Brett networks with media big-wigs (January 29, 2009)

From Brett Lemick ‘08…

“Will you be Ben’s guy tomorrow?”
I’d love the chance, just give me the word.
“Yes, you be Ben’s guy tomorrow.”

You may be wondering, “Who exactly is Ben?” Well I’m glad you asked. That’d be Ben Silverman, the co-chairman of NBC Entertainment and NBC Universal.  As for the “guy,” that lucky fellow happened to be me.  This was the actual text message conversation I had with Jimmy Fox, Ben Silverman’s personal assistant.

Here I was thinking that I’d only be passing out fliers and pushing in chairs at NATPE, but then it hit me: I just signed up to escort Mr. Ben Silverman, one of the most powerful men in television, around Las Vegas for an entire day.  From guiding him through the crowds, to joining him in the limousine (or even carrying his wallet), I was Ben Silverman’s right-hand man.  Not only that, but his father, Stanley (a well-known music composer), tagged along for the trip as well.

With such opportunity around me, I was glad I decided to make business cards with a link to my online resume (picture below).

My business card came in handy when being introduced to some of the top media executives in my field.  As for meeting the “media big-wigs,” I had no problem.

Stanley Silverman had taken me under his wing by making it his own personal mission to get me a job. “Brett, I’d like you to meet Ed Wilson, with Chicago Tribune.  You can work for Ed and stay in Chicago so your mother won’t worry.”  With such down-to-earth grace, it was easy to forget that this man was a multi-millionaire with a media mogul as a son.

Stanley’s friendly introductions continued throughout the day, “Brett, this is John (Ferriter) from William Morris.” But John isn’t just some employee of the William Morris Agency; he happens to be the Senior Vice President. Ben and Stanley Silverman only hung out with the best of the best: Frank Sinatra, Paul Simon, Barack Obama, and now…Brett Lemick.