Journaling Our Philanthropy This Thanksgiving

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".

Over 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

By PPC Ian Leave a Comment Oct 25 5

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 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

Lessons Learned From Running 5K Races

By PPC Ian Leave a Comment Jul 7 1

This is the sport where everyone truly comes together. I’m talking about my favorite sport in the world, running. Over the past few months, my wife, son, and I have participated in four separate 5K races. Over the last few years, 5K races have become a family tradition. This incredible sport has the power to transform our world.

Ever since high school, my favorite sport has been cross-country running. I am significantly better at swimming, and enjoy that sport as well, however there’s something about running that intrigues me. In addition to the fact that it brings everyone together, I love the distance covered, the scenic views, the diversity of terrain, and the thrill of pushing further and faster with each run. You may be thinking, "This blog is all about business, digital marketing, and sometimes investing, Ian. Why are you writing about running?" I personally believe that there is a huge tie between the mental side of things and the physical. I’m thrilled to share life lessons I have personally learned from running.

Lesson 1: It’s All About Pushing Through

When I train, I’m typically running about 5 or 6 miles at a time. I exclusively train with hills because I like a good challenge. I have always found that around mile two (right before the half way point), everything gets easier. I’m actually approaching some of the most difficult terrain of the journey (steepest hills), yet things just start flowing. I attribute this to the phenomenon known as "runners high". There’s a point where you cross your largest challenge, and things just start getting easier.

I believe the same is true in life, business, and investing. Far too many people give up when they reach challenging times. The challenges seem to pile up, just as the summit of my run. It’s difficult to see past the challenges since the hills are so steep. However, it’s often at this very moment that you’ll get a surprise. In the case of running, it’s the endorphins kicking in (or runners high). In the case of life, I believe it’s a little help from up above. The moral of the story: Don’t give up. When things keep getting more difficult, know that you are incredibly close to your big breakthrough. Persistence is the name of the game.

Lesson 2: Sportsmanship Is Alive And Well

Over the years, I have participated in a multitude of 5K runs. Some are more fun than others. My personal favorite is the annual Lupus 5K in beautiful Saratoga, CA. I actually just completed this 5K, along with my wife and son. There is a great cause behind this event: Raising money and awareness to find a cure for Lupus. The event is team oriented and often teams are rallying around someone they personally know with Lupus.

I have found that this event is really special, and am proud to call it my favorite 5K run. It’s hard to explain, but when you are in this race, you feel a common bond with everyone there. Everyone is so kind, so well-spirited, and in it for the greater good. Nobody is trying to "win". Nobody is trying to beat their neighbor and cut around others. While I was participating in this race, I had one thing on my mind and that was giving it my all to truly support Lupus. I even found myself praying for those with Lupus. I imagine that others felt a similar experience and that is why the sportsmanship at this race is so amazing.

In business, it often becomes extremely competitive. We’re competitive with one another. (Who will get promoted first?) We’re competitive with our competitors. (Can we beat the competition?) We can lose sight of the big picture. Running provides the perfect framework for business. Look at everything from a team perspective.

A real world example: In the self storage industry, we are sometimes out of a certain unit size (they are all taken). We make a point of referring potential customers on these units to our "competitors" down the street. At the end of the day, we don’t even look at other facilities as competitors, we look at them as friends and neighbors. It’s all about good sportsmanship.

Lesson 3: It’s Your Race

I participated in four 5K races recently. Of all the races, the San Carlos Fun Run felt the most competitive. It’s in a town that has incredible athletes and the runners take this event with complete seriousness.

I ran my heart out in all races. I would say that I had the most people pushing me to do my best in San Carlos since it was a close race and people were actively passing each other to get an edge at the finish line. The interesting fact: I ran the fastest (by far) in the Redwood City 4th of July Parade Run, even though I literally had nobody pushing me other than myself.

At the end of the day, it’s your race and nobody else’s. Running is a sport where you are pushing yourself to do your personal best. The only thing that pushed me in the 4th of July Parade Run were the thoughts and prayers running through my mind.

In business, it’s so easy to compare yourself to others. Am I making enough money? Why does somebody else have more responsibility than me? Is my title good enough? The list goes on… Rather than compare oneself to others, why not focus on your personal race. After twelve years in pure play digital marketing roles, I said, "To heck with it. Why not take a completely different route and pursue my dreams of investing full time." It was an unconventional move, but has paid great dividends in a variety of ways. Remember that this life is your race alone. Benchmarking against others can be helpful at times, but the most important benchmark is yourself.

