Let's pick up right where we left off last week, talking about the creation of your personal support group.

Step 4: Phone each of the referrals and explain the reason for your call. They'll be flattered that their professional advice attracts you, but if they're too busy to talk, make an appointment. (Make clear that you don't need their expertise right now — and don't want to be billed for the time — and chances are you'll get what you need then and there, over the phone.) Run down their hours and fees. In return, tell them what you need and expect. (Write this out before calling.)

Step 5: After a few minutes of conversation with each person, you'll probably have a sense of the compatibility level between the two of you. (Personality and temperament are often as important as education and experience. If those factors are high in your priorities, give them extra weight when you're making a final selection.) Mark each name A, B or C according to compatibility, availability, fees and so on. These people will be working for you, so in effect, these conversations are interviews. Important ones. Keep your phone manner professional but friendly. Remember that you're consuming their work time, so do be appreciative of their time, but don't be cowed or obsequious. Whatever the results, this is great experience for you, and personally, I'm quite proud of you!

Step 6: If all this sounds like too much work, remind yourself that problems have a way of surfacing at the worst possible time and that now, while life is (relatively) calm, is a good time to put these "solution resources" in place. If you wait until you're in a crunch, you'll have to take what you can get. Planned in advance, your system of resources can be top-grade. So do persevere until you have the people you select alerted to your needs and committed to meeting them when the moment comes.

Step 7: Type the final list, with names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses.

Step 8: Recheck and update the list every few months to be sure it's accurate and fast-working when you need it.

DEAR READERS: We've uncovered a treasure-trove of "Single File" paperbacks — in perfect condition, ready to read. Send $15 and your address to: Susan Deitz, C/O Creators Syndicate, 737 Third St., Hermosa Beach, CA 90254. I'll send you a signed copy.

Have a question for Susan? You can reach her directly at [email protected].