3foldComm

It’s going to be an exciting month at 3fold. Why, you ask?  Two people on the 3fold team are expecting babies!  Lesley is awaiting a girl, and Clay will soon become dad to a boy. To celebrate, we’re having a friendly competition. Guess when Lesley and Clay’s babies will arrive by leaving a comment on our blog*. The person who guesses both dates correctly (or as close to correct as possible) will receive a dozen cupcakes from Icing on the Cupcake.

Contest rules/considerations:

1. No, we won’t tell you the due dates for either baby. That’d make this game too easy.

2. Remember, babies have minds of their own. They could come tomorrow. Or this afternoon. Or even possibly in August. One never knows.

3. Lesley and Clay are not accepting bribes…unless that bribe is a massage, pedicure, or dinner at Mulvaney’s. Then, we might consider sharing the due dates. Might.

4. If you don’t win- no whining. There’s going to be enough whining and crying around here as soon as the little bundles arrive.

5. Winners will be announced HERE as soon as both babies have arrived, but we’ll make sure to keep you posted on Facebook too. In case of a tie, we’ll ask contenders to pick birth time. Yes- we know- we’re seriously competitive about this game. We hope you are too!

Good luck! Now, start your commenting.

[UPDATE - 7/21] Great news! Both babies have arrived healthy and happy. Lesley had her baby girl on Monday, July 18; and Clay welcomed his baby boy on Tuesday, July 19. Congratulations Holly, you’ve guessed the closest to the dates. We’ll contact you soon and make sure to get you your cupcakes! Thank you to everyone who participated and submitted your guesses!

*Please leave a comment with your guess by 5pm PST on July 15, 2011 – this will guarantee your votes are locked in! Any guesses after that time will not count in the contest. Thanks!

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For some brands, a social media strategy might have fairly straightforward goals.  Coca Cola uses a site like Facebook to ultimately get more people drinking their products. But, what if you’re an organization like the US Navy who has top secret missions happening around the world at any given moment? How can you be transparent while also balancing privacy?

Last week I got a chance to learn more about our Navy’s use of social media as part of their Leaders to Sea Program on the USS Makin Island. I was connected to the program through meeting Dennis Hall at the Avere Group. Dennis works directly with Guy Kawasaki to set up embarks that “take bloggers-podcasters-journalists as small and large groups together on extraordinary adventures to fascinating, mysterious places where they meet leaders and learn perspectives.”

The day long experience was fascinating and life changing. While I got to learn a lot about the Navy’s use of social media, I was also able to personally meet the hardworking heroes who protect our country. Few people get to see the inner workings of a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship. Trust me, it was as cool as it sounds! (To see pictures, click here.)

The Navy does their best work far away from US soil, but unfortunately that means taxpaying Americans don’t have an opportunity to really understand the great work our men and women in uniform do. My hope is that you read this post and learn something you didn’t know before.

Here’s a brief overview of what I learned about how the Navy is using social media:

• Lt. Alec Zirkenbach currently assists CNSP Public Affairs Officer, Jason Salata, to manage social media efforts for the Naval Surface Force. They’re working to create Facebook pages for all of the US Pacific Fleet ships. Take a look at the USS Makin Island page on Facebook. You’ll see lots of conversation, especially from family members of those on the ship who use the page to stay informed. This is the power of social media—that family members at home can stay up-to-date on their loved ones.
• To get a large scale picture of the most important Navy news, you can follow @navynews on Twitter. Just this week they provided great information about how the USS Enterprise, the USS Bulkeley and the USS Leyte Gulf and Carrier Air Wing One have been involved in supporting efforts to rescue four American citizens aboard a pirated yacht.
• Just like any corporation or small business, the Navy also struggles to decide how to deal with negative comments and feedback on their social sites. Jason Salata recalled a story about a Navy wife who was given a hard time publicly on one of their Facebook pages, and the tough decision he had to make about handling the online conversation.
• Of course, I believe one of the most powerful things the Navy is doing online are their Blogger Embarks. By inviting writers, photographers and storytellers to sea, millions of people across America get to see a firsthand look at how our Navy works.

Besides learning about social media efforts, here are highlights of my day on the ship:

• My first trip on a helicopter! Let me tell you, it’s nothing like flying commercial.  When you’re strapped in tight, wearing a helmet and ear protectors, there’s little opportunity to talk to anyone. That half hour flight allowed me to really soak in the experience. When was the last time you were forced to sit quietly and think?
• We were welcomed to the ship with a cake cutting ceremony. Besides the fact that the cake was delicious, it reminded me that despite being at a place so different from my office, food still unites people.
• I really enjoyed seeing the teamwork, planning and calculation that go into Navy operations—particularly as we watching the Harrier take-off and landings. I wish the corporate world had more opportunities to practice first before executing.

