In the following week, under Lao Zhang's supervision, the new sugar-free, zero-calorie stinky tofu was quickly mass-produced.
Upon its launch, Song Qiao once again employed the strategy of free sampling for promotion. Due to the existing reputation, many department stores, without even observing the sales performance, signed large orders with Xiang Piaopiao.
While developing this stinky tofu, Song Qiao further refined the recipe and introduced a high-protein stinky tofu specifically for children and other individuals with high nutritional needs.
"Boss, although our stinky tofu didn't experience the usual rush of bulk purchases upon its launch, it has genuinely attracted many female customers, and sales have remained on par with last week," reported Lin Jing excitedly to Song Qiao, holding the sales data.
Song Qiao was naturally very pleased with this situation. As the saying goes, it's easiest to earn money from women and children, and it seemed to be true.
In high spirits, he generously gave bonuses to several key company personnel again.
"Boss, what promotional method will we primarily use for sales next week?" asked Li Lili, who was in charge of sales.
Her question prompted the other key personnel to look at Song Qiao with hopeful eyes, eager to hear his new suggestions.
Since the establishment of Xiang Piaopiao, Song Qiao had introduced various unprecedented promotional methods, such as free sampling, top-up card promotions, and even feigning bankruptcy.
Each method had yielded unexpected results, elevating Song Qiao to an almost mythical status in their eyes.
Their boss, who started from scratch, was a rare genius, almost unheard of in a century. Almost every method perfectly captured consumers' psychology.
Song Qiao smiled faintly at everyone and said mysteriously, "Don't worry, everyone. We have promotional methods, but they must remain a secret for now."
This announcement immediately piqued everyone's curiosity, but no matter how they cajoled him, Song Qiao refused to divulge anything. Eventually, everyone had no choice but to wait patiently.
After the meeting, Qin Ya immediately began recording the important contents of the meeting, which were then compiled and distributed to each key personnel, ensuring that Song Qiao's arrangements would be thoroughly implemented.
"Qin Ya, don't rush this matter. Organize the promotional slogans I decided on that day, and then accompany me to the bus company," Song Qiao instructed Qin Ya, who was busy, after a moment of thought.
Qin Ya was utterly bewildered by Song Qiao's instructions, completely unable to understand his intentions.
The company's main business was food processing and manufacturing; she couldn't fathom what kind of promotional method could involve the bus company.
However, being intelligent, she didn't ask further. She immediately began to compile the information as Song Qiao requested and set off for the bus company with driver Lao Hu and another person.
...
The bus company was located in a sparsely populated corner of the city's southwest.
Manager Han Hai had been so worried that his hair was turning white. He had owed the workers their wages for nearly a month and was now at his wit's end.
The company originally had considerable funds, but a while ago, he had invested a large sum in repairing the basic equipment on the buses due to safety rectifications. Now, the money was gone, and the subsidy from higher authorities had yet to arrive.
"Manager, there's a businessman outside who calls himself Song Qiao. He says he wants to see you and discuss a potential collaboration," the secretary suddenly burst in.
"Collaboration?"
"We are a state-owned enterprise. What collaboration could we possibly have with an individual businessman like him?" Han Hai said irritably.
With that, he waved his hand, signaling the secretary to decline the meeting.
"Manager, this Song Qiao said he can help you solve your funding problems," the secretary hesitated for a moment before reminding him.
Having received a favor, when Song Qiao had asked her to come up and announce, he had casually slipped her a Red Bull, which was worth several days of her salary.
Han Hai's brow furrowed into a knot. After a long period of thought, he instructed the secretary, "Let them in. I want to see how he plans to collaborate with this 'clear governmental department' of mine."
He couldn't help but mutter to himself afterward:
"The name Song Qiao sounds somewhat familiar. I think I've heard it somewhere."
Song Qiao successfully met the manager. After a brief self-introduction, he directly asked, "Manager Han, your company spent quite a bit of money on renovating the buses and hardware equipment like handrails recently, didn't it?"
Han Hai did not conceal it and frankly admitted, "That's true, but it's part of public welfare. Regardless of the cost, the government will soon provide us with a subsidy."
The implication was that he had no need for Song Qiao's assistance.
Song Qiao observed Han Hai with a half-smile and said lightly,
"Manager Han, don't pretend to be fine if you're not. If you agree to one condition, Xiang Piaopiao will cover the 200,000 yuan for your bus renovations."
He knew that Han Hai was merely putting on a brave face. Before coming to negotiate, he had already sent people to inquire from the bus drivers.
Han Hai was so strapped for cash that he was unable to pay his employees.
"Xiang Piaopiao?"
Han Hai was about to refuse, but he froze upon hearing the name Song Qiao.
"Is that the Xiang Piaopiao that donated five million yuan worth of supplies to the disaster area a few days ago?" Han Hai asked excitedly.
Song Qiao chuckled and nodded slightly.
"Are you looking to donate to us?" Han Hai's attitude immediately became respectful, not expecting such a windfall.
"Manager Han, you can consider it a donation, but we are not giving it away for free. You still need to agree to one condition."
"If you agree, we can contribute twenty thousand yuan as sponsorship," Song Qiao said calmly.
"What condition? Boss Song, please tell me," Han Hai was already impatient. The twenty thousand yuan proposed by Song Qiao had truly stunned him.
With this money, not only could he pay the workers' wages, but there would also be enough left for the next renovation.
"It's very simple. As long as Manager Han agrees to have our Xiang Piaopiao promotional posters displayed on every bus in your company, and the handrails also bear our Xiang Piaopiao logo," Song Qiao said, gesturing for Qin Ya to hand Han Hai the promotional slogans and poster templates he had designed earlier.
"Is that all?" Han Hai asked incredulously after receiving the materials.
He, as the manager, did not have the authority to make decisions about advertising on buses, but he estimated that as long as he applied to his superiors, it would be approved quickly.
After all, the superiors were also facing financial difficulties, and the company's subsidy was overdue. Now that someone was willing to provide funds, they would naturally not refuse.