Our Sales Manager Marie-Elaine Lemieux in the era of Twitter and LinkedIn

Social media is becoming an increasingly important tool for sales managers at the Québec City Convention Centre. Marie-Elaine Lemieux, our American and international market Sales Manager, explains how Twitter and LinkedIn have enhanced her communications with clients and her sales approaches.

How do you use LinkedIn or Twitter in your event planning work?

In my case, LinkedIn is often useful before or after an event—before, so that I can easily identify my clients or potential clients, and after, to keep in touch with them.

Up to now, I’ve used Twitter during events to both follow what takes place during conferences and make announcements. I officially started tweeting during the 2015 CESSE Annual Meeting in Norfolk, Virginia, this summer. We were there to promote the CESSE Annual Meeting to be hosted by the Québec City Convention Centre in July 2017. As sponsors of a coffee break, we held a draw for a GPS, then I announced the winner on the event’s Twitter feed, #CESSE2015. I also used this hashtag to promote Québec City.

Why did you start using Twitter? 

To promote ourselves and share relevant information with our network. It can make a difference during networking activities if people have heard or read about something you’ve tweeted. It also allows you to follow up afterwards and maintain contact, which is otherwise fleeting.

Do social networks complement face-to-face networking?

Yes, that’s their role, because there’s no way they could ever replace face-to-face meetings!

From a sales perspective, are social networks useful?

Not a day goes by that I don’t check LinkedIn at least once. It’s useful for remembering a face, for knowing whether somebody still has the same position, and even for inviting clients on a fam tour or other promotional activity.

How does this interfere with time management?

Social media is great if you have a specific goal. Otherwise it can really eat into your time and get you off track. You often come across professional discussions or articles that, although very relevant, require more time than you initially wanted to spend.

What advice would you give to those who are starting to use social media in their professional activities?

Go for it! Create a profile, be observant, look for your contacts, and post your own content! Keep in mind that there’s the word “social,” but there’s also the word “professional,” which is important. Pick a close-up photo that represents you in a professional context, especially for LinkedIn. Describe your experience, but don’t make a résumé. Less is more.

How did you make the transition to this direct and interactive method of communication?

I wouldn’t say it was a transition because I still use traditional communication methods like the phone and email. It’s something I’ve integrated into my work and has practically become a way of life! It’s up to you how far you want to take it.