Recently, the social media team had the chance to catch up with some members of the Powerline Editorial Team, to get the behind-the-scenes scoop on everything Powerline and find out why this crew loves being referred to as “word nerds.”
The Powerline Editorial Team is made up of a host of word-loving, thesaurus toting, accomplished editors and writers who spend their days working on a variety of projects for Market America – including making sure every single product label and printed publication has been carefully written, executed and edited with flawless precision. READ below to learn more about the ins and outs of the editorial team and why the Powerline Magazine is their fave.
Social Media Team: Introduce us! Who makes up the Editorial Team and where is everyone originally from?
Cait: I’m from all over – east coast, west coast, up north, down south, and some bits in the middle.
Roxanne: Originally from Bath, NC
Brandon: From Jacksonville, FL
Heather: From Greensboro, N.C.
Social Media Team: What’s a day in the life of an Editorial Team member like?
Cait: Hectic, fun and always interesting. We get to work with everyone in the company, and learn about everything from business building to the science behind our products. On any given day, we can be writing an article about the success someone experienced through TLS®, or editing a Getting Started Guide for our Independent Shop Consultants.
Roxanne: Sitting down to work on my to-do list and getting sidetracked by other issues (e.g. Powerline content and inbox projects).
Brandon: Well, right now I have a hand in the About ma® pdf, Market United Kingdom Company Report, new marketamerica.com web content, MeetON emails, a special Cashback project for Marc A. and interviewing writer candidates. That’s 6 hands! It’s always like this…a constant juggling act (I bet every juggler wishes they had 6 hands) where you never get to just focus on one project from start to finish, but must keep many projects moving all the time.
Aside from the busy work, there’s always meetings that tend to eat up the day — like planning all 5 Powerlines as a group each month or improving upon internal systems and procedures. We try to sneak in some fun though, especially on Fridays. Each member on the team takes turns monthly to lead the Friday Funday activities. We try to host games or trivia with the focus of ma so it’s a learning experience…and the winner always gets a prize! We also do wall activities from time to time where a common theme is given and each person must bring examples to present. For instance, one theme was to find professional ads (magazines, billboards, etc) that tried to use humor in their copy but failed miserably. The goal here is to become better writers.
Heather: I’m a working mom of two young kids, so balancing work life and home life is important and challenging. At work, I am typically editing anything from Newslines to product labels and everything in between, or writing an article for the Beauty pod or Taiwan Powerline, or perhaps coming up with the perfect, engaging post for our department Facebook page. Then, I go home and resume my Mommy duties until I absolutely pass out!
Social Media Team: What’s your favorite part of being on the ma Editorial Team?
Cait: That’s a hard one. Being a part of this specific team is my favorite part of coming in to the office every day, but the most rewarding part of my job is knowing that I’m helping share valuable information with our field. I learn something new each and every day, and I get to help share that with others.
Roxanne: My coworkers!
Brandon: I feel blessed to be working with such a talented and fun group of writers…so I guess my favorite part is the people power!
Heather: My coworkers! We work very well together and I feel lucky to be part of such a great team. I also like being able to say I write all sorts of materials that are published in 7 countries!
Social Media Team: Between everyone on your team, how many red pens do you own?
Cait: I own 4 red pens, but I proof in bright pink! And I own about 6 of those.
(Hey interviewer – we really proof in silver sharpies. If you want to use that instead, the team has about 30 between us, if my pile of pens is any indication.)
Roxanne: I only own one. (I should probably talk to someone about that.)
Brandon: I’ve got one red pen, a red sharpie, and a red dry-erase pen.
Heather: I own 3. I also like to edit in other bright colors to keep it interesting, and own 3 pinks, 2 purples and 2 turquoises.
Social Media Team: What inspired you to want to become Editors/Writers?
Cait: I think how a company communicates with the world is one of the most essential ways a business can demonstrate professionalism, and that’s what drew me to this field. It’s important to me that we are providing the best written materials to go with our unbeatable products and services.
Roxanne: Getting to be creative every day (i.e. not being restricted to certain formats and guidelines). Creativity cannot be defined by someone’s rules, and that’s what I love about it!
Brandon: I found out early on in life that I was always good at it. 10-page paper due tomorrow that I haven’t even started? No problem. Even when it didn’t deal with assignments, I enjoyed writing as an outlet…of my thoughts, dreams, emotions… it was the easiest way for me to communicate. Now, I’ve taken my passion and God-given talent and turned it into a career.
Heather: I was the girl who proofread my friends’ papers for fun in high school and college. When I got this job, I purchased a giant manual on English and grammar and my best friend came over and we read it for pleasure. I have just always enjoyed grammar, and love being able to refine pieces to perfection through editing and writing.
The behind-the-scenes team driving the quality articles and information published in the Powerline each month is a powerhouse of creativity and precision – what is your favorite part of the Powerline?
I really like getting to know the MA family! Thanks behind-the-scenes family!