Contests for Home Cooks!

Today's Sunday quickie is for that recipe that everyone raves about, every time you make it. They all want your recipe, of course. So, here's a way to spend your Sunday, and maybe earn some quick cash while you hand your recipe out to everybody!

Two Recipe Contests from Taste of Home


"Taste of Home" currently has two recipe contests running, both ending in April. You will need to create an account with "Taste of Home" in order to enter these, if you don't already have one.

Both contests use the same entry form, which you can access through the link above. You will need to specify which contest you wish to enter on the form. (As an added note, you can simply submit a recipe for publication from this form, as well, even if you don't want to enter.)


"10-20-30" contest

For this one, you will need to enter a recipe for a supper that can be served in 10, 20, or 30 minutes, with a maximum of 12 ingredients. The 12 prizes are as follows:

*Grand prize, $1,000
*First place, $400
*Second place, $200
*Third place, $100
*Eight honorable mentions, a book

All winning recipes will be published, with winner's names, in magazines and in cook books.

Open to legal U.S. and Canadian residents, excluding the Province of Quebec, 18 or older. Ends April 11, 2014.

13x9 Contest


This contest is open for recipes that you make in a 13x9 pan, again with a maximum of 12 ingredients. The 12 prizes are as follows:

*Grand prize, $500
*First place, $300
*Second place, $150
*Third place, $75
*8 runners up, a book

All winning recipes will be published, with winner's names, in magazines and in cook books.

Open to legal U.S. and Canadian residents, excluding the Province of Quebec, 18 or older. Ends April 14, 2014.

Entries for both contests are judged based on the following criteria:

Taste - 35%
Visual Appeal - 25%
Feasibility - 25%
Creativity/Uniqueness - 15%


In deciding which recipes you'd like to enter for either contest, keep in mind that it needs to be something that most anyone could make. Therefore, you'll want to keep it fairly easy, as well as tasty.

For these entries, you will also need a high resolution jpg image of your finished recipe at 300dpi, as well as one of yourself. File size no larger than 15 mb.

As always, your entry must be your own original work. Enter as many recipes as you wish.

They anticipate a total of 1,000 participants nationwide, in each of these two contests. Relatively speaking, that's some pretty good odds.


If you just want to enter a couple of sweeps...

Contests and Sweepstakes from Taste of Home


Good Luck!

Cold getting to you? Spring into These Sweepstakes!

Yes, this winter has been a long one for so many. Yet, this, too, shall pass. If you're ready for the warmth of spring, these sweepstakes just might give you that warm-fuzzy spring feeling that you've been longing for.


American Cleaning Institute 2014 Sweepstakes


Grand prize is an electronic gift card for the amount of $2,500, plus a corporate check to cover taxes.

One entry per person/email address. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and D.C., and Puerto Rico, who were 21 years or older as of June 19, 2013. Ends December 31, 2014.

Ok, so maybe spring cleaning wasn't on your mind just yet...


Win a Trip for Two to Miami!


Grand prize is a six day/five night trip for two to Miami, with all kinds of fun stuff to do. A one-hour private windsurfing lesson, a half-day of deep sea fishing, and more. Air fare, lodging and car rental are also included, plus, a check for $1,500 to cover incidentals. But wait, there's more! ARV $10,000.

28 Instant win prizes are also being awarded, though what they might be is undisclosed in the rules. When I played, it was for a Travel Channel MP3 player arm band. You will need to answer a Travel Channel trivia question to play the instant win game. The answer is provided with a hint.

Still, if you'd win the grand prize, that's a trip that ought to warm you up.

Daily entry. Open to legal U.S. residents of the 48 contiguous United States and D.C., who are 21 or older, or who are the age of majority in their place of residence, whichever is greater. Ends February 28, 2014.


Win a Trip to Live in the Vineyard!

Grand prize is a trip for two to Napa, California, with tickets to attend various events for "Live in the Vineyard," lodging, transportation, meal allowance, and more.

ARV $2,300

It couldn't get much "springier" than this!

One entry per person/per email. Open to legal U.S. residents (excluding territories, people professionally associated with Sutter Home Wine, and where prohibited)21 years or older. Must travel for events scheduled in April, 2014. Ends February 28, 2014.


Good Luck!

Seriously, Catch up on Some Reading... and Maybe Win a Billion Dollars

Regardless of what some may think, sweepstaking takes a lot of mental clarity and focus. Hence, it's good to take a little mental break every now and then, to refresh your mind and spirit.

