Elaine Pofeldt's blog

5 Lessons A Startup Can Teach Your Small Business

How do you teach an old dog a new trick? Bring home a puppy.

6 Free Resources for Entrepreneurs to Watch and Learn

Watching videos online doesn't have to be a time waster.

5 Personal Problems Preventing your Business from Prospering

Don't sweat the small stuff but do sweat the stuff that's within your control.

3 Alternative Sources of Funding

Small business needs money to grow, but banks are reluctant to lend. Where to turn?

Should You Grow Your Business by Buying Another?

For some businesses, the best business growth strategy is a business purchase strategy.

7 Mental Roadblocks Between You and More Money

It's tough to find business success in a tough economic climate. Are your mental roadblocks making it tougher?

7 Places to Hang Out and Build Your Business

Don't just hang out on your downtime -- hang out with people who can help you build your business.

5 Ways to Earn More Every Week

Pursue a few modest sales and marketing efforts each week and by year's end you'll enjoy a healthier bottom line.

5 Ways to Turn Every Employee into a Rainmaker

For successful small businesses, sales aren't just the responsibility of the sales staff. Here's how you can get everybody involved in selling your business.

Accelerate Your Cash Flow to Buy More Time

Many small business owners agree that uncertainty is their biggest challenge. Speeding up cash flow is one way to prepare for the worst -- and profit from unexpected opportunities.

5 Recurring Charges to Reconsider

From switching your phone service to going partially paperless and more, learn how you can drastically cut recurring costs in your office.

The Shoestring MBA

A number of free, online resources are available to help you close gaps in your knowledge, invigorate your thinking and otherwise help you keep pace with key business trends.

How Much to Pay New Hires in 2011

You're ready to bring in new employees — great! But calculating salaries can be difficult. Learn what to pay in a still-unsteady economy.

How to Hold onto Talent When You Can’t Afford Raises

Recent economic improvements may have your employees expecting raises this year. But what if you can't afford them?

From a Snapple Marketing Veteran: How to Tap the Power of Packaging

Learn how to make your product stand out from the competition.

Why You Should Forget the Word Scalable

Perhaps it's time for more entrepreneurs to enjoy the unique rewards of keeping a business small.

3 Obvious Sales Strategies You May Be Neglecting

Whether you run a hair salon or high tech startup, these tips should help you improve your sales.

Food Truck Envy: Should You Jump on This Hot Food Trend?

If you live in a city, you may wonder if it's time to quit your day job and join the legions of food truck owners you see around town.

How to Raise Money on “Crowdfunding” Sites

Crowdfunding enable entrepreneurs in artisanal and creative businesses to collect small donations from friends, family, and acquaintances to bring a project to fruition.

Double-Dip-Proof Your Business

With fears swirling about a double-dip recession, many entrepreneurs are worried that we're in for another round of tough times.