Accomplished, client-driven Senior Executive/Entrepreneur with over 24 years in developing and implementing creative business, sales and marketing strategies; managing and building client relationships; planning and managing engaging corporate events; corporate critical problem resolution; assessing competitive markets; effectively leading and motivating successful teams. Ability to secure strategic alliances by effective communication with top business executives CEO, COO, CFO, President, General Manager and Owner. Seeking part-time or full-time position with a company in the meeting, event, exhibition, or hospitality/tourism Industry. Core competencies include: Business Solution Identification and Design Event Planning & Management Team Building & Leadership Business Development Management Business Process Re-engineeringengineering Strategic Business Planning Client Relationship Management Client Needs Assessment New Product Introduction Competitive Market Positioning Contract Negotiations Vendor Negotiations New Account Development Sales Presentations Project Management Information Technology Social Media Marketing PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Co-Founder / Head of Business Development October 2014 - Present Brafford Media and Technologies Group Inc., Ottawa, ON Brafford (braffordgroup.com) provides digital marketing and technology solutions to the event and hospitality industries. These include mobile event apps. Brafford has also expanded the scope of its previous web portals by adding the Event Suppliers Network (event-suppliers-network.com) to its portfolio. This website showcases event venues, suppliers, upcoming events and event technology from Canada and around the world. Page 1 of 7
Collectively these International and Caribbean portals provide event related news, information, ideas and tips. The team strives to ensure that the information is relevant and conveniently available at all times, thus being a truly invaluable online resource for event and meeting planners across the globe. Alicia s responsibilities at Brafford include, but are not limited to, new client acquisition, client relationship management, marketing, blogger and editor. She has been an exhibitor at CSE and CANSPEP events in Toronto and Ottawa respectively, the most recent being CSE LIVE! in Toronto in April 2015. At this CSE event she was also invited by its organizers to be the moderator of the event technology panel discussion. Mainly self taught, she has developed skills in Wordpress, SEO, blogging and social media marketing (specifically Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, Periscope and LinkedIn). Co-Founder / Editor / Blogger Caribbean Event Suppliers Network September 2011 - Present Co-Founder, Designer and Publisher of the Caribbean's online directory of venues, event planners and event suppliers. Whatever the occasion Caribbean Event Suppliers Network (caribbean.event- it easier for international meeting and event planners by providing them with the resources that you are looking for right at your fingertips. In January 2015 Alicia launched the Meet In The Caribbean Magazine (an event or wedding planner s suppliers-network.com) makes digital guide to the Caribbean). Business Development Manager November 2005 June 2013 REGIONAL BUSINESS SYSTEMS STEMS INC., Barbados RBS s products and services are a mix of fast moving retail products (e.g. desktop printers, calculators, supplies) and products such as high volume multifunction printers, document management solutions, High Definition Video Conferencing, Voice Over IP solutions, high end graphics solutions and networking solutions. Overall responsibilities included management of a Sales Department with five (5) direct reports, management and execution of all sales, marketing and customer relationship activities to companies, associations and government agencies in Barbados. Managing the relationship between the company and our international business partners and suppliers. Advised and assisted the General Manager in the development and implementation of new business strategies and new product selection. Was also the lead on the identification, design and closing of VOIP and videoconferencing solutions for clients. Reported to the General Manager. Page 2 of 7
Successfully led the redesign of RBS s website in 2013 Launched the company s Facebook page thus introducing social media into the corporate marketing strategy. Introduced and successfully rolled out Zoho CRM to improve the RBS sales and pipeline management process at RBS Led the introduction and successful penetration of RBS VOIP and videoconferencing solutions in the local marketplace. Developed and executed the strategic plan for growth of company s business Rebuilt the HR structure of the sales department and restored high morale among team members thus significantly reducing the turnover previously experienced in that department. Re-established established a true team oriented culture among the departments of RBS (Sales, Support, Service & Administration). This has significantly improved the level of communication and cooperation that goes on between these departments. Successfully managed a team of 4 sales representatives and 1 Administrative Assistant Delivered over 111% increase in department s total tal sales revenue within the first full financial year of being on staff. Maintained consistent revenue and gross profit growth for the seven (7) years as head of the Sales department. Improved the level of customer satisfaction with RBS. Re-established the infrastructure and processes to support the Sales Department Redesigned the compensation model used within the Sales team Conducted detailed analysis of industry trends, competitive offerings, pricing, etc. and developed proposed action plans. Worked with suppliers and business partners to drive end user demand Helped close business and develop special pricing Coordinated and facilitated partner r and end user presentations, seminars and workshops Conducted internal sales training for RBS and its sister companies Functioned as advisor to other managers in the company. Developed the annual budget for the Sales department and conducted monthly analysis of department s financial statements to present to CEO and GM. Direct Sales Manager AT&T Wireless, Barbados November 2003 October 2005 Overall responsibilities included the management and execution of all sales, marketing and customer relationship activities to companies, associations and government agencies in Barbados. Reported to the General Manager. Was part of the leadership team that launched AT&T Wireless in Barbados. Successfully trained and managed a team of 4 sales representatives and 2 Corporate Care representatives in the techniques of consultative selling. Delivered over 100% of annual quota for 2004 Page 3 of 7
