Corporate Key Messages

3M’s corporate key messages are essential tools which help describe who 3M is and what solutions we offer, both in words and images. Key messages are not intended to be used word-for-word. Instead, they are to serve as guides, and as the foundation for expressing 3M’s distinct personality and tone.

In other words, 3M’s corporate key messages are the “DNA” of all that we say and show in our communications.

Starting with these messages as “building blocks” does more than just help communicators from around the world describe our distinct identity with precision and clarity. Starting here also saves 3M communicators a tremendous amount of time and money. Besides the 3M corporate key messages themselves, you will also find “corporate proof points” below. The intent of these proof points is to give you specific examples to draw from and/or leverage for each key message.

In addition, our team is in the process of consolidating proof points specific to each 3M big business. Contact the 3M Public Relations Department for assistance in leveraging and building upon 3M’s key messages in all 3M communications.

Like all of the tools on this site, these are meant to get you started in the right direction.
In addition, 3M Corporate Identity and Design department members are always available to assist you in better understanding and bringing these messages to life in your communications efforts!

The 3M brand promise. It all starts here! As 3M grows and changes, our core principles stay the same. 3M’s core message – our brand promise – conveys those principles in a simple statement:

• “3M promises practical and ingenious solutions that help customers succeed.”

All 3M communications and all 3M key messages must support and build off of this promise.

Writing Style and Tone

Whether written or verbal, it is important that all 3M communications “sound like 3M.” That means the tone reflects our personality, our brand promise and our core attribute: innovation. Write and speak in a way that reinforces our culture of innovation, customer focus and diversified technologies. Messages should sound professional, yet approachable, not intimidating. Always indicate understanding of the customers’ challenges and provide relevant solutions offered by 3M, highlighting points of advantage over competitive offerings.