She’s worked for entertainment giants, MTV and HBO, and the digital customer experience leader, MCD, but today Jeri Ziegler is successfully calling her own shots. Read on to learn how she partnered with the Second Shift to establish a flexible and fulfilling career.
You transitioned from a full-time executive at an advertising agency to a full-time consultant. Tell me about that journey.
Jeri: I started my career as an in-house marketer at HBO and them moved on to MTV. After several years, I jumped over to the agency side where I focused on strategy and had the opportunity to work with a greater variety of clients. I loved what I was doing, but I made the decision to leave the corporate world during my first maternity leave. I wanted the ability to work in a more flexible way, and as a new mom, I was looking to have better control of my time.
It was a little scary, but just knowing that the Second Shift existed gave me the confidence to take the leap. Having access to a resource that could help me find work that was interesting and challenging took the hard work out of getting started and made me believe that it was possible to work this way.
What’s the benefit of working the way you currently work?
Jeri: First and foremost is the flexibility. I work full time and I still work as many hours in a week as I did before, but I do it more on my own schedule now. I enjoy getting to spend a little extra time with my kids in the morning and then putting in a few extra hours after I put them to sleep.
I also love the range of work I’m doing. I really like being exposed to different industries and challenges, as it helps me grow. With each project I take on, 95 percent of the work is stuff I know really well, and 5 percent of it is something new. It’s great to be continually learning.
In your opinion, what makes a good client?
Jeri: I’ve found that the best clients know what they want and need, but are open to working collaboratively to adjust that and develop solutions together.
What type of interesting projects have you landed via the Second Shift?
Jeri: I’ve been a member of the Second Shift for close to three years, and I’ve taken on a variety of projects during that time. I’ve served as a temporary in-house marketing resource, I’ve developed case studies and other content for clients, and I’m currently engaged in a large-scale marketing and branding initiative. The range of work has been really awesome.
What excites you most about being a member of this community?
Jeri: The Second Shift really curates opportunities. I’m excited when I get an email with a potential match from them, because I know that the work will be interesting and challenging. The Second Shift does a lot of the heavy lifting by bringing only really good opportunities forward, and I appreciate that.
What advice do you have for members just starting out?
Jeri: Be a bit patient! One month, I may not get many matches and the next I will get 20. The opportunities are there and they will come. When they do and it it’s time to pitch, which can feel intimidating at first, my advice is to just be really honest about who you are and why you are interested in the role. From there, take the time to figure out if the fit is right. And remember, it’s okay to be picky about where you will spend your time.
You have two small children and you work full time. What tips can you share on maximizing time?
Jeri: Time management isn’t something that necessarily comes easy for me, as I’m naturally a very spontaneous person. But, I have found that logging my time down to the half hour is a game changer! I come from a digital world, but I recently switched over to an analog planner where I record what I am doing or what I need to do by the half hour. I log everything in there – including the time I plan to spend with my family and the time I need to dedicate to my work. Without sounding too dramatic, this approach has been life changing! It’s allowed me to fit in a lot more and feel good about how I am spending my time—for example: I’m also writing a science fiction novel – it’s a total departure from my day-to-day reality!
Whether you are new to the Second Shift or a seasoned member of the community, Jeri shares a few key takeaways we can all benefit from:
1) Track your time: Whether you choose a digital or analog approach, plan your time down to the half hour. “It’s a game changer!”
2) Be yourself: When it comes to pitching, “be honest about who you are and why you are interested in the role” and let things evolve from there.
3) Don’t be afraid to be picky: You only have so much time to devote to your business, so choose your engagements wisely. “It’s the luxury of working this way!”
Do you know any all-star professional women like Jeri who should join The Second Shift expert network? Send them our way!