Lesson 4: Take Time To Meditate

Any of us with a digital marketing background know that ads are everywhere in this digital age. It’s difficult to get a moment to oneself. The noise is always there. Aside from ads, we all have persistently growing checklists, phone calls, work. It can become really "loud" in one’s life. I have found running to be the perfect avenue for meditation. I like to run long distances. I like to push myself and feel the pain. It is in this precise moment that the noise goes away. I can meditate and pray. I can reflect. Whether it’s running or something completely different, I challenge you to find your avenue for unplugging. Find that time. This is when you will have your best ideas and gain inspiration to fuel your best work.

Lesson 5: Mix An Active Lifestyle Into Your Business Routine

We live in a unique age where we are "always on". Personal time and business time no longer exist. It’s business and personal 24/7. The two blend together. I joke with my wife that I am all about the "athleasure" lifestyle, and it’s true. These days, I mainly wear sneakers and Lululemon clothes. In fact, I feel like I have a shopping addition for both. Throughout the day, I’ll take random breaks to get in a few pushups, jump lunges, or even a quick sprint. For me, the active lifestyle fuels energy, thought, success, and overall happiness. While I still plan longer workouts like my runs and swims, I also like to incorporate impromptu, high intensity training. My advice: Consider bringing this active lifestyle into your life and office. There’s nothing wrong with someone doing some pushups or crunches in the middle of the corporate office. In fact, I hope this becomes the routine.

Lesson 6: We Are The Human Family

I have seen this theme emerge a variety of places recently. As an avid student of life and someone growing in my spirituality, I have learned that we are all part of the human family. We are each a cell in a greater being, a collective being. There is no event where this becomes more apparent (to me, at least) than a 5K race. Each time I complete one of these 5K races, I try to take the good vibes with me wherever I go. It’s all about what one can do for the greater human family.

Thanks for reading. Do you enjoy running? Any lessons you have learned from sports?

The Five Minute Journal: My Review and Experience

By PPC Ian Leave a Comment Feb 27 4

Ian Lopuch The Five Minute Journal The growth I have experienced in the last few years has been tremendous on all fronts. One of the main drivers behind my growth has been a thirst for adopting the latest and greatest practices that fuel winners. I recently signed up for Mentor Box and have experienced outstanding knowledge, motivation, and excitement from their wonderful program. For busy professionals with lofty goals like myself, I view Mentor Box as a game-changer. Today, I’m excited to share with all of you another game-changer: The Five Minute Journal (my affiliate link).

I actually just reached my one year anniversary since I made The Five Minute Journal part of my daily routine. Let’s start with the basics: How did I get started with this journal that I now carry everywhere with me?

My Five Minute Journal Story: How It All Started

Almost two years ago, I made an exciting career jump! I went from the environment of a large publicly traded company to the wild and exciting world of commercial real estate development. This transition marked a big change in my career. Instead of managing some of the largest digital marketing budgets on the Internet with the support of a huge team, I became an entrepreneur. While our company has been around for 40 years, I opened our new Bay Area office and am responsible for the next phase of growth in the greater Northern California area.

I have found that change is good, and change can ignite growth. I have also found that lots of change tends to happen at once. This wasn’t just a time for career change. I wanted to grow faster, learn more, get in better shape, embrace spirituality, increase my happiness, and so much more. (As a side note: There was nothing wrong with my prior career. In fact, I loved it. It was great, and shaped my ability to take on this new role. It’s all about evolution and enjoying change when the time is right.)

During my journey, I started seeking answers from other successful entrepreneurs, those who I view as really mastering life to the fullest. I started watching interviews and absorbing as much knowledge and information as possible. One entrepreneur in particular caught my attention, Alex Ikonn. One day, I was on YouTube and found this entrepreneur who started several successful companies with his wife, Mimi Ikonn. Despite his success, Alex remains humble. This is someone I wanted to follow.

After following Alex’s journey, I found that he had started a company called Intelligent Change. Intelligence Change is the company behind The Five Minute Journal. As I heard Alex speak about the journal he co-founded with his business partner UJ Ramdas, I was immediately intrigued. I instantly knew that this would become part of my routine. So, what exactly is The Five Minute Journal?

