If you've been showing up on social media, building your offers, and making sales, but you've never once pitched yourself to a publication, podcast, or local news outlet → this episode is your wake-up call.

My guest is Jenn DeBarge Goonan, founder of JAG Communications and a PR and marketing strategist with over 20 years of experience. Jenn has launched and elevated dozens of brands and nonprofits — from introducing Lululemon to the U.S. market, to leading social justice campaigns for Ben & Jerry's, to driving strategy for the Robotics Education and Competition Foundation and the Bosch Community Fund.

In this conversation, Jenn breaks down exactly what it takes to get organized, get clear, and get seen, even if you'rve never pitched before.

In this episode, we cover:

What big brands like Lululemon and Ben & Jerry's understand about visibility that solopreneurs are missing
Why visibility is no longer optional — no matter what kind of business you run
The "North Star Message Guide": Jenn's signature 1–2 page messaging framework that anchors everything from newsletters to media pitches
How to write a pitch that actually gets a response (hint: it's only 6 sentences)
The biggest mistakes people make when trying to get press coverage
Why local media and trade publications are often the most powerful (and overlooked) visibility opportunities
How storytelling — not selling — is what gets your pitch picked up
The mindset shifts you need to stop overthinking and start pitching

Connect with Jenn DeBarge Goonan:

Website: https://www.jag-communications.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenn-debarge-goonan-4423a34/

Jenn is currently launching The Greatest Good — a platform spotlighting nonprofits, change-makers, and purpose-driven organizations with hyper-specific calls to action. If you know someone making an impact in the world who could use visibility and support, reach out to Jenn directly.

She is also accepting applications for her Message & Visibility Accelerator — a 30-day, one-on-one intensive where she builds your North Star Message Guide and a custom communications plan so you're ready to be seen. She takes only 2 clients per month.

Resources mentioned:

JAG Communications: https://www.jag-communications.com/
The Greatest Good (launching on Substack in June 2026)
Message & Visibility Accelerator: Learn More

Mindset to Market is a Luminous Creative Production. If you'd like to learn more about our business coaching program and group coaching container, please visit us online at DeborahcSmith.com.

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Mindset to Market is produced by Deborah C. Smith and designed to inspire and support big-hearted creatives in finding their own unique path, building a sustainable business, and creating financial, spiritual, mental wellness and abundance.

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