Comments on: Meetings without an Office http://webworkerdaily.com/2006/10/16/meetings-without-an-office/ Rebooting the workforce Wed, 25 Nov 2009 17:04:14 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: Geaol http://webworkerdaily.com/2006/10/16/meetings-without-an-office/#comment-17401 Geaol Fri, 26 Jan 2007 00:52:09 +0000 http://webworkerdaily.wordpress.com/2006/10/16/meetings-without-an-office/#comment-17401 <a href="http://bistrovtop.9999mb.com/ed/online-propecia.html " rel="nofollow">online propecia</a>. online propecia.

]]> By: Kara Udziela http://webworkerdaily.com/2006/10/16/meetings-without-an-office/#comment-2042 Kara Udziela Wed, 15 Nov 2006 16:19:30 +0000 http://webworkerdaily.wordpress.com/2006/10/16/meetings-without-an-office/#comment-2042 Hi, Liz-- I also work at home, and although my CEO wears jeans and t-shirts to everything, I might also suggest you ask that unless absolutely necessary, no presentation be delivered, rather bring it in printed form or just talk casually. Hi, Liz–

I also work at home, and although my CEO wears jeans and t-shirts to everything, I might also suggest you ask that unless absolutely necessary, no presentation be delivered, rather bring it in printed form or just talk casually.

]]> By: shannonclark http://webworkerdaily.com/2006/10/16/meetings-without-an-office/#comment-930 shannonclark Wed, 18 Oct 2006 18:49:02 +0000 http://webworkerdaily.wordpress.com/2006/10/16/meetings-without-an-office/#comment-930 depending on the product and the company - another options/alternative to consider might be to see about making the presention more public not less - i.e. suggest to a firm that might want to make public demos that they: - sponsor a local networking event (such as the SFWIN events I've helped with in the past, the SF Tech Sessions Niall does, STIRR, or tomorrow night's SF Beta event) most of these events will gladly let a firm demo a product in exchange for sponsorship - contact local/related users groups for even more specific and targeted demos - talk with stores such as Apple which have facilities designed for demonstrations and training - talk to local universities who also often have rooms designed for presentations that can be rented (or made available). I've been to some great events at the new Mission Bay campus though it is a bit out of the way. I also second the suggestion of downtown hotels. There are a few right near the Moscone Center that have very large, open lobbies (one I think the Marriot that has a second floor area that is very large and very well suited to small group conversations and informal meetings). Many restaurants also have private rooms. Another option for the firm that was on a traveling road show would be to consider renting a movie theater at an offhour - I know that Landmark theaters in particular have been making a push to do this (and also to rent them out late at night for all night computer gaming events). In most cases they would already have the projectors etc (and clearly the screens) and could be an affordable alternative for the right types of presentations. Shannon depending on the product and the company – another options/alternative to consider might be to see about making the presention more public not less – i.e. suggest to a firm that might want to make public demos that they:

- sponsor a local networking event (such as the SFWIN events I’ve helped with in the past, the SF Tech Sessions Niall does, STIRR, or tomorrow night’s SF Beta event) most of these events will gladly let a firm demo a product in exchange for sponsorship

- contact local/related users groups for even more specific and targeted demos

- talk with stores such as Apple which have facilities designed for demonstrations and training

- talk to local universities who also often have rooms designed for presentations that can be rented (or made available). I’ve been to some great events at the new Mission Bay campus though it is a bit out of the way.

I also second the suggestion of downtown hotels. There are a few right near the Moscone Center that have very large, open lobbies (one I think the Marriot that has a second floor area that is very large and very well suited to small group conversations and informal meetings).

Many restaurants also have private rooms.

Another option for the firm that was on a traveling road show would be to consider renting a movie theater at an offhour – I know that Landmark theaters in particular have been making a push to do this (and also to rent them out late at night for all night computer gaming events). In most cases they would already have the projectors etc (and clearly the screens) and could be an affordable alternative for the right types of presentations.

Shannon

]]> By: eric http://webworkerdaily.com/2006/10/16/meetings-without-an-office/#comment-927 eric Wed, 18 Oct 2006 14:03:47 +0000 http://webworkerdaily.wordpress.com/2006/10/16/meetings-without-an-office/#comment-927 Public libraries are a very good option with free wifi and free to cheap meetings. These days many even have a coffee shop included. Public libraries are a very good option with free wifi and free to cheap meetings. These days many even have a coffee shop included.

]]> By: Rajesh Segu http://webworkerdaily.com/2006/10/16/meetings-without-an-office/#comment-917 Rajesh Segu Wed, 18 Oct 2006 03:15:15 +0000 http://webworkerdaily.wordpress.com/2006/10/16/meetings-without-an-office/#comment-917 We do meetup @ Coffee Day for hours togather to sort out our work. We choose the tables that lie outside (non-ac, less number of waiters and less customers) to continue our discussions which these cofee day owners never care much for...... Anyway, we do keep control on our tempo and integrity. We do meetup @ Coffee Day for hours togather to sort out our work. We choose the tables that lie outside (non-ac, less number of waiters and less customers) to continue our discussions which these cofee day owners never care much for…… Anyway, we do keep control on our tempo and integrity.

