You need a Plan B, C and possibly Z.
In a short sentence.
Sounds mad.
Because it is.
So much can go wrong in a very short space of time. And when you’re planning an event, there are only so many balls you can juggle at once.
You’re an event planner, not a circus act.
Planning for the “just in case” is therefore not being pessimistic. It’s being sensible.
Planning that grand event? And especially here in the Cape? Always consider the weather.
We enjoy four seasons in one day, and the South Easter is not exactly known for politely asking permission before making an appearance.
Then there’s the technology we’ve all come to trust.
You’re approaching a circle and your GPS, in that calm voice you specifically selected, tells you exactly where to go.
You confidently take the wrong exit.
“Recalculating.”
And suddenly your beautifully planned route has gone completely off script.
Do you turn around and blame the GPS?
Do you wish you’d stayed with the trusted old map book — your original Plan A?
Probably not.
You simply recalculate and carry on.
Although, in Cape Town, you may discover that some of those street names have changed anyway.
Because that’s what we do.
We’re always “honouring” somebody else with a street name.
But I digress.
The point is this:
Have a plan. Then have another one.
Not because you expect everything to go wrong, but because when something does, you don’t want to be standing in the middle of the chaos wondering what to do next.
Be still.
Take a breath.
Consider the options.
Recalculate if you need to.
And if necessary, take the clear road ahead.
Confirm. Confirm again. And then re-confirm.
Because when the unexpected happens — and it will — you want your head to remain calm, your heart to remain happy, and your event to keep moving forward.
That’s what Plan B, C and possibly Z are really there for.
