Joining the prestigious Fortune 500 list is a lifelong dream for many entrepreneurs. Being on this list means that your company is among the most profitable (and therefore successful) in the United States.

However, it’s important to remember that Fortune 500 status is not a lifetime benefit. The list changes every year, and you have to continue to work hard to maintain your status as a Fortune 500 company.

For instance, 10 new companies joined the Fortune 500 in 2024, a combination of companies that just had their IPO and growing companies that expanded their operations. But this also means that ten companies that were on the list in 2023 fell off. To avoid becoming one of those companies that lose their spot in the Fortune 500, it is important to invest in your company’s (as well as your own) visibility, which is why executive PR for Fortune 500 companies is vital.

Why Corporate Communication Is Essential to Earn and Maintain Fortune 500 Status

Thankfully, entrepreneurs who are business leaders and CEOs of Fortune 500 companies have a built-in advantage when it comes to visibility. Today, one of the best methods to build visibility for yourself and your company is thought leadership, a public relations tactic that focuses on establishing you as a trusted authority in your industry. 

In addition to the extensive publicity that being recognized as part of the Fortune 500 list affords your company, thought leadership also lends you an air of credibility and legitimacy rivaled by few other honors, a quality that is particularly valuable in emerging sectors like blockchain. Nearly by default, you become a sought-after thought leader that journalists and major media outlets will trust for insights into industry topics and trends.

While it’s true that implementing thought leadership strategies may not immediately result in sales, it can significantly enhance your organization’s visibility. The purpose of becoming a thought leader is to be recognized as a reputable figure in your industry. If potential customers or clients see you as a representative of your business, featured in Forbes or talking on CNN about an issue that is relevant to what you do, they are more likely to trust you when it comes time to hire someone or buy a product. 

Otter PR Is the Best Public Relations Firm for Executive PR for Fortune 500 Companies

When it comes to thought leadership, few PR firms are as successful as the St. Petersburg, Florida-based outfit Otter PR. With an approach to thought leadership focused on three main goals — building brand authority, helping brands get noticed, and increasing traffic and sales — Otter PR has helped dozens of entrepreneurs become successful and high-profile thought leaders, from startup founders to one of the country’s foremost speakers on real estate.

Otter PR has also collaborated with notable companies and public figures, including e-commerce giant Alibaba, restaurant maverick The Melting Pot, and influential politician Representative Mary Peltola, among others. The fact that these household names trust Otter PR is a testament to the consistently outstanding work they put into helping build their authority and visibility as thought leaders. 

The team at Otter PR takes a multifaceted approach to helping their clients become thought leaders, leveraging their extensive network of media contacts to help secure high-impact placements in well-known publications. Some of the key strategies that Otter PR uses in their PR campaigns include: 

Expert commentary. One of the ways that business leaders can become thought leaders is by becoming a trusted expert for commentary in media publications. Examples of this include being interviewed on TV by news outlets like CNN, NBC, or Fox News, or being quoted in newspapers or websites like The New York Times and USA Today. This high-visibility media exposure allows entrepreneurs to share their acumen with a large audience.

Contributorships. Some high-profile and industry-specific publications also offer contributorship opportunities — recurring columns where thought leaders get the opportunity to regularly publish articles expressing their message on current and evergreen topics. Some examples of media outlets that offer contributorships include Forbes and Entrepreneur. These contributorship programs present an amazing opportunity for business leaders to appear in these high-profile publications.

Podcasts. In today’s ecosystem, podcasts are becoming an increasingly popular medium, especially for those who want to become thought leaders, as they allow business leaders to showcase their expertise through in-depth conversations. Being a guest on existing podcasts can allow you to tap into an already engaged audience, but starting your own podcast can also be beneficial, giving you a chance to control the conversation and support your business interests.

Business awards. Applying for business awards is another strategy that business leaders can use as part of their thought leadership campaign, as winning a business award provides an immediate stamp of legitimacy, a reputation boost, and a competitive advantage that few other achievements can offer. Earning business awards can also make it easier for you to land other thought leadership opportunities, including expert commentary placements, contributorship, and podcast spots.

“In today’s hyper-connected world, visibility is currency,” asserts Scott Bartnick, co-founder and CEO of Otter PR. “Because of this, for Fortune 500 CEOs, thought leadership isn’t optional — it’s essential. The most respected leaders aren’t just driving revenue; they’re shaping conversations and influencing global narratives. At Otter PR, we specialize in elevating visionary executives to that level by crafting strategic media placements, building authoritative personal brands, and positioning our clients as trusted voices in their industries. We help CEOs not just lead companies but define the future.”

But you don’t have to just take Bartnick’s word for it — Otter PR’s success in corporate communication is also evidenced by the plethora of recognition the firm has received from reputable organizations. Otter is a top-ranked PR firm on Clutch, G2, and UpCity, and the company and its employees have received awards from organizations including the PR Daily Awards and the Stevie Awards.

So if you’re looking for executive PR for Fortune 500-level companies or a business owner hoping to earn your spot on that prestigious list, book a consultation with Otter PR today. Otter’s team will help you become a thought leader and build executive visibility to establish yourself as one of the foremost industry leaders in your field.

This industry announcement article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice.