Difference between revisions of "Business Team"

Latest revision as of 17:09, 6 January 2023

The Business team has five areas of focus: Finances, Sponsors, Communication, Business Plan, and Awards.

Finances

The finance team is led by the Treasurer, with the responsibility of all things money related. They order parts, plan the budget, help with fundraising, and are responsible for the Bill of Materials during FRC season. The Treasurer is also in charge of helping the VP of Business with Public Relations.

Business Plan

The business plan team was started in the summer of 2014 and is headed by the Vice-President of Business. The team that works on the business plan is mainly comprised of officers. Their job is to put together a comprehensive business plan which outlines goals, plans, and structure of the team to ensure sustainable success for years to come.

Team 1261 made their first business plan before the beginning of the 2015 season. The main goal of the business plan is to document past success and make a plan to ensure future success. The business plan contains a few different sections as outlines below and qualifies the team for more awards such as the Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers Entrepreneurship award and makes us a stronger candidate for other awards.

Basic Outline of a Business Plan:

Mission Statement

The Robo Lions of FIRST Robotics Team 1261 aim to identify, equip, and encourage greatness among our team, school, and the FIRST and local communities around us. By spreading ideas of STEM and innovation through effective communication, we empower successful 21st century leaders in a hands-on, competitive environment of robot engineering and interaction.

Philosophy
Team History
Team Structure
Goals/Challenges
Risk Management
Sustainability
Team Specific

Team Resources

2016 Business Letter Head Template

External Links

Awards

The awards team is mainly active during the FRC season and is responsible for the preparation of Chairman’s Award presentations and any other award the team decides to pursue. This is typically handled by the Vice-President of Outreach.

Chairman’s Award

The chairman’s award is given to a team that demonstrates excellence in spreading the ideals of FIRST. The Robo Lions presented for this award for the first time in the 2014 season. In order to be eligible for this award, teams must create a video and write an essay before a team of three presents to judges at regional competitions.

Difference between revisions of "Business Team"

Latest revision as of 17:09, 6 January 2023

Contents

Finances

Sponsors

Proposal

Business Plan

Team Resources

External Links

Awards

Chairman’s Award

Navigation menu

Search

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-The Business team has six areas of focus: Outreach, Finances, Sponsors, Communication, Business Plan, and Awards.
+The Business team has five areas of focus: Finances, Sponsors, Communication, Business Plan, and Awards.
-==Outreach==
+==Finances==
-The main goal of outreach is to spread FIRST and STEM in the community and beyond. This includes our team, our school, our cluster, our county, our community, and other teams all over the world. Outreach coordinates events such as STEM Days, Robot Demos, and other community appearances.
+The finance team is led by the [[Treasurer]], with the responsibility of all things money related. They order parts, plan the budget, help with fundraising, and are responsible for the Bill of Materials during FRC season. The Treasurer is also in charge of helping the VP of Business with Public Relations.
-Outreach for the Robo Lions is a rapidly growing effort. So far, there have been a few major events that we have been a part of. For a complete list of outreach events, refer to the [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ixkv3LT8IaxYwNV4Oe_zquDWRr9I4lc45TINzLXHCZY outreach database].
+==Sponsors==
+The Business Team tries to ensure that sponsor relations are well maintained, updated, and appreciated and are also charged with the task of attracting new sponsors.
-===Mason STEM Day===
+Sponsors are anyone who help the team out in through monetary donations or through donation of various parts and objects. Sponsors are crucial to the funding of the team, which is why it is essential to maintain a good relationship with the community. Sponsorship happens on a few levels, and we outline this and other essentials in our [http://www.scribd.com/doc/214269888/PRHS-Robotics-Sponsor-Packet sponsor packet], updated yearly. The past three years of major sponsors are listed below. For a complete list, view our [[Sponsors]] page.
-Mason STEM Day was first held May 8th, [[2014]] by Mason Elementary, with the Robo Lions in participation of the first STEM Day in the cluster. The Robo Lions led an activity and demonstrated the [[2014]] [[Aerial Assist]] [[Genesis]] Robot as well as one of the [[VEX]] robots. The t-shirt bot was a huge success with one child recounting, “One they fired that t-shirt robot, nobody was friends with anybody.” From this event, efforts to begin an [[FLL]] team were initiated at Mason. The team was tasked with creating an activity that allowed for the vocabulary of the design process to be applied in a hands-on setting. Because we were hosting third, fourth, and fifth graders, the activity also had to be adaptable to a variety of ages and skill levels. The challenge mirrored the [[FRC]] build season, in that it began with a problem, they had a limit on their materials, time was restricted, and constraints were placed on the final product. Overall, the activity was successful for an inaugural try at this sort of outreach. Room for improvement is always considered. From the first year of doing this, we learned that everything takes longer than you expect it to, so the simpler the activity, the better for keeping on schedule. Also, assembling materials can take a very long time, and only increases with more materials, so sweet and simple is a good thing.
-In [[2015]], the Robo Lions were invited to come back for STEM Day again, this time just doing an activity with third grade. The team designed a car construction based activity, and placed emphasis on unusual materials and problem solving thinking while still following the design process. The general idea behind the activity was much more simple than the previous year, which worked much better. Because the activity was simple, we kept the talking to a minimum, maximized the work time, and left 10 minutes approximately for robot demonstrations. [[VEX]] tiles were set up in the middle of the gym, then all sat around the tiles while we drove [[VEX]] robots around. Specifically, from this year, we learned that simple is good, but it helps to have a large team of people helping to get the activity prepared ahead of time. Begin preparation for STEM day at least two-three weeks in advance rather than the week of.
+:
+{{sponsorList | year=2016}}
-===GA Manufacturing Expo===
+:
-Over the summer FIRST invites the team to demonstrate the robot as a part of the FIRST booth at the GA manufacturing expo at the Gwinnett Convention Center. It is a great opportunity for our team to build a community image, promote the t-shirt bot, and draw in new sponsors.
+{{sponsorList | year=2015}}
-===Programming Classes===
+:
-Over the summer of 2014, programming classes commenced as a way of preparing programmers for future seasons. These classes were attended by rising 8th and 9th graders as well as a few 10th graders to get experience before the upcoming season.
+{{sponsorList | year=2014}}
-===Mentoring at Hull MS===
-During the FLL season, team members volunteer to help mentor the FLL team at Hull Middle school. Various tasks are done to help wherever needed and no experience is necessary.
-==Finances==
+The team is always in need of potential sponsors, hence here is a set of procedures adopted and used by the Business Team in order to gain new, loyal sponsors.
-The finance team is led by the [[Treasurer]], with the responsibility of all things money related. They order parts, plan the budget, help with fundraising, and are responsible for the Bill of Materials during FRC season.
-==Sponsors==
+===Proposal===
