I hope by now you are learning the ropes on how to successfully enter and win sweepstakes and contests. There are many facets to this hobby and all are important to become, and stay, excited about all the opportunities out there for you to prosper.

After you’ve been notified you have won something, correctly filled out your affidavit and sent it back, and received your prize, there is just one more step. Now you should thank the sponsor. Yes, remember what you’ve always been taught, it’s called manners.

The sponsors put a lot of hard work into making sweepstakes and contests exciting for you and they have invested a lot of money in prizes. They also have overhead expenses such as staff, PR and advertising costs they incur, just so you can enjoy that lovely prize. You may have had to fill out a few 3 x 5 cards, or enter online, and feel you are entitled to that great television or trip, but let’s give thanks where thanks are due.

Take a few minutes to write a nice thank you card or note to the sponsor. They, like all of us, enjoy someone noticing their efforts, and it is always great to get an encouraging word for the work we do. Think how it would brighten their day to get a heartfelt thanks from you.

Just write a few lines about how much you enjoy their product, if there is one, or tell them a little about how excited your family was to receive that nice prize. You would be surprised at how far your little note might go. And how encouraging to the sponsors! They might decide to put on an even bigger and better contest next time.

I have heard many stories from sweepers that have received additional prizes from the sponsor after sending them a thank you note. Just remember, the object is not to get more, but to thank them for what you have already received. I think you will find out it is more blessed to give than to receive, and I have no doubt you will net a return from your few minutes of thankfulness.

Now, how’s that for doubling your blessing!

Get the inside scoop on how people are winning all of those sweepstakes and contests, and here's a clue, it's not all luck! Sweepstakes Your Guide to Winning! will give you step-by-step instructions on how to be a winner. To learn more, go to Sweepstakes Your Guide to Winning!

To read more from Editor and Author Sandy Lovern, please visit
Sandy Lovern; and Sweepstakes Success