Really need some help here...
 

I'm still trying to start up that team, and everyone here has been loads of help. But even with all that excellent info, I have no clue where to start, what to do when, how to fill out the papers, who I need to start the team, what kinds of businesses to ask for support from, etc.

I need someone who can help me personally with starting this team. Preferably by phone or Skype, but close email support is welcome also. Anybody who's either a mentor that started their team or somebody who's just extremely knowledgable in starting one. I'm really excited to do this, but I'm just lost on the whole process. It's very overwhelming.

PM me if you're interested.

-David

Phone: Message me for number
Skype: bubbalou06
Email: music4david[AT]gmail[DOT]com -or- dthomas54[AT]roadrunner[DOT]com

Re: Really need some help here...
 

David,

My AIM screen name is listed under my profile. Please message me whenever you see me online and I will help you as much as I can.

Re: Really need some help here...
 

NEMO would probably be a great place to start. (http://www.firstnemo.org/resources.htm)

As for businesses, ask anyone and everyone. Truth be told I would kill to have a marketing person as a mentor. Remember, FRC isn't just about robots. It is about inspiring students. Besides, RUSH had a few years we were sponsored partially by an orchard. Everything helps, be it monetary or maybe they just give you space to store your stuff. We had a couple years where we had a playing field in an empty bay at a local fire station.

Do you know of any teams in the area whose team contact you could contact?

Best of luck, I hope to see you in competition next year.

PS: off season competitions can be great to bring potential sponsors to. Even if you aren't competing it gives them a chance to see robots at their peak (and in some of cases their competitors names on the robots) .

Re: Really need some help here...
 

The Youngstown-Warren NEOFRA teams (including 48 and 2007 rookie team 2010) are on board to help. There are also other Cleveland based teams such as 1270, 1532, 1787, and 2399 who might have some advice, guidance, and who knows - perhaps even offers of shared resources. Doesn't hurt to ask!

Re: Really need some help here...
 

Definitely try to have an accountant or someone help you out the first year. We've had the pleasure of working with CPAs that really got our finances in order and it would be great if all teams could have help like this. It also helps when they know all 501c3 protocols. As for marketing, its probably one of the best ways to get team members involved in the non engineering part of the team. As of now I'm trying to enlist the help of a my brother who is studying to be a CFA and also a graduate of Lehigh who I know (awesome business program there).

Good luck and PM or IM me if you need more help.

Re: Really need some help here...
 

http://www.usfirst.org/regionalcontact.aspx
Sometimes it's helpful to let the Regional Director know. She might know of support in the area.