An online partner with Quick Link Marketing, now known as Managed Benefits, Krishen Iyer has earned a professional reputation for his unique expertise in several critical areas of specialization, including technical development, online marketing, and client interfacing, among countless others. Krishen, a graduate of San Diego State University, is principally involved in much of the business’s core focus areas, including, of course, the company’s services aimed at fostering connections between lead-generation companies and firms seeking a specific kind of marketing solution.
Lauded by his peers for his exacting approach to his professional responsibilities as well as for his inquisitive nature, Krishen possesses a remarkably diverse professional skillset and has demonstrated a unique ability for applying or adapting his talents based upon the demands of the individual situation or circumstance. Krishen’s expertise in client interfacing has also proved to be vital in Quick Link Marketing’s (Managed Benefits) success thus far, and his colleagues cite Krishen’s substantial communication talents as playing a central role in creating a collaborative environment in which teamwork is consistently emphasized.
Krishen began sharpening these frequently lauded skills long before accepting his current position as an online partner, including during the time he spent as a student at both Grossmont College and San Diego State University, the latter of which resulted in Krishen earning a bachelor’s degree in public administration and urban development.
It was during his academic career that Krishen also learned the value of pursuing varied interests, which is part of the reason he remains so involved in local community service efforts — including, for example, cleanup projects focused on beautifying Woodward Park — as well as more globally focused endeavors, such as supporting the ongoing relief efforts in Haiti.
How did you get started in this business? What inspired you to start this business?
Quick Link Marketing (Managed Benefits) is genuinely unique in its approach to fostering connections between lead-generation companies and companies seeking effective marketing solutions, and I felt my professional skillset was uniquely suited for the responsibilities required of an online partner with the company.
How do you make money?
We provide a necessary service that was not previously available to lead-generation companies or the firms most in need of the assistance of such companies. We generate our revenue by fostering connections between lead-generation companies and the firms we believe stand to benefit most from the specific kind of marketing solutions provided by the right lead-generation company.
How long did it take for you to become profitable?
To the best of my recollection, Quick Link Marketing (Managed Benefits) became profitable ahead of schedule, although that schedule was not exactly aggressive by most standards. I believe the goal was no more than 24 months, but we were profitable by the 16- or 17-month mark.
When you were starting out, was there ever a time you doubted it would work? If so, how did you handle that?
I’ve always made a point to look closely for potential flaws or weaknesses in any strategic plan, but even under close scrutiny I was unable to find anything that might cause concern about the short- or long-term viability of the company.
How did you get your first customer?
We believe in emphasizing client interfacing, so a combination of digital marketing and direct communication with the client allowed us to land our first customers in relatively short order.
What is one marketing strategy (other than referrals) that you’re using that works really well to generate new business?
We tend to rely on a diversified approach to marketing strategies, but I believe that the use of robust data analytics has added a tremendous amount of efficiency to our strategies, which obviously has improved our ability to generate new business through marketing.
What is the toughest decision you’ve had to make in the last few months?
With the diverse responsibilities associated with my position, the toughest decisions I make each day primarily relate to time management above all else.
What do you think it is that makes you successful?
I’m naturally inquisitive and genuinely interested in learning about almost any subject, and this has helped me really sharpen my skills as a communicator within all kinds of professional settings.
What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
There are quite a few satisfying moments I’ve experienced over the years, but perhaps the most gratifying aspect of my career is the fact that my success has given me the opportunity to help others in the local community as well as in places all over the world.
What does the future hold for your business? What are you most excited about?
I’m most excited about the continued advance of the information age, particularly since our company is so adept at using the available information to improve the services we provide to our clients.
What business books have inspired you?
At the risk of giving away my lifelong interest in the works of Stephen King, I’ve repeatedly referred to his book on writing — “On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft” — for professional guidance. It’s surprising how relevant his advice is even when applied to endeavors other than writing.
What is a recent purchase you have made that’s helped with your business?
I enjoy bringing people together and fostering connections among colleagues, so I recently invited all of our staff members out to a karaoke night with the stipulation that I’d cover anyone’s tab as long as they performed a minimum of two songs. Karaoke is such a silly form of entertainment, but it is also disarming and unifying in a way that few other teambuilding activities can replicate.
What’s one piece of valuable guidance you can share from Stephen King’s “On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft”?
This is my favorite line from the book: “Write with the door closed, rewrite with the door open.” It essentially says that the creative process requires time dedicated to thoughtful and quite introspection as well as time dedicated to meaningful collaboration. It’s practical advice for every professional, regardless of the industry they happen to work in.