Ian Lopuch Writing The Five Minute Journal

What Is The Five Minute Journal?

The Five Minute Journal is a physical journal. (Well, they have an app too, but I highly recommend the physical version.) It’s a journal that you update twice per day, once in the morning when you first wake up and once in the evening right before you go to bed. Some of my favorite features include:

Daily inspirational quotes.
Weekly challenges that keep life interesting.
Focus on gratitude. Gratitude is one of the most productive forces around, and a practice that propelled Alex and Mimi Ikonn to great success in their portfolio of businesses, including Luxy Hair.
Affirmations. Another incredibly powerful force that some of the best entrepreneurs in the world practice, including Alex Ikonn, are daily affirmations. Basically, you’re able to speak of yourself and your personal mission statement, as if you have already achieved your dream. The more you write something and the more you believe something, the faster it will happen. The universe will reward your vision!
Accountability. The journal holds me accountable to specific goals each and every day. It has supercharged my productivity and helped me focus on what matters.
Trend recognition. I’m able to uncover trends in my life, and optimize.
Documentation. The Five Minute Journal becomes a really fun record to reflect back upon.

Overall, The Five Minute Journal has brought more excitement, productivity, and happiness into my life.

The Five Minute Journal

How I Personally Leverage This Amazing Resource

While The Five Minute Journal comes complete with instructions and a great primer on how to get full results, I want to share my personal experience, since I’ve uncovered some strategies that work quite well for me (and hopefully for you too).

Get the physical journal. There is so much power in the written word. We are all too tied to technology. Having a moment to take a break from technology and really reflect is transformative. Bonus tip: Consider going outside or to a favorite location to really meditate and think while filling out your journal. Don’t be tied to your smartphone and computer, as those can stifle idea generation.
Don’t be afraid to mark up the quotes. Each day, I’m greeted with a new inspirational quote. Some really resonate with me. Others don’t hit home as much. I like to circle my favorite quotes and take notes in the margin.
Don’t get discouraged if you miss a day or two. It happens to the best of us. Just get back on the program.
- Bonus tip: It’s ok, also, if you miss half a day. This happens to me often on weekends. I do my morning update Friday morning, but then am so tired and in weekend mode, so I’ll forget Friday night. Not a big deal. I just pick it up when I can.
- Another Bonus Tip: Forget your nighttime update? Complete the nighttime update the next morning, along with your morning update.
Add extra lines where it makes sense. Sometimes I have one of those really amazing days. There aren’t just three great things to record for that day, but five or even more. I’ll add more lines to capture it all.
Don’t get into a rut with your daily gratitude. I like to vary it a bit each day because I’m thankful for so many different things in life. Conversely, it’s ok to be in a rut with your affirmations. In fact, my affirmations are the same every single day (actually, I changed them one time over the last year). I’m completely focused on the vision I have for myself.
It’s not all about business. As you leverage your Five Minute Journal, think about the big picture. What do you really want out of life and out of the specific day at hand? It’s ok if your goals do not relate to work. It’s all about your dreams and aspirations, after all.
Travel with your journal. Sure, it adds some weight to your carry on. Good! That’s how you build muscles. I like to bring my Five Minute Journal everywhere.
Moleskine pens work great. I really like the rectangular-shaped Moleskine pens. They clip so easily onto your journal and are a pleasure to write with. They may not look like they’re worth the money, since they’re just plastic pens, but trust me… These are the best pens ever for journaling.
Buy a few extra journals. Don’t want any downtime when you get to the end of your journal? Buy a stack of them like me.
More than anything, think big (really big) and get inspired. You can achieve anything you want. Allow The Five Minute Journal to help you get there. Keep evolving and dream big!

Team Leaders and Those That Care About Others: It Makes An Amazing Gift

Over the last year, I have become such a fan of The Five Minute Journal that I’ve given away a multitude of free copies to friends, family, and business colleagues. As a business leader, I want those around me to grow. I want them to live their full potential. The Five Minute Journal makes such an incredible gift. I recommend buying a stack of them, like me, so you always have a few ready to give away.

Conclusion

These days at PPC Ian, I really want to help you grow, not just in digital marketing, but in business and life. I want to share the specific strategies and tools that I’m leveraging for success. My last post was all about Mentor Box and this one is all about The Five Minute Journal. And, it won’t end there. I’ve got some other really neat posts planned, more game-changers.

