The roller coaster of feast and famine (and how to hang on)
Paula Fleming, CMSO, discusses New England's seasonal hustle, the roller coaster of feast and famine and how to hang on. (July 15, 2024)
Hi there, fellow New Englanders! If you're reading this, chances are you know the thrill (and sometimes terror) of running a business that thrives on the whims of our beautiful, yet unpredictable, New England seasons.
You're not alone! From the charming boutiques on Nantucket's cobblestone streets to the bustling seafood shacks on Block Island's shores, countless businesses in our region rely on the influx of visitors during those golden months. But what happens when the leaves turn and the tourists head home?
Buckle up, friends, because we're about to embark on a wild ride through the highs and lows of seasonal entrepreneurship, New England style.
The feast: a flurry of sun, sand, and sales
Ah, those glorious summer months! The sun shines, the beaches beckon, and your business is buzzing with activity. The cash register sings a sweet symphony, and you can almost taste the pumpkin spice lattes of autumn.
Take it from my friend Sarah, who runs a charming ice cream shop on Block Island. "July and August are pure madness," she laughs. "The line stretches down the block, and we're scooping cones faster than you can say 'lobster roll.' It's exhilarating, exhausting, and absolutely essential to our survival."
The famine: when the winds of change blow cold
But as surely as the tide recedes, the tourists dwindle, and the once-bustling streets grow quiet. The "Open" sign flickers a little less brightly, and the pumpkin spice lattes suddenly feel a bit premature.
The roller coaster: embracing the ups and downs
So, how do we survive (and even thrive) on this wild roller coaster of a business cycle? Here are a few strategies that have helped my fellow New England entrepreneurs weather the storm:
Diversify, diversify, diversify: Sarah's ice cream shop now offers cozy winter treats like hot cocoa and apple cider donuts, while Mark's bike rental has pivoted to winter gear rentals for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Embrace the off-season: Many businesses use the quieter months for renovations, staff training, and strategic planning for the next busy season.
Foster community connections: Building strong relationships with locals can ensure a steady stream of customers even when the tourists are gone.
Get creative with marketing: Offer off-season discounts, host special events, or partner with other local businesses to cross-promote.
The silver lining: a season for reflection and renewal
While the feast-and-famine cycle can be challenging, it also offers a unique opportunity for reflection, renewal, and reinvention.
As I heard from a Nantucket business owner, "Winter may be slow, but it gives us time to recharge, reconnect with our community, and dream up new ideas for the next season. It's like a forced hibernation, but in a good way."
Hang in there, fellow New Englanders! The seasons may change, but our entrepreneurial spirit endures.
