The Business of FIRSTPresented by:

Michael GrahamPaul Gianferrara

Overview

• The Components to Business Success in FIRST & Chairman’s• Handbook/By-Laws• Structure • Business Plan• Sponsor Packet• Communications & Public Relations• Community Outreach• Demonstrations• Chairman’s – Pulling it all together• Q & A

The Components to Success in FIRST & Chairman’s

• Shift in focus from robot to business• 2-5 year process• Full team buy in• Need to have a major end goal; 2-5 years from now (annual sustainability, see integration of robotics into curriculum, etc.)• Need to have annual or bi-annual goal to measure progress

Handbook/By-Laws

• Gives definitive black & white standards and expectations of students, mentors, & parents• Sets the tone for the upcoming seasong

• Again, measurable metrics!• Lays out your structure, who is in leadership and supporting roles, how the team handles obstacles, etc.

• Team structure drives 75% of your handbook/bylaws

• Annual updates!

Structure

• Who is responsible for what• Business structure• Everyone contributes

Business Plan

• Major Components:• Executive Summary• Risk Analysis• Planning & Assessment• Description of Operations in Build & Off-

Season• Necessary for team sustainability

Sponsor Packet

• Explain FIRST to your potential sponsors• Talk about your year to year achievements• Sponsor Benefits – Why should a company sponsor you?• Sponsorship is a 2-way street – not just about what sponsors can do for you

Communications & Public Relations

• Newsletters• Facebook• Twitter• Website• Keep communication with your support all year long!

• Thank you’s• Sponsor of the Week

Community Outreach

• Community Outreach is a must – all partake• Start with smaller projects!• Try to find opportunities where you can show off FIRST and your robot• As your team shifts to more of a business focus, up the ante!

Demonstrations

• Need to expose your team to the local community• Best source of recruitment of new students• Public needs to see what you do and what FIRST represents• Many positive outcomes from demonstrations from sponsors to unique opportunities for your team

Chairman’s – Pulling it all together

• Chairman’s Essay & Video• Judges are the investors in your business

• Why should they buy into your business?• Presentation Approach• Charisma & Conviction• Presence in the room• Attire• Follow up Questions & Pit Presentations

Thank You!

Q & A Session