Reading is always a good way to rejuvenate, so here are a few sweepstakes articles for a brief break from all that focus and concentration. Oh, and you could win a billion dollars...



Jeepers Creepers, Where'd You Get Those Sweepers?
The strange hobby of "sweepstaking."


Tips for Winning Online Instant Win Sweepstakes



Warren Buffett offers $1 billion for perfect March Madness bracket


Good Luck!

Sweepstakes for Kids!

As far as sweepstaking goes, it's mostly an adult game. However, for those under 18 who want their chance at the big win, there are still plenty of opportunities available.

So, without further ado, here are some sweeps for the little ones... (Well, maybe they're not so little any more).

Conagra Win with Chef Boyardee Instant Win Sweepstakes

400 grand prizes, 5 awarded each day

Each grand prize consists of an Xbox One prize pack, which includes an Xbox One and Zoo Tycoon Xbox One game. ARV of each grand prize is $559.

A code is required to play. These can be found on specially marked cans and microwave cups of Chef Boyardee. If you do not have a code, you can request one from the entry page, and a code will be emailed to you.

One play per day, per entrant. Entrants must be 8 or older, and a legal resident of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico. Entrants who are under the age of 13 will be required to enter their own email address AND a parent's email address. Ends February 18, 2014.


Kids’ Choice Awards 2014 Sweepstakes


Grand prize is a trip for two to the Kid's Choice Awards in Los Angeles on March 28, 2014. Includes round-trip airfare, 3 days/2 nights hotel accommodations, ground transportation to and from airport (not in home city) and to and from event, tickets to awards show, $250 in spending money, and more. ARV $3,500.

This prize is primarily geared towards girls, as a dress from "Promgirl," to wear to the event, is also included in the prize.

This is by mail-in entry only, though there are three ways to do it. Entry forms are available in the March issue of Tiger Beat Magazine, or you can print one out from a link on the main sweepstakes page above, or you can simply write entrants name, age, address, phone number, email and favorite star on a piece of paper and send it to the address below.

Mail entries to:

WIN A FREE TRIP TO THE KCAs
330 N. Brand Blvd. Ste. 1150
Glendale, CA 91203


Enter as often as you wish. Open to participants in the 48 contiguous United States who are 13 to 19 years of age at the time of entry. Prize winner must be accompanied by parent or legal guardian if winner is under the legal age of consent in her state of residence. Ends February 28, 2014

Best Friends Fun Sweepstakes


This is the last week of this sweepstakes, so up to 500 prizes are left to be awarded, according to the official rules.

Each prize consists of both a SpongeBob SquarePants-themed plush backpack, AND a Patrick Star-themed plush backpack. ARV $35.

(The gist of the prize is that each winner gets a backpack for himself, and one for a friend : )

One entry each day, per person/per household/per email address. Open to legal residents of the 48 contiguous United States and the District of Columbia, who are between 6 and 11 years of age at the time of entry. Ends February 9, 2014.

Good Luck!

Enjoy These Sweepstakes, Courtesy of Your Favorite TV Shows!

HGTV Love It List It Watch It Win It


This sweepstakes is offering five weekly grand prizes of $25,000 each (four remain). It's a fast moving sweeps, though, so you have to be on the ball to enter!

Each week, watch "Love It or List It" at 8pm Eastern Time, 7pm Central, on HGTV. During the show, a code word will be shown. Starting at 8pm Eastern time, the same night, you can enter the code word at the above link to gain entry into the sweepstakes. Entries for each week's show and code word are allowed from 8pm Eastern on Monday until 7:59pm on Tuesday, the very next day. Winners for each week are chosen about three days later.

The next chance to enter will be on February 3, 2014.

Open to legal U.S. residents of the 50 United States and D.C. who are 21 years or older, and who had internet and HGTV access prior to learning of the sweepstakes. One entry per person, per entry period. Entries do not roll over into subsequent drawings. Ends February 24, 2014.

The 2014 Masterpiece Sweepstakes


This sweepstakes will certainly thrill fans of PBS, Downton Abbey, Sherlock Holmes, and many more!