Established the infrastructure and processes to support the Direct Sales Department Co-designed the compensation model used within the Direct Sales team For the period October 2004 to December 2004 also acted in the capacity of Marketing Manager for the company. Conducted detailed analysis of industry trends, competitive offerings, pricing, etc. and developed proposed action plans. Data Champion for company. Overall responsibility for the data training and monitoring of data sales results for ALL distribution channels (Indirect, Direct and Retail). Worked with the Marketing Manager to develop targeted data initiatives. Established and managed the company s Corporate Call Centre. Client Executive BRYDENS BUSINESS SOLUTIONS INC., Barbados March 2002 November 2003 Recruited to manage sales, marketing and account management activities for newly restructured information technology and office solutions company. Specific focus on the Government, Financial Services and Retail industries. Successful implementation of new products offerings at two large Retail customers Successful implementation of Phase One of an e-business project at mid-size Financial Institution Assisted in the establishment of Quality Assurance and Documentation that improved internal processes for Brydens Business Solutions Inc. Spearheaded development of office procedures and trained the Office Administrator of Brydens Business Solutions Sales & Marketing Executive Manager, Sales & Marketing SYSTEMS CONSULTING LTD., Barbados January 2001 February 2001 February 2001 January 2002 Responsibilities included the management and execution of all sales, marketing and customer relationship activities for information technology and business development services consulting firm throughout the Caribbean region. Reported to the CEO. Successfully trained and managed 2 sales and marketing executives Established the infrastructure and processes to support the Sales and Marketing Department Page 4 of 7
Client Representative Advisory Client Representative IBM WORLD TRADE CORPORATION, Barbados June 1991 December 1999 January 2000 December 2000 Responsible for the marketing, sales and account management activities for the Utility, Insurance, Telecommunications, Petroleum, Travel and Tourism industries in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean. Responsible for territorial sales of up to US$2,000,000 Grew market-share in Utility industry by 20% Maintained a consistently high level of customer satisfaction among clients within territory. Assisted in the review and documentation of internal processes for IBM Barbados Presented at a number of regional and international trade conferences on behalf of IBM Barbados Administrative Assistant / Documentalist July 1989 April 1991 CARIBBEAN DEVELOPMENT BANK, Barbados Employed by the German Agency (GTZ) to work with their regional renewable energy project team. GTZ, in collaboration with the Caribbean Development Bank, was responsible for the promotion of biogas, biomass and hydropower throughout the Caribbean region. My duties included: Compilation and distribution of all project reports and documentation Facilitating communication between project office, business partners and team members throughout the region. Managing the daily operations of the project s CDB office Managing project s information systems Page 5 of 7
EDUCATION International Event Planning Professional Certification QC Event School, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (In Progress. Enrolled October 2015) Masters in Business Administration (General Management) The Cave Hill School of Business, University of the West Indies, Barbados (2005) Bachelor of Science, Physics & Computer Science University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, Barbados (1990) COMPUTER SKILLS Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, Wordpress, Customer Relationship Management solutions, Social Media Marketing for Business CONTINUED EDUCATION Project Management, 1991 Book-keeping keeping and Accounts (Basic), 1991 IBM Sales, Marketing and Account Management training, 1991 2000 Management of Human Resources, 2001 Achieving Sales Excellence, Huthwaite Inc., USA, 2003 Ken Blanchard s A Journey to Greatness Regional Conference, 2005 Page 6 of 7
OTHER ACCOMPLISHMENTS 1997 to 1998 Chairperson of Corona Worldwide (Barbados Branch) 1999 to 2001 Chairperson of Communication Committee, National Organisation of Women, Barbados 2000 to 2001 Deputy Chairperson - Corona Worldwide (Barbados Branch) 2002 Public Relations Committee member of the Optimist Club of Barbados, Bridgetown 2002 to 2003 Sunday School Teacher, New Dimensions Ministries 2005 Treasurer Corona Worldwide (Barbados Branch) 2008 to 2009 President Optimist Club of Barbados, Bridgetown 2009 to 2013 RBS s representative in the Barbados Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the Barbados Employers Confederation. 2014 to September 2015 Moderator of Caribbean Event Planners Network LinkedIn subgroup January 2015 to present Member of MPI Ottawa Chapter. Currently serving as a volunteer on the Communications and Publications Committee REFERENCES Available on request Page 7 of 7