Investing in personal development is no longer optional for leaders in order to cope with the fast-changing environments that impact every small business leader in a seasonal economy like the Cape & Islands. There are many ways leaders can actively apply personal development to grow themselves and elevate their impact.

In a seasonal economy, performance isn't measured by long-term metrics—it's about thriving when it matters most. From coastal cafés to ski resorts, small businesses rely on adaptable teams and streamlined operations. So how do you effectively assess performance when everything operates in fast-forward? Try these best practices.

Small businesses operating in seasonal economies — whether coastal towns dependent on summer tourists like Cape Cod & the Islands or ski resorts in New Hampshire and Vermont that rely on winter visitors — face unique challenges. Fluctuating demand, unpredictable weather, and short earning windows create pressures that require finely tuned management skills, resilient attitudes, and defined purpose.

In a world full of distractions, giving a presentation that your audience actually remembers is no small feat. Whether you’re pitching your business, educating your team, or speaking at a community event, the most effective presenters share one superpower: they connect with people in a meaningful, intentional way.

Let’s explore the major types of learning styles and demonstrate how each can be applied in the daily operations of a small business.

Discover why today’s small businesses thrive with flexible, collaborative leadership—and how SCORE Cape Cod can help you adapt and lead more effectively.

In a world saturated with content, messages compete for attention—and most are quickly forgotten. But some ideas, campaigns, and stories catch fire. They stick. Why? According to Chip and Dan Heath, it’s not magic—it’s a formula. In their bestselling book 'Made to Stick,' the Heath brothers identified six key principles that make ideas 'sticky'—memorable, impactful, and shareable. These principles form the acronym SUCCES: Simple, Unexpected, Concrete, Credible, Emotional, Stories.

Running a small seasonal business comes with unique challenges, especially when it comes to keeping your team motivated. Your employees may be temporary, but their enthusiasm and dedication can make or break your business during peak periods. Whether you're managing a summer rental shop, a holiday market, or a seasonal restaurant, here are the best practices for keeping your team engaged, productive, and excited to come to work.

Social media still works in 2025—but only with a smart strategy. Learn what’s effective amid algorithm shifts, user changes, and rising ad costs.

Marketing is the lifeblood of any small business. Whether you’re selling hand-poured candles, dog leashes, gluten-free wedding cakes or cloud-based software, your ability to attract, engage, and convert customers will determine your success. But in the sea of ever-evolving tactics and platforms, how can small businesses stay grounded?

Leaders who possess emotional intelligence (EI) have a distinct advantage. They build stronger relationships, foster inclusive workplaces, and guide teams through challenges with empathy and insight.

Consider these best practices for dealing with difficult people at work, practices that can help you maintain your professionalism, protect your peace, and even improve your working relationships.

Setting clear, actionable objectives is essential for the growth and sustainability of any small business. Objectives help guide daily operations, inform long-term strategy, and measure success. Consider these best practices for generating your 2025 objectives tailored.

Commercial businesses use the life cycle concept when planning their future strategic moves. Nonprofits can apply the same principles as they look to their future to achieve their mission.     

Knowing where you are in the life cycle will help nonprofit leadership with insights to drive your board development, fundraising, and organizational development strategy.  Research has shown that for-profit and nonprofit organizations move through predictable life cycle stages and development milestones.  This is important because there are significant events at each stage that are crucial for

Tips from SCORE are published weekly in the Cape Cod Times, furnishing Small Businesses with timely advice on managing and operating their companies.

An amazing compilation of How To's for the small business owner.

This handbook is a comprehensive guide to starting and running a small business on Cape Cod & the Islands. You'll learn everything from naming and structuring your business to pricing, marketing, operations and financing.

State of Massachusetts Business Resources

Demographic and statistical resources for Cape Cod.

Step by step checklist for starting a small business in Massachusetts - Including weblinks to Business Naming, Filing & Licensing & Insurance Requirements, Web Domains