[Danielle H]

Sponsors are very easy to get, as long as you can convince them of your team's need. All it really takes is getting in contact with someone in the company that you wish to have sponsor you and set up a short meeting. Give them a general overview of your team, of FIRST if they're a first-time sponsor, and why you think they should help you.

Things to include:
1.) Overview of FIRST (tell them about what the acronym stands for, about the experience it gives the students, about the hands-on work with professional engineers, etc.)
2.) Overview and goals of your specific team (What do you plan to accomplish in the lives of the student members of your team?)
3.) Other things they can donate besides money (Are you talking to a Home Depot? If so, maybe they can't give money but they can give you a Gift Card redeemable during build season, or some tools or materials...)
4.) Stress the enrichment of students in their community (Companies, especially local ones, always want to know "How is this going to affect me?" I know that I personally stress the fact that by getting involved with a team, they have personal contact with many potential future interns and employees.)

Things not to include:
1.) A specific budget, unless they ask (Since your team is just starting out, it may not be wise to include something in your presentation like, "And our projected budget this year is $27,000. Companies will look at that and wonder why such a small team needs so much money.)
2.) A specific number of students on your team, especially if it's small. (Always give a target number. "Well, our projected turnout is between 25-30 students. Even if you only have 6 or 7 students on board at the time. The projected number will also help if the company DOES as for a specific budget. $27,000 looks better for 25-30 kids than it does for 6-7 kids.)

And, remember, always be open to answering any questions that they might have for you. Also, if you don't know the answer for something they're asking, don't be afraid to admit that to them, rather than making up something on the spot that you think they want to hear. A lot of times, a simple, "I'm not quite sure of that information right now, but, if you'd like me to follow up with you, I can certainly find the answer," will do just nicely.

I hope that helped you, and I'm sorry if this is all stuff that you've heard before.

Danielle Hurley
Team 393
Website/Chairman's