The other night, NBC Nightly News did an interesting report about corporate blogging. My blog, Marriott on the Move, and Coca-Cola's were featured as a way to communicate openly and honestly with our customers and stakeholders.
In the story, they showed that I sometimes handwrite my blogs because I don't know how to type. But they didn't show how the rest of the process works, so I thought you might be interested in learning a little bit more behind the scenes.
I don't do all this by myself. Blake Little, who is 24 years old and works on our global communications team, helps me with all the technical aspects of my blog. When I want to do a blog, she comes to my office with an Edirol by Roland digital mp3 recorder and records what I want to say.
Sometimes I write out just what I want to say, sometimes I use notes and sometimes I speak off the top of my head. I come up with a lot of the ideas, but people in our company also have some topics for me to consider.
When I'm through recording, Blake transcribes everything I've said and then posts the text and the audio file on my blog, along with a nice picture. She also views my comments I receive online and then prints them out for me to read. If there are any I feel I should respond to, I tell her what I want to say and she responds for me.
As you can see, being a technophobe like me adds a lot of steps, but I make it work because I know that it's a great way to communicate with our customers and stakeholders in this day and age.
I'm Bill Marriott and thanks for helping me keep Marriott on the move.
I am excited and curious as to how exactly the blog was responsible for over $4M in incremental bookings. thanks for some clarity
Posted by: Kenny Lauer | 08/20/2008 at 04:15 AM
After watching this report from NBC I allow myself to add that it`s a really good idea to create this weblog. It`s a way for us to discover as you could say what`s running behinf the scene.And of course Mr Marriot is a human being like another with strengh and weakness; and considering this fact and what`s he succeeded building this important company, so every one of us can achieve it.With its strengh and weakness. I`m not even mentionning the light you put on your firm and the link you create with customers and prospects.
Posted by: Bertrand Goue | 08/19/2008 at 08:05 AM
We were on a recent trip, and stayed at the Fairfield Inn in Florence S.C. on July 30. Just wanted you to know how extremely pleased we were with our stay. First we just hit it on a Wed. evening, and the mgr. was offering a free reception from 5-7. That was very enjoyable, but it was the extremely friendly staff, and the little extras that added to our enjoyment. For instance: small flower arrangements on the tables; Towels placed nicely over the back of a chair around the clean swimming pool. We would rate this facility an A+.
Posted by: Gerry and Audrey Cox | 08/09/2008 at 10:55 AM
We're traveling cross country with three dogs, who so far have resisted any urges to make like a rock bank in hotels. We planned our trip to stay in Residence Inns, when possible (where is the Residence Inn in Mobile?) because of the dogs; we have since found that the personnel in your Inns are incredible people.
We are in Lafayette, Louisiana, for a few more days than we thought we would be (car problems) and the people here have been extraordinary. Cynthia and Sidney on the front desk, housekeeping and everyone else has gone out of their way to make sure that we have everything that we need, including a room when they were totally booked. Amazing.
Thank you.
Posted by: Linda Sanders | 07/31/2008 at 07:39 AM
So many executives isolate themselves from both customers and employees, protected in a cocoon from the true business picture so it's nice that you are in the group I admire those that seek out customers' comments directly and openly. Do you have an advisory panel composed of front line employees as well (without managers) to give you straight talk from the properties? I'm a loyal Marriott customer since 1983 and continue to use Marriott as my first choice in every city to which I travel.
Posted by: John Brodeur | 07/28/2008 at 09:11 AM
It is a great way to know you and Marriott company better though your blog,
I am so earn to read more and more from you.
Posted by: joanna | 07/26/2008 at 02:12 AM
Mr. Marriott, I just want you to know how much I have enjoyed reading your blogs. They have been been both entertaining and an inspiration to me. I can type but you are a head of me in your technical know how. I didn't know what a blog was until recently and still don't know what mp3 and Ipod mean. Hope you can keep the blogs going for along time. God bless you, Roger Brooks
Posted by: Roger Brooks | 07/25/2008 at 12:06 PM
Bill
I read all of your blogs and have referred them to many people. I write a leadership blog three days a week. Much of what I write about I learned from working for Marriott. Your leadership is inspiring....Lee Cockerell
Posted by: Lee Cockerell | 07/25/2008 at 08:12 AM
sir, i am sammy ip from southern china, i add you in skype, i wish one day we can chat.
Posted by: sammy ip | 07/25/2008 at 02:40 AM
Oh my, you don't know how to type...? Hey, you get it done and I appreciate the human side of The Marriott. You are an honest and uplifting read. (and I love the Marriott as a customer5).
With a smile,
Jane
Posted by: s13cybergal | 07/25/2008 at 02:38 AM
Mr. Mariott, T
hank you for being so transparent. My mom who is in her late sixties was intimidated about trying something new, especially when it comes to the computer. I showed her the interview you did with MSNBC and she was impressed. What a good concept for the older generation who feel intimidated by the computer to write your thoughts out on paper first then even if you can't type you can have someone else help you or type using the one finger method. Believe it or not this closes a huge generation (communication) gap.
Happy Blogging,
Lorie Melendez
Posted by: Lorie Melendez | 07/25/2008 at 02:09 AM
Please note I am still computer dumb.and i am learning everyday Mr. Marriott. As always I am on the move with you since 1986
Posted by: Keith Ridley IV | 07/24/2008 at 11:59 AM
Am delighted to be an addition to your blog, no matter how it's done. Thanks for sharing time with the family and celebrating Dad's 100th. birthday!! You are a good friend! PWB
Posted by: pat werber bryant | 07/24/2008 at 11:39 AM