GoDaddyGo.

Recently we have found some inspiration in some interesting places. There have been multiple places out there on the internet that have kept us going as we started this venture. Here are a few:

Bob Parson's Blog
The founder of GoDaddy.com has quite a few items of interest to entrepreneurs working to develop their business. Our favorite is here.

"Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish"
The 2005 Commencement address at Stanford University by Steve Jobs.



Just a few ideas for you folks from us folks.

-The folks at 30proof

A tiger close to our hearts

We recently came across an insert in a 2007 Far Side cartoon calander that talked about the plight of certain threatened species of wildlife. The cartoonist Gary Larson has dedicated all of the proceeds from the calendar to help out Conservation International.
The piece read as so:

"On the black market, a whole tiger is worth less than the sum of its parts. In some countries, a poacher can earn more than the average annual salary from the kill of a single tiger.

There are few tigers left in the wild, but remnants of the cat are sold in pharmacies across Asia. Though their medicinal value remains unproven, tiger bones are sold as pain relievers, tails for skin treatment, and genitals to boost virility. In what other ways do people use the parts of this threatened cat? How can this practice be stopped?

Learn the answers and more @ Conservation International"

-Jesse Edwin

EcoCasts are on iTunes!

Even more nature sounds have been posted on iTunes! Check out the most exciting thing out of the natural world to find its way into your iPod.

Use iTunes or any podcast software and subscribe to this link: http://www.wildsanctuary.com/ecocast/ecocast.xml

Don't forget to stop by www.WildSanctuary.com, our new site where all of these sounds are available for download for only $9.99 per album.

Enjoy,
Jesse Edwin

Shout out to MeeksDigital

MeeksDigital photographer, Trevor Meeks (also an associate of 30proof) helped us out on a last minute shoot this week. For that and being our most dedicated blog fan, we present him with our highest award, the "You Saved our Behinds" Award. I am sure that if Trevor was present to accept this award, he would also mention that as a special offer to all of his clients (and their event guests too) he is offering FREE SHIPPING on all print orders over $150 placed using his Client Ordering System between now and February 28th! Also, he would remind everyone to make sure to inquire about his new line of products, including Gallery Wrapped Canvas prints and Press Printed postcards & note cards. But... since he is not, I don't want to put words in his mouth. Go to his site to see his work.

- The folks at 30proof

Haute Hot Home Products: Sioni

Here at 30proof, we have just begun work with an exciting new store on the Sonoma Plaza called Sioni. It is a creation of Kristi Kelly, the person behind the creation of the current store, The Loop. Sioni, which will open its doors on Feb. 1 will be selling high-end home furnishings, leather goods designed by Kelley and the gold jewlery by Keva.

Yes, Keva. Our clients are connecting! Some of our best jobs come by word of mouth and referrals from existing clients. We have Keva to thank for introducing us to Kelly. We have Chip Allen to thank for introducing us to Sonoma BioFuels. We have Wild Sanctuary to thank for introducing us to many people concerned with the environment. And the list goes on.

To all that have referred us, we say... THANK YOU, THANK YOU. It is that support that allows our humble business to continue. It is our clients that make it all possible.

So if you know anyone who is starting off in a business venture, is remaking an existing identity, or just wants to spruce up their website, drop them our number.

- Jesse

The Best Podcast on the Net is live: EcoCasts

We've just released, through a partnership with Wild Sanctuary, the best new podcast on the net.

EcoCast is a weekly podcast that features some of the best soundscapes from all over the world.

If you have iTunes or some other podcast viewer, subscribe to this feed:

http://www.wildsanctuary.com/ecocast/ecocast.xml

- Samuel

They're on their way

This week has been a big one for 30proof. We have signed three new, exciting clients from diverse backgrounds to create a web presences. The read like the list of those up and coming in 2007, the ones to watch...

First is the veteran winemaker, Tony Coturri, founder of Coturri Winery. Tony has been making wine alongside his late father Harry "Red" Coturri since he was a young boy. Today Tony is producing some of the most bold, quality wines coming out of the Sonoma Valley. He does it simply by making wine the way it has been done for centuries: taking quality grapes and not using chemical interference. The Wall Street Journal has called him the "Eddie Van Halen of Winemaking" and Robert Parker said "... if wine is meant to be appreciated for its individuality, as well as for pleasure, then who cannot admire what this winery has achieved?" For Coturri, we will be completely overhauling their entire website and creating up-to-date online wine store and Wine Club membership program.

Next is Keva Clements, of keva gold. Keva is a talented designer who is making 100% solid gold bangles, earrings, and necklaces. She works in a vast array of gold colors and creates quality pieces of jewlery. The product prices are in the range that means you need to go out and get a second job. They are beautiful, beautiful pieces and are being recieved very highly in LA fashion markets and among select celebrities. Keva has charged us with creating an identity for her to carry into the market. We are also creating a website, promotional materials and packaging for this exclusive retailer.

