Elaine Pofeldt

Westfield area, NJ USA
Contact

Professional Experience

After eight years at FORTUNE Small Business magazine, most recently as a senior editor, I went freelance in late 2007. At FSB, I was twice nominated for the National Magazine Award for my features and founded the magazine's business plan competition. My specialities: small business and careers. I write a column called David vs. Goliath for Fortune magazine and two columns on small business for Crain's New York Business. I also do online editorial consulting. I ran FSB.com (part of CNNMoney.com) for four years, pushing its Google ranking for "small business" to #2, after the U.S. Small Business Administration. I do custom print and online publishing work, as well, and help clients write and edit blogs, business proposals, RFPs, white papers and books. I also do academic editing. References are available on request. For more info, please see elainepofeldt.com.

Expertise

Content Editor (online)
13 Years
Editor
18 Years
Writer
23 Years

Specialty

Entrepreneurship
18 Years
Business (general)
18 Years
Other, Specify
18 Years

Industries


Magazine - Large Consumer/National magazines
16 Years
Newspaper - National
1 Year
Online/new media
13 Years

Total Media Industry Experience

23 Years

Media Client List (# assignments last 2 yrs)

OPEN Forum (10+), Crain's New York Business (10+), Forbes (10+), Fortune.com (10+), Go (AirTran flight magazine) (6-10), CreditCards.com (6-10), CNBC (6-10), Money magazine (6-10), TheAtlantic.com (6-10), One + (for meetings profesionals) (6-10), RIABiz (3-5), BNET (3-5), CBS MoneyWatch.com (3-5), Marie Claire (1-2), Good Housekeeping (3-5), Inc. (3-5), Investing Answers (3-5), Minyanville (1-2), AOL Real Estate (1-2), Arrive (Amtrak magazine) (1-2), Newsweek.com (1-2), NYSE Magazine (1-2), Registered Rep (1-2), Working Mother (1-2), Global Trade magazine (3-5)

Corporate Client List (# assignments last 2 yrs)

Center for Small Business and the Environment (3-5), Rutgers University (1-2), Time Inc. Content Solutions (online) (10+)

Technical Skills

I am experienced in posting web copy using various online content tools and on WordPress and Moveable Type blogs.

Foreign Language Skills

Some Spanish and French

Computer Skills

Word, Excel, light HTML

Equipment

I am always reachable on my iPhone and have an iPad.

References

Available on request.

Awards

I was nominated for the National Magazine Award for feature writing and reporting for two stories I wrote while at FSB magazine. I contributed a feature on income security to a CBS Moneywatch package that won two awards from the 2010 Society of Business Editors and Writers Awards. Article on entrepreneurs and debt won 2011 feature writing award from Society of Business Editors and Writers. Edited "Rebuilding NY" newsletter that won Gold Award from Alliance of Area Business Publications, 2013.

Associations

ASJA, Freelance Success

Showcase

Inc.

Gold-plated networking groups
(Inc. 7/1/2008)
Are they worth the price?
How to master the art of poaching employees
(Inc. 5/1/2014)
Why money isn't always your biggest problem
(Inc. 4/1/2014)
The perils of starting a business on your own
(Inc. 2/1/2014)
One company's hiring secret: Always be training
(inc. 11/1/2012)
One company's hiring secret: Always be training
(inc. 11/1/2012)
One company's hiring secret: Always be training
(inc. 11/1/2012)
One company's hiring secret: Always be training
(inc. 11/1/2012)
One company's hiring secret: Always be training
(inc. 11/1/2012)
One company's hiring secret: Always be training
(inc. 11/1/2012)
Having trouble finding talent? Look beyond resumes
(Inc. 2/1/2012)
Hiring rule #1: Slackers need not apply
(inc. 11/1/2012)
The great Google Fiber experiment
(Inc. 11/25/2024)
3 college-town incubators to watch
(Inc. 6/1/2013)
Gold-plated networking groups
(Inc. 7/1/2008)
Empty desk syndrome
(Inc. 5/1/2008)
How to handle a hiring freeze.

