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  • Author Author: makerkaren
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Hello, from the newest addition to The Ben Heck Show!

makerkaren

Hello element14 Community!

 

I’m Karen Corbeill and I was recently brought on to the Ben Heck Show to help with social media and to give you, the audience, more insight and engagement with the show. Here on the element14 Community, you can find me as theHeckwithKaren. I will also be posting and replying on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and youtube as The Heck with Karen.

 

Here’s a little about me and my maker chops. I love to weld, craft, and costume. I modify and race power wheels cars. And I co-founded a hackerspace. I’m looking forward to getting to know everyone on The Community!

 

I’ll be bringing you more photos and videos of what’s happening in Ben’s shop, polls asking your opinion about current and future builds, as well as more interaction with your build ideas.

 

See you around the interwebs!

  • in reply to Former Member

    That's great! Where in Chicago are you looking to start one? Are you aware of the two that are already there, Pumping Station:One and South Side Hackerspace? Though, if you're in west Chicago, there is definitely a need. I have friends in that part of Chicago where PS1 is just too far of a drive for frequent hacking.

    Here is some starting advice.

     

    Do:

    • Use free spaces (we used libraries and people's garages) to host meetups/workshops/classes to establish a following.
    • Establish regular events. We created a meetup group and had regular monthly meetups. The regular part is important because if people know that it's always every second Tuesday, then it's easier for them to remember and more likely for them to show up.
    • Talk about it to EVERYONE. Enthusiasm is contagious and will inspire people to want to help you make it happen. Many spaces I have talked to got a deal on their first location because the owner/landlord was excited about what they were doing. The more people you have excited to help you, the easier and more likely it will be for you to succeed. Get people emotionally invested.
    • Figure out a name and simple logo(make sure it has good, solid, thick vectors because you're going to want to print it, laser cut it, vinyl cut it, screen print it, etc. It should look good really big or really small). Branding will help people remember and recognize your group.
    • Take advantage of free advertising. Once you have a good solid identity and a core group or people, use local outlets to advertise yourself. See if the local radio will interview you for a short segment. Ask the local library, hardware stores, craft stores, hobby stores to let you put up fliers. Most coffee shops have public billboards. Use them.
    • Visit other spaces. Figure out what sort of model you want your space to be and find an existing makerspace that is similar. Read their standing rules and bylaws. Most makerspaces have their documents available on a wiki and put them there so others can use them. Use their experience to learn what to do and what not to do before it happens to you.
    • Host classes and workshops to raise money. You can probably find local makers that would be willing to donate their time, skills, and knowledge to host a class to help you get off the ground.

    Don't:

    • Get too far ahead of yourself. Focus on the basics you need and make sure you have those before you try too go too big. I've had many board meeting arguments about people wanting to spend our savings on big, shiny, tools because they thought it would help attract new members. In the end, having that savings allowed us to move into a bigger shop which DID get us more members. (900sq ft to 3400 sq ft)
    • Spend money on things you don't NEED. In this day of internet connectivity, there are tons of ways to advertise for free that can be very effective. Word of mouth will do a lot more for you than almost any paid ad. Try meetup.com, Facebook, craigslist, and local event sites. Make sure what money you get is going towards a space and getting more members. Members are your income and pay the bills. While getting more bigger and fancier tools might seem like the way to go, if there isn't anyone there to use them, was it worth it? Focus on getting PEOPLE in the door, not tools. Often new members or guests will see that you're missing a tool and will bring in one they have at home. Free lent or donated tools allows you to spend your money on expansion.

     

    When you have more questions, and you will, email contact@thebodgery.org. I'm always happy to answer questions. Also, you are absolutely welcome to come up to visit the Bodgery for a look around and a chat. Fridays are our regular open shop and it's only a 2-3hr drive.

     

    ~Karen

  • Hi Karen

    Welcome to TBHS ...I love what you bring to the show.

     

    Im interested in starting a hacker/maker/arts space here in Chicago. I just dont know where to start.  Ive got some tools, a lot of personal interests and some big ideas. Id appreciate any input from your experiences. Do's/Dont's etc

     

    Thanks in advance

     

    Ken Burkhardt

  • Hello Karen,

     

    Welcome to the Ben Heck Show team!

  • in reply to makerkaren

    Thanks so when is a good time to come if I wanna ask about Raspberry Pi's and get tips because I know close to nothing other than its specs. I am a beginner who'd like to try out something new like this.