Grand prize is a 5-day, 4-night trip for two adults from the U.S. or Canada to Great Britain. Includes round-trip (economy class) airfare out of a gateway city courtesy of British Airways, accommodations at a Radisson Blu Edwardian Hotel, attendance at a VIP reception at Highclere Castle (as seen in Downton Abbey) hosted by Lord and Lady Carnarvon, author of Lady Catherine, The Earl, and the Real Downton Abbey, behind-the-scenes tours of Selfridges & Co. department store (its founder, Harry Gordon Selfridge, is portrayed in MASTERPIECE’s upcoming second season of Mr. Selfridge) and the Museum of London’s forthcoming Sherlock Holmes exhibit, and even more (care to chat over coffee with an expert on the fictional character of Sherlock Holmes? Well, a taxi will zip you right to a cafe after your Sherlock Holmes Museum visit - before the Museum of London - for just that)! Travel must take place July 30–August 4, 2014. ARV $5,550.

Four monthly prizes of a $500 gift certificate to ShopPBS.org are also being awarded. Monthly winners are still eligible for the grand prize.

Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, Puerto Rico, Guam, the US Virgin Islands, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec), who are 18 years of age or older (or the age of majority in the jurisdiction of their residence, whichever is older) and who possess a valid United States or Canadian Passport with an expiration date after December 31, 2014. Daily entry. Ends March 15, 2014.

ExtraTV Giveaways


Extra TV has an ongoing slew of delightfully enticing giveaways, each with a great prize. Prizes and giveaways will change as each ends, though you will generally find something to please.

Current giveaways include a Jaclyn Smith skincare collection, a $50 gift card from The Gap, a gift bag from the SAG Awards, and more. Each giveaway is a separate entry, so you can pick and choose which prizes you'd like to enter for. Watching the show will give you a secret word that allows you to enter for still more prizes!

Must be 18 or older to enter, and a legal resident of the 50 United States or D.C. Excludes Puerto Rico.

Good Luck!

Three Sweepstakes with Camping Prizes

With camping season finally peeking around the corner again, it's time for campers to start tweaking that collection of camping gear. You know what you needed, yet didn't have last year, or maybe it's time to start brand new. If you have the perfect setup, then maybe a free week of camping appeals to you!

In any event, these three sweepstakes will give you the chance to garner a win that will make your outdoor experiences even more enjoyable!

Coleman.com Sweepstakes

One Grand Prize of a Coleman Camping Kit, including: tent, cooler, grill, lantern, airbed, two sleeping bags, two chairs, and a table.

Entry will opt you in for email communications. Must be a U.S. Resident 18 years of age or older, excluding Rhode Island. Ends March 17, 2014

KOA Bobsled Contest

This one is by Facebook entry, and requires a Twitter account to send a cheer to the USA Bobsled and Skeleton Federation.

Grand Prize consists of seven nights of camping vouchers good at any KOA Campground in North America (ARV - $250/voucher) The approximate retail value of the grand prize is $1,750.

Open to residents of the U.S. and Canada, excluding Quebec, 18 years of age or older. Ends February 23, 2014.

KOA Wings for Spring Contest

One Grand Prize: Winner has three RV options to choose from, and must select only one of the following: Option 1: Eagle HT 27.5 RLTS (ARV: $40,136); Option 2: White Hawk (Summit Edition) 28DSBH (ARV: $29,457); or Option 3: J-Series 1207 (ARV: $11,165).

Daily entry. Open to legal U.S. residents (excluding Hawaii) and of Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 years of age or older. Ends March 31, 2014.

Three Fashion Sweepstakes!

Here are some great sweepstakes with fashion prizes, sure to satisfy any fashionista's craving!

Runway Winter Giveaway

100 prizes. Loony Bum belts, Axiis Sunglasses and RUNWAY shirts. APR $50 to $300 each. Open to U.S. residents 13 years or older. Ends January 21, 2014 at 11:59 PM Eastern.

Keep it. Win it.

The current prize is an AllSaints biker jacket,always in style! Valued at $700. This is a weekly sweepstakes, starting each Tuesday, with a new prize each week. Open to U.S. Residents 18 or older.

E! & Skinny Girl's VIP Red Carpet Getaway Sweepstakes

Five weekly prizes of one $250 American Express gift card each. Grand prize winner wins a trip to the red carpet in Los Angeles with a friend, including tickets to the taping of E! After Party: 2014 Academy Awards AND tickets to the taping of Fashion Police: 2014 Academy Awards Special! (Plus, there's more!)

Open to U.S. residents of the 48 contiguous United States and the District of Columbia, 21 years or older at the start of the sweepstakes (January 13, 2014). Ends February 14, 2014 at 11:59 PM Pacific Time.

Limbo 41414

Limbo 41414 is a free reverse bid game where you can "bid" for prizes (at no charge) and the lowest unique bid wins! You can play from your cellphone as well. Text PLAY to the short code 41414 for a current list of auctions.

