Official figures always leave room for maneuver. The secretary's actions were understandable, and he believed that once the secretary fully understood his character over time, their relationship would deepen.
After parting ways with Guo Jun, Song Qiao rushed to the processing plant.
During lunch, a flash of inspiration struck him.
For a long time, the processing plant's focus had been solely on stinky tofu, and no matter how he innovated, he couldn't change the fact that some people disliked it.
Now that the investment in strip steel could be recovered, why not add a production line specifically for dried tofu snacks?
The method was simple: add a few more drying machines and reduce the seasoning in the stinky tofu.
"Boss, we don't have experience making dried tofu. Isn't it too rash to directly set up a production line?"
When Song Qiao proposed this idea, Old Zhang, who was usually taciturn, was the first to voice his opinion.
He had always been responsible for the plant's production and had even more manufacturing experience than Song Qiao.
"No, I've considered it. Setting up a separate production line won't cost the factory much, and once successful, we can immediately start mass production."
"If we only do small-scale experimental production initially, the cost difference isn't significant. But if we allocate production lines after it's launched, the losses might be substantial," Song Qiao replied in a deep voice.
He was different from Old Zhang. As the company's boss, he couldn't just focus on production costs; he needed a holistic perspective to grasp the entire company from a macro level.
Upon hearing Song Qiao's explanation, Old Zhang's brow unfurled slightly. He realized, "I was short-sighted; I didn't consider the subsequent supply issues."
Song Qiao nodded slightly, signaling Old Zhang not to blame himself, as this was a normal occurrence.
"Boss, why are we still launching the 'Black Classic' series? Doesn't this just increase our operating costs out of thin air?" Li Lili also raised her question at this moment.
Xiang Piaopiao was already well-known. If dried tofu were launched under this brand name, with the support of the established brand, sales would at least not be dismal.
"Launching a new series is naturally for different target customers. Many people subconsciously think Xiang Piaopiao only makes stinky tofu. With the 'Black Classic' series, it's equivalent to expanding our brand's scale," Song Qiao patiently continued to explain.
This was not the first time he had used this method. In his previous life, there were examples of companies like certain snack brands covering various snacks under a single brand.
After speaking, he surveyed everyone again and said, "Instead of discussing it here, why don't we try it first? The specific results will be evident when it's launched."
"Besides, Xiang Piaopiao now has enough room for error. Even if it fails, it won't shake our foundation."
Seeing this, everyone expressed their support. After all, the boss had almost absolute authority in the company. While he could listen to their opinions, he made the final decisions himself.
"Qin Ya, after the meeting, immediately leak the news of our new product additions."
"I believe it won't be long before the owners of those supermarkets and department stores eagerly rush to cooperate with us."
Upon hearing this, everyone in the room couldn't help but exchange smiles.
This was also Xiang Piaopiao's greatest advantage. They no longer had to travel to promote their products; they could simply wait at home for countless merchants to approach them.
After giving a few regular instructions on production safety, Song Qiao announced the end of the meeting.
The launch of new products must be accompanied by sufficient promotion to quickly increase brand awareness.
Televisions had now entered thousands of households, and the most effective advertising method was undoubtedly to advertise on television.
Although the cost was significantly higher than other promotional expenses, it was definitely worth the money.
After all, the advertising industry was not yet as developed, and when ordinary people watched television, they would involuntarily pay attention to the advertisements.
"Qin Ya, come with me to the television station again this afternoon," Song Qiao said, steeling himself, and instructed Qin Ya.
He had almost no connections in the media industry and could only solve the problem by spending more money.
"Boss, do we need to prepare any other materials?" Qin Ya asked, looking up with a brisk tone.
She had come to understand Song Qiao's personality more and more, knowing his decisive style, so she kept her communication to a minimum.
"No need. I've thought of a few catchy slogans that we can use directly," Song Qiao said with a smile, waving his hand.
Rhyming advertising slogans were very popular in this era, even bordering on catchy earworms. Once aired, they would spread through the public.
A certain brand from his previous life was a classic example; its slogan eventually became a symbol of Shandong Province.
Around two or three in the afternoon, Song Qiao and Qin Ya arrived at the local television station.
"What do you want?" A security guard approached them before they even got close, his attitude clearly indifferent.
"Brother, we are from the Xiang Piaopiao processing plant, and we'd like to visit your station's Manager Cheng." Song Qiao said, handing over an unopened pack of cigarettes.
Upon seeing this, the security guard's attitude softened. After discreetly pocketing the cigarettes, he asked indifferently, "What do you need our Manager Cheng for?"
"To place an advertisement," Song Qiao replied with a smile.
As the saying goes, it's easy to deal with the king, but hard with the henchmen.
He had no acquaintances or connections, so he had to follow the rules and procedures.
"Okay, wait here for a moment. I'll go in and inform him. I can't guarantee whether Manager Cheng will agree to see you." With that, he hurried towards the main office building.
The security guard was pleased with Song Qiao's polite attitude, and feeling obliged, he couldn't outright refuse.
After about ten minutes, he returned in a hurry.
"You're lucky. Manager Cheng is free right now and has asked you to come up and see him."
Song Qiao nodded, thanked the security guard, slipped another pack of cigarettes into his hand, and then, with Qin Ya, proceeded to Manager Cheng's second-floor office.
Since Manager Cheng was willing to see them, the progress of this matter had shown some promise. Subsequently, it would only involve spending more money, something Song Qiao had long been mentally prepared for.