]]> By: Phil Haselden http://webworkerdaily.com/2006/10/16/meetings-without-an-office/#comment-915 Phil Haselden Wed, 18 Oct 2006 03:10:11 +0000 http://webworkerdaily.wordpress.com/2006/10/16/meetings-without-an-office/#comment-915 How about something like TheOffice: http://www.theofficeonline.com/ How about something like TheOffice:

http://www.theofficeonline.com/

]]> By: Charlie Wood http://webworkerdaily.com/2006/10/16/meetings-without-an-office/#comment-905 Charlie Wood Tue, 17 Oct 2006 17:39:28 +0000 http://webworkerdaily.wordpress.com/2006/10/16/meetings-without-an-office/#comment-905 Most executive suites have meeting rooms of various sizes you can rent by the hour or the day. Try http://meetingrooms.regus.com/default.htm -c Most executive suites have meeting rooms of various sizes you can rent by the hour or the day. Try http://meetingrooms.regus.com/default.htm

-c

]]> By: Amie Gillingham http://webworkerdaily.com/2006/10/16/meetings-without-an-office/#comment-902 Amie Gillingham Tue, 17 Oct 2006 13:54:35 +0000 http://webworkerdaily.wordpress.com/2006/10/16/meetings-without-an-office/#comment-902 You might be interested in the coworking movement which is all about independents sharing an office environment/cafe culture: http://coworking.pbwiki.com/ You might be interested in the coworking movement which is all about independents sharing an office environment/cafe culture: http://coworking.pbwiki.com/

]]> By: dda http://webworkerdaily.com/2006/10/16/meetings-without-an-office/#comment-899 dda Tue, 17 Oct 2006 12:42:19 +0000 http://webworkerdaily.wordpress.com/2006/10/16/meetings-without-an-office/#comment-899 Back when I was in Korea, I did have an office, but mostly deemed unfit for receiving people. So I usually had short meetings in one of the international hotels' lobby coffee shops – the Hyatt's was my favourite, as the coffee shop is large, comfortable, and noisy enough to protect privacy and not noisy enough to prevent conversation. For longer meetings, I used either the Executive Floor Lounges [which provide meeting rooms, food and beverages for their guests and their visitors] of hotels I had deals with – since out of town visitors had to stay somewhere anyway, and I usually handled their hotel bookings anyway – or rented a room. The Lounges were quite possibly the best deal. Back when I was in Korea, I did have an office, but mostly deemed unfit for receiving people. So I usually had short meetings in one of the international hotels’ lobby coffee shops – the Hyatt’s was my favourite, as the coffee shop is large, comfortable, and noisy enough to protect privacy and not noisy enough to prevent conversation.

For longer meetings, I used either the Executive Floor Lounges [which provide meeting rooms, food and beverages for their guests and their visitors] of hotels I had deals with – since out of town visitors had to stay somewhere anyway, and I usually handled their hotel bookings anyway – or rented a room. The Lounges were quite possibly the best deal.

]]> By: Liz Gannes http://webworkerdaily.com/2006/10/16/meetings-without-an-office/#comment-891 Liz Gannes Mon, 16 Oct 2006 22:49:56 +0000 http://webworkerdaily.wordpress.com/2006/10/16/meetings-without-an-office/#comment-891 Thanks to all those who commented. To be clear, the meetings I'm talking about generally involve out-of-town companies on press tours giving me a demo of an upcoming product. My situation is not a client relationship...there is never any money exchanging hands. The comments about using hotels are particularly helpful -- I will try to suggest that more often. Thanks to all those who commented. To be clear, the meetings I’m talking about generally involve out-of-town companies on press tours giving me a demo of an upcoming product. My situation is not a client relationship…there is never any money exchanging hands. The comments about using hotels are particularly helpful — I will try to suggest that more often.

]]> By: Greg http://webworkerdaily.com/2006/10/16/meetings-without-an-office/#comment-890 Greg Mon, 16 Oct 2006 21:59:11 +0000 http://webworkerdaily.wordpress.com/2006/10/16/meetings-without-an-office/#comment-890 I have agreements worked out with a couple of clients who will allow me to use their conference room if I need it. If it arises all I have to do is call ahead and reserve it. Keep in mind these are professionals with very nice offices. If you have an accountant or attorney, alot of times they will allow you to use their conference room too. Afterall, it's advertising for them in the long run. Point being, tap into your clients and service providers. You'll find they are sympathetic and understanding, and for the most part happy to extend a helping hand. I have agreements worked out with a couple of clients who will allow me to use their conference room if I need it. If it arises all I have to do is call ahead and reserve it. Keep in mind these are professionals with very nice offices.

If you have an accountant or attorney, alot of times they will allow you to use their conference room too. Afterall, it’s advertising for them in the long run.