If you like what you’ve read here and decide to move forward, I please ask you to use my Five Minute Journal affiliate link. If you decide to purchase via my affiliate link, your price is the same (however I’ll receive a small commission, 15% to be exact). These affiliate earnings help me pay the bills here at PPC Ian, and help me add continued value to everyone reading. Thanks so much, and dream big!

My New Five Minute Journal Video Review

I’m thrilled to share my brand new video review of The Five Minute Journal. In my video, you’ll view an actual page out of my journal, and see my gratitude, affirmations, goals, and more. Also, I share my personal tips on how I get the most out of this amazing gratitude journal. I hope you enjoy the video!

Images in this post © PPCIan.com

A Reality Check For The Digital Marketing Industry

By PPC Ian Leave a Comment Aug 18 7

I’ve been getting really philosophical lately. I want to start this post with two very important questions: Will your current company be here in 50 years? Will the work you are doing right now have lasting impact in 50 years time? If your answer is "no" (or maybe an "I don’t know"), this post is for you.

We Are Here For A Reason

Let’s start with the basics. I have the firm belief that we are all here for a reason. We are here on this planet to be amazing leaders, contributors, mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters. We are here to add incredible, long-term value to humanity.

As I get older, I also simultaneously realize that time is finite. As a younger professional in my 30s, I have a treasure trove of time, right? I sure hope so. That being said, as I get older, the days, weeks, months, and years seem to speed up.

At a recent conference, a wise elder in our industry was called in to speak to the young leaders (I was included in the young leaders segment). His illustration: Life goes at 20 miles per hour in your 20s, life goes at 30 miles per hour in your 30s, life goes at 40 miles per hour in your 40s… By the time you get to your 60s, life is moving at 60 miles per hour. Each day you live, the actual time passes faster.

I find this to be incredibly true in my life. Time has never seemed to move so quickly. I’m young and have a lot of time ahead, but I know it’s important to seize the moment immediately.

I have concluded that I want to make a lasting 50-100+ year impact on each and every major aspect of my life. Over the last few years, I have organized my life around four main categories. Let’s explore each.

Ian’s Four Elements of Life: Family

I don’t write about my personal life frequently on PPC Ian these days, so I’m absolutely thrilled to announce I’m now a Dad. Becoming a father has been the single most important, life-changing event of my entire life. Being the best Dad possible is my greatest and proudest accomplishment. Fatherhood has given me a completely new perspective on life.

Let’s go back to my original question… If you’re a parent right now, the work you are doing as a parent will certainly have huge value 50 or more years from now. Through the lens of my original question, there are few things as important as parenthood, in my opinion.

As a digital marketing leader and people manager, I encourage you to close up shop early on a regular basis and spend time with your family. You are planting and nourishing the foundation of this world’s future via your children. Our children are so much more intelligent than us, let’s invest in the future!

Ian’s Four Elements of Life: Charity

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about my legacy. What type of legacy do I want to leave here on planet Earth? Above and beyond my family, the first thing that comes to mind is a legacy of generosity and contribution. At the beginning of of this post, you see a picture of yours truly on a bench. This is actually the bench that my beautiful wife (Nicole), mother in-law, father in-law, and I donated to our local park. This very bench will be here in 50 years. This very bench is benefitting the local community each and every day.

I am incredibly focused on charity these days because I know the actions I take in charity have longevity and great meaning. I’m approaching charity much like my investing career: Small, incremental investments on a regular basis yield huge returns in the long-run. The returns in this case are not in my personal portfolio, they’re so much more important. (Stay tuned, I’m about to launch a new website where you can follow the donations we’re making on the charity front, both money and time.)

I encourage you to bring charity to the top of your list. In our busy world of digital marketing, it’s so easy to forget about something like charity. We’re just trying to hit deadlines and milestones, after all. Charity cannot wait for your release date or milestone. Your time and money will have great impact, immediately.

Ian’s Four Elements of Life: Spirituality

I really found spirituality over the last few years. My Pastor, a very smart and articulate man, loves to remind us that there is no more important work than the work we do in God’s kingdom. In fact, I would say that his message on this topic has really encouraged my thinking behind today’s entire post, my entire thought architecture on the long-term view.

