes): While I’m now officially behind deadline, that’s ok! I wanted to finish in 7 days, but it’s now looking like 9 days. 9 days is great and still leaves me plenty of time to apply Mentorbox lessons to my real life, before the next one arrives. Today, I continued watching the Perennial Seller by Ryan Holiday. Your first attempt at a book (or project) is not good enough. You need an editor and should have four or five submissions (rounds of revisions) before you are complete. The role of the editor is huge. Take advice from people who are better than you. It’s important to create an email marketing list. (Action Item) I need to spend more time building my email lists. I have lists, but have not focused enough effort on them.
  • Day 8, Part 2 (23 minutes): Next, I transitioned into the bonus workshop, Your Hero’s Journey, based on The Hero With A Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell. Everyone is on a hero’s journey. When you are facing a big calling in life, you will be faced with doubt (all hero’s face this). Then, you will be a new world and face trials (with a big trial at the end). You find a mentor. Different hero’s journeys for different areas within your life. Ultimately, when you finish the journey, you become a leader and train others.
  • Day 9 (30 minutes): Today, I completed the Perennial Seller workbook. This one was really great. (Breakthrough) I basically formulated the blueprint for building my own YouTube channel to 100,000+ subscribers, and a huge brand within personal finance. (Reminder to Self) Refer back to this particular workbook whenever I want to craft a business plan for future businesses.

How Did I Do? This Month’s Mentorbox Challenge Stats

While I was hoping to finish in 7 days, it took 9 days (2 extra days). During the middle of my Mentorbox challenge, I got sidetracked with work, and that’s ok. The main purpose of this challenge is to push myself to complete Mentorbox quickly (and receive the full value of the program). In past months, in the absence of a challenge, I sometimes did not finish all of Mentorbox. So, I’m really happy that I finished. And, I’m thrilled that I did even better than last month. Let’s look at the numbers:

  • Days from start to finish: 9 days (Last month: 14 days)
  • Days of actual work: 6 days (Last month: 8 days)
  • Total minutes invested: 276 (Last month: 215 minutes)
  • Total hours invested: 4.6 (Last month: 3.58 hours)
  • Total minutes per day over course of 30-day month (theoretical): 9.2 (Last month: 7.16)

Is Mentorbox Worth It?

Ian Lopuch Mentor Box Stanford

Stanford University (My Alma Mater) Is The Perfect Place To Take In Mentor Box

This month’s Mentorbox was serious, and really packed with value. Even before I discovered my new Mentorbox Challenge technique, Mentorbox was worth it to me. Now that I am getting even more value than ever before, Mentorbox is so worth it! It’s worth the time and the money for sure. Here are some of my biggest takeways from this month’s Mentorbox:

  • (Focus) There is power in saying "no", and I need to remember to focus.
  • (Productivity) I need to put the Pomodoro Technique into action. This will take my productivity to the next level.
  • (Second Skilling) Videography will be my second skill. I will become one of the best YouTubers in the personal finance space.
  • (Life) I need to focus on sleep. Loss of sleep is never worth bragging about.
  • (Goals) I love The Five Minute Journal, and leverage this great journal to achieve my goals. In addition to writing down my goals, I also need to visualize them and feel what it will be like to achieve my goals.
  • (Goals) While I’m working aggressively to scale my YouTube channel and achive my goals in the finance space, it’s ok to fly under the radar and keep things quiet. In fact, that is advantageous.
  • (Tactical) I need to re-focus on my email lists, and start building them again. I lost sight of the value in email marketing, and am totally convinced to invest in my lists again.
  • (Life) I’m on a hero’s journey, as is everyone else. The challenges I face are predictable and normal on my path to the next level. This is a fun way to look at things.
  • (Breakthrough) Thanks to the Perennial Seller workbook, I have a business plan for my YouTube channel and related businesses. This workbook is pure gold, and is perfect for developing a business plan. I’m going to refer back to this regularly.

My New Newsletter: PPC Ian’s Mentorbox Tips

Putting this month’s Mentorbox into action, I decided to create a new email newsletter! Do you enjoy these Mentorbox blog posts? Want to follow my Mentorbox journey? Do you want to learn my personal Mentorbox tips? Sign up for my newsletter and you’ll receive periodic updates about how I’m getting the absolute most from Mentorbox. Whether you are an existing customer or a potential one, these updates are sure to provide value. I will never sell your info, and you can opt out and cancel your subscription at any time.

Want To Sign Up For Mentorbox? Consider Using My Link

I want to share with you My Personal Mentorbox Affiliate Link (affiliate link). If you sign up via my link, you will pay the same price as if you went to Mentorbox directly. And, I will also receive a commission! If you want to say "Thank You, Ian" for all of the work that I invest in these blog posts and videos, this is the greatest way you can thank me. If you choose to sign up via my affiliate link, I will be forever grateful. If you prefer to go direct, that is just fine too. At the end of the day, it makes me happy to know that I am helping out others.

Can’t Get Enough? My Other Mentorbox Blog Posts

If you want to learn even more about my experience with Mentorbox, you may want to read my Mentorbox Review and My Mentorbox 15-Day Challenge. Both are great posts!

Affiliate Disclosure: I am a Mentorbox affiliate. If you find my review helpful and end up purchasing via my affiliate link, I will earn a commission and be grateful for your support.

The Power of Saying “No” (And The Dreaded Tire Kicker)

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In life, your most valuable resource is time. You’ll find me blogging quite often about productivity tools and strategies because any incremental gain in productivity is an investment that will pay huge dividends. It’s unfortunate that certain people out there, often unintentionally, do not treat your time with value. Or, they just may not know the true value of your time. I’m talking about the dreaded tire kicker.

