Partnership starts with belonging. Change meets resistance when people feel excluded. I turn hesitation into alignment by proving value with data, addressing concerns head-on, and making partners part of the process. People support what they help create.

Communicate the benefits clearly. Show data supporting the changes. Address their concerns directly. Involve them early in the process. Highlight success stories. Offer incentives for alignment. Keep communication open and transparent.

Transparency and clear communication are key when navigating strategy changes, especially with partners. It's essential to not only explain the reasoning behind these changes but also provide the tools and resources that will help them adapt and thrive. Equally important is identifying a partner "champion" who can amplify the message and share their perspective alongside yours. This collaborative approach offers partners an inside look at the changes and demonstrates how these shifts will positively affect their business.

Bringing people along starts with sharing the 'why.' Change is easier to embrace when partners understand the bigger picture—what’s driving the shift and how it benefits everyone involved. Transparency, storytelling, and real-world examples go a long way in turning skepticism into buy-in. Collaboration is key too. When partners feel like they have a seat at the table rather than just being informed after the fact, they’re more likely to champion the change instead of resist it.

With seven years in branding, I’ve faced hesitant partners before—like when I pitched a bold shift at 360 Degrees. I showed them hard data proving a 150% profit boost was possible, listened to their worries about risk, and then tweaked the plan together. By the end, they weren’t just on board—they were excited to push it forward.