50 years is a reasonably short period of time, in the scheme of things. Will the company you’re at be here in 1,000 years? Well, God and his incredible kingdom will still be here. Contribute to God’s kingdom and your work has true staying power.

Whether you are Christian or support another religion, I encourage you to embrace your spiritual side. Here in Silicon Valley, many unfortunately subscribe to the religion of money. Many churches are struggling to stay afloat. This is a real issue when it comes to priorities. Don’t focus exclusively on the short-run since there’s a whole spiritual world that will be around forever.

Ian’s Four Elements of Life: Career

Just over a year ago, I made a career jump! I leveraged my long-standing track record in digital marketing to become Partner at a 40+ year-old commercial real estate development and investment company, with responsibilities spanning marketing, technology, and real estate development development. Many people asked me, "Ian, why are you making this move?" My answer: I wanted to pursue my incredible passion for investing.

I’ve always been a long-term investor, one who invests exclusively for dividends and cash flow. My investment horizon is forever since I typically don’t sell. Capital appreciation is nice, but just icing on the cake. My passion for long-term investing lead me to a company that has been growing for over 40 years and will surely be around another 50+ years. I got into position where I can build real estate assets that benefit this world for generations to come!

I encourage you to find a company that you believe will stand the test of time. Or, a company that is providing a good or service that offers true longevity and benefit to society. Why work on something short-lived when you can add value for the long-haul?

If I were writing to doctors, the answer here would be obvious. Everyone in that line of work is performing fundamental important work with long staying power. Same goes for teachers and police officers. Digital marketing is an amazing career (I’m the greatest proponent around), but can sometimes be a little different. How can you make your work in digital marketing even more important to society over the long-term?

Bringing It Home

I want to encourage you to align everything you’re doing, across all four aspects of life, for a 50 year (or longer) horizon.

That said, what if this is not possible? Maybe you’re at a company that pays well, but you have no confidence in future longevity? There are many elements of life, even more than the four outlined here. I suggest doubling down in your categories of strength. Your shortcomings in one category may add even greater strength in another. For example, leverage that incredible salary to give even more to charity.

Or, find unique ways to turn a short-term situation into one with long-term perspective. For example, go all out mentoring others at your company. While your company may or may not have staying power, your mentoring surely will. It doesn’t matter if you have it all figured out, it just matters that you’re thinking on the philosophical level.

What if you’re a CEO or leader at a company? Consider a deep-dive on your long-term plan. How is your company positioned for the next 50 years? How are your philosophical values as a company aligned for society-wide benefit? How is your company supporting your employees across all four pillars of life?

Also, swim lanes don’t have to be exclusive. For example, why not bring charity into your company? Whether you believe your company will be here in 50 years or not, you can certainly pioneer team charity events, making your company a bit more immortal.

As always, thanks everyone for reading. It means the world to me.

Image of Ian Lopuch on Bench ©PPCIan.com

I Pray While Running

By PPC Ian Leave a Comment Jul 14 3

I’m truly honored and proud to be a disciple of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Today’s post is about my experience as a Christian Businessman and my experience praying while running. I hope this post encourages you to embrace your own spirituality, as I know this is the key to solving many of our world’s challenges.

I’m a Busy Person: Running Is The Perfect Time To Pray

I’m a busy guy. I love what I do and often take on way too much. It’s all good and I’m blessed to have these opportunities in life.

Many Christians like to start their day with prayer. This is something I may try in the future, but I often find that the mornings are my busy time. I could probably find a few minutes to pray, but it would feel rushed.

If you’ve been reading PPC Ian for a long time, you probably also know that I love running. Since becoming a Christian, I have started getting into really deep thought during my long runs. I have really taken advantage of my time running (typically I go running for 45 minutes to 1 hour at a time), to connect with Jesus via prayer.

If you’re a busy person and feel like prayer is not making it into your routine, I encourage you to give this a try.

Today’s Prayer: I’m Thankful

So, what did I pray for during today’s run? First and foremost, I started with gratitude for everything I have. Today, I am especially thankful that I was able to run at all, especially for such a long distance (about 7 miles) in such heat (hot summer heat) on such tough terrain (entire run was up a slope, and then down the same slope).

