"If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." - African Proverb
We've covered why change feels risky and how to make it manageable. Today: why having the right support system literally changes your brain's response to switching providers.
The Science of Social Support
Research shows that trusted advisors during transitions:
- Reduce stress hormone (cortisol) production
- Share cognitive load, decreasing individual mental burden
- Activate brain reward centers through encouragement
- Help calibrate realistic vs. imagined risks
Why Event Planners Need Multi-Level Support
Internal Support
- Leadership buy-in reduces political risk
- Peer collaboration validates decisions
- Cross-functional input ensures comprehensive evaluation
Provider Partnership
- Dedicated transition teams (not "just another client")
- Transparent communication with regular updates
- Proactive problem-solving before issues become crises
Industry Network
- Peer experiences from similar transitions
- Reference conversations with current clients
- Professional community perspective
Building Your Support Network
When vetting new partners, ask about what their organization promises their clients. What are they offering when you switch to their services? Can they guarantee peace of mind?
For example, here's a breakdown of what Steelhead's "Awesome Support" promise entails:
Before Transition
- Collaborative discovery (we don't just present—we partner)
- Stakeholder inclusion for alignment
- Reference facilitation with honest client conversations
During Transition
- Dedicated account teams as an extension of your staff
- Photo documentation and milestone tracking
- Immediate issue resolution
After Implementation
- Performance evaluation against your goals
- Long-term partnership beyond installation
- Continuous improvement with each event
Other ways to build your support network include:
- Identify internal champions who've managed similar changes
- Connect with industry peers through professional associations
- Evaluate provider communication during the sales process
The Psychological Safety Result
True support creates:
- Reduced isolation during complex decisions
- Enhanced confidence through expert guidance
- Faster problem resolution
- Professional growth through partnership learning
Next topic: Transforming "What if something goes wrong?" into "What if this is our best decision?"