Point being, tap into your clients and service providers. You’ll find they are sympathetic and understanding, and for the most part happy to extend a helping hand.

]]> By: rick gregory http://webworkerdaily.com/2006/10/16/meetings-without-an-office/#comment-888 rick gregory Mon, 16 Oct 2006 21:40:22 +0000 http://webworkerdaily.wordpress.com/2006/10/16/meetings-without-an-office/#comment-888 There's another issue with meeting in a cafe aside from the professionalism one - confidentiality. If you're there on business, so are others... and some may be competitors of your or your meeting attendees, esp in a place like the Bay Area. No problem if you're not discussing things that aren't confidential, but if you are you should not be in a cafe. In addition to the suggestions above you might want to think about getting together with some other freelancers you feel comfortable with and renting a small office space. Setup a shared calendar for it on 30Boxes or Google Calendar and book the time like any other conference room. There’s another issue with meeting in a cafe aside from the professionalism one – confidentiality. If you’re there on business, so are others… and some may be competitors of your or your meeting attendees, esp in a place like the Bay Area. No problem if you’re not discussing things that aren’t confidential, but if you are you should not be in a cafe.

In addition to the suggestions above you might want to think about getting together with some other freelancers you feel comfortable with and renting a small office space. Setup a shared calendar for it on 30Boxes or Google Calendar and book the time like any other conference room.

]]> By: steve epstein http://webworkerdaily.com/2006/10/16/meetings-without-an-office/#comment-889 steve epstein Mon, 16 Oct 2006 21:40:22 +0000 http://webworkerdaily.wordpress.com/2006/10/16/meetings-without-an-office/#comment-889 I find that public libraries have very good conference rooms, and free wi fi quite a bit, as I travel. Some may charge $5 to 10 for meetings over an hour.... Steve Epstein I find that public libraries have very good conference rooms, and free wi fi quite a bit, as I travel.

Some may charge $5 to 10 for meetings over an hour….

Steve Epstein

]]> By: Chris Williams http://webworkerdaily.com/2006/10/16/meetings-without-an-office/#comment-887 Chris Williams Mon, 16 Oct 2006 21:10:00 +0000 http://webworkerdaily.wordpress.com/2006/10/16/meetings-without-an-office/#comment-887 Over in the East Bay, we have quite a few places to meet. Most of the employees are very meeting-savvy, too. Show up with a laptop or binder, and they usually direct you toward a quiet table or a corner booth. I tip a bit extra when they do that, and it's like writing to a ROM chip for the location. From then on you'll get the same semi-private spots. Works like a dream. Over in the East Bay, we have quite a few places to meet. Most of the employees are very meeting-savvy, too. Show up with a laptop or binder, and they usually direct you toward a quiet table or a corner booth. I tip a bit extra when they do that, and it’s like writing to a ROM chip for the location. From then on you’ll get the same semi-private spots. Works like a dream.

]]> By: MartinE http://webworkerdaily.com/2006/10/16/meetings-without-an-office/#comment-886 MartinE Mon, 16 Oct 2006 20:52:47 +0000 http://webworkerdaily.wordpress.com/2006/10/16/meetings-without-an-office/#comment-886 As a long time freelancer I would not meet with paying clients in a cafe unless I was familiar with them and knew they'd be OK with it. It's unprofessional (which is what a lot of the commenters are skirting around saying). I understand that renting an office in SF is pretty costly. Sometimes you can borrow a conference room at another business, possibly in exchange for services. Doing a PPT presentation in public? Not good. As a long time freelancer I would not meet with paying clients in a cafe unless I was familiar with them and knew they’d be OK with it. It’s unprofessional (which is what a lot of the commenters are skirting around saying). I understand that renting an office in SF is pretty costly. Sometimes you can borrow a conference room at another business, possibly in exchange for services. Doing a PPT presentation in public? Not good.

]]> By: djchuang http://webworkerdaily.com/2006/10/16/meetings-without-an-office/#comment-885 djchuang Mon, 16 Oct 2006 20:33:22 +0000 http://webworkerdaily.wordpress.com/2006/10/16/meetings-without-an-office/#comment-885 2 easy-to-find meeting spot is FedEx Kinko's, which has a growing number of places that has either videoconferencing and/or private conference rooms, and HQ.com has a network of office spaces for rent. And some restaurants do have private rooms, and those are good place to meet before/after the meal without room costs. Of course, with these 3 options, you do have to plan ahead and make reservations, but you'll get the privacy to do some focused discussions, presentations, etc. 2 easy-to-find meeting spot is FedEx Kinko’s, which has a growing number of places that has either videoconferencing and/or private conference rooms, and HQ.com has a network of office spaces for rent.

And some restaurants do have private rooms, and those are good place to meet before/after the meal without room costs. Of course, with these 3 options, you do have to plan ahead and make reservations, but you’ll get the privacy to do some focused discussions, presentations, etc.

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