Recently, I stepped on a piece of glass that really caused some damage to my foot. I thank Jesus that my foot has healed and I was able to run. Also recently, I pushed myself too hard running and had to go to the ER due to dehydration. I’m thankful that I’m more conscious of my limits and decided to walk part of the run today. I am smarter and wiser due to these challenges.

Of course, I also took some time to reflect on my incredible family and life. I’m very lucky and grateful.

Today’s Prayer: My Wishes

The great thing about praying while running, especially if you go on long runs like myself, is you have a ton of time to truly pray. With so much going on in our world right now, I had a multitude of prayers:

I prayed for the African American community. Black lives truly do matter and I prayed that African Americans enjoy peace and true prosperity. An interesting side note… I grew up listening to rap music. Rap music very much shaped who I am. Rap is my encouragement, my fuel, my hope. Rap music always puts me in a great mood. I’m a fan of jazz too. If it were not for the African American community, I would not be where I am today since this amazing music is so much a part of who I am.
I prayed for the amazing police officers out there. Over the last decade, I’ve had the privilege to get to know some local police officers here in the Bay Area. I have so much respect for the men and women who enforce our laws and put their lives on the line for our personal safety. I pray for peace and prosperity for the police force.
Just like everybody else out there, I’m often facing a big question or dilemma where I just don’t have the answers. I know that Jesus has a plan and has those answers for me so I prayed today for those answers.
I haven’t had the opportunity to support our Church to the extent I would like in recent months. Today, I prayed that I’m able to contribute, especially via my tithe and offering and also by executing upon my finance seminar.
Last, I truly have a heart for those in the local community who are facing challenges. I prayed for those in the greater San Mateo County who are in need of help. I prayed for prosperity in our community.

Some Closing Thoughts

I respect all religions that promote peace, respect, and love. Whether your spirituality is Christianity or another religion, I encourage you to really embrace your spiritual side. I truly believe that spirituality is the key to many of the challenges our society faces. We are flawed and we don’t have the answers. A much higher power does, however, as long as we ask for help and are open to feedback.

I also came up with some fun ideas on today’s run. I find that these runs while praying offer me great insight and peace. Two of the fun ideas today were creating my personal bucket list and also sending some gifts to star employees who have gone above and beyond.

In closing, I encourage you to go running and embrace your spirituality.

Business Lessons From Surfing

By PPC Ian Leave a Comment May 10 2

I just went to Maui with my wife and son for a fun family vacation. During our trip, I had the opportunity to try surfing for the first time. I’m a very strong swimmer (competitive swim team during high school) and body boarder (grew up in LA going to the beach). Interestingly enough, I had never tried my hand at surfing before. I was honestly somewhat apprehensive as a taller guy. That said, my wife, Nicole, convinced me and I’m so glad she did. Today’s post highlights some of my top takeaways (applicable to life and business) from my surfing experience.

Run towards challenge. These days, I’m blessed to have a variety of mentors in my life. The consistent theme I always hear is that you should do at least one thing that’s uncomfortable and challenging each and every day. When you embrace challenge, you truly grow. I overcame my concern of getting hurt while surfing (falling off the board and/or having a collision with other surfers) and had the time of my life.
Wait for the right pitch. In surfing, it’s all about waiting for the right wave. Sometimes, that wave will come right away. Other times, you have to wait quite some time. In business and life, it’s important to exercise patience. Wait for that right pitch, that right deal, that right opportunity. Don’t rush. The best investors have the willpower to wait for the perfect opportunity. Also, they have the willpower to stick to their strategy during turbulent times if the long-term fundamentals are there.
Don’t look back. If you look down at your feet while surfing, it’s likely you’ll fall off the board. At least, that’s what I personally experienced. However, when I looked forward, toward the horizon, my balance was incredible. In life and business, don’t get too caught up in the past. It’s all about the future.
It’s okay to ask for help. Being my first time surfing, I took a lesson. Without my instructor’s help, I wouldn’t have successfully surfed multiple waves during my first surfing outing ever. I embraced the help, and benefitted from the knowledge of my mentor. No matter how far along you are in business, there are always areas where you can improve. Actively solicit the help of others, stay humble.
Follow a routine. I learned this from my son. Life is so much easier when you have a routine. Of course, routines evolve and you have to challenge yourself too (point 1). However, an overarching routine is pure gold. When surfing, I always found success when following the steps my instructor outlined. When I lost track of the steps, I was fast to fall off the board. Routines and rhythms are the key to business.
Pace yourself. Paddling a heavy long board out to sea can be exhausting, especially when you’re new to surfing. It’s all about pacing yourself and conserving energy. The same can be said for business. Stress too much in the short run and you may run out of energy when you really need it. You may burn out. Pace yourself because business and life and all about the long term.
Take time in nature. As a running enthusiast, I always enjoy getting out there and experiencing the great outdoors. Surfing offered a completely different perspective, in the beautiful Maui oceans. If you’re a business leader, make a concentrated effort to get your team out of the office. There’s a beautiful and energizing world out there!

