Jenn DeBarge Goonan has sent thousands of pitch emails to editors, producers, and partners. She's distilled what works into four steps — and they work whether you're chasing press coverage, a corporate partner, or a major donor meeting.

Jenn launched Lululemon into the U.S. market, built campaigns for Ben & Jerry's, and now runs JAG Communications, where she's spent 20 years making mission-driven work visible. 🩵

In this episode, you'll hear:

Step 1: Why every note has to be a one-of-one, and the 10 minutes of research that makes it land
Step 2: Lead with connection, not credentials — including what to cut (the attachments, the links, the three paragraphs about your org)
Step 3: Make one specific, realistic ask instead of three, and why "a 20-minute conversation" outperforms everything else
Step 4: Silence is not rejection — the "10% more value" follow-up that turned two dead pitches into TV coverage
The one-page message guide that has to exist before any of the four steps work — and how to build it this week

You'll walk away with a repeatable formula for outreach that actually gets answered, plus the foundation that makes it credible. 🩵

Episode Highlights:

(2:44) From high school cheerleader to social impact cheerleader
(4:48) Why passionate leaders end up sounding like word soup
(5:30) The one-page message guide north star
(7:22) How to build it: your ED first, then five anonymous interviews
(9:43) Partnerships: find the overlap before you pitch
(12:29) The 4-step formula, steps 1–3
(15:33) Step 4: don't assume silence is rejection
(16:41) The formula in action: two follow-ups, two placements
(18:33) Social math, Substack, and the 57 million
(20:23) Operation Warm: "This is my first coat ever"
(22:58) One good thing: make it easy for people to help you

Episode Show Notes: www.weareforgood.com/episode/729

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729. The 4-Step Formula to Get Your Mission Seen by Media, Partners, and Donors - Jenn DeBarge Goonan

We Are For Good Podcast - The Podcast for Nonprofits

729. The 4-Step Formula to Get Your Mission Seen by Media, Partners, and Donors - Jenn DeBarge Goonan