-The sponsor team works closely with the communication and finances teams. They ensure that sponsor relations are well maintained, updated, and appreciated and are also charged with the task of attracting new sponsors.
+To entice the businesses to become sponsors, the team will will either send information about the team to businesses or "Cold Call" different local businesses.
-Sponsors are anyone who helps the team out, be it carwash resources or money. Sponsors are crucial to the funding of the team, which is why it is essential to maintain a good relationship with the community. Sponsorship happens on a few levels, and we outline this and other essentials in our [http://www.scribd.com/doc/214269888/PRHS-Robotics-Sponsor-Packet sponsor packet], updated yearly. The past three years of major sponsors are listed below. For a complete list, view our [[Sponsors]] page.
+Each letter/email to the business will contain:
+*Letter of request of sponsorship written to the owner
+*Sponsorship Packet
+**Note: Make sure that research about the company has been done and that the letter is directed towards the company (i.e talking about our programmers to a tech company)
-:
+The team will have to follow up with the businesses a few weeks after sending the initial letter to ensure they received the packet of information and see if the business has made a decision. If the business has not, perhaps some more coaxing is needed.
-Gwinnett County Public Schools
-Howard Brothers
-Maxxis
-Motorola Solutions Foundation
-Automation Direct
-TRS Solutions
-Kimberly-Clark
-Hendrick Motorsports and Automotive Group
-:
+Some businesses that have taken serious interest in sponsoring the team may get a presentation about the team and [[FIRST]] presented by members of the team. The presentation will be presented to the President, CEO, or local authority of said business.
-Motorola Solutions Foundation
-Maxxis
-Hendrick Motorsports and Automotive Group
-Gwinnett County Public Schools
-AutomationDirect
-TRS-Solutions
-Kimberly Clark
-Howard Brothers
-Bekaert
-Franklin Technologies
-Rockwell Collins
-:
-Gwinnett County Public Schools
-Howard Brothers
-TRS Solutions
-Motorola Solutions Foundation
-Maxxis
-Rockwell Collins
-==Communication==
+Things to keep in mind about presenting:
-The communication team is responsible for maintaining a constant presence and image for the team in the community. They head all social media updates as well as [[Syndication|Syndications]]. Communications is also responsible for assisting sponsor team with the communication with sponsors.
+*2016 [[apparel]]
+*Handouts for the different members of the business (Can be the Sponsorship Packet)
+*Formal presentation skills
+**Intro asking where we introduce ourselves
+**Middle describing what we do and the game
+**Conclusion wrapping everything up and asking if they would like to work with us
+*When cold calling, Keep a Photo stream or Picture packet
-Communication is a skill the team is constantly growing in. We work hard on keeping our members, parents, and sponsors informed.
+[[Category:Pages to be updated yearly]]
-===Member Communication===
-In order to keep all of our team informed, we use various platforms to ensure each person is up to date. After each meeting, a syndication is sent out as well as posted on the members only FaceBook page which is also updated with anything that must be asked or shared. Emails are also sent out to team emails @prhsrobotics.com. During build season, the historian and secretary maintain a blog with day-to-day progress.
-===Parent and Sponsor Communication===
-The team maintains a public FaceBook and Twitter Page which is to be updated with major events or going ons in the team. Sponsors are to receive quarterly newsletters at the end of summer, the end of fall VEX qualifier, the end of build season, and the end of competition season.
-===Website===
-The team website exists as a hub for communication, linking to anything the team publishes as well as general information about the team. If a person wants to learn more about the Robo Lions, the team website contains everything a sponsor, parent, student, other team, or community person would need.
 ==Business Plan==
 The business plan team was started in the summer of [[2014]] and is headed by the [[Vice-President of Business]]. The team that works on the business plan is mainly comprised of officers. Their job is to put together a comprehensive business plan which outlines goals, plans, and structure of the team to ensure sustainable success for years to come.
-Team 1261 made their first business plan before the beginning of the 2015 season. Currently, it is under construction, so it will be available once completed. The main goal of the business plan is to document past success and make a plan to ensure future success. The business plan contains a few different sections as outlines below and qualifies the team for more awards such as the Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers Entrepreneurship award and makes us a stronger candidate for other awards.
+Team 1261 made their first business plan before the beginning of the [[2015]] season. The main goal of the business plan is to document past success and make a plan to ensure future success. The business plan contains a few different sections as outlines below and qualifies the team for more awards such as the Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers Entrepreneurship award and makes us a stronger candidate for other awards.
 Basic Outline of a Business Plan:
 # Mission Statement
+The Robo Lions of FIRST Robotics Team 1261 aim to identify, equip, and encourage greatness among our team, school, and the FIRST and local communities around us. By spreading ideas of STEM and innovation through effective communication, we empower successful 21st century leaders in a hands-on, competitive environment of robot engineering and interaction.