In the world of contests and sweepstakes, there are simple ways to use skill to increase your luck in winning. Some have to do with the way you enter, others are matters of creating a positive attitude. This is the final article in our three part series. You can find part two HERE.

Enter Contests Whenever Possible

Most contests rely on some type of skill. Look at your strengths, and utilize them to help you win. If you are a trivia nut, enter trivia contests. If you love to cook, enter cooking contests. There are fishing contests for anglers, talent contests for musicians and writers, and just about anything else you can come up with, so don't doubt that there is a contest in the area where your strengths shine.

Release Expectations

This utilizes skills in building patience, which is a necessary part of the process. It also helps with enjoying what you are doing in the present, and not getting caught up in what the future results will be. Enjoying the fun and relaxation offered in what you are doing now is what will keep you going, and in keeping going you know that you will in turn increase good luck and win. Releasing expectations also releases stress. There is a difference between expecting it and knowing it. Expectations can stem from a belief that something will happen. This type of knowing comes from realizing that things are already set in place in order for it to happen. You may not know exactly when or how often it will happen, you just know that it will.

Picture Yourself With What You Wish to Receive

Stories abound about those who have won large amounts of cash and then went broke a short while later. A sudden influx of wealth into one's life will undoubtedly create some changes, and for one who isn't prepared for it, this may be followed by making some rough decisions. By preparing yourself mentally you will increase your skills in making the proper choices, and also create good luck by developing a knowing that the winning will come.

If you need a new vehicle, envision yourself as already driving it. If you want cash, picture yourself as already being debt-free. There's no need to spend an inordinate amount of time in doing it, a few short minutes when you have a chance throughout the day will suffice.

Keep in mind that these are just rules of thumb, so be creative. Sometimes you will have more time to devote than you will at others, so be easy on yourself and always remember to keep it fun. That's part of the gift of increasing luck!

By Jennifer L. Thompson

This year marks the 28th year for the Annual International Eelpout Festival on Leech Lake, located in Walker, Minnesota. This festival is one of THE biggest annual events in this area, drawing eelpouters from around the world. Thousands turn out for this weekend of thrills, spills, and chills, hoping to win the coveted awards and thousands of dollars in prizes.

What is an eelpout, you may ask? Some consider it to be the ugliest fish in Minnesota, others consider it to be a rich tasting delicacy sometimes referred to as "poor man's lobster". No matter which way you consider it, the eelpout festival is downright FUN!

Yes, fun and games are a major part of the of the weekend, with creative anglers setting up camp on the ice, disguising themselves as Hawaiian dancers, space aliens, cowboys, and just about anything else the inventive mind can conceive of. Events include a five mile run, a polar plunge, an on-ice auto race (the Eelpout 500), a rugby match, and a snowmobile radar run. Even those who do not succumb to fishing fever over the weekend can rest assured they will have a good time watching the antics and camaraderie that abound throughout the festival.

Local businesses thrive during the weekend, catering to eelpouters and non-eelpouters alike. Campgrounds, resorts, and motels fill up quickly, with a good section of anglers setting up weekend homes on the lake, in fish house "mansions" made especially for this event. Newspapers from around the country send reporters to catch the wildly comedic festivities. This is Northern fun at the peak of cabin fever.

Vendors abound for the "crafty" minded traveler. O'Fish'al Eelpout Festival Apparel is available on site, along with hundreds of other original and creative items that one will only find here. There is no limit to the imaginative expression of the loyal anglers who thrive on this type of competition.

Of course, all the latest technology and the newest fishing gear is displayed throughout the festivities, with professional sportsmen touting the best of their wares. This is a great place to get up on what's new and what's happening for the upcoming year, for anyone who loves the sport.

The 2007 festival runs February 16th through 18th, with a $10 entry fee. Award categories include largest 'Pout, smallest 'Pout, team tonnage, inspirational young angler, longest distance traveled, and more. Prizes are awarded in individual and team categories, with a Grand Prize of a custom made fish house valued at $5,000.

Find out more Here

By Jennifer L. Thompson

Cell Phone Accessories from Strapya.com!

"Sprint Nextel 'The Ultra-Thin Phone Weekly Giveaway' Sweepstakes"

Send a 3" x 5" postcard (A standard size postcard is recommended, or a 3x5 card in an envelope as the rules state a non-regulation size for postcards, according to the U.S. Postal Service) with your name, address (no PO boxes), birthday, and telephone number. Entries must be postmarked prior to April 4, 2007 and received no later than April 9, 2007. Mail entries to:

Ultra-Thin Phone Weekly Giveaway

P.O. Box 25456

Rochester, NY 14625-0456.

