Well here we are, the end of 2013- and I'm just gonna end the year with one last blog, no hyperlinks, none of the SEO stuff, just straight journal style chatting it up LOL!
My daughter turned 18 Nov 23rd and moved to Santa Rosa to be a roomie with some other college kids and she's doing GREAT!!! My wife finished Aveda and got her esthiticians license and she's doing GREAT. Tim Konkle had a solid year as top paid rep for GateList as well as the longest tenured rep in the division. I have the distinction of saying I am the longest tenured DMS employee in all of Hearst- and for that I am massively GRATEFUL!!
And then of course, Hearst. The San Francisco Chronicle. SFGATE. GateList- all words to describe where I work. This year we lost our GM, GateList got a new VP who used to run Groupon- he's got vision and a fresh set of eyes and we have moved mountains in a short time technologically speaking. We have Ipads, new technology across the board, SalesForce upgrades- and at this point we clearly have the MOST EFFECTIVE and affordable option for Internet reach available to anyone in the marketplace.
We have replaced two Presidents and a Publisher, and the changes keep rolling. So to finish the end of this year with a great family, amazing job, beautiful wife, and living in the city I adore- well I'm just beaming with gratitude and I don't even have a million dollar home yet.......but I will. :)
Cheers to 2013 and all my clients who have made all the difference in the world- I thank you ALL:
Alterra Solar
American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Astra Women's Alliance
Australian Tan
BSC Management
Centerfolds
Condor Club
Crazy Horse
Creation Ground Media
Door-Mart
E-Mora construction
Eagle Club Indoor Golf
Garden of Eden
Holden Green Attorney
Hungry I
Hustler Club
Inner Circle Entertainment- Ruby Skye and Slide
Japantown Dental
JB Mobile Detailing
Little Darlings
Living Well Assisted Living
New Century Theatre
Paladin Capital Management
Pella Doors and Windows
Penthouse Club
Peretti and Park Pictures
Roaring 20's
Russian Hill Dog Grooming
Simon Insurance Agency
Sonoma Coast Villa and Spa
Studio SQ
Superdog
The Gold Club
The Water Initiative
Ueno Periodontics
Unit Partners
United Patients Group
United VI Plumbing
Wayne Gomes
Wilson Glass
Without all of you, I wouldn't have all that I do and I'm committed to the success of my clients as a catalyst to my OWN success!!!
Tim Konkle- KONK ADVERTISING SF
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Digital Marketing- why the rep makes the difference
There are a few nuances of my job that make up my day to day duties. Try as I may to keep every single client, every now and then one will fall out for one reason or another, and it's important to keep reaching out to new business. In the same way that I need to reach out, so do these businesses I speak with. The typical challenge I encounter when cold calling is the fear of change.
There are so many reasons why a business decides not to change anything, but generally it's because they don't see the problem. And if they did see it, they wouldn't know how to fix it! The challenge with being a sales person is that a very large part of the craft is made up of people who have a great product but the product can't reach it's potential without the rep that is talented. A really nice BMW can have every bell and whistle but without a driver it's a brick. Cheesy analogy I know- but oh so true!!
The best reps are going to manage your business, keep you on your toes, ask important questions and probe, discuss things that you may not want to discuss like that nasty bathroom or the tables that should be cleaned- or a long phone message that is boring and doesn't convert.
We reps are the unsung heroes because we take so much heat for the greater good. The most needed changes are the hardest to talk about, but a good rep will go there. A good rep will comb through data for hours trying to understand why clients always call the business after hours, or whatever the challenge is. The programs we create work for you, on many levels, for 24/7- you can't hire and train a staff to do that with anywhere near the same reward.
So when you get that call, and maybe even that pitch, find out what the rep is made of. What kind of person are you talking to and how do they work? When you find the right kind of rep, with the right kind of product- sign the deal. Sign it and be glad you found that one rep who will do the job right!!
