From the Ohana

The Unknown World:

Prior to lilikoi agency, I worked in the banking industry for more than 15 years. During that time, I worked my way up from a teller to a branch manager. Banking can seem stale and cold from the outside world, but I found my inner analytical mind and used it to earn a few of the hardest licenses in the industry. I studied hard to pass the tests for the Series 6 and 63 investment licenses, and the Life/Accident and Health insurance license. I helped clients plan for retirement, buy homes, start businesses and more. All of these licenses required very thoughtful, focused study, but I lacked the joy of using my creative talents.

In September 2015, I had the opportunity to meet the COO and CEO of lilikoi agency. Sophia and Lance gave me the opportunity to change my career path and join them at their company. I was so excited to be blessed with a job where I could utilize my analytical and creative abilities together to grow businesses. Marketing requires the perfect balance of analytics and creativity. Working in marketing was so different than anything I had done before, it opened my mind to a whole new world.

Marketing – The Analytical Mindset:

As a full-service agency, we create all public facing materials, as well as protect the company brand and reputation, plus we manage all vendor relationships. Unlike most agencies, we also build and manage our clients’ marketing budgets and ROI reports. Monthly and annual marketing strategies are reverse engineered down to the number of leads needed per day to meet our clients’ goals. In order to achieve these results, we produce and manage hundreds of campaigns for each client every month. Throughout the month, a team of experts compile the data to create reports for us to analyze. We detect patterns between datasets and find creative solutions to improve the strategies. The truth is in the numbers, and this information is used to make pivotal decisions as to which campaigns we will run the following month. We produce leads that generate sales to grow our clients’ business.

Marketing – The Creative Mindset:

In addition to data, we MUST create campaigns that evoke emotion. So, it’s important that we are creative thinkers; we strive to be bold and different from the competition. The status quo does not get a company to the top of the consumers’ minds. Our clients rely on us to have our finger on the pulse of economic changes. And it’s imperative for us to know how consumers are making decisions, and where they are digesting media. We make decisions in real time and we are ready to pivot on a dime. So, what are some ways we use our creative minds? We brainstorm on catchy headlines, visual layouts, page designs, jingles and scripts. Then we utilize our skills in graphic design, video editing and more to make ideas into reality. As a result, we create campaigns that bring life to a brand and engage consumers to take action.

So, if you are looking to take your company or your career to the next level, join us today. And see how lilikoi agency brings the perfect blend of analytical and creative thinking together to make our clients’ #1 in their industries. I look forward to the future and the opportunities of growth for my self, our business, and our clients!

I and, as I am sure, many of you have often been asked what is your favorite food? That’s a tough one for me because I AM A FOODIE! I love to try new restaurants, and even more I love to experiment with cooking different types of food. Having lived in a few different countries the different genres of food have definitely stuck with me.

One of my favorite places to visit was Epcot… food from all over the world… it was a dream come true!

Dallas, TX for some good ol’ Texas BBQ

Love me some good Sushi

and of course, from my original roots, Hungarian food…

I have had the honor of speaking with Coach Wooden many years ago and discussing his Pyramid of Success. I have found it useful in everyday life, especially when I coach young people. Being able to pass on these principles is a passion of mine. I hope you find these a help on your life journey.

The Pyramid of Success is a roadmap to successful behaviors. Coach Wooden worked on the Pyramid for 15 years, defining the 14 blocks of the Pyramid below the 15th — which was defined as Competitive Greatness.

Later, Coach Wooden added “The Mortar,” which are 10 blocks along the sides that hold the Pyramid together.   

The Building Blocks:

There are 15 Inner-blocks in the Pyramid of Success. We call these the building blocks. Starting from the bottom, here are the names of each block with a short definition.

Industriousness:

There is no substitute for work. Worthwhile results come from hard work and careful planning.

Friendship:

Comes from mutual esteem, respect and devotion. Like Marriage, it must not be taken for granted but requires a joint effort.

Loyalty:

To yourself and to all those depending upon you. Keep your self-respect.

Cooperation:

With all levels of your coworkers. Listen if you want to be heard. Be interested in finding the best way, not having your own way.

Enthusiasm:

Brushes off upon those with whom you come in contact. You must truly enjoy what you are doing.

Cornerstone

The Second Tier

Self-Control:

Practice self-discipline and keep emotions under control. Good judgment and common sense are essential.

Alertness:

Be observing constantly. Stay open-minded. Be eager to learn and improve.

Initiative:

Cultivate the ability to make decisions and think alone. Do not be afraid of failure but learn from it.

Intentness:

Set a realistic goal. Concentrate on its achievement by resisting all temptations and being determined and persistent.

The Heart of the Pyramid

CONDITION:

Mental-moral-physical. Rest, exercise, and diet must be considered. Moderation must be practiced. Dissipation must be eliminated.

SKILL:

A knowledge of and the ability to properly and quickly execute the fundamentals. Be prepared and cover every little detail.

TEAM SPIRIT:

A genuine consideration to others. An eagerness to sacrifice personal interests of glory for the welfare of others.

Nearing the Peak

POISE:

Just being yourself. Being at ease in any situation. Never fighting yourself.