Launching My Digital Marketing & Business Quotes

By PPC Ian Leave a Comment Nov 15 0

After launching my Digital Marketing YouTube Academy last week, I’m thrilled to share another exciting announcement today. With the goal of educating, empowering, and motivating others, I’m pleased to launch my brand new graphical PPC Ian Digital Marketing and Business Quotes. If you follow me on social media, you may have already seen some of my quotes over the last few weeks.

I’ve been in digital marketing, business, and investing for a long time now. I wanted to take this opportunity to succinctly share my personal insights and strategies via fun, easy-to-understand, graphical quotes. I’m now posting them on social media each week (typically on Tuesdays), and also on my new Quotes page here on PPC Ian (easily accessible from my top and bottom navigation bars).

The quotes are typically self-explanatory. If you would like to learn the greater story behind them, however, I provide a paragraph or two of details for each quote on my new Quotes page. When I post my new quotes each week, I also update this page, so please make sure to bookmark it if you enjoy the insights and details behind each quote.

I personally study and reflect upon quotes from great leaders regularly. It’s amazing how much knowledge is out there. Knowledge often comes from leaders in completely unrelated fields. In the same way that others are empowering me, I hope my original PPC Ian quotes empower you!

Approaching Business As An Investor

By PPC Ian Leave a Comment Aug 17 0

I’m an investor with a lifelong obsession for cash flow. If you’ve been reading PPC Ian for a while, you probably already know that (from my posts about topics such as Lending Club ). I recently started a new role, one where I’m able to combine my passions for investing, marketing, leadership, technology, and general management. My passion for investing seems to enter all aspects of my role. Today, I want to share some thoughts on how you can approach business with the investment mindset.

Think Long-Term

There’s a big difference between investing and speculation. Investing is all about the long-term. Investors think five, ten, and even twenty years out. Speculators, those trying to earn a quick dollar, actively trade in and out of stocks (and other financial instruments). I’m here to argue that the patient, long-term approach is fundamental to both investing and business. Some practical examples applied to business:

Treat people well and build long-term relationships that turn into friendships. It’s all about the people. You cannot carry the weight of the world on your own shoulders. Build long-term relationships, and build careers. Those very relationships will drive long-term results for you and the company.
Integrate technologies and build systems that offer long-term efficiency and gains. Don’t write sloppy code, don’t build short-term bandaid solutions. You may have to invest more money and time (at the sacrifice of short-term results), but your efforts will drive compounded results in the long-term.
Make smart decisions that provide predictable business growth over the long-term, not just the next few months. Do you want to experience super high-highs and low-lows, a roller coaster ride? Or, do you want to experience continuous, incremental highs over time? With the right long-term approach, you can smooth out volatility and create predictability. Those predictable investments are often the best ones. In parallel, there is nothing better than creating a solid, predictable business environment for growing one’s career and winning the trust of the investment community.

It’s All About Dividends and Cash Flow

I’m an investor who truly appreciates dividends. I’m of the "Show me the money" mindset. Those enterprises that consistently put cash in my pocket (in the form of growing dividends) are my favorites, and almost always turn out to be the best investments.

In business, nothing changes. Why are you in business? Aside from your top-level mission statement and charter, you’re in business to turn a profit, to generate cash. The quicker you turn a profit and the bigger the profit, the better. Whether you’re running digital marketing campaigns, analyzing a real estate opportunity, or making the case for a new hire, always understand the implications on your company’s cash flow. Generate increasing cash flow over time, and you’ve got a truly winning business.

Have a stockpile of cash on hand? Even if your business is privately held, you can pay out dividends. I have worked for several employers who have done just that, turning my career into a true investment!