FORTUNE

David vs. Goliath: Shoplet, Moguldom Media Group and SoftLayer
(FORTUNE 12/3/2012)
Sure, the likes of Staples, BET, and Amazon dominate their markets. But as these three businesses show, there is always room for more.
David vs. Goliath: Crestwood Advisors, Earth Friendly Products and Mad Mimi
(FORTUNE 3/12/2012)
How do you take on the established giants? Here are three small businesses that found their niche.
13 startup stars on the verge of an IPO
(FORTUNE 11/9/2011)
Wall Street is buzzing about LinkedIn's hot IPO and anticipating Groupon's and Zynga's. But what about those small, innovative companies looking to cash in? Fortune spotlights ones that show lots of promise.
David vs. Goliath: PetFlow, inVNT and Arkay Packaging
(FORTUNE 11/6/2011)
For the customers of these three small companies, the combination of service and quality is hard to resist.
David vs. Goliath: Ella's Kitchen, Atrium Staffing, and Nitro
(FORTUNE 2/12/2012)
Better temps. Friendly PDFs. Yummy baby food. How three small businesses are going head to head with corporate contenders.
David vs. Goliath: Beverly Feldman, iGate Patni, Blue Fountain Media
(FORTUNE 11/12/2011)
The secrets of success in business, from leopard-print ballet flats to freelance designing to the back office
David vs. Goliath: Better Oats, Brown Paper Tickets and WTP Advisors
(FORTUNE 11/5/2011)
For the customers of these three small companies, the combination of service and quality is hard to resist.
David vs. Goliath: Kona Ice, Ledbury, Sitters Studio
(FORTUNE 7/12/2012)
Who's afraid of Mr. Softee? One of the world's largest clothing chains? A day-care-center giant? Not one of these three entrepreneurs.
David vs. Goliath: Alpine Access, Deep River Snacks and Newtek Business Services
(FORTUNE 11/9/2011)
Here are 3 small businesses that have thrived in troubled times by focusing on quality and a few good niches.
What makes a great boss?
(FORTUNE 10/20/2006)
Meet three entrepreneurs who go the extra mile to attract and motivate first-rate employees.
David vs. Goliath:
(RVC, 1-888-WOW-1Day Painting, Xero 9/12/2012)
Campsites, house painting, and accounting software: Here are some new ways to sell old ideas.

One+

Moving on up (Gradually)
(One+ 12/1/2009)
There's a whiff of optimism in the air, with many meeting professionals predicting that the first shoots of recovery in the industry are starting to sprout.
Grow Your Recovery Strategy
(One+ 7/1/2009)
Preparing for the inevitable economic upswing.
A Thriving Ecosystem
(One+ 9/1/2008)
How to win the war for talent.
Meetings Outlook: Winter 2016
(The Meeting Professional 1/1/2016)
Meetings Outlook: Fall 2015
(The Meeting Professional 10/1/2016)
Meetings Outlook: Summer 2015
(The Meeting Professional 7/1/2015)
Meetings Outlook: Spring 2015
(The Meeting Professional 3/1/2016)
Meetings Outlook: Winter 2015
(The Meeting Professional 11/25/2024)
Meetings Outlook: Fall 2014
(The Meeting Professional 10/1/2014)
Meetings Outlook: Summer 2014
(The Meeting Professional 7/1/2014)
Meetings Outlook: Spring 2014
(The Meeting Professional 7/8/2016)
Meetings Outlook: Winter 2014
(The Meeting Professional 10/1/2014)
Requested to be your friend
(One+ 2/1/2009)
The reality vs. virtual reality hybridization in social networking sites presents challenges and opportunities.

