With a client list that spanned Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, Michael Jackson, Led Zeppelin, Dolly Parton, Whitney Houston, Paul McCartney and Wings, the Muppets, and Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus–Lee Solters, who passed on at age 89 earlier this week, had an impressive 70 year career as a Hollywood publicist and probably had some very interesting stories to tell. He also was not afraid “to tell it like it is” even with someone who might be considered as formidable as Frank Sinatra. Reuters tells how Solters, advised Sinatra, while they were both working for Ceasars Palace, to invite two leading local columnists to talk with him in his dressing room a few minutes before he was to go on stage.  

Many of today’s top business leaders are successful at getting media coverage simply by stating their opinions of the market.  They talk at length with reporters about industry trends and make predictions about what the future might hold, but they never pitch their new product or company specifically.

It’s a Subtle PR Ploy:
The fact is, these executives are promoting their companies, just in a very subtle manner.  Positioning a company as a thought leader can enhance credibility and establish a reputation as an industry expert.