CONFIDENCE:

Respect without fear. May come from being prepared and keeping all things in proper perspective.

The Pinnacle

COMPETITIVE GREATNESS:

Be at your best when your best is needed. Enjoyment of a difficult challenge.

The Mortar

To the left and right of the Pyramid of Success, there are 10 more blocks that Coach Wooden called “The Mortar” – the left is referred to as “The Force of the Human Spirit” and the right is referred to as “The Strength of Human Character.”

Surrounding the top inner-block (Competitive Greatness) is part of The Pinnacle (Faith and Patience).

The Pinnacle

FAITH

Through prayer.

PATIENCE

Good things take time.

The Force of the Human Spirit

AMBITION

For noble goals.

ADAPTABILITY

To any situation. 

RESOURCEFULNESS

Proper judgment.

FIGHT

Determined effort.

The Strength of Human Character

SINCERITY

Keeps friends. 

HONESTY

In thoughts and action. 

RELIABILITY

Creates respect.

INTEGRITY

Purity of intention.

In total, with the inner-blocks and the mortar, there are 25 words that make up the Pyramid of Success.

We call these 25 Proven Behaviors That Produce True Success.

Seven Point Creed

A timeless gift that his father gave him as a teenager was entitled “Seven Things to Do” – which Coach later coined as his famous “Seven Point Creed.”

1. Be true to yourself.
2. Help others.
3. Make each day your masterpiece.
4. Drink deeply from good books, especially the Bible.
5. Make friendship a fine art.
6. Build a shelter against a rainy day.
7. Pray for guidance and count and give thanks for your blessings every day.

“A budget is telling your money where to go instead of wondering where it went.”
― Dave Ramsey

As sensitive as it may be, personal finance is just as important to me as professional finance. I love helping my friends create budgets, do taxes and plan for their futures — just as I do for lilikoi. When I’m not checking my credit score or expensing out my next vacation, I’m most likely cooking, painting or shopping (within the budget of course). I enjoy coffee, iced or hot. I love museums and flea markets. I enjoy traveling and quality time. Most importantly, I value spending money as much as I love accounting for it.

It all starts with a budget. Dave Ramsey is without a doubt, my financial spirit animal. The quote above is what I remind myself of each time I am setting up a new month or building a new budget (personally or professionally). Budgeting is hard and it takes time to get the hang of. Sometimes in your personal life, budgets could feel “restricting”, but I really believe that may be the wrong way to look at it.

A budget gives you the power and opportunity to make decisions and plan for things. For example, when you plan “Trip to Hawaii” into your budget, you give yourself the freedom to take that vacation stress free. You don’t have to put the trip on a credit card and worry about how you’re going to come up with the money later. You are able to afford the fun excursions and all the yummy (but pricey) restaurants all because you planned for it.

Initially, the most important thing for me when I set my personal budget is being realistic. The more accurately I open my budget the easier it is for me to stick to in the month. I think during the month, the importance shifts to being disciplined and reminding myself why I have the budget in the first place. Honestly, I wasn’t joking when I said I love spending money or listed shopping as a hobby. I am working really hard to be intentional with my spending, so I have the freedom to do whatever, whenever.

Due to this, I have started to go through Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University. For those who don’t know, its a program to teach and train you how to get a handle on your personal finances. I am learning so much about my spending habits, the good and the “needs improvement”. I highly recommend checking Dave out if you feel like you could use some personal finance resources.

Working with numbers all day requires a level of patience and persistence. I have a lot of persistence and very little patience, but it still seems to work for me. Go give budgeting a try!

_{Design and Animation by Lucas Swindler}

“You are in danger of living a life so comfortable and soft, that you will die without ever realizing your true potential.”

David Goggins

Reflect on the above quote for a moment. How does it make you feel? Consider this, when was the last time you did something in your life that made you physically or mentally uncomfortable? If you can’t think of a time, I’d encourage you to reflect again on this quote and force yourself this week to do something that’s outside of your comfort zone.

I selected the quote above because it spoke to me personally. I find myself, as I’m sure many people do, wanting to go towards the comfortable and easy choice in life. It’s much easier to sit on the couch and think about working out than it is to actually workout. It’s much easier to consider courses, classes, or certifications you would like to do — and much harder to actually do them. Seeking comfortable options isn’t a bad thing, but you’ll never reach your true potential.

This concept of being “outside of your comfort zone” is an extremely important part of the culture here at lilikoi agency. Many agencies and businesses in general are great at finding what they’re good at and simply keeping the status quo because it’s easy. Do they grow? Maybe. Are the successful? That’s a bigger question. They could be profitable, but what happens when the world changes? If you aren’t pushing yourself and making yourself uncomfortable, you can’t pivot and move to whatever the next new thing is.

My recommendation to you today is go do something uncomfortable. Find a course in a subject you know nothing about that you find interesting; go for a run, and push yourself until you feel like giving up, and push past that; set a timer, and try to do 20 squats and pushups every hour, or set your own goal. Remember, you’re in danger of living a comfortable life, so if you set a goal and it sounds easy, set the bar higher.