Crain's New York Business

Where is the money?
(Crain's New York Business 2/5/2010)
In the new world of financing, it's all about who you know.
Cashing in at Conferences
(Crains NewYork Business 4/16/2010)
Experts offer tips for getting the biggest bang for your trade show buck.
Snag Your Share of Free Government Money
(Crains New York Business 8/9/2010)
Going after incentives and grants takes work, but payoffs can be big.
NY Firms Shop for Bargains to Grow
(Crain's New York Business 11/15/2009)
The world's still turning and M&A's back; cash, creativity needed.
How to stay positive in tough times
(Crain's New York Business 8/5/2009)
Entrepreneurs are figuring out ways to keep smiling and show they're in business for the long haul.
Lenders find ex-monks are very bankable
(Crain's New York Business 7/31/2009)
Patience, thriftiness prove to be virtues for co-owners of East Village cheese emporium, when it comes to getting financing.
Tips for sprucing up the caliber of your credit
(Crain's New York Business 8/27/2009)
Manage personal debt and build your business's rating to prepare for today's tightfisted lenders.
What Health Bill Means for New York Entrepreneurs
(3/24/2010)
It's time to call your accountant for advice.
How to Learn from Restaurateurs
(Crains' New York 3/5/2010)
Eatery owners, masters of speed and cash flow, serve up advice.
Incentives Appeal in Port Morris
(Crain's New York Business 11/8/2008)
South Bronx offers alphabet soup of aid.
Harlem Bubbles into a Hot Spot
(Crain's New York Business 11/8/2008)
Revitalization creates a magnet for shops.
Outbreak of Refusals Hold Back Vaccinations
(Crain's New York Business 8/25/2008)
More parents keep children away from shots.
Nothing to Sneeze at: Hospital Trips for Asthma
(Crain's New York Business 8/25/2008)
City needs to prevent episodes, handle treatment through pediatricians, clinics.
Midtown South an Epicenter Again
(Crain's New York Business 11/8/2008)
Angels, venture money, startups connect.
Pricing for short-term profits, long-term survival
(Crain's New York Business 1/18/2009)
Smart valuations, clear communication, flexibility help in tough times.
Part Time and Profitable
(Crain's New York Business 5/12/2010)
These entrepreneurs built successful businesses in just a few hours a week.
Green Stores Sprout on Lower East Side
(Crain's New York Business 2/25/2008)
A cluster of environmentally-friendly merchants draws legions of shoppers.
Organic Lunches, and Not Takeout
(Crain's New York Business 12/8/2007)
Health efforts stress prevention, result in savings.
Childhood Obesity Epidemic Weighs Heavily on New York City
(Crain's New York Business 8/25/2008)
New York City programs focus on behavioral change, physical activity.
Lending Advantage
(Crain's New York Business 7/14/2008)
Businesses turn to microlenders as downturn deepens.
The Big Blur
(Crain's New York Business 1/13/2010)
Moonlighting as an entrepreneur can be rewarding - and exhausting.
Firms vie for billionaires' business
(Crain's New York Business 4/21/2008)
Elite clients demand knockout service.
Surviving Recession: What species are you?
(Crain's New York Business 3/10/2008)
Some businesses shift markets, tweak prices or products or simply thrive.
Preserving Your Reputation for Your Next Venture
(Crain's New York Business 1/8/2010)
How to correctly close a business so you can get on with a new stage of your professional life.
Using an incubator to hatch a business
(Crain's New York Business 4/10/2009)
Entrepreneurs find affordable space and bring their business plans to life.
Tactics for cheap marketing
(Crain's New York Business 2/8/2009)
Low-cost mailings, no-frills help, networking sites get the word out.
Better Late Than Never
(Crain's New York Business 12/18/2009)
Starting a business at an age when most folks are thinking of retirement.
Skirt shaky clients to avoid deadbeats' debt
(Crain's New York Business 3/8/2009)
Careful checks up front can stop problem accounts before they start.
Finding savings even after you've cut to the bone
(Crain's New York Business 1/15/2010)
A business consultant offers tips on how to cut costs without having to lay off more staff.

BNET

"Times Got Rough So I Stopped Paying Some Payroll Taxes. It Almost Killed My Business."
(BNET 4/8/2010)
An entrepreneur skips paying payroll taxes when money is tight - until he can get caught up. Big mistake.
My Biggest Mistake as a Rookie Manager
(BNET 3/11/2010)
If the misjudgements you made as a new boss make you cringe, you're not alone.
Tax Hell: "Our Accountant's Mistake Almost Ruined Our Business."
(BNET 4/6/2010)
Our accountant's mistake almost ruined our business.
"I Fought the IRS - and Won."
(BNET 4/7/2010)
When the government told one entrepreneur she owed several thousands in taxes, she proved an auditor wrong.
New Managers: How to Survive Office Politics
(BNET 3/10/2010)
The one big workplace lie that you should wise up to fast:"There are no office politics here."

