Submitted by Anita McAloren, Gravesend BNI, Kent, UK
I have been a member of Gravesend BNI (Kent, UK) for nearly 5 years. I’ve put together a very successful A Team and want to share how the power of BNI Power Teams has impacted an event I am involved in with my other business head.
I am also a keen owner of a Volkswagon (VW) T5 Camper van and passionate about VWs. I was on a forum on Facebook at the inception of the VW M25 Run The Ring event and offered my marketing and PR expertise to John Emberton (MD of National Lock & Safe in Watford). He took me up on my offer.
Early morning on September 25, 2016, a whole load of VW owners will be cruising around the M25, ‘running the ring’ to not only have some fun and be part of this never done before cruise, but also to fund raise for the Teenage Cancer Trust.
“Back in March, I had to find a map for a work project and stumbled across this picture, which amused me,” said John. “I then put a joke post on a VW Facebook forum ‘Anybody want to run my ring?’ These posts lead to many of the members saying what a great idea. I realized then that this could be one of the longest cruises of VW Transporter Vans ever seen in the UK so I started a new group on Facebook called VW M25 Run the Ring.”
I proposed to him that the event needed a logo and also merchandise, and I knew just the guys who could help with this. I then introduced Neil Claydon (Promo-Bound BNI Gravesend member) and Richie Bennett (Graphic Designer and member of Brands Hatch) to John and roll forward to now… we are the A team! I am heading up the marketing and PR, Neil is head of merchandise, and Richie has worked not only on the logo, but branding for the clothing too – a match made in heaven!
The event will take place at 8:30 am on Sunday, September 25, and is open to all VW owners – Vans, Campers to Beetles. Our entrees will join the M25 at 4 various service stations – South Mimms, Lakeside/Thurrock, Clackets and Cobham (TBC). Once they have completed ‘the ring’ they will be rewarded with the knowledge they have taken part in something spectacular and for a great cause.
The website www.runthering.co.uk has recently launched, where those interested can enter the cruise, donate, purchase merchandise and secure their place.
“We want to create the longest cruise of VW’s the UK has seen and whilst doing it, raise a load of cash for Teenage Cancer Trust,” said John.