Take Action When Others Are Not

In the investing world, industries fall in and out of favor. I like to take advantage of temporarily depressed industries, especially with big, sustainable dividends. When others are selling, I’m buying. That said, I’m also very careful not to catch a falling knife, so to speak.

From a business standpoint, I encourage you to face your fears head-on. Take advantage of those opportunities others are ignoring. Tackle the seemingly impossible. Is there a neglected are of your business, one that is really difficult and intimidating, or just plain mundane? Embrace those opportunities! Take a calculated risk when your modeling proves over-and-over that it is warranted. Don’t ever take the easy, safe route. Leaders forge their own paths and drive companies forward. Take action when others are not!

Note: I am not a licensed investment advisor and this article is not investment advice. This article is for entertainment purposes only.

Don’t Ever Burn Bridges In Business

By PPC Ian Leave a Comment Apr 9 2

The other day, I received a strange phone call. I’m not going to go into details, but let’s just say that a professional contact/friend of many years called me and essentially burned the bridge. Now, I’m a a reasonably forgiving person, so the bridge was not really burned because I was able to save the day by being the bigger person. However, many people are not forgiving like me. I was surprised the person calling made this mistake, because it’s one that people typically learn (often the hard way) at some point in their career, never to make it again. Today, I wanted to write about burning bridges, and how you can avoid doing so! Please read on, today’s tips will greatly amplify your career and save you from the great challenges that burning bridges can cause. These tips will make you a better leader.

Challenge

First and foremost, what does it mean to burn a bridge? Basically, it means acting in a way that damages a relationship that was previously professional. It means you act in a way that creates an awkward situation, sometimes irreparable. A business relationship that was once sound is now in a state of disarray. In my experience, it just isn’t worth it! This stuff will always come back to haunt you in the future. Avoid burning bridges at all costs.

Tip 1: Even if you treated in an unfriendly way, do not react back with anything other than kindness. Throughout your career, you may not agree with everything that is happening. There may be situations that seem "unfair". Some situations may even test your emotions (especially if you have been working long hours, and are low on sleep to begin with). Never, ever react to this type of stuff. You may think you’re right, but sometimes you are not. Even if you are right, do not do anything drastic. The calm, professional businessperson always wins. Keep it cool, and avoid burning those bridges. Be the bigger person, the leader.

Tip 2: Always leave on a great note! Leaving your company for a new job? Give proper two week’s notice. Be very cordial and helpful. Document everything possible. Treat your co-workers with respect. Don’t brag, keep it low-key. What about the situation where you are leaving but didn’t expect it to happen? Stay calm, and be incredibly positive and cordial. We’re in a very small world here in digital marketing (and technology overall). You will run into everyone again. And, it’s just the right thing to do, be that great professional.

Tip 3: Have a thick skin. In the world of business, things happen. I truly believe that everything happens for a reason. Have that faith and inner peace. Don’t worry if things seem "unfair". Don’t worry if things are not going your way. The very thing that is not going your way could create incredible opportunity for you in the near future. You never know what is right around the corner. Have a thick skin, and carry on. Always do what’s best for the business and you cannot fail!

Tip 4: Find great teammates and rely on each other. Sometimes you will be a mentor to others. Sometimes, others will be a mentor to you. Build that strong team. Build that support network. When you surround yourself with great leaders, you cannot go wrong. There is true strength in numbers.

Tip 5: Think about the long term. Business is all about the big picture. Act in your best interests and your company’s best interests from a long term perspective. Take time to think before doing anything!

Tip 6: Be humble. There are a lot of high-powered professionals reading this blog. Smart, successful people got where they are for a reason. They are great at what they do! No matter how smart you are, however, remember that you can always be wrong from time-to-time. By staying humble, you will always be in that mindset of avoiding danger. Treat every single day like it’s your first day at work.

Tip 7: Be ready to forgive yourself and others. Stuff happens. People make mistakes (including you and me). Remember how I started this post? If you can be the bigger person and build a practice of forgiveness (of course if circumstances allow for it), you will make the business world a better place. You will also amplify your own quality of life. That said, you can forgive, but that doesn’t mean you need to forget. When someone burns the bridge, you can always reserve the right to remember what happened.

Hope these tips help, everyone. It’s all about the people. Forge those world-class business partnerships and they will pay dividends for years (and decades) to come!