-Tim Konkle/GateList Sr. Rep "Ask the Expert"
There are so many reasons why a business decides not to change anything, but generally it's because they don't see the problem. And if they did see it, they wouldn't know how to fix it! The challenge with being a sales person is that a very large part of the craft is made up of people who have a great product but the product can't reach it's potential without the rep that is talented. A really nice BMW can have every bell and whistle but without a driver it's a brick. Cheesy analogy I know- but oh so true!!
The best reps are going to manage your business, keep you on your toes, ask important questions and probe, discuss things that you may not want to discuss like that nasty bathroom or the tables that should be cleaned- or a long phone message that is boring and doesn't convert.
We reps are the unsung heroes because we take so much heat for the greater good. The most needed changes are the hardest to talk about, but a good rep will go there. A good rep will comb through data for hours trying to understand why clients always call the business after hours, or whatever the challenge is. The programs we create work for you, on many levels, for 24/7- you can't hire and train a staff to do that with anywhere near the same reward.
So when you get that call, and maybe even that pitch, find out what the rep is made of. What kind of person are you talking to and how do they work? When you find the right kind of rep, with the right kind of product- sign the deal. Sign it and be glad you found that one rep who will do the job right!!
-Tim Konkle/GateList Sr. Rep "Ask the Expert"
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Labor Day San Francisco
September 1, 2013-
Gratitude is running large once again as I chill on a nice weekend in San Francisco. Things continue to shift and shape at the job front, and fortunately I have a lot of things in the works and great clients- admittedly however they also have GREAT results and that is ALL ME and the support I receive from the analysts that I work with. We have a dominant product in the marketplace in the sense that utilizing a great rep that can produce results with search strategy along with re targeting and additional supplementing with push marketing through either banners or print or both- it gives us a huge edge. Then you add on the national pull we have and all of the companies that we own, and it's a gigantic opportunity that makes you excited to the gills if you can see the angles!
Fortunately for me I have the much needed foundation of some strong clients that have given me the most important thing- referrals! The fact that I have many clients that will speak highly of what we can do for them- well it means EVERYTHING!! If a client can trust a rep- that is a huge step in the future of the relationship. Even at that- it's important that the rep produce, stay in charge, and continue to produce and be a strong resource for many months and beyond the year- until it's obvious there is a strong relationship that will bear fruit!
I remember when I started with this GateList project three years ago, and I have personally been involved in building out the model. I started the process, gave feedback, hired reps, refined the model, and went to market so I could again lead the sales efforts and gain traction on my book of business. I sit here now, 3 years later, absolutely blessed with great customers and even more success. I'm always looking at new partnerships and will only suggest a campaign if I believe it is in both of our mutual interests. If you need more business or want your current business run stronger with better RESULTS call Tim Konkle 415-317-5141
Thanks to all of you that have spoken on my behalf- my referrals and testamonials- I applaud you!!
Gratitude is running large once again as I chill on a nice weekend in San Francisco. Things continue to shift and shape at the job front, and fortunately I have a lot of things in the works and great clients- admittedly however they also have GREAT results and that is ALL ME and the support I receive from the analysts that I work with. We have a dominant product in the marketplace in the sense that utilizing a great rep that can produce results with search strategy along with re targeting and additional supplementing with push marketing through either banners or print or both- it gives us a huge edge. Then you add on the national pull we have and all of the companies that we own, and it's a gigantic opportunity that makes you excited to the gills if you can see the angles!
Fortunately for me I have the much needed foundation of some strong clients that have given me the most important thing- referrals! The fact that I have many clients that will speak highly of what we can do for them- well it means EVERYTHING!! If a client can trust a rep- that is a huge step in the future of the relationship. Even at that- it's important that the rep produce, stay in charge, and continue to produce and be a strong resource for many months and beyond the year- until it's obvious there is a strong relationship that will bear fruit!
