There has been a lot of discussion in the Cleveland area lately about social media and potential companies that merit investment. I strongly believe there a number of local social media companies that are contenders for investment (i.e. - big-ass money) – Within3 (www.within3.com), Zolio (www.zolio.com), Corkshare (www.corkshare.com) and GamerTrainer (www.gamertrainer.com) to name a few. I recently came across this video and thought it would be a great primer on what we should be thinking of locally and regionally. Sharon Wienbar of Scale Venture Partners discusses what’s hot and not so hot for 2009 in social media investment. In this 15 minute podcast Wienbar describes what every entrepreneur wants to know: what will make venture partners open up their checkbooks.

It is always critical to put the historical context around the amazing technology we utilize today. This is a great animated clip which gives “just the facts” on the history of the Internet, the social and military concerns that spurned its development and the amazing collaboration worldwide which gave birth to one of the greatest innovations ever in mankind. Sure the commentary in the clip is a bit dry but great information and I think you will enjoy the clip.

I am putting out the clarion call to all those in Cleveland who have recently started a new technology business and are looking for ways to take the next step or if you are just interested in meeting good people, then I urge you to join me and two outstanding entrepreneurs:

·         Blake Squires of Findaway

·         Christopher Peer of Idea Engine

As we discuss innovation, entrepreneurship and invigorating strategy. The panel will be moderated by one of my favorite local entrepreneurs – Jason Thierren of thunder::tech. This event will be hosted by the Web Association of Cleveland. Cool group. And of course, a lunch will be provided.

Where:  Windows on the River (East Side of the Flats)

When:  January 28^th, 11:30am – 1:30pm

Register:  http://www.webassociation.org/eventDetails.cfm/eventid/35

I really hope to see everyone there. Let’s support our local entrepreneurial base. These are the brave souls who will be warping the economy into doing good things, man.

First things first, I wanted to invite everyone to the Cleveland Social Media monthly meeting on January 14, 2009 at 6pm. This event will be hosted Edward Howard Public Relations firm – so many thanks for Melissa Koski @ Edward Howard for putting this whole show together. The particulars:

Time: January 14^th, 2009 @ 6 pm

Location: Edward Howard

1100 Superior Avenue – Suite 1600, Cleveland, OH

I will be detailing to the group the overall message of the Cleveland Social Media Experiment and its five-step program for putting Cleveland’s Social Media sector on the “proverbial map.” I have collected some key information on a State of Ohio program that may be very beneficial to the cause but has incredibly tight deadlines. In a break-out session I hope to create a team that would be willing to work with me on this State program that can help finance the Cleveland Social Media Center and the Cleveland Social Media Venture Fund. These are key actions for the five-point plan and I can understate the need for support and help on these application (which, while not long in detail merit a lot of attention).

Also, I talked with the Notacon Conference (www.notacon.org) about Cleveland Social Media group doing a presentation during the event. It was well received and could be great marketing for the Cleveland Social Media Club. I will have information on that as well. Things are moving at a good pace and I hope as a City as a group we can move Social Media to the forefront here in Cleveland.

Making things happen is fun.

Just wanted to let everyone know of what is happening with the “Start-up Weekend” event. I have included a post from my dear friend Doug Craver (www.techbytes.biz):

Due to the tremendous response to my post here and through BFD last week regarding Cleveland being the vote winner for the next Startup Weekend location I wanted to give everyone an update. Andrew Kavanaugh who is spearheading the charge, and currently attending codemash, sent me an update earlier this week and here are the main points:

1. We’re almost done building out the planning team (which I’ve agreed to be part of).
2. The amount of volunteers who have stepped forward to offer help with the event has been amazing.
3. Negotiations are under way with a handful of potential venues.
4. More news and details will be shared after our first Oragnizers Meeting later this month.
5. This is going to be the best tech event this year in NEO (my opinion)!

Everyone who commented and offered to help on the first post I made last week about the event has been added to a list I’ve started (name, email and specific offer if you made one). Any direct referrals from the Tech Czar have also been added.

If you haven’t offered to help and want to feel free to comment on this post to be added.

Stay tuned for more to come later this month…

Thanks Doug for the great update. If anyone is interested in participating in this outstanding event – please let me know at mdealoia@mac.com.

This video details what I believe all of us have been experiencing or suspecting for some time. The amount of unique careers, industries and knowledge are accelerating at speeds never imagined. What does it all mean and how can we as individuals and as a society profit from this? And not just monetarily, mind you, but spiritually and physically, as well. I would appreciate your comments.

As you know, I am fascinated by all things “social media.” So when my good friend Rick Pollack designed my twitter map I knew I had to share it with everyone. I hope Rick and I can work on a new Twitter map every six months just to see how it morphs as I use twitter more and more. And by the way my twitter page is at www.twitter.com/techczar.