Pre-Rookie Branding
 

I am wondering how to deal with branding a pre-rookie team to potential sponsors so early in the existence of the team. I would rather have the kids decide on the team name and look, than just foist one upon them, but at the same time I would like to have an image to use when wooing sponsors, advice?

Re: Pre-Rookie Branding
 

I would look to school branding material as well as the FIRST materials on FRC competitions.
As a pre-rookie team, they wouldn't have a number or any kind of brand yet. Instead of that being a weakness present that as a strength of FRC is students getting to learn how to build their own brand and run a small business. In the mean time for any materials your putting together use the school's materials. Most schools have a logo of some kind and they all have a mascot. This way it is unique to your team, but you will be able to come into next year and explain to the sponsor that you are the same school with the same robot team, but through a team of students interested in business you have become the [insert catchy team name here]

Re: Pre-Rookie Branding
 

It would be easier if you already had the brand, but you also want to have the students invested. This is a great question and I will look forward to the suggestions.

In addition to information on usfirst.org there is a ppt on NEMO resources page on "Branding, PR, Sponsorships" under Team Organization. This was used at a workshop here in Maryland in the fall. http://www.firstnemo.org/resources.htm