 # Philosophy
 # Team History
 # Team Structure
-# Goals/Challenges
+# [[Goals/Challenges]]
 # Risk Management
 # Sustainability
 # Team Specific
+===Team Resources===
+[[File:2016BusLetterHead.jpg | 400px | thumb | [[2016]] Business Letter Head Template]]
+*[[Thank You Template]]
+*[[Sponsor Letter Template]]
+*[[Email Template]]
+*[https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6Wtq85OPLLkN0FmVU42RDNfcUpwVjBseEVqS2NCeDU4NTJB/view?usp=sharing 2013 Basic Business Plan]
+*[[How-To of Sponsor Phone Calls]]
+===External Links===
+*[https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/226255 How to Make the Most of a Sales Rejection]
+*[https://www.reddit.com/r/howto/comments/1sz62j/how_do_i_get_companies_to_sponsor_my_school/ How Do I Get Companies To Sponsor My School Robotics Club?]
+*[http://nonprofithub.org/nonprofit-marketing-plan/five-things-corporate-sponsors-want-nonprofits/ The Five Things Corporate Sponsors Want From Nonprofits]
+*[https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20140413181244-7672789-7-reasons-why-your-business-should-be-sponsoring-an-event 7 Reasons why your Business Should be Sponsoring an Event]
 ==Awards==
-The awards team is mainly active during the FRC season and is responsible for the preparation of Chairman’s Award presentations and any other award the team decides to pursue.
+The [[Awards|awards]] team is mainly active during the FRC season and is responsible for the preparation of Chairman’s Award presentations and any other award the team decides to pursue. This is typically handled by the [[Vice-President of Outreach]].
-{| class="wikitable"
-|-
-! scope="col"| Year
-! scope="col"| Awards
-! scope="col"| Description
-|-
-|2015
-| Regional Finalists at the Palmetto Regional
-Creativity Award at the Peachtree Regional
-|The Regional Finalist Award celebrates the alliance that makes it to the final match of the competition
-The Creativity Award celebrates creativity in design, use of component, or strategy of play.
-|-
-|2014
-|Regional Winner at the Palmetto Regional
-Industrial Design Award at the Peachtree Regional
-|The Industrial Design Award celebrates form and function in an efficiently designed machine that effectively addresses the game challenge.
-The Regional Winner Award celebrates the alliance that wins the final match of the competition.
-|-
-|2013
-| Judges' Award at Peachtree Regional
-|The Judges' Award During the course of the competition, the judging panel may decide a team’s unique efforts, performance, or dynamics merit recognition.
-|-
-|2012
-| Quality Award at the Smoky Mountain Regional
-Regional Winner at Peachtree Regional
-Creativity Award at the Peachtree Regional
-|The Quality Award celebrates machine robustness in concept and fabrication.
-The Regional Winner Award celebrates the alliance that wins the final match of the competition.
-The Creativity Award celebrates creativity in design, use of component, or strategy of play.
-|-
-|2011
-| Regional Finalist at Peachtree Regional
-Excellence in Engineering Award at the Peachtree Regional
-Innovation in Control Award at the Smoky Mountain Regional
-|The Excellence in Engineering Award celebrates an elegant and advantageous machine feature.
-The Regional Finalist Award celebrates the alliance that makes it to the final match of the competition
-The Innovation in Control Award celebrates an innovative control system or application of control components – electrical, mechanical, or software – to provide unique machine functions.
-|-
-|2010
-| Regional Winner at Palmetto Regional
-| The Regional Winner Award celebrates the alliance that wins the final match of the competition.
-|-
-|2009
-| N/A
-| N/A
-|-
-|2008
-| Creativity Award at the Peachtree Regional
-|The Creativity Award celebrates creativity in design, use of component, or strategy of play.
-|-
-|2007
-| Innovation in Control Award at Peachtree Regional
-|The Innovation in Control Award celebrates an innovative control system or application of control components – electrical, mechanical, or software – to provide unique machine functions.
-|-
-|2006
-|Regional Winner at the Peachtree Regional
-Driving Tomorrow's Technology Award
-Industrial Safety Award; both at the Peachtree Regional
-|The Regional Winner Award celebrates the alliance that wins the final match of the competition.
-The Driving Tomorrow's Technology Award celebrates machine features that demonstrates any aspect of engineering elegance. This includes the design, writing methods, selection of material, programming techniques, and unique machine attributes.
-The Industrial Safety Award celebrates the team that progresses beyond safety fundamentals by using innovative ways to eliminate or protect against hazards.
-|-
-|2005
-| Regional Winner at the Peachtree Regional
-| The Regional Winner Award celebrates the alliance that wins the final match of the competition.
-|-
-|2004
-| N/A
-| N/A
-|}
 ===Chairman’s Award===
-The chairman’s award is given to a team that demonstrates excellence in spreading the ideals of FIRST. The Robo Lions presented for this award for the first time in the 2014 season. In order to be eligible for this award, teams must create a video and write an essay before  a team of three presents to judges at regional competitions.
+The chairman’s award is given to a team that demonstrates excellence in spreading the ideals of [[FIRST]]. The Robo Lions presented for this award for the first time in the [[2014]] season. In order to be eligible for this award, teams must create a video and write an essay before a team of three presents to judges at regional competitions.
 [[Category: Sub-Teams]]