2. Want to Be Seen as the Expert? The Biggest Mistakes People Make with PR
Getting press can open doors.
It can position you as the go-to expert, build instant credibility, and put new eyes on your work—the kind of visibility you can’t always create on your own.
But here’s what most people miss: PR only works when you’re ready for it.
You need to know what to say, how to say it, and how to pitch it in a way that makes sense for you and your business.
In this episode, I’m joined by Jen Oliva, a former national news producer with more than 25 years of experience at major outlets like NBC News, The Today Show, Bloomberg, and Fox Business. She’s worked behind the scenes on stories that reached millions and now helps business owners, coaches, and founders get featured in a way that’s aligned, strategic, and sustainable.
Whether you’ve dreamed of being featured or tried PR before and didn’t see results, this conversation will help you shift how you think about visibility and how to show up when the moment’s right.
PR Can Be a Catalyst. But Only If You’re Ready for It.
We’ve all heard that getting featured in the media is the next step when you want more eyes on your work. But what most people don’t realize is that pitching the media without a clear message—or before you’re truly ready—can actually hurt you.
Jen shares that one of the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make is rushing into PR without a strong foundation. You might have a great story, but if you don’t know how it ties into your work or why it matters to someone else’s audience, the pitch can fall flat.
In this episode, we dig into:
Why a fuzzy message falls flat—even if your offer is great
The signs that your business isn’t quite press-ready yet (and what to work on first)
How to avoid showing up in the media in a way that doesn’t convert
Because when you go after press before your foundation is solid, you don’t just waste the opportunity—you risk confusing your audience and missing your moment.
The Best Pitches Aren’t Promotional. They’re Valuable.
Jen’s spent decades reading pitches, planning segments, and shaping stories. And the pitches that rise to the top? They’re not the loudest. They’re the clearest.
The media is looking for relevance, insight, and angles that serve their audience—not someone who wants to be in the spotlight just to say they were.
She shares:
How to pitch without making it all about you
Why media producers care more about your perspective than your resume
And how to think like a journalist when shaping your story
This part of the episode is a must-listen if you’ve ever asked: “How do I make my message stand out?”
🎙 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
How to know if you’re truly ready for PR
Jen breaks down the signs that your business is press-ready—and what to work on if it’s not.
→ [18:20]
The biggest mistake people make when pitching the media
And how to reframe your story in a way that’s clear, timely, and relevant.
→ [21:15]
What makes a message stand out to producers
It’s not about your credentials—it’s about the value you bring.
→ [14:10]
Why media training matters—and what to prep before you’re booked
From sound bites to story structure—this is what makes you a standout guest.
→ [27:50]
How to build credibility before you go big
Don’t start with The Today Show. Start small and build your media resume.
→ [25:00]
Meet Jen Oliva
Jen is the founder and CEO of Jen Oliva Media, a PR and visibility agency that helps founders, coaches, and business owners get featured in a way that aligns with who they are and what they’re building.
After decades as a national news producer, Jen knows how the media works—and more importantly, how to help you work with it.
She supports clients through 1:1 PR strategy and also teaches a powerful DIY approach for entrepreneurs who want to pitch themselves with purpose and confidence.
👉 Learn more at jenolivamedia.com
📍 Follow her on Instagram and LinkedIn
Final Thoughts: Visibility Only Works When It’s Rooted in Clarity
Getting press can change everything—but only if you’re true to who you are, what you stand for, and what you’re here to share.
You don’t need to be famous or have a massive audience. But you do need to be an expert at what you teach, see results for your clients, and have a message that’s grounded in value.
Because the best PR doesn’t just get you seen. It gets you remembered.
Tune in now for a conversation that will change how you show up—and how you tell your story—no matter where you are on your visibility journey.