Navy boys on USS Makin Island

I have so much more I could say. To learn more about what our day on the USS Makin looked like, I’ll direct you to a few other sources. You can incredible pictures of the USS Makin Island on Cara Renee’s blog. I was also fortunate to meet Will Mayall, co-founder of Alltop, and Joanna Clark of AT&T, who blogs about her experience here. I particularly love her reflections on the Navy as a career. Kim Merill of Merill Marketing and Communications in San Diego also provides an in-depth look at the day.

Lastly, become a fan of the Surface Warriors or if you’re on Twitter, make sure to follow @navynews. Doing so will keep you better informed and engaged with military operations here and worldwide.

To the great men and women on the USS Makin Island, and the Naval Base in Coronado–thank you so much for planning an incredible day, and for the great work you do for our country.

Helicopter view of USS Makin Island

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When I participated in the New York Times Unplugged Challenge, I thought I was one of the the only ones suffering from technology overload.

Here’s what I said last June on 3fold’s blog:

“I’ve started wondering – as I handle a daily barrage of tweets, emails, texts and phone calls – am I developing ADD? Granted, because of my job, I’m probably more connected than the average person. But, that’s also the reason why I thought I’d be a perfect candidate for this challenge.”

Turns out there are a lot of people like me.

After the Times ran their online story about the challenge, I talked to many others who are also trying to find ways to cut back on phone and internet use.

Tonight, News10 will air a special report on their 11:00pm broadcast about digital overload. I hope my story will inspire others to think about ways to unplug during the evenings or weekends.  While I still haven’t unplugged enough, I hope to continue advocating about the importance of time away from technology. Our brains need time to unwind, and our hearts need space to be creative.

So, in conclusion, stop reading this post. Go outside! Take a break! I’m certain you’ll thank me for it.

And, p.s., watch News10 tonight at 11:00pm

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Early this morning, one of 3fold’s amazing clients, River City Food Bank, was devastated by a fire. Thanks to the responsiveness of River City’s wonderful leadership, we are addressing the crisis, identifying short-term and long-term needs, and starting the process of rebuilding.

While it’s easy to get lost in the trauma of such an event, we can’t help but be inspired by River City’s continued focus on service. Even now, their number one priority is finding new paths as quickly as possible for serving the needs of their clients. With nearly 750 people served every week and 8,000-10,000 pounds of food lost in the fire, getting services up and going again is essential. (A big thanks to Sacramento’s other food banks for stepping in temporarily to ensure River City’s clients get the assistance they need.)

Hunger never stops, and, apparently, neither does River City Food Bank.

Currently, they are now actively looking for:

• Monetary donations online or gift cards (Visa/Mastercard/American Express) dropped off here at 3fold to ensure food services can begin again as soon as possible
• Non-perishable food donations (dropped off at any Goodwill Xpress locations for the time being)
• Office furniture, computers, and general supplies to begin distributing food and restarting services (For River City’s specific needs for donations, visit their website for up-to-date needs)

The work River City Food Bank does for the resident’s of Sacramento is invaluable. 3fold is determined to make sure the organization not only gets back on their feet, but thrives in the face of this temporary setback.

We’ve always been inspired by the strength of Sacramento’s community and its willingness to support the many worthy causes throughout the region. When an organization dedicated to helping people down on their luck finds itself knocked to the ground, it’s up to all of us to get it going again.

Will you help get River City Food Bank back to serving our community?

Update! Check out the Sacramento Bee’s article: Fire destroys River City Food Bank; Sutter Health offers new quarters

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With more tricks and treats than you can shake a broomstick at, this time of year is extra “fun” with the election right around the corner.

The Citizen Hotel asked 3fold to create a fun window display to ask Sacramentans who they think is the trick or the treat in the race for Governor. Respondents are entered to win a night in the Governor’s suite, regardless of the outcome of the actual race. Are you game?

Passers-by are asked to go inside and participate in the Citizen’s “straw poll” of the candidates, casting their vote to determine who’s the treat and who’s the trick in this year’s election. The results will be counted on November 1. (A drawing also will be held, with one ballot-caster getting a night’s stay in the Citizen’s 14th floor Governor’s Suite.)

Everyone’s getting in on the fun…check out Meg Whitman’s stop at The Citizen to pose with her poster! Also, check out the Sacramento Bee’s coverage of the contest!

Who do you think is the trick and who is the treat?

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