I remember when I started with this GateList project three years ago, and I have personally been involved in building out the model. I started the process, gave feedback, hired reps, refined the model, and went to market so I could again lead the sales efforts and gain traction on my book of business. I sit here now, 3 years later, absolutely blessed with great customers and even more success. I'm always looking at new partnerships and will only suggest a campaign if I believe it is in both of our mutual interests. If you need more business or want your current business run stronger with better RESULTS call Tim Konkle 415-317-5141
Thanks to all of you that have spoken on my behalf- my referrals and testamonials- I applaud you!!
Saturday, August 10, 2013
Working for The San Francisco Chronicle
I'm shouting from the rooftops that I really enjoy working at The San Francisco Chronicle
When I received the call from Hearst Media to start with a new division (GateList) I jumped at the opportunity. We all know the digital space has continued to dominate the advertising spend that used to fuel the newspapers and magazine owned by Hearst.
As we worked rapidly to shift our model, or paid was very similar to that of the clients that advertise with us. Fast forward to present day- and it's an entirely different world!! One thing I've noticed over time as a HUNTER of new business- my main value is in doing the job FOR my clients- simple as that!
Hopefully everybody knows that Google is amazing and has done everything to help the SMB's of the world to understand the value of advertising with Google paid search. Beyond that, a solid level of analytics are provided and it makes it very obvious what is happening to the advertising spend. Any business owner with a sharp mind and the ability to look over various numbers, will be able to see the benefit in Google Adwords almost immediately.
My job at this point is to be that "guy that sits next to you that you can lean over and say "hey Tim, how do I....." THAT is the crux of my job and it's been a very significant benefit to my clients!
As for ME? I am living the dream of having a great spot over by the Palace of Fine Arts and enjoying the Marina, Russian Hill, the Financial District, and every other area of this amazing city! I have great clients and a really great boss, and I continue to lead through the example of just being helpful and making friends.
For anybody reading this blog- my contacts are my lifeblood. Please comment, advise, share, whatever works. I've found that all of us have a value regardless of whether we are a client, rep, prospect, or manager. I've learned so much from so many great people and the more I learn, the more I can mold Tim Konkle into a great resource for my clients, friends, and family. Thank you spiritual guidance!!
When I received the call from Hearst Media to start with a new division (GateList) I jumped at the opportunity. We all know the digital space has continued to dominate the advertising spend that used to fuel the newspapers and magazine owned by Hearst.
As we worked rapidly to shift our model, or paid was very similar to that of the clients that advertise with us. Fast forward to present day- and it's an entirely different world!! One thing I've noticed over time as a HUNTER of new business- my main value is in doing the job FOR my clients- simple as that!
Hopefully everybody knows that Google is amazing and has done everything to help the SMB's of the world to understand the value of advertising with Google paid search. Beyond that, a solid level of analytics are provided and it makes it very obvious what is happening to the advertising spend. Any business owner with a sharp mind and the ability to look over various numbers, will be able to see the benefit in Google Adwords almost immediately.
My job at this point is to be that "guy that sits next to you that you can lean over and say "hey Tim, how do I....." THAT is the crux of my job and it's been a very significant benefit to my clients!
As for ME? I am living the dream of having a great spot over by the Palace of Fine Arts and enjoying the Marina, Russian Hill, the Financial District, and every other area of this amazing city! I have great clients and a really great boss, and I continue to lead through the example of just being helpful and making friends.
For anybody reading this blog- my contacts are my lifeblood. Please comment, advise, share, whatever works. I've found that all of us have a value regardless of whether we are a client, rep, prospect, or manager. I've learned so much from so many great people and the more I learn, the more I can mold Tim Konkle into a great resource for my clients, friends, and family. Thank you spiritual guidance!!
Saturday, August 3, 2013
Google Circles- layers of gratitude
It's interesting, the more I dive into this and see how so much of life is connected. Sometimes (all the time) Google has expanded my knowledge so much it's been 10 times the college I ever attended. I think it's a fair statement that all of us work to fulfill some ulterior motive- some desire and need that pertains to the "rest" of our lives and the eternal quest for satisfaction. What a concept to connect EVERYTHING. Every fun moment and every difficult moment balancing in a yin and yang of perfection.....or something like that.
