Saying Thank You To Our MS Sponsors
by
Alan
on Sat 06 Mar 2010 09:45 PM CST
As we approach MS awareness week I’m getting emails about events that businesses are sponsoring to support those with multiple sclerosis. First I would like to say thank you to all businesses that are helping the MS community. Without these sponsors there very well wouldn’t be all the events we have. That would mean there would be fewer funds available for research and to support those with multiple sclerosis.
Looking in the news everyday you can see that business is tough for corporate America. Many layoffs and closings are taking place. This could affect us as well with fewer sponsors and reduced financial help for MS events.
The MS community as a whole can and should come to the aid of those that have helped move our cause forward in finding a cure. As I see it there is couple of things we as a community can do. Naturally when given the opportunity we should patronize these businesses. When you decide to purchase a product or service from them make it appoint to say “Thank You, I chose your company because you support the MS community”.
While the above will help there is something else that you can do and it won’t cost you a dime; only a few minutes in time and you could win some cash. Yet it can have a big impact for our business friends besides bringing a little more awareness to the multiple sclerosis movement. Here’s how you can help out. This goes whether you purchase from them or not.
Currently there are a number of online phone directories, along with social sites like Merchant Circle, and Yelp, not to forget Google Maps or Yahoo Local. Almost all have a place for ratings or comments. Visitors that are looking for a service or product from our business friends have many choices to choose from, your rating or comment can make a difference as to who gets a sale.
It doesn’t and shouldn’t take more than a few minutes to do this either. Naturally make sure you give them a 5 star rating. Short and sweet on the comments; it’s best if you limit your comments to 3 or 4 sentences max. Examples of what you can say include:
To the restaurant: I was there the other night because I saw where you held a multiple sclerosis fundraiser. I found the food was excellent, I had the chicken and would recommend it to friends. Mary was our waitress and she did a super job.
To a business helping with a bike ride or walk: I was at the Walk MS here in (My City) it was nice to see your company help out by supporting those with multiple sclerosis. Your employees did a great job. I recommend that people try your company when they need (Your Services).
If you were looking for a business and found one that had comments like the above would you not at least call them first? By helping companies that help us we can form a bond that will benefit both groups while minimizing the affect of a bad economy.
Another thing we can do is write a tweet on Twitter to show our support and even link our comments to that tweet.
So where can you post comments and ratings? I’ve listed some of the websites with a few comments about them. My advice would be to visit each and choose one or two for commenting.
MerchantCircle.com – One of the newer sites and growing. I’ve seen reports that they now rank fifth in size. Merchant Circle has helped me with the Wipe Out MS page on their website, they are a friend to the MS community by also providing a free listing to all nonprofit organizations including local MS chapters. Besides a five star rating and the ability to comment you can also give complements in which icons will be posted on the business’s page at the top.
YellowPages.com – The AT&T directory on line, depending on the source they rank either one or two in size. They are also tied to a number of other listings online.
SuperPages.com – Again ranked either one or two in size and also tied to a number of listings online.
YellowBook.com – The online version of Yellow Book and generally ranked number three. They have a contest at this time for those that give a rating, winners get $500. If you win would you give a part of it to help cure MS?
CitySearch.com – One of the first online directories and generally ranked around fourth in size and use.
InsiderPages.com – A smaller directory although popular in some areas.
Yelp.com – I think they were the first directory that I consider a social phone book. I have seen them being ranked as high as number two in use. Some that use Yelp swear by it.
There are also several other sites that come to mind such as Angie’s List and Back Fence.
Let’s not forget Google Maps and Yahoo local both of which are tied to their respective search engines which you can comment on.
In closing by taking a few minutes to help those businesses that not only are good community citizens but support the MS community, we can help insure support for MS research and those with multiple sclerosis. By forming a bond with our corporate friends our quest to find a cure for multiple sclerosis will move forward.
