This episode of The Art of Entrepreneurship is for founders who know visibility matters but still hesitate to put themselves out there.
My guest is KJ Blattenbauer, a PR strategist and the author of Pitchworthy: The No-Fluff Playbook to Publicity That Pays Off. KJ helps founders use media and storytelling to build credibility and grow their businesses.
KJ and I talk about the biggest misconceptions around PR, especially the belief that visibility is self-promotional or ego-driven. Instead, this conversation reframes public relations as a way to build trust, shorten sales cycles, and help the right people find you at the right time.
We unpack why PR is less about attention and more about credibility and long-term growth, including why waiting until you feel “ready” often holds your business back. We also discuss why being visible is not vanity, but responsibility, and how personal branding and company branding work best together as buyers increasingly want to understand the humans behind the business.
Tune in if you’re ready to rethink PR, step into visibility with intention, and use storytelling as a growth lever instead of something you avoid.
About KJ Blattenbauer
KJ Blattenbauer is a powerhouse publicist who turns overlooked experts into headline news. With nearly 30 years of experience, she’s the go-to pro when you’re ready to stop being ignored and start owning the spotlight. Known for her bold yet approachable style, KJ delivers clear, actionable strategies that have been featured everywhere from Forbes to Architectural Digest. She’s also the author of the DIY PR book, How to Be a Media Darling, and Pitchworthy, a modern guide to building lasting visibility and authority.
Website: https://www.hearsaypr.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kjblattenbauer/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kjblattenbauer/
Book: https://www.hearsaypr.com/buy-my-book
If you like this episode, here are some others you'll enjoy.
- Genuine connection & straight talk w/ Amy Volas, Founder & CEO, Avenue Talent Partners: https://www.jackiehermes.com/podcast/straight-talk-with-amy-volas
- Credibility isn’t about age, it’s about how you show up: https://www.jackiehermes.com/podcast/credibility-isnt-about-age
- Being bold: Why playing it safe won’t get you noticed: https://www.jackiehermes.com/podcast/be-bold-and-get-noticed
✨ This podcast is produced in partnership with Accelity, a full-service marketing agency for bold people growing bold companies.
If you're ready to level up your B2B marketing, check us out.
→ accelitymarketing.com
🎧 Catch up on past episodes, submit topic ideas, and learn more
jackiehermes.com/podcast
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📲 Let’s connect!
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/thejackiehermes/
Instagram: @thejackiehermes
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Website: jackiehermes.com
