Building a Team

The following is a list of suggestions to help a TeamMS Captain build a strong team.

Get Support from the MS Society - We will provide you with promotional materials and exciting ideas on how to build a successful team. The TeamMS Coordinator is here to help you!

Get Support from your Company – If you are the Captain of a corporate team, inform your top management about your team , why you are doing it , and elicit their support. Request their help to recruit team members. For example, have them donate a draw prize or ask them for permission to hold casual days for donations.

 Set Goals – Fill out your Goal Sheet! Think about how many people you would like to recruit and how much money you strive to raise- then set your goal a little higher. Let people know your goals and periodically update them on how close you are to reaching them .

 Develop a Game Plan – Decide how to best promote the event you’re participating in and encourage others to join in the fun . Think about how you will encourage team members to raise the funds necessary to meet your goals.

 Make a Challenge – Challenge another department of your company or another t eam to see who can recruit the most participants or raise the most money . You can also e ncourage friendly competition within your team .

Recruiting team members can be an awesome feeling! Here are some ideas on how to get others involved with your team:

• Ask friends, family, neighbors and co-workers to recruit their family members and friends to join the team.
• Hold a kick-off lunch in the office. Your TeamMS contact at the MS Society will be happy to attend to answer questions and, of course, to sign everyone up. Get other company departments involved for a little friendly competition.
• Send a letter from “The Boss” saying, “I’m walking/cycling for a cure too …I look forward to seeing you there.”
•  E-mails and payroll stuffers are a great way to spread the word. Follow up with a phone call to find out who is interested in participating.
• Decorate your office, school or community bulletin board with event posters and sign-up sheets.
•  Set-up a booth in your company’s lobby to spur interest.
•  Put an article in your company newsletter about the event (we’ll supply samples). Report on your team, list names of team members, how their money supports services and research for people with MS and information on how to sign up.
• Create a team website or advertise your team on the company’s website.
• Create team business cards to give to everyone you meet.
• Give people the option to volunteer on behalf of your team at the event. Volunteers can raise money too!