Sierra Club Beat the Blues - Get Outdoors! Sweepstakes

Grand Prize winner will receive $1,500 towards a Sierra Club Trip. (350 destinations to choose from!) Entries must be received by February 28, 2007. One entry per person.

To enter, print your name, address, telephone number, email address (optional), and the words "Sierra Club Beat the Blues - Get Outdoors! Sweepstakes" on a 3x5 card. Mail entries to:

Sierra Club Beat the Blues - Get Outdoors! Sweepstakes

85 Second St., 2nd Floor

San Francisco, CA 94105-3459

Online entry available HERE

By Jennifer L. Thompson

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Silver Jewelry Club

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In entering contests and sweepstakes, there are simple, yet effective ways to increase your luck in winning. This is part two of a three part series. You can read part one HERE .

The following guidelines will help to increase your luck, bringing in more of those winning moments.

Enter Daily

This simply increases your odds. In allowing yourself to fit at least one entry a day into your routine, you will ensure yourself to keep on winnning. It also has the simple effect of releasing expectations, allowing your mind to rest at ease. Though you will be able to rest assured that you WILL win in doing your part, there is no stress involved because there are lots of ways for the winning to come.

Check All of Your Emails

Often times a winning email will come without an identifying subject line, so it may appear as just another newsletter or other generic email. In checking all of your emails you will be sure to receive any winning notifications. At the same time, it takes just a moment to unsubscribe from any unwanted emails while you're doing so, in order to make it easier to find what you are looking for.

Create a Ritual

This may entail something as simple as getting online and entering sweepstakes while your drink your morning coffee, or something more involved such as getting out the art supplies and taking a couple of hours to go through from beginning to end, decorating envelopes to sending them off. Whichever way you decide to do it, make it something to look forward to, and it will create a positive attitude. This positive attitude creates positive energy that in turn will bring you luck!

Read About Others Who Do Sweepstaking

This just helps to keep it real. Some have a tendency to be a bit skeptical, and to think that nobody ever wins. This simply is not true. In reading about the experience of others, we keep the reality that everybody who does sweepstaking wins. This brings us, in a sense, a form of "collective luck"!

Enter Contests Whenever Possible

Most contests rely on some type of skill. Look at your strengths, and utilize them to help you win. If you are a trivia nut, enter trivia contests. If you love to cook, enter cooking contests. There are fishing contests for anglers, talent contests for musicians, writers, and actors, and just about anything else you can come up with, so don't doubt that there is a contest in the area where your strengths shine.

Next week will be part three, the final part of this series.

Each year since 1997 Home and Garden Television has hosted the "Dream Home Sweepstakes". A location is carefully scouted and the home is meticulously put together down to the finest detail. It comes fully furnished with all the trimmings, including a new vehicle and even a "Doggie Dream Home"! For 2007 the total prize package is valued at $2.5 Million dollars.

This year's Dream Home is located in Winter Park, Colorado, with a breathtaking view of the Continental Divide.

Approaching the front of the home, you will find it's natural wood-siding look to be majestic. The covered porch and three decks all sport outstanding views of the pine-covered landscape and the mountains beyond. When lit up after dark, the glow is warm and inviting.

The Interior boasts sleeping quarters of a master-bedroom with master bath, bunkroom and bunkbath, guest bedroom and bath, and a "plaid" bedroom and bath. The upper level landing area also offers a cozy sitting area with a daybed, off of which french doors open to an observation deck. With 4,000 square feet of floor space throughout, there is plenty of room for family and friends.

On the main floor you will find the highly functional kitchen decorated with balsa wood cabinets and blue countertops to compliment the wood tones. The lodge room is nestled next to it with a large, open "snackbar" between the two rooms, so snacks can easily be passed through to those who are enjoying the wood fireplace after an afternoon ski run. The dining room sits off to the side of the kitchen with an impressive floor to ceiling window for enjoying the wildlife, flora, and fauna. A home office is tucked around the corner from the dining area for easy access.

The lower level finds room to relax in the media room with seating for 10 surrounding the fireplace and 72 inch television. An adjoining game area with kitchenette allows for those Sunday afternoons spent watching the race with room for the kids to play. The mudroom enters from the garage with a laundry area conveniently exiting to the side. Added to all this is a GMC Acadia and $250,000 cash.