As I wake up on a Sunday morning in a beautiful location like San Francisco- I'm thankful for my life here and for the business associates that have brought me so much opportunity and security for my family. For all the co-workers who have shaped and molded me, subordinate or superior- it's all relative. We've all been a teacher, a student, and all the things in between.
I appreciate how I've been shaped- lots to do still :)
As I wake up on a Sunday morning in a beautiful location like San Francisco- I'm thankful for my life here and for the business associates that have brought me so much opportunity and security for my family. For all the co-workers who have shaped and molded me, subordinate or superior- it's all relative. We've all been a teacher, a student, and all the things in between.
I appreciate how I've been shaped- lots to do still :)
San Francisco Chronicle Building- ever changing
Well the San Francisco Chronicle has continued to work at a fevered pace to pull things into the new school. With the recent addition of a new President AND Publisher, there are certain to be many improvements (let's hope) coming in the next months. Being in the heart of the tech arena, San Francisco more than any other city needs to have it together when it comes down to being strong in the market.
Hearst Media has a HUGE reach and many customers- they can provide the needed services to local SMB's and beyond (especially by owing I-crossing a top notch high end Agency) by reaching out the the same clients that purchased a good deal of print as well as other options in the marketplace.
So what's good and what's bad? Well the good is that a sharp campaign manager can perform miracles for the advertisers with access to a much higher degree of advertising. Hearst has relationships with Google, among other vendors, and are able to offer "feet on the street" so we provide value. However, the challenge has been and continues to be, having a talented Account Manager/Campaign Manager- to run things. This is where it breaks down every time- with the employees that are critical to getting these products into the market. While Hearst works hard to refine training and extend employee tenure- I'm a happy camper who has weathered the storm.
I have a large book of business with very satisfied clients- so I'm here to tell the world- GATELIST WORKS!!! The San Francisco Chronicle is yet again a force to be admired- providing they can get it right and keep employees. As for me- I'm thankful for the opportunity, the book of business, and the many happy advertisers that keep my kids fed! I love this city and I love my clients- so here's to a LOT more of that. Contact Tim Konkle at 415-317-5141 to ask any questions about local marketing options- from 300.00 and up. (WAY up)
Hearst Media has a HUGE reach and many customers- they can provide the needed services to local SMB's and beyond (especially by owing I-crossing a top notch high end Agency) by reaching out the the same clients that purchased a good deal of print as well as other options in the marketplace.
So what's good and what's bad? Well the good is that a sharp campaign manager can perform miracles for the advertisers with access to a much higher degree of advertising. Hearst has relationships with Google, among other vendors, and are able to offer "feet on the street" so we provide value. However, the challenge has been and continues to be, having a talented Account Manager/Campaign Manager- to run things. This is where it breaks down every time- with the employees that are critical to getting these products into the market. While Hearst works hard to refine training and extend employee tenure- I'm a happy camper who has weathered the storm.
I have a large book of business with very satisfied clients- so I'm here to tell the world- GATELIST WORKS!!! The San Francisco Chronicle is yet again a force to be admired- providing they can get it right and keep employees. As for me- I'm thankful for the opportunity, the book of business, and the many happy advertisers that keep my kids fed! I love this city and I love my clients- so here's to a LOT more of that. Contact Tim Konkle at 415-317-5141 to ask any questions about local marketing options- from 300.00 and up. (WAY up)
Friday, February 1, 2013
Why being rude to Sales People is bad business
We've all had that moment where somebody called us "out of the blue" and we soon realized they "wanted something". It's at that moment we have the choice to listen, politely decline, hang up, or even worse- be completely rude. I've heard everything from "you people are ruining this country" to "I hope you die"....it's amazing how much anger is associated with a sales call. Of course, I understand because nobody wants to be bothered if they didn't ASK for the help. It's a difficult philosophy because lots of us can recall a great experience that started with some form of a "cold call". This is becoming more rare in today's business landscape however, and Internet search is the preferred lead-in to any required information.
