SettingUpViewings

These are notes on setting up space viewings. If no one else has viewed a space yet, feel free to go ahead and schedule a viewing yourself! Don't worry too much about sync'ing up with other people on the first viewing. If we like the space, more people will show up later.

1. Look at the list of Potential Locations.
2. Pick your favorite space from the list, or maybe just pick a space convenient to you.
3. Look at the Craigslist ad or wiki entry for a phone number. While talking on the phone is a chore, it is often the best way to reach potential landlords, because you can figure out a time to visit quickly.
4. Call the potential landlord. If you need help summoning your inner extrovert, here are some points that have helped DavidMolnar deal with these calls:
   1. "Hi, my name is <name> and I saw you had a space available to rent at <place>. Is it still available?"
   2. "What are you asking for the place?"
   3. "Great, when would be a good time to stop by?"
5. Once you have arranged a time, send a short note to the list or to the #noisebridge IRC channel saying when you will be visiting the space. If other people can join you, great! if not, no problem.
6. Show up at the meeting, say hello to the potential landlord, and tour the space. Things to keep in mind:
   1. Does the space have good access after hours (i.e. without waking up neighbors)?
   2. Does the space have good electrical capacity..?
   3. Is there a shower or a bathroom?
   4. and in general look for the things we have as desirable things on the Potential Locations page.
   5. Try to get a feel for the landlord as well.
7. After the visit, write up your thoughts, then post them to the wiki and post a pointer to the mailing list. Congratulations, you've started the ball rolling on a space!

Sometimes landlords ask questions on the phone or in person. Questions we've heard, along with possible answers (please feel free to edit):

• Q: "So, are you like a company or a start-up or something?" A: "I'm with Noisebridge, we're a nonprofit working with art, technology, & education. We have a web site at http://www.noisebridge.net"
• Q: "What exactly does Noisebridge do?" A: "Noisebridge does technical projects with electronics and art, including things like soldering, computer software, and maybe some painting. We will also be doing some educational workshops open to the public." Turns out if you say "light industrial" some landlords think you mean doing terrible things with solvents.
• Q: "Do you have a business card?" A: "No, but I can give you my contact information."