Hi there. Newbie here. Quick quiestions...

[alexvasile]

Hey there, just wanted to say hi and ask you guys a couple of questions about FIRST. (BTW, sorry if this isn't the right forum, etc). Well to start with, I want to say that I just started a robotics team this year, and I was planning on entering the competition. My problem is, since I am rookie(never been in the competition), I'm not sure about how to start out(as far as it goes for registering). Basically what I don't know is who do I contact first and basically what is the first thing I have to do.

Oh and before I forget, I have a HUGE question. Again since I'm a rookie, I don't know how to get sponsors(and I'm in a big need for them, because my fund is..well.... very low right now), what do I have to do?

Thanks in advance,
Alex

[Bharat Nain]

Which part of new york are you from? It is possible for you to get in contact with a senior mentor or regional director around you and let them guide you through the process.

[alexvasile]

New York City. So who exactly should I contact?

[Waynep]

Alex,
I'm glad to see your initiative in starting a new team. The first thing that you want to do is reference the How to Start a New Team on the FIRST website:
http://www.usfirst.org/what/frc/content.aspx?id=5504

Then what Bharat said is right. The Senior Mentor for NYC is Kris Breton, he's a great guy. Shoot him an e-mail at kbreton@usfirst.org and tell him of your plans. When you say NYC do you mean Manhattan or which of the 5 boroughs? Kris and I can then point you to some of the local FIRST mentors that could help you in getting up and running from there. Best of luck.
-wayne

[alexvasile]

By NYC I meant Manhattan.

BTW thank you for the help guys. I'll try to get in contact with Kris.

[Scott Carpman]

Originally Posted by alexvasile

By NYC I meant Manhattan.

BTW thank you for the help guys. I'll try to get in contact with Kris.

If you need help, you're more than welcome to stop by our shops up in Bedford Park. BD4 to Bedford Park Boulevard, walk a few blocks up to Science.

Just wondering, is this a private or a school team?

[SSMike]

First, wlecome to FIRST. I hope you have success with your team this year!

As for Sponsers talk to the senior mentor (already pointed out^). Do you have any idea of what competition(s) your team might be interested in going to. (We usually go to the Finger Lakes or Philly). Let me know if there is anything that I can do to help, and Good luck!

[Cooley744]

As far as sponsorships go, JUST ASK! Don't be afraid to approach smaller companies or large ones. As long as you are respectful and proffesional, your bound to get a sponsor soon. Local stores to big corporations such as tmobile or home depot may even have a budget per month that they are given to use for sponsoring local things. Just check around, and get the word out. Before you know it, you'll have a sponsor or two. Good Luck!

[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