Fred Silha, Sr. Account Executive, Disney Online

MSN:  Please describe your current position. How long have you been in the position and with the company?
Silha: I represent the online assets of The Walt Disney Company to the client and ad agency world, by weaving products into our websites, including Disney.com, Familyfun.com, and Movies.com. I have been here for one year.
 
MSN:  What was your first job in media and how did you get it?
Silha: Entry level seller at WFYR-FM (103.5), back in 1988. You know, the phone book.
 
MSN:  What have been some of the larger challenges you have faced in your career?
Silha: Getting the buying community to see beyond the metrics of a media negotiation and appreciate the value of an audience and the way the message is being presented. Advertising is not as much as a commodity as many would think. Common sense and data can live together.
 
MSN:  What do you like best about your current job?
Silha: My ability to use my creativity and to explore the ever-changing world of online marketing. Every day I learn something new and have another tool to share with a client or prospect.
 
MSN:  When you were starting out your career, what set you apart from other candidates?
Silha: Moxie.
 
MSN:  What advice would you give to someone wanting to get into a similar career?
Silha: When you are trying to get a media sales job, nothing you will say or do to get the attention of a prospective employer will be held against you. Be brave, be bold, and make sure to do your homework before you interview.
 
MSN:  What tools helped prepare you for this?
Silha: Doing the work is the best education by far, so work your rear-end off and the lessons will come.