Finally, is the Valley of The Moon Teen Center. The center is in the tough process of reinventing itself and preparing for its future and felt that a website should be part of that process. Incoming Executive Director Celeste Winders has big plans for the Boyes Hot Springs facility and a great sense of mission for the population the center will be serving. Winders hopes to address the issues of Chicano teens, open the doors to more people, and increase donations to the Center. Part of her plans involve creating a digital photography program with help from the Sonoma Index Tribune and us at 30proof. If you are interested in helping this program, let us know and we can connect you.

-- The 30proof team

In the Field with Wild Sanctuary

On this last Sunday and Monday, Jennell and I accompanied sound recordists Kat and Bernie Krause on a field mission to the Gray Lodge Wildlife Refuge in California's Central Valley near Sacramento.

The day also was an excuse for PBS producer, Craig Miller (VoxTerra, KVIE TV) , to film Bernie out in the field recording. The shoot will be part of an upcoming PBS documentary about California before it was settled -- before the Gold Rush. A camera crew out of Sacramento arrived in the pre-dawn hours as thousands of Snow Geese, Blue Herons, Egrets and more birds did circles in the sky. The sound was beautiful.

We were along as guests as part of our further partnership to bring downloadable nature sounds and ringtones at www.WildSanctuary.com.

-Jesse

CLIENTS IN THE NEWS: Sonoma BioDiesel

Joe Baratta drives a 310 horsepower, five-liter, V-10 Volkswagen Touareg SUV that generates a stump- pulling 553 pound-feet of torque while burning what amounts to refined soybeans. VW recently demonstrated the V-10 Touareg’s massive power by using it to tow a 155-ton Boeing 747 down a runway.

At highway speeds, that monster motor can deliver over 28 miles a gallon and Joe says it averages around 22. The Touareg (the most commonly accepted pronunciation is “tour-egg”) is capable of an unusual combination of power, economy and low emissions because it diesel engine runs on vegetable oil tha spews only half the particulate matter, and half the carbon monoxide of regu- lar diesel, as well as 100 percent less black soot. It’s also sulfur-free.

Matt Coddington’s VW Passat four- cylinder TDi does even better, deliv- ering up to 38 miles a gallon on the highway and 27 around town. Number like those aren’t unique to Volkswagen diesels. There are numerous second- and third-generation diesel cars on the road delivering a level of clean fuel efficiency that calls into question the highly touted advantages of hybrid cars which combine small gasoline engines with electric motors. Combine the diesel motor with biodiesel fuel and you have, say, biodiesel proponents, an unparalleled automotive power system...

We created the logo, promotional materials, postcards, business cards and a website for these fuel pioneers. Check out the website we made for them at www.SonomaBiofuels.com. Or you can just click on the small image to the right to read the story. >>>

-Jesse

Whatever It Is, I'm Buying It

Tomorrow night is the keynote from Steve Jobs at MacWorld. You can tell you're a fanboy if you don't even know what's being released but you want it anyway...

- Samuel

Take a Walk on the Wild Side

Wild Sanctuary, Inc of Glen Ellen, CA and 30proof have teamed up to create something wild! This is one of those projects that we are very proud of and has been a long time in the making.

Wild Sanctuary, lead by famed sound recordist, Bernie Krause, has collected the largest library of natural sound recordings in private hands. The rainstorms of Borneo, the animals in Zimbabwe and the howl of wind across the arctic tundra are just a few of the sounds gathered in this collection. The site has lots of information about the company and a place to easily purchase the recordings as downloads. Imagine- the wilds of the world following you in your iPod.

The first version of the site was posted today. Many new developments are on their way, so check back soon.

Thanks for listening to our pitch!
Click here to listen to the wild sounds.

-Jesse

Get Started on a Website-- Affordably!

Many organizations and business that serve the community also have to fight for their very existences. Money is hard to come by, volunteers are always needed and there is just not always enough money to stretch from fundraiser to fundraiser. So when it comes to putting up a webpage, putting together marketing or creating advertising, price is always an issue.

At 30proof, we care about those organizations that work to make a difference and we strive to help them. That is why we are happy to announce low cost web and marketing ideas for non-profits. We use certain approaches to create professional, powerful and easy to use webpages.

Imagine your organization putting up a more professional front to target new clients or donors. Imagine the ability to have a powerful website that is easy to use. And imagine it all being able to fit inside your budget.

Many organizations feel that they should not spend money on marketing and websites. Maybe they feel that the money is not well spent. Yet, just consider that your organization depends on donations, good will and trust from your clients. All this can be accomplished through marketing and web presences.

So if you are interested in talking with 30proof about how this can fit inside your organizations budget, then just give us a call.

- Jesse