Daily entries are allowed in the sweepstakes, with a weekly winner receiving a "Doggie Dream Home". The Grand Prize winner will be announced on home and Garden TV in a show airing March 18, 2007 at 9pm Eastern Time.

To view videos on the building of this years home, follow this Link

To enter to win the Dream Home, follow this Link

By Jennifer L. Thompson

Ti Kuan Yin (Iron Goddess) from Dragonwater Tea

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Magic Tea Maker

For quick entry... text by cell phone!

Lifetime TV's Get Out of the Cold Sweepstakes

Enter to win a trip for four to the Radisson Aruba Resort with spa treatments and dinner at the Sunset Grille Restaurant. Enter daily, ends February 15, 2007.

To enter, text the word COLD to 58463 (LTIME).

Online entry also available here: Get Out of the Cold Sweepstakes

Miller Lite Championship Bonus Sweepstakes

One Grand Prize of a check for $80,000.

To enter, text the word TASTE to 64557 (MILLR). Once you send it you will be sent a return text to verify your age. Must be 21 or older. Enter daily, ends February 4, 2007.

Online entry here: Miller Lite Sweepstakes

Saturday Morning Forever Sweepstakes

Text entry for Sprint and Nextel customers only.

One Grand Prize winner will receive all of the following: 1 flat plasma screen HDTV, 1 DVD player, 52 boxes of Post Super Tasty Breakfast Cereal, 13 sets of Hanna-Barbera pajamas, 13 Hanna-Barbera t-shirts, 1 Hanna-Barbera DVD Collection, 1 FUSIC Sprint phone by LG, and 1 $50 Sprint gift card (total retail value approximately $4,400.00).

To enter, text the letters SMF to 2665 (COOL).

Must be 13 years old or older as of September 20, 2006 and have had internet service as of September 20, 2006. Ends March 21, 2007.

Online entry here: Saturday Morning Forever Sweepstakes

By Jennifer L. Thompson

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Fun accessories for your cell phone!

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2 Online Sweeps!

Just Got it Made Sweepstakes and Travel Trivia-a-Snow-Go

3 New Postal Sweeps!

TBS & Victoria's Secret " Very Sexy Makeover" Contest, Cosmo on Glam.com Sweepstakes, and Land O'Lakes Family Movie Night Sweepstakes.

Sweepstakes... A Unique Form of Advertising

Sweepstakes... A Unique Form of Advertising

Many of us who enjoy entering contests find it to be an enjoyable pass time, an engaging hobby, or a fun way to earn money. From the other end of the spectrum, however, there is a quite different perspective. Sweepstaking is not only beneficial to those of us who enjoy entering, it is also a boon to big business, and is "sweeping" through the advertising world. Sweepstakes are a unique form of advertising.

A sweepstakes of some type can be found in nearly any industry. Though winning something such as "HGTV's Dream Home" may be considered to be something akin to a real-life miracle to those of us with "sweepstaking dreams", the advertising and good consumer/business relations received for the sponsors and suppliers makes it all worth while from a business standpoint. The audience reached covers the breadth and width of the advertising spectrum, with people from all walks of life gaining exposure to the sponsor's products and services. The impact of a large business running a sweepstakes can be a great asset to all.

The financial savings over other forms of advertising can be substantial. Many items may be donated from other companies or individuals in order to advertise their own products and services, thus cutting the cost to the primary sponsor. Though there may still be other expenses involved, the end cost is a fraction of the actual value received. Each state has clear-cut laws governing how a sweepstakes is run, so guidelines are easily found as to how to approach the project.

Smaller businesses are also beginning to see the same "big-business" type benefits. Promoting a particular product through a free drawing can bring nationwide, or even world-wide exposure to a small business through the wonder of the world wide web. Avid sweepstakers hunting for entries will run across a promotion and it will be passed on to countless others. Sweepstaking websites and magazines will offer another type of "free" advertising in promoting a company or product. These "sweepstaking networks" are comprised not only of those who love to win prizes, they are also valuable consumers who are gaining exposure to new products and services each and every week, thus broadening the consumer base for a business.

So, if you are looking for an innovative way to promote your business, you may find it very beneficial to run a sweepstakes! In the end, it's not only "big business", it's a win-win situation for all!

By Jennifer L. Thompson

Dance Contest Winner T-Shirt

Say thanks in style with personalized thank you notes from ChelseaPaper.com!