When I Stop Talking, You'll Know I'm Dead

1. Persistence and relationships are the keys to success in show business

If there's one piece of advice I can give to young people, to kids trying to break out of Brooklyn and Kankakee, it's this: persist, push, hang on, keep going, never give up. When the man says no, pretend you can't hear him.

Persistence pays off. In the entertainment industry, rejection is commonplace, but those who persevere often find success. Jerry Weintraub's career exemplifies this principle, from his relentless pursuit of Colonel Tom Parker to manage Elvis Presley to his numerous attempts to break into the film industry.

Relationships matter. Throughout his career, Weintraub cultivated strong relationships with key figures in the industry, from Frank Sinatra to George Bush. These connections often opened doors and created opportunities that would have otherwise been inaccessible. Building and maintaining a network of contacts is crucial for success in show business.

Key strategies for persistence:

• Keep trying even after multiple rejections
• Find creative ways to approach challenges
• Stay focused on long-term goals

Building relationships:

• Attend industry events and networking opportunities
• Offer value to others before asking for favors
• Maintain regular contact with your network

2. Packaging and selling talent is an art form

If you have the best writers, the best actors, and the best director and fail, okay, fine, there is even something noble in it; but if you fail with garbage, then you are left with nothing to hang your spirits on.

Talent alone is not enough. Weintraub's success as a manager and producer came from his ability to package and sell talent effectively. This involves understanding the market, creating a compelling narrative around the talent, and finding innovative ways to promote and distribute their work.

Quality matters. While marketing and promotion are crucial, the core product – whether it's a musician, actor, or film – must be of high quality. Weintraub emphasizes the importance of working with the best talent available and creating products that have inherent value.

Elements of effective talent packaging:

• Creating a unique brand or image
• Identifying the right audience and market
• Developing strategic partnerships and collaborations

Ensuring quality:

• Invest in talent development
• Surround yourself with skilled professionals
• Be willing to walk away from subpar projects

3. Embrace opportunities and be willing to take risks

Be willing to be lucky.

Seize unexpected opportunities. Throughout his career, Weintraub often found success by saying "yes" to unexpected opportunities and being open to new experiences. This willingness to embrace the unknown led him to manage some of the biggest names in entertainment and produce successful films.

Calculated risk-taking. While Weintraub advocated for taking chances, he also emphasized the importance of making informed decisions. His successes often came from carefully weighing the potential risks and rewards of each opportunity.

Benefits of embracing opportunities:

• Expanded network and connections
• Diverse experiences and skill sets
• Increased potential for success

Risk management strategies:

• Conduct thorough research and due diligence
• Have contingency plans in place
• Learn from both successes and failures

4. Learn from mentors and build a strong network

I suppose this comes from recognizing my life as a pattern, a cohesive collection of incidents whose author I cannot quite discern.

Seek out mentors. Weintraub attributes much of his success to the guidance and wisdom he received from mentors throughout his career. These relationships provided valuable insights, opened doors, and helped shape his understanding of the entertainment industry.

Build a diverse network. The author's career benefited greatly from his ability to connect with people from various backgrounds and industries. This diverse network provided him with unique opportunities and perspectives that contributed to his success.

Qualities to look for in a mentor:

• Experience in your field of interest
• Willingness to share knowledge and provide guidance
• Strong professional ethics and values

Strategies for building a diverse network:

• Attend industry events and conferences
• Engage in cross-industry collaborations
• Participate in community or charitable organizations

5. Adapt to changing circumstances and reinvent yourself

Every ten years, I have built a new career without quite meaning to or even knowing it.

Embrace change. Weintraub's career demonstrates the importance of adapting to changing circumstances and being willing to reinvent oneself. From music management to film production, he consistently evolved his career to stay relevant in a rapidly changing industry.

Continuous learning. To successfully navigate career transitions, Weintraub emphasizes the importance of continuously learning and acquiring new skills. This willingness to learn and grow allowed him to take on new challenges and succeed in different areas of the entertainment industry.

Signs it might be time for a career change:

• Feeling stagnant or unfulfilled in your current role
• Industry shifts or technological advancements
• New opportunities that align with your passions and skills

Strategies for successful career transitions:

• Identify transferable skills
• Seek out education and training opportunities
• Build a support network to help navigate the transition

6. Balance ambition with personal values and relationships

It's nearly impossible to succeed in the world and also succeed in the house, which means, at some level, even if you do not realize it, you make a choice.

Prioritize personal relationships. While Weintraub achieved great success in his career, he also acknowledges the importance of maintaining strong personal relationships. He emphasizes the need to balance professional ambitions with family and personal commitments.

Stay true to your values. Throughout his career, Weintraub strived to maintain his integrity and stay true to his personal values, even in the face of challenging business decisions. This commitment to his principles helped him build lasting relationships and maintain a positive reputation in the industry.

Strategies for balancing work and personal life:

• Set clear boundaries between work and personal time
• Communicate openly with family and loved ones about work demands
• Make time for self-care and personal interests

Maintaining integrity in business:

• Develop a clear set of personal and professional values
• Be willing to walk away from opportunities that compromise your principles
• Surround yourself with people who share your values

7. Maintain humility and learn from both success and failure

I feel I really must stop here and explain just how important George Bush has been in my life. He opened the world to me, took me everywhere and showed me everything.

Stay humble. Despite his numerous successes, Weintraub emphasizes the importance of maintaining humility and recognizing the contributions of others to his achievements. This humility allowed him to continue learning and growing throughout his career.

Learn from failures. Weintraub's career included both remarkable successes and significant failures. He stresses the importance of learning from both experiences and using them as opportunities for growth and improvement.

Benefits of maintaining humility:

• Improved relationships with colleagues and clients
• Increased willingness to learn and adapt
• Enhanced ability to recognize and appreciate others' contributions

Strategies for learning from failure:

• Analyze what went wrong without assigning blame
• Identify lessons learned and apply them to future projects
• Seek feedback from trusted colleagues and mentors

Last updated: January 24, 2025