That being said, even in a city like San Francisco- it can be a small world. Can you imagine honking or yelling at the car in front of you that is driving "too slow" only to realize it's your boss, girlfriend's Mom, or something similar? Can you imagine if you were talking smack about a customer who puts food on your table and they were sitting in the seat behind you and heard everything you said?
Some of the most influential contacts and mentors in my life have always shown tact and diplomacy in all situations. My experience has been great with these types of people and I have a tremendous amount of respect for a prospective client that says "I don't think this is the right time but please stay in touch with me". Even a prospect that doesn't result in new business can provide value in being a connection on LinkedIn, introducing you to another colleague, or simply giving you feedback about what is happening in their organization.
The truly wise and successful business people on both sides always see the advantage in meeting new people and building their network. I just spoke with a carpet guy- small business and he needs to grow. He actually contacted US and requested information, however once he even heard the word "advertising" he went on a huge rant about how we're the reason the economy is tough, and went on and on about me personally even going so far as to say things about my family. I was floored- not because he was harsh to me, but because he was in the business of entering people's homes!! This guy who had so much anger and went off on a weird tangent......just doesn't seem like a business that should be in people's homes.
Beyond that, I don't think he understands the power of a network. I regularly refer people to clients that I like- even if we aren't currently doing business. Prospects who treat me with respect have often become friends, business partners, or referral resources over time. Since I work for a giant media corporation, I have the ability to connect people to one another and the main goal of what I do as an Internet consultant is to simply meet people, take some notes, and find out what the best course of action is. Quite often it doesn't result in a sale and that's OK because I like the people I meet. I truly want to help people and I in fact pray for their success and go above and beyond to consult them with a straight forward approach. If I don't think it's a good investment, I'll tell that to a client. I have many clients who have seen their life change as a result of some good business advice- and it all started with a phone call. So think about what you say and how you say it- don't be rude and harsh to sales people- they may be your biggest fan and you don't even know!
That being said, even in a city like San Francisco- it can be a small world. Can you imagine honking or yelling at the car in front of you that is driving "too slow" only to realize it's your boss, girlfriend's Mom, or something similar? Can you imagine if you were talking smack about a customer who puts food on your table and they were sitting in the seat behind you and heard everything you said?
Some of the most influential contacts and mentors in my life have always shown tact and diplomacy in all situations. My experience has been great with these types of people and I have a tremendous amount of respect for a prospective client that says "I don't think this is the right time but please stay in touch with me". Even a prospect that doesn't result in new business can provide value in being a connection on LinkedIn, introducing you to another colleague, or simply giving you feedback about what is happening in their organization.
The truly wise and successful business people on both sides always see the advantage in meeting new people and building their network. I just spoke with a carpet guy- small business and he needs to grow. He actually contacted US and requested information, however once he even heard the word "advertising" he went on a huge rant about how we're the reason the economy is tough, and went on and on about me personally even going so far as to say things about my family. I was floored- not because he was harsh to me, but because he was in the business of entering people's homes!! This guy who had so much anger and went off on a weird tangent......just doesn't seem like a business that should be in people's homes.
Beyond that, I don't think he understands the power of a network. I regularly refer people to clients that I like- even if we aren't currently doing business. Prospects who treat me with respect have often become friends, business partners, or referral resources over time. Since I work for a giant media corporation, I have the ability to connect people to one another and the main goal of what I do as an Internet consultant is to simply meet people, take some notes, and find out what the best course of action is. Quite often it doesn't result in a sale and that's OK because I like the people I meet. I truly want to help people and I in fact pray for their success and go above and beyond to consult them with a straight forward approach. If I don't think it's a good investment, I'll tell that to a client. I have many clients who have seen their life change as a result of some good business advice- and it all started with a phone call. So think about what you say and how you say it- don't be rude and harsh to sales people- they may be your biggest fan and you don't even know!
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