Invest in yourself. Carve out the time. Nobody else will.Over the last few weeks, I personally experienced a tire kicker situation. After spending about three hours in conversations and demos, I realized that the person/organization I was speaking to had a low likelihood of reaching a mutually beneficial business relationship. They were not even willing to step up to the plate with a conservative test investment. I was just wasting my time.

Thankfully, my tire kicker detection (and handling) skills have matured over the years. Sensitivity is required. It’s a small world and I want to have the best reputation in the market. I want to do the right thing, because I care about others. And, of course, I always want to be open-minded and receptive of new opportunities that may be great.

At the same time, I just had to say "no" (in a graceful way) and move on. (As a side note: Saying "no" is often best for the other party too. A clear "no" can be very helpful and allow the other party to move on and connect with someone else.)

Today’s blog post is a chronicle my personal strategy around saying "no". It’s a blog post about saving time, getting increased business results, staying focused, and ultimately being more happy in business and life. Before we start with today’s blog post, you may want to watch my brand new video on this very topic:

How To Detect A Tire Kicker

I have a sixth sense of sorts in detecting a tire kicker. It was not always this way. In my early days, I would say "yes" to everything. My years and years in business and life have taught me the ability to read people, ask questions, and predict outcomes.

While the reading of people can take time, asking questions is something I want to emphasize to all readers. When a new opportunity comes your way, don’t just say "yes". Think about the opportunity, search within yourself to see if there is alignment with your own goals and dreams, and then ask a ton of questions. It’s through these questions that you can determine (1) if the opportunity is of any interest and (2) if there is a likelihood that a mutually beneficial outcome will happen (of if the other party is just kicking the tires and using your most valuable resource, time).

Bonus Tip: Ask for the money! In business, money is a valuable commodity. See if the person with whom you are speaking is willing to run a small test, one that costs money but not too much. If they cannot part with a small amount of money, they are likely just a tire kicker.

Another Bonus Tip: Always be cordial and assume the best. Even if someone is not willing to part with money, perhaps they can be an advocate of yours in the marketplace. Even if you say "no", always be nice and helpful. Your reputation is everything.

It’s Ok To Be Selfish

Have you seen my PPC Ian Business and Life Quotes? This page is one of my favorites on my entire blog. One of my favorite quotes is one that goes like this, "Invest in yourself. Carve out the time. Nobody else will." If you say "yes" to everything, you will never invest in yourself. You will never grow. You will never accomplish the goals that matter to you.

From an investing standpoint, I just posted a video on YouTube that you might like. It’s all about paying yourself first, and investing in yourself before any other bills are paid. This video is the application of this concept to personal finance.

I’m extremely picky in life. Time is more valuable than money, many times over. When it comes to business and work, I will say "no" to anything that does not further my business goals and objectives (the personal goals that I have on my plate that I like to set up in collaboration with other leaders at the beginning of each year). In my personal life, I will be even more picky and say "no" to anything that is not giving me a 100-1000x return on time (in money or happiness).

Bonus Tip: Put a dollar amount on your time. This dollar amount does not have to be your salary. In my personal life, I value my hourly rate as several times my work salary. If the request does not bring me that equivalent value (either in raw money or happiness), I will say "no".

Another Bonus Tip: Minimalism is really popular these days. Think about saying "no" as minimalism for your mind. Your home is clutter-free. It’s neat and organized. Do the same for your mind by saying no and staying hyper-focused on the things that matter most.

Reminder: Saying "no" does not have to be mean. Always say "no" in a cordial and graceful way. Be thankful. And, know that you are actually doing a good thing for the other party, since it’s always better to give a clear "no" than have unproductive discussions drag on.

Routines Are Key

I recently learned all about routines from The Power of Habit By Charles Duhigg, a book that was part of last month’s Mentorbox. (As a side note, you may want to check out my 15-Day Mentorbox Challenge to learn more.) Positive routines can truly transform ones life, and Duhigg discusses the cue, routine, reward cycle at length.

As a result of this book, I have been placing more and more routines in my life, ones that reinforce my personal goals and dreams. My day is filled! I even have routines for reading the Bible, exercising, and filming YouTube videos. (In fact, I’m producing more YouTube videos than ever before thanks to the power of my new YouTube habit!) Since my day is already filled with routines that are aligned around my life goals, I have very little free space left for net new items, making it easier for me to say "no". My Tip: Fill your own day with routines that align with your life goals. Then, it becomes super obvious when to say "no".

Coming Full Circle: Never Say "No" Again

I’m just getting started on YouTube, however my channel is already scaling. I have effectively multiplied myself since there are now 3.5 of me. You’ve got the real me, and then you have another 2.5 of me on YouTube speaking and educating around the clock. (My PPC Ian channel now experiences around 2.5 days worth of watch time on a good day.) And, you’ve got this blog and my social media too. I’m out there educating, empowering, and enriching online. Even if I’m not physically there (the real me), you’ve got the virtual me available at all times, around the globe.

I have to be guarded with my time because it is so scarce and valuable. I want to invest my time to achieve my lifelong goals. That being said, I like to think of my web presence as my way of never saying "no" again. It all comes full circle. While I may not have time to work on each and every opportunity, I do aspire to add value to everyone who crosses my path. This can be accomplished at scale thanks to the amazing leverage available online!

My closing tip: Be very selective with your time, and don’t be afraid to say "no". That being said, try to help everyone to the best of your ability, leveraging the scale and connectivity of the Internet.

Image in this post © PPCIan.com