BUSINESS TIPS OF THE MONTH
 
You may think “it’s only October,” but the end of the year will be here before we know it.

Here is a bit of tax-related housekeeping you might want to think about as the year winds down. Do you have all the records you will need for preparing your taxes? Below is an abbreviated list, however having these items will make your visit to your accountant go much smoother.

For Your Business: Bank Statements Donations (cash and property) W9s for Independent Contractors Paperwork for major purchases	Credit Card Statements Business Loan Paperwork Mileage journal Profit and Loss Statement
For Personal:   W2s 1099s Mortgage paperwork	Investment paperwork Medical expenses Donations (cash and property)

ORGANIZATIONS—PERSONAL TIDBITS

The economy has taken it’s toll on all of us in one way or another, whether that be financially, or because we are stressed by hearing about nothing but bad financial news around every corner. But I’d like to offer a reminder about the charitable organizations in our area—and nationally—that are especially hurting because of this extremely challenging economy. Even though we may not have as much as we did in years prior… neither do they. And their survival often depends entirely upon the support and generosity of businesses and individuals just like us. Please keep in mind that these organizations are still striving to provide for those who are sick, homeless, or disadvantaged in some way. I have supported the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society for many years (even before I started with Team in Training) as well as the Salvation Army and Goodwill Services. As the holidays approach, please don’t forget that these organizations need our help more than ever. Even if you can’t help as much, every penny and every minute of your time is valuable to them. If you have a favorite charity, please make an effort to support them in some way. It is always appreciated—and you’ll feel good about helping someone else!

VIRTUAL JEANNIE VIRTUAL SPOTLIGHT

This month’s spotlight is on Heidi and Jim Noh-Kuhn of Dare to Dream, a life and business coaching service. They have a unique dynamic working together and will be instrumental in helping you reach your personal or business goals.

Living with Passion and Joy!

How we discovered our Vision and Mission, and utilized these to create our Life Work.

Are you looking for something more out of your life or business? Do you know how to begin finding and achieving it? The answer lies in articulating your vision and mission.

When we set out to transform our lives seven and a half years ago, we didn’t know what our new life was going to look like or what, exactly, we wanted to create. What we did know was that we were longing to feel more passion and joy. So this became our guideline and the compass we used to clarify our direction each step of the way. These two words became our vision and mission: Passion & Joy.

When faced with a decision we would pause and ask ourselves: will this increase our passion? Will this provide us with an experience of joy? There were many good opportunities which came our way, but not all of them met our criteria of cultivating passion and joy. Some ideas sounded good; they even made sense, especially to our family and friends. But when we checked in with ourselves and answered honestly, it was clear going in that direction was not going to support us in realizing our vision and mission.

When working with others to create a vision for their life and business, we help them identify the forms that appeal to them, such as a specific amount of money, and the qualities that accompany these forms, such as freedom or security. Passion and joy were the qualities we identified, and following these led us to the forms that fulfilled them. Once you are able to clarify what you want (vision) and understand why you want it (mission), then you can begin to figure out which action steps are needed to get you there.
Many people struggle with articulating a vision and mission, and feel it is because they don’t know exactly what they want. We believe the answers you need are already within you, and these will rise to the surface when you know which questions to ask. A big part of our job as coaches is to help our clients ask the right questions. We teach those we work with how to listen deeply to themselves, and call forth their inner wisdom to guide their lives.

When we set out on our great adventure in 2002, we never dreamed that our quest for realizing more passion and joy would lead us to open our own business. Six years later we have a coaching practice we love: helping others listen to their inner longings and take steps to realize their dreams. Our work continually inspires us, fuels our passion, and fills us with joy.

It’s never too late to follow your heart, and say “Yes” to that voice which calls you to believe in greater possibilities for your life. The key to fulfilling your vision and mission is to cultivate a community of joyful individuals who are aligned with your dreams. This dream team will sustain you when days are hard, and hoist you up in celebration of your every success.

So take a deep breath, listen to your heart, and allow the spirit of your dreams to guide you to your passion and joy.

Heidi and Jim Noh-Kuhn are the co-owners and executive directors of Dare To Dream, a life and business coaching practice in Sebastopol. They are a dynamic husband and wife coaching team working with individuals, couples, and groups. They specialize in visioning and strategic planning, coaching those they work with to establish meaningful goals and implement a plan of action that fits within their life and business needs. If you are curious about coaching contact Dare To Dream for a complimentary session at (707) 823-8583, or www.daretodreamvisioning.com.

© 2009 Heidi and Jim Noh-Kuhn, Dare To Dream