Imagine that you are at a zoo, but this time one act is so captivating, you cannot stop watching it read more here. The performers are your services, and they’re juggling flame torches. A single mistake could cause your entire operation to go up in flames. Allowing a single provider to take you hostage without any safety net is like a high wire act. How can you get rid of that pressure and take back control?

We’ve been there. It’s the moment your software vendor announces they are raising their prices. They may even decide to remove a feature vital to your company. What do you do now? Many businesses feel trapped after spending time and effort to get everything in perfect alignment. So, do you pay up? Then, do you just cross your finger and hope they’ll change their mind? You’re in a tough spot, my friend. That’s an unpleasant situation.

We’ll brainstorm some rescue techniques before you hyperventilate into a paperbag. Begin by diversifying service dependencies. As you wouldn’t trust a magician for the big finale at your kid’s birthday, don’t put your faith in a single service provider. Do not limit your search to familiar logos. Explore alternative vendors and open-source solutions. There should be a lot of backups. When service A fails, there should be a backup ready to take over.

Remember those Ninja movies, where the heroes have a stash full of weapons hidden in every corner? The strategy you should use is similar. Spread out your reliance on different services. Plan B, C and even D are essential because life can test your limits. In the event that your main provider of services fails, you have options to keep things afloat.

Here, it’s all about the digital people who are your key to the kingdom. Your internal team. Make them your MVPs. Let them be agile. Train them in your infrastructure. Encourage them in a seamless transition from technology to technology. When you and your crew are in charge, you can no longer be a passive observer. You’re in charge, making all the decisions.

Remember Aunt Mabel? You know the person who uses a flipphone? While change can seem daunting, it’s worth it to embrace the technology. Audit your technology stack on a regular basis. Peel those layers back and take a closer look. It’s the same as spring cleaning with databases and servers. This isn’t just a cleansing of the soul. It reveals any service dependency gaps you might be unaware even existed. Fortify your walls with strategic redundancy.

The community forums or tech groups you belong to can help you find the right solution. It’s possible that the knowledge you can gain from interacting with these people will surprise you. Many people have faced the same challenges as you. Don’t just lurk. Jump in with both feet. Contribute. Share. Multiply the understanding you have.

Your business? Like a jigsaw. Every service has a part that links to a larger picture. The ability to balance these pieces isn’t optional; it’s vital. Let them become your brand’s history–a collage of reliability, availability and scalability you can own.

You’ll be able to laugh at the joke if someone ever tries your arm. You’re equipped now. It’s easy to be intimidated by big service providers, but are you? You’ve got it made.

Although hiring clowns to entertain you may seem expensive, buying your freedom is worth it. Priceless.