What We Do

MaineMessage helps organizations strengthen their communications capabilities through a holostic approach that factors external & internal messaging, written, verbal & personal communications, organization culture and policy.

Communications is a Team Effort

Too often at small businesses and organizations, the responsibilities of communications strategy and execution fall to a single communications professional, or an Executive Director wearing numerous hats. MaineMessage provides support for communication professionals as well as training and thoughtful strategies for all team members, to help improve external and internal organizational communications.

Communicating Organizational Change

Clear, concise and consistent communications are most critical during times of organizational transition. Whether an organization is growing, contracting, experiencing a change in leadership or change of direction, it’s important that all stakeholders deliver and receive a unified message. MaineMessage helps organizations, preparing for or during transitions, make sure all stakeholders are communicating correctly and effectively.

How We Work

At MaineMessage, we specialize in helping small businesses and nonprofits unify their internal and external communications, presenting a coherent message to the public, employees and all stakeholders. We clarify an organization’s message, distilling it to its essence. Our Holistic Communication Strategy employs systems thinking to examine the various ways that messages are imparted: written, visual, and spoken, as well as through action and policy. Each method of communication interacts with the others, and each piece impacts the whole. Sometimes, the message being given in one realm conflicts with what’s being communicated by the others. Often, particularly if an organization has experienced a period of transition, several versions of an organization’s message are being communicated at the same time. Our goal is to help our clients identify their main message, integrate it into every part of their work, and share it, clearly, with the world.

What is Holistic Communication Strategy?

Holistic Communications Strategy is a systems thinking based approach to communications. Systems thinking in communications examines the many different ways we communicate our business’ or organization’s message through writing, visuals, speaking, and actions taken as individuals and groups, and how each impacts overall communication efforts.

The 3 C’s of Communication

Clear, concise, and consistent communication is key to success for any business or organization. By practicing the three C’s, we help organizations streamline and strengthen their communications efforts.

KARL SCHATZ, PRINCIPAL

Karl Schatz is an award winning communicator, producer, editor, and visual storyteller. During his 23 years of communications, business, and non-profit board experience, he has worn many hats and played many roles. For 15 years he was Director of Aurora Photos, a boutique outdoor adventure and lifestyle digital media company. He has served on the boards and executive committees of The Digital Media Licensing Association, a national trade organization, and Levey Day School in Portland, where he served as Board President. He is the photographer and collaborator on four books, including The Year of the Goat, The Portland Maine Chefs Table cookbook, and the upcoming New Portland Maine Chefs Table cookbook. He lives with his family on Ten Apple Farm in Gray, where they run a popular agri-tourism destination that has received both local and national press.

MAINEMESSAGE Services

• Communications Strategy & Planning

• Message Development & Implementation

• Mission / Vision Statement: Development, Writing, & Implementation

• Social Media Strategy & Planning

• Website Evaluation, Project Development, & Strategic Planning

• Content Development & Production

• Writing, Editing, & Visual Storytelling

• Communications Professional & Executive Director Support

• Communications Policy Development

• Staff and Team Communication Strategies & Coaching