Wow, it's ten years this year... 2003 to 2013

Ten years ago, I signed up as a junior member and registered for a program I thought would be interesting, after one meeting of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers, www.canadianspeakers.org  Vancouver chapter. Jody Urquhart www.idoinspire.com a fellow Toastmaster had dragged me along to a meeting because she needed a financial wizard to help her organize their next conference.

The one year program was led by Geoffrey X Lane (www.geoffreyxlane.com), and it was to be about the business of speaking; Fast Track was a year long program. Once a month on a Saturday afternoon we learned about the business of speaking; hearing from a dozen of the leading experts from all over the world. I signed up, not to be a speaker, but to learn about the business because I had clients who spoke.

I participated in CAPS life that year, volunteering to help with the finances and planning/organization of that year's CAPS conference as it was being held in Vancouver; working with Jody and Greg to facilitate an amazing conference. My biggest learning, how to deal not only with boxes and boxes of books that don't sell but everyone thinks they will, but how to deal with GST and PST on consignment sales during a trade show. What a pain that was. And thank goodness for e-Books! I learned most books aren't profitable, mostly they are about marketing, plus some ego and flash.

By the middle of that year, 2003, I was being encouraged by my Fast Track class to speak up about what I was passionate about, which was the fair application of administration of personal tax credits by CRA, and keeping records using technology to be in control of your money.

Ten years later, I'm speaking and writing about both of those topics. Go figure, money and tax...both topics still have legs. I've had so much fun, learned so much, met so many great people, renewed friendships and developed new working relationships I never would have if I hadn't taken that course. And, along the way, out popped the brand of TaxDetective, many thanks to Jane Atkinson www.speakerlauncher.com plus personal development coaching from some incredible coaches, Teresia LaRoque www.teresia.com and Cheryl Cran www.cherylcran.com and Carla Rieger www.carlarieger.com made a huge positive influence on my life.

Next time you're wondering if something you are thinking about joining will be right for you, consider what you're passionate about, and how could what you're considering help you become more involved in your unique passion. It's unique because you own it. My passion? People's rights about the rules. I know it sounds strange, but if there are rules, then they should apply equally to everyone and everyone should have equal access. That isn't always the case when it comes to Income Tax in Canada.

Thanks to the members of my graduating class of 2003, CAPS Fast Track, even though that program didn't survive, we all did. I salute every one of you who has made your passion your life. Time sure flies when you're having way too much fun, doesn't it?