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The Business of FIRST Presented by: Michael Graham Paul 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
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The Business of FIRST Presented by: Michael Graham Paul 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 Outreachis 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