LunaWeb

Walk by a table and see brains churning as they practically bubble over with ideas to lend to the brainstorming session. Sit at that table and listen to the group, whether it is PR/Marketing or User Experience, and see lightbulbs actually going off over thier heads. Ok, maybe they are no lightbulbs shining over heads, but there might as well be.

The 100 or so great minds gathered together at LaunchMemphis‘ StartUp Weekend are excited (and busy!) developing a business plan for a grassroots campaign to generate interest in a new social network presence. This network is unique and “organized” around the idea of unorganization. Interested yet?

While names, logos, business models and developments are still being worked out, the overall concept is set: A community, based on the Facebook template, uniting pickup-game players and encouraging them to join this network to rate other players and venues.

Focusing on underground sports lacking standard rules, leagues or organizations (mainly ultimate frisbee), this social community will provide a platform for players to connect with others who are on the same level as them, as well as find ways to improve their own games. StartUp Weekend is in full swing in Memphis, and there’s still a full day left! Keep checking back to see how the concept progresses–just watch out for random lightbulbs overhead.

LunaWeb is excited to be a founding partner of LaunchMemphis, and is highly involved with StartUp Weekend by overseeing the new media aspect of the weekend. By blogging, Tweeting, taking photos and shooting video, as well as joining in on the brainstorming, LunaWeb is utilizing social media to ensure that anyone who wants to participate can follow the process online.

Earlier this month, LunaWeb participated as a sponsor of the 2008 Memphis Business Fair and Conference, hosted by the Small Business Chamber. Not only did we attend and network with many local businesses, but LunaWeb President, Dave Barger, gave 3 presentations throughout the day all focusing on social media.

By highlighting the benefits of social media and the resources available to utilize social media tools, as well as the shifts in trends throughout the years, Dave was able to encourage attendees to think about their businesses in new ways. The overarching message was that it is vital to the success and sustainability of any organization to embrace changing technologies and understand how these changes can fit into business plans and strategies.

As a community supporter, LunaWeb is concerned and aware of environmental issues happening in the city of Memphis. To encourage the community to work together to better our city, LunaWeb created EcoMemphis.com, a site dedicated to highlighting local environmental issues. EcoMemphis.com provides a platform for visitors to submit eco-related questions, ideas, writing, photography and video.

EcoMemphis staff attended Shelby Farm’s annual Earth Day Celebration: Down to Earth. Visit the EcoMemphis blog for more videos and photos of the event.

 Watch this video about the Earth Day celebration from Eyewitness News 24.

Check out the Social Media Memphis Facebook group to see pictures from yesterday’s breakfast!

“Analytics” was the keyword of the morning for our second Social Media Breakfast. Bob Hazlett and Emily Joyner discussed social media analytics, varying in topics from Facebook and Google to RSS Feeds and Social Bookmarking.

All attendees, even the newbies, participated at a high level, whether it was exchanging a new idea, bringing forth questions or admitting when they needed a little more explanation of a new tool or social network! The constant conversation and the open-flow of new ideas represent the spirit of the un-conference, which is highly encouraged at the breakfasts.

Soon, we’ll schedule a date for May’s Social Media Breakfast #3 and will definitely post in on the blog, as well as the Social Media Memphis Facebook group! 

This afternoon, we’re gearing up for tomorrow morning’s second Social Media Breakfast Memphis! The first breakfast was well-attended and provided great conversations and networking, so we only expect things to grow and move forward as we continue to meet.

Once again, the spirit of the “un-conference” will be alive, as attendees are encouraged to openly suggest topics and lead discussions when they have knowledge or ideas to lend. Memphis joins other big cities who are among the first in the nation to hold Social Media Breakfasts, including Boston, New York, Austin and the Twin Cities. Bryan Person, who created Social Media Breakfasts, does a wonderful job in promoting and lending expertise through his blog.

Social Media Breakfast #1 was covered in a Commercial Appeal article, which–no doubt–will help continue spreading the word about this trend in technology and how Memphis is keeping in stride with the rest of the country. Tomorrow’s breakfast will include a panel discussion by Bob Hazlett, Dave Barger and Emily Joyner. Attendees will also have a chance to discuss new tools they’ve found to be useful online, SXSW attendees will share their experiences and we’ll discuss opportunities for online interaction and networking among the Social Media Memphis group.

We look forward to a great turnout and productive discussion!