… and your contest wins … and your competition wins … and your giveaway wins …

Even though there is a legal definition difference between a lottery, sweepstakes, and contest, I use the words interchangeably.

Why Track?

I began tracking my wins in 2004 when I wondered how many prizes I had won the previous year. I created a spreadsheet and wrote out every prize no matter how big or small. By year’s end, I was amazed as I had underestimated how lucky I was. Those little prizes added up!

I discovered that the spreadsheet also had another important purpose. It was to keep track of the prizes I had received, and if it was eight, ten, twelve, or more weeks since I was notified and sent back the release forms, I would contact the sponsor, agency, etc., and enquire where it was. It was a great help in ensuring every win was received.

Over time, I added columns to help me figure out where I was winning, so if one modality wasn’t working, I could focus on what was. For example, if I was winning on Instagram but not on the radio, I knew where to put my energy and efforts.

Once I launched Contest Queen, I added the spreadsheet to the site for anyone to use and updated it annually. Now I am not the only one.

Spreadsheets

Di Coke (SuperLucky), Tom Cavalli (iWinContests), and I (ContestQueen) all have prize-tracking spreadsheets on our websites for you to download and use, so there’s no excuse for you not to document your winnings.

Di also has a great blog explaining the ins and outs of creating your own wins tracking spreadsheet, the reasons why you should, etc., you may wish to read. SETTING UP A PRIZE SPREADSHEET TO TRACK COMPETITION WINS

If you don’t already, start tracking today! You’re luckier than you think.