Finding the Balance – Diving in Bimini

November 2, 2010 / in Personal, Social Media / by Jason Terry

I love what I do for a living.  I get to help reinvigorate companies all over Kansas City through social media and new web sites.  During the process I become part of the team.  This keeps Mic and I busy and it is always good to step away from the business to enjoy nature, eat and drink with friends and reflect on how fortunate we are.  One of the ways that I do this is scuba diving.  I have been an assistant instructor for years now and love to dive.

Last week, I was diving under 95 feet of water on a wreck in Bimini.  I remember going down the descent line and the current was whipping me like a kite in the wind.  Hand over hand, I made my way to the deck of the wreck and dropped off behind the ship to shelter from the current.  It was a big wreck that I was able to swim into and see all of the marine life that had decided to call the wreck home.  Keep in mind that this is basically more than 10 stories underwater in the deep blue.  Awesome.  I remember breathing slowly and deeply as I made my way in and around the ship.  I remember thinking how amazing it is that we can be in a place like that.  A place that is so incredibly beautiful yet could kill you if not for the equipment strapped on my back.  As that nervous thought entered my mind I looked around at the other 15 divers with me and laughed into my mask.  I was still in a social situation.

What does this have to do with Blue Gurus and business?  Everything.

• We all need to take a break from business often enough to keep perspective… get out there and have some fun so that you can come back recharged.
• No matter what you are facing in your business or personal life, there are those around that you that can help you get through if you have the courage to ask
• You have to take calculated risks to achieve your true potential. When was the last time you were nervous about doing what needed to be done?  Get going!
• Communicating with social media has become an important part of how we do life.  During the trip, it was amazing to me how quickly people posted pictures and stories on LinkedIn and Facebook.  People “friended” each other on Facebook so that they could stay in touch after the trip and continue to share pictures.
• We created the web site and Facebook Fan Page for Midwest Aquatics.  We posted a photo gallery on Facebook when we got back from the trip.  Comments from fans indicate that it might help them choose to go on a trip in the future.

I am glad to be back in Kansas City doing what I love.  It was a great trip that gave me perspective and a tan.  If you are a diver or have any feedback on this post, be sure to reach out and let me know!