Be Smart and Have Backup People
by Michael Feeley
Trust is essential in life, but wisdom requires preparation. I’ve learned this through years of depending on people for editing, house care, gardening, lawn maintenance, painting, cleaning, and repairs.
Here’s what experience has taught me: always have backups.
The people I work with understand this principle, too. The best ones show me their backups when they’re unavailable. This isn’t about distrust—it’s about responsibility and planning for life’s unpredictability.
I’m continuously meeting new people and building connections, not just for myself, but to create a network of reliable help. When I find skilled people, I refer them to others who need their services. This creates a web of mutual support that benefits everyone.
My golden rule: If someone tells you they have a backup, don’t just accept it—make sure to meet that person. Discover their skills firsthand. Verify their reliability. An untested backup isn’t really a backup at all.
Emergencies don’t announce themselves. People get sick, face family crises, or have scheduling conflicts. When you’re away from home or facing a deadline, you can’t afford to scramble for help. Your backup network becomes your safety net.
Building this network takes time and effort, but it’s worth every moment invested.
In a world where we’re all interconnected, having reliable people—and backups for those people—isn’t paranoia. It’s practical wisdom that protects you when you need it most.
Thanks – Michael (he, him)
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