If you’re looking for inspiration, I’d recommend you follow Jocko Willink. I’ve linked his instagram here. He regularly is outside of his comfort zone and, I believe, can inspire anyone needing a push to do something new.

Converting a decision into action starts with making a decision. Throughout our day, we will have to make many decisions. Some require little effort, while others can be more thought-provoking. Every decision (big or small) is a risk-taking judgment. Timing is always a factor. As with major decisions, it may be beneficial to consider your options first. Although, understanding the timing process is crucial. One may be able to delay, while another would cause more problems by delaying. There are five steps you can count on to help you in the process of making good decisions.

Step 1: Identify your end result

What is the purpose or goal of making this decision? Figuring out the why is what triggers the action.

Step 2: Information equals options

Gathering information that is necessary and directly related to the problem helps to determine a solution.

Step 3: Now and then

Reviewing the pros and cons can help determine how this decision will impact your present and your future.

Step 4: Make a choice

Steps 1 to 3 are there to help level out the anxiety of wanting to feel comfortable with all of your options as well as the possible outcome in order to arrive at a decision.

Step 5: Execution is essential

Evaluate your decision once it is in action. The outcome will help you develop your decision-making skills in the future. Please note, an important factor when converting a decision into action is to recognize when it is not working. You most likely will need to choose another option.  

These five steps can assist with making good decisions; however, there are several distinct questions that are required when sparking action:

• Who has to know of this decision?
• What action has to be taken?
• Who has to take it?
• Do the people who have to do the action actually have the tools to do it?

A legend amongst most operations-based teams when uncovering “training opportunities” is simply that the first and last questions were “overlooked.”  All in all, the classic “think before you speak” holds fast and true in the decision-making process.  Think before you act, and your operations team will greatly thank you for it.

One of the most important parts of creating an ad campaign is paying close attention to ad relevancy. For example, in paid search, the customer journey starts with a simple Google search, generally referred to as a “search query.”

With the search query in, the user is now expecting certain relevant results to follow. For this example, let’s use “A/C Repair” as the search query. The user is now anticipating to see a set of results that have information about “A/C Repair”-related services and companies. This is why it’s crucial to have your paid ads match the search query exactly AND in a compelling way.  

Here’s a simple example to demonstrate why: assuming your search query is “A/C Repair,” if you see these three ads with the following headlines, which one would you pick?

1. Best Air Conditioning Company in Your Area
2. We Repair Your Refrigerator And All Your Household Appliances
3. A/C Repair Special – $100 Off Today!

The obvious choice here is the 3^rd headline. Not only is it the most relevant, it also has an enticing offer plus a bonus sense of urgency at the very end!

We are now 2/3^rd of the way there, but the last piece of the puzzle is when the ad is clicked and the customer is taken to a landing page. The content of the landing page is extremely important as we now have a pledge (a moral obligation) to honor what we promised in our ad copy, or else we’ll likely lose the customer.

Think of ad relevancy as the links of a chain that make a sold connection to move the client from one stage of the funnel to the next.

When ad relevancy is executed correctly, all of the metrics will be moving in the right direction: Quality Score, CTR (Click-Through Rate), Conversion Rate, and essentially you’ll achieve a lower CPL (Cost Per Lead) and higher lead count. And that means a successful campaign!

As the Channel Coordinator for Web and SEO at lilikoi agency, I am frequently asked, “what is your favorite thing about working at lilikoi?”

At the beginning, I had to figure out if this position and company were a good fit for me all around. I knew that the company was part of a growing industry and was consistently evolving in terms of internal growth. Overall, when it came to deciding if lilikoi agency was the right place for me, I was most attracted to the Core Values.

Now that I have been on the team for over two years, I’m very impressed by how the core values shine through in every aspect of our work. We work hard and play hard, but we’re able to “talk the talk” and “walk the walk.”

Over the past two years, there is one value that speaks volumes to me. It makes it easy for me to answer candidates, family, and friends with complete honesty – My favorite thing about working at lilikoi is Ownership.

It’s easy to explain:

Ownership in the Workplace

• Ownership to me is taking the initiative to bring about positive results.
• This means not waiting for others to act, to care about the outcome as much as the owner of the company would.
• It is being accountable for the results of your actions – ensuring they are of the highest quality and delivered in a timely manner.
• Taking ownership shows others in the workplace that they can trust you to do the right thing.

Ownership means that I have an obligation in terms of results; and that I have an obligation to the organization in terms of results; and that I have an obligation to act on the different items that impact those results. It is imperative that I must be accountable and own the results of my actions.

A Culture that Fosters Ownership

Lilikoi’s Core Values are the heart of creating an environment where employees feel empowered to act and bring about change. We have a culture that values ownership:

• I can make a difference (I am empowered to take initiative within the organization)
• I have the support of my team as well as the rest of leadership (they know I will be accountable for my actions)
• I can incorporate my passions into my position (my actions create positive results for myself and the organization)
• I feel trusted (the team knows I will do the right thing)

I know that each one of lilikoi’s employees is looking to make a difference, take on new challenges, and always work on developing themselves.