Meet Kelli Newman, APR | Communication Strategist & Creator of Experienced Messaging®

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kelli Newman, APR and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kelli, how does your business help the community?
When our communication strategies firm, Newman & Newman, Inc., was founded 30 years ago, we intentionally focused on serving purpose-driven clients, including those in healthcare, education, public service, and the nonprofit sector. We’ve had the honor of working with member institutions of the world’s largest medical center, best-selling authors, accomplished researchers, elected officials, and nationally recognized service organizations. The messaging, strategic communication plans and marketing tools we’ve produced have literally helped them save lives and raise millions of nonprofit dollars.

Currently our focus is on the proprietary process we’ve developed to elevate an organization’s identity in the marketplace (its brand) by operationalizing who its messaging says it is into what customers and employees authentically experience, for a competitive advantage. We are very proud of the registered service mark that Experienced Messaging® has been awarded by the US Patent and Trademark Office, and its impact on strengthening company culture, increasing customer satisfaction, and reducing employee turnover. All of which make significant contributions to an organization’s success.

What should our readers know about your business?
The marketing communications and public relations fields have changed tremendously over my career, primarily due to the evolution of technology. When I was a Communications Specialist for Baylor College of Medicine in the 80’s we hand delivered urgent press releases to news outlets, and in video and audio the progression of what was once common practice is hard to believe in today’s fully digital world. For our firm, Newman & Newman, to prevail for 30 years has required that the value of what we deliver evolve as well.

I think a significant reason for our success is that at the core of our expertise is the ability to formulate brand messaging that effectively differentiates an organization from others like it. We refer to our approach as “essence messaging” in that rather than just an inventory list of services offered, it captures the unique purpose, values and culture that distinguish an organization in the marketplace. As researchers we apply the science of communication to study who you are, what you want to accomplish and why it matters.

A significant, yet often overlooked piece of the branding puzzle is ensuring the authenticity of who a company says it is. If what people experience does not align with expectations formed from brand messages, the risk is a loss of trust that directly impacts the bottom line and is both costly and difficult to repair. Our proprietary process of Experienced Messaging® was developed to protect and build trust by operationalizing a company’s unique identity through actionable strategies that increase customer satisfaction, strengthen company culture, and reduce employee turnover.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
For me, The Hobby Center, and the performances it hosts as well its spectacular view of downtown, is the diamond at the center of Houston’s Theater District. Of course each venue is a favorite and, depending on what’s scheduled, would no doubt play a central role in the week’s plans, including a picnic dinner and wine on the hill at Miller Outdoor Theater.

When I think of what we’ve planned for visiting family and friends in just the last two years it’s, of course, included dinners at our favorite barbeque and TexMex restaurants, touring exhibits at the Museum of Fine Arts and the Menil, exploring Texas history museums and singing at the top of our lungs at concerts in the Toyota Center. The wonderful thing about entertaining guests in Houston is you can tailor their visit to exactly what they enjoy most! The spectrum of experiences is amazing and has only grown in the 42 years since we moved here.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Throughout my career I’ve had the opportunity to work with incredible leaders, from renowned heart surgeon, Dr. Michael DeBakey, to researcher and best-selling author, Brené Brown. Each have inspired my aspirations, but I credit my husband and parents for providing me with the most encouragement. I’m extremely grateful for the cheerleaders I have in my corner.

There have been many books and organizations that have fueled my ambitions and provided valuable guidance, but two that had the greatest influence on setting my initial course was Jane Trahey’s book Women & Power (which continues to sit on the shelf in my office) and what is now known as The Association for Women in Communications. Both made significant contributions to the beginnings of my career and setting my dreams in motion.

Website: https://ExperiencedMessaging.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellinewmanapr/