Hard Truths on Hotel Tech: Unfiltered Insider Advice - Josiah Mackenzie
Description
Josiah Mackenzie has spent over 20 years building, selling, and buying technology. In this tell-all episode, he shares his insider's guide to buying, implementing, and getting the most out of hotel technology today.
Listen now to learn:
- Why technology is essential in today’s fast-paced hospitality landscape
- Key steps to take before searching for technology solutions
- Proven methods for evaluating tech solutions
- Tips for making a strong business case and getting buy-in
- How to implement technology in a way that helps you get the results you need
- Strategies for succeeding with technology over the long term (including insider "hacks" for getting VIP treatment)
Timestamps:
Introduction & Why This Matters
My Background
- [10:03 ] Coding & first steps in software
- [11:54 ] ReviewPro (operations)
- [13:36 ] Duetto (revenue management)
- [14:34 ] Juniper Square (investment management)
- [16:16 ] The benefits of a career in hotel tech
Before You Start Looking for Technology
- [17:16 ] Start with problems
- [18:15 ] Innovation through observation
- [19:49 ] Collecting stakeholder needs
How to Evaluate Technology
- [21:22 ] Ask trusted hospitality professionals
- [22:51 ] Research online (Hotel Tech Report)
- [24:55 ] Move beyond typical demos
- [25:51 ] Have meaningful conversations
- [26:11 ] Compare provider engagement styles
Making the Purchase
Implementation & Success
- [37:39 ] Cross-functional team involvement
- [38:07 ] Staged rollout approach
- [39:37 ] Working with implementation teams
- [42:22 ] Internal marketing importance
- [43:43 ] Maintaining momentum
Long-term Success
- [44:03 ] Staying connected with tech partners
- [45:04 ] Being a customer reference
- [45:54 ] Participating in user groups
- [46:29 ] Continuous evaluation
Resources mentioned:
- The Story Behind Hospitality Daily (Josiah Mackenzie, interviewed by Steve Turk)
- What's Happening in Hotel Tech Today? - Jordan Hollander, Hotel Tech Report
A few more resources:
- If you're new to Hospitality Daily, start here.
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If you found this episode interesting or helpful, send it to someone on your team so you can turn the ideas into action and benefit your business and the people you serve!
Music for this show is produced by Clay Bassford of Bespoke Sound: Music Identity Design for Hospitality Brands