🎙️ Introduction
Welcome to the Luxury Unplugged Podcast, where luxury meets spirituality and dreams aren’t just envisioned—they’re manifested. I’m your host Neeti Keswani, bestselling author of Live Your Dreams and your guide to a life filled with conscious living, creative entrepreneurship, and yes—even a bit of luck.
In this episode, we dive into the magnetic world of contests, sweepstakes, viral marketing, and the vibrational frequency of winning. And who better to guide us than the woman who’s literally written the book on this? Please welcome Carolyn Wilman, also known as The Contest Queen. Carolyn has helped thousands unlock the thrill of winning through sweepstakes marketing—and her approach has roots in mindset, manifestation, and yes, marketing strategy too.
We’re taking cues today from the legendary Helene Hadsell, who famously wrote “The Name It and Claim It Game,” proving that winning isn’t just chance—it’s a choice backed by belief and aligned energy.
Neeti: Carolyn, thank you so much for being here. Let’s begin with the basics—what exactly is a sweepstakes?
Carolyn: Thank you for having me, Neeti! A sweepstakes is essentially a giveaway. That’s the global term. In the U.S., it’s called “sweepstakes.” In Canada and India, it’s a “contest.” In the U.K. and Australia, they call them “competitions.” They’re all forms of promotions where people can win prizes—sometimes cash, sometimes once-in-a-lifetime experiences—without paying to enter. That’s the legal distinction from a lottery. Lotteries require payment. Sweepstakes remove that requirement, and that’s what makes them magical for everyday dreamers.
Neeti: So in a way, sweepstakes are like mini-lotteries without the risk?
Carolyn: Exactly! And the odds are often way better than lotteries. Plus, you’re not losing anything to participate. You can win things that save you money—like I recently won six months of shampoo! That money is now freed up for something else. Or you might win a luxury trip you could never afford. Or better yet, prizes money can’t buy—like meeting celebrities or VIP experiences. That’s where this becomes luxurious.
Neeti: You’ve talked about vibrational alignment in winning. How is that tied to Helene Hadsell’s methods?
Carolyn: Oh, Helene was the queen of manifestation. She taught that you must “name it and claim it”—meaning: clearly visualize what you want, feel it as if it’s already yours, and act accordingly. That’s the energetic secret. She believed—and proved—that your thoughts, words, and beliefs create your reality. I live by that. I’ve seen people enter one contest after another and win nothing because they don’t feel like winners. You have to believe you’re already worthy. That’s when things start to shift.
Neeti: So if I think like a winner, I start manifesting like one?
Carolyn: Absolutely. There’s this great story I always tell—my friend Tom Cavalli doesn’t believe in spirituality, but he’s an incredible winner. Why? Because he focuses hard on what he wants, he enters strategically, and he just expects to win. That confidence? That’s a vibration. That’s exactly what Helene taught. Even if you don’t use the word “manifestation,” if you live in the energy of certainty, the results follow. That’s the alignment of intention and action.
Neeti: You also help brands go viral using sweepstakes. What’s the connection between giveaways and viral content marketing?
Carolyn: Viral content always has a story behind it. People connect with real emotion. When a brand launches a giveaway, it shouldn’t just be “Enter to win a trip.” You have to tell a story—why are you giving this away? Who’s behind the brand? What emotion do you want people to feel? The more personal and purpose-driven it is, the more likely it is to go viral. It becomes shareable. That’s why sweepstakes marketing is so powerful—it’s human-centered marketing.
Neeti: What’s the difference between someone who wins often and someone who never does?
Carolyn: Energy and strategy. The winners I coach are intentional. They enter with joy, clarity, and consistency. They don’t enter everything—they enter what they really want. They keep it fun. They stay positive even when they lose, because they know another win is around the corner. Non-winners often carry disbelief or scarcity mindset—they think they’re not lucky or it’s not meant for them. That mindset is the biggest block. The key is alignment—of thought, belief, action, and joy.
Neeti: Can you share a luxury win that was unforgettable?
Carolyn: Oh, absolutely. There was the time I hung out with Sting, attended the Miss Hawaiian Tropics bikini contest (my ex was a judge!), and another time when I met Michael Bublé backstage. Those moments weren’t just about the prize—they were about experiencing the extraordinary, things you can’t buy your way into. That’s what I call luxury through manifestation. It’s not about excess—it’s about access. And contests can give you that.
Neeti: You mentioned there’s even a global community of winners?
Carolyn: Yes! We have an annual convention—it’s like Comic-Con for sweepstakes lovers. People come from all over the world. We attend workshops, network, and learn from each other. I often teach about TikTok and Instagram trends because platforms evolve fast. What’s magical is how supportive this community is. It’s never about competition. Everyone lifts each other up. That kind of spiritual camaraderie was totally unexpected for me—but it’s been one of the biggest wins of all.
Neeti: So what’s your biggest tip for listeners who want to start manifesting wins?
Carolyn: Get clear. Really clear. Don’t say “I want to win something.” Say “I want to win a five-day trip to Italy for my anniversary.” Visualize it. Enter contests that align with that desire. Write it down. Feel grateful as if it’s already happening. And then, take action. Because manifesting is not passive—it’s co-creating with the universe. And most importantly, don’t stop believing. You’re one aligned thought away from your next big win.
🎯 Conclusion
What do viral marketing, luxury prizes, and spiritual alignment have in common? Everything, according to Helene Hadsell’s legacy and Carolyn Wilman’s real-life wins.
Manifestation isn’t magic—it’s momentum. And sweepstakes aren’t just games—they’re gateways to the life you quietly desire.
So whether you’re a marketer, a dreamer, or just someone hoping to attract more joy into your life—this is your nudge.
Name it.
Claim it.
Live it.
About Neeti Keswani
I’m Neeti Keswani—Business Storytelling Coach, Ho’oponopono Practitioner, and host of the Luxury Unplugged Podcast. I help conscious entrepreneurs, creatives, and leaders design powerful brands and soulful businesses by aligning story with strategy.
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