[Jon Stratis]

Regardless of the team structure, the key really is in identifying your target audience. Once you identify your target, you can find the events that reach them and do demos, or reach out in other ways to get yourself known to them.

So, how do you do that? Well, if you're looking for students, you want to get in with the local schools. Figure out who to contact at the schools to put on a demo at assembly, or to bring your t-shirt cannon to a football game. Figure out who is responsible for different clubs at the school that may share similar student interest, and get in front of those clubs.

For sponsors, you're in the same boat as everyone else. Many larger companies have structured grant programs, and you just need to figure out how to properly apply. Smaller companies are more numerous, but typically less structured... you'll want to get face to face with them, ask them if you want bring in your robot for a demo and tour their facility, invite them to an event, and give them your pitch.

For build space, it can be tricky. I've known teams that have had trouble with this... it really comes down to personal relationships. You need to figure out available spaces in your area and pursue them. One local team here got access to a large empty store at the mall to build in one year. My team partnered with a local engineering coop for a few years, and they introduced us to the building manager who worked out a deal for access to some empty space in the building.

These are only some examples of how to approach each of these different groups, but the key is the same - identify the segment of that population you want, and then go after them!