GO Magazine

Good Credit
(Go 2/1/2010)
There are times when borrowing can provide business opportunities that using cash can't.
Mission Control
(GO 3/1/2010)
Creating a direct, powerful company mission statement can help your bottom line.
Marking Your Territory
(GO 1/1/2010)
Protecting intellectual property rights can safeguard your company from copycats.
From Review to Revenue
(GO 11/1/2009)
How performance evaluations can help your bottom line.
Pitch Perfect
(GO 10/1/2009)
Want to get some publicity? Take this advice from the people who decide whether or not your story is worth telling.

CBS Moneywatch.com

6 Online Networking Mistakes to Avoid
(CBS Moneywatch.com 7/23/2009)
Things you should never do on Twitter and Facebook.
Facebook, Twitter and More
(CBS Moneywatch.com 7/16/2009)
The new rules of social networking
The Long Range Job Hunt
(CBS Moneywatch.com 3/16/2009)
Tips on finding work from afar.
The Feds are Hiring
(CBS Moneywatch.com 9/17/2009)
Here's how to score.
5 New Rules for Job Security
(CBS Moneywatch.com 12/22/2009)
In today's economy, working hard isn't enough.

Registered Rep

Make the Web Work for You
(Registered Rep 5/1/2009)
Having a website is a great way to win new business - and you don't have to spend a fortune to get it right.
Twittering to the Top
(Registered Rep 7/1/2009)
Social networking sites like LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter can be great business builders. You just have to be smart about it.

AOL Real Estate

Single Women Home Buyers: Key to the Housing Recovery?
(Aol Real Estate 5/14/2010)
A new study shows that single women outdistance their male counterparts in home buying.

Merchant Account Guide

Missing Payment on Business Credit Card Can Hurt Personal Credit
(Merchant Account Guide 5/1/2009)
Even paying credit cards 30 days late can chip away at your credit score.
6 Tips for Keeping Merchant Account Rates and Fees Low
(Merchant Account Guide 5/1/2009)
It pays to shop around.

FORTUNE Small Business

Blood Feud
(FORTUNE Small Business 10/1/2003)
Passed over to run the family business, a black-sheep son became the prime suspect in his parents' brutal murder -- then killed himself as the cops were closing in. Now his brother is trying to make sense of it all and keep the company on track.
Food for Peace
(FORTUNE Small Business 12/1/2004)
Daniel Lubetzky wants to promote ethnic harmony, one business deal at a time.
The Digital Dump
(FORTUNE Small Business 6/14/2006)
A new auction site helps companies sell damaged goods.
Secret Services
(FORTUNE Small Business 11/1/2005)
A private eye has found a lucrative niche helping entrepreneurs protect secrets, bust embezzles and keep scandals out of the press.

Good Housekeeping

Kids Allowances: Expert-Approved, Real-World Approaches
(Good Housekeeping 4/1/2008)
More and more parents are asking kids to earn their allowances. Here, three families share their systems - and the lessons they teach.
Make Full-Time Money Working Part-Time
(Good Housekeeping 8/1/2008)
These determined moms found flexible schedules without sacrificing their family finances. You can, too!
My Brilliant (New) Career
(Good Housekeeping 6/1/2009)
Faced with tough economic times, these three savvy women chose to follow their dreams and created smart, profitable businesses.

Minyanville.com

Starting a Business? Keep Costs Down.
(Minyanville.com 1/4/2010)
Tips from a veteran entrepreneur.
Going Green Can Reap Rewards for Your Small Business
(Minyanville.com 1/12/2010)
Cut costs by running a more eco-friendly operation.

Marie Claire

True Stories of Crying at Work
(Marie Claire 4/1/2008)
Welling up in the office: Career suicide or the new way to get ahead? Real women weigh in.

Money magazine

What you can learn from millionaires in the making
(Money 6/1/2015)
5 ways to stretch your startup capital
(Money 9/29/2015)
How to launch a business with friends-and stay friends
(Money 3/11/2016)
How to manage your career like a millionaire
(Money 8/1/2015)
How to launch your dream business without going broke
(Money 3/2/2016)
4 smart ways to fund your new business
(Money 3/2/2016)
The 5-step guide to launching your own business
(Money 3/2/2016)
How being a boring investor can make you rich
(Money 8/1/2015)

Working Mother

Green Day
(Working Mother 4/1/2009)
Always dreamed of working for yourself? Now it's possible to go green as you earn green.

General

Why money isn't always your biggest problem
(Inc. 4/1/2014)