Innovative Promotion Methods
When it came to promotional methods, Yan Ruyu's idea was to find a few people to hand out flyers and offer some coupons.
Zhang Tianxing nodded in agreement, but requested an additional promotional plan.
Even good wine fears a secluded alley, and good products also need good promotion. With effective promotion, even ordinary items can be sold at a good price.
This would be a promotional poster featuring steaming hot red broth, tender lamb, succulent beef, and the currently popular crayfish.
The only requirement for the image was to be appetizing and stimulate the appetite.
Besides the image, there would only be one line of text.
"For fatty beef, go to Crayfish Hotpot. For lamb, still go to Crayfish Hotpot. For authentic crayfish, it's also Crayfish Hotpot."
At this time, the crayfish were all transported from freezers, making their taste slightly inferior and less fresh. However, as a rare item, this drawback of not being fresh was temporarily overshadowed.
In addition, Zhang Tianxing had people post promotional slogans for Crayfish Hotpot on buildings in the city center and on buses.
On a cold, windy night, a steaming hotpot, all at Crayfish Hotpot.
Every day's advertising expenses made Yan Ruyu's heart ache. She had never invested so much in her previous ventures.
However, the effect was evident. Although the store hadn't opened yet, people often came to ask when it would open, and they expressed their intention to patronize it.
Everything was ready, except for the opportune moment.
Zhang Tianhe and Yan Ruyu stood before the employees of Crayfish Hotpot, giving them a pre-battle pep talk.
"During this time, we have all undergone training. Through this training, everyone has understood our rules and regulations. Here, I will only say one thing: the wages promised to you will absolutely be paid. However, rewards will be given for merit, and penalties for mistakes. If we have an advantage in dish quality, we must strive for zero errors and provide service that others cannot match."
The employees' spirits soared. Those who came out to work were all after a bit of silver.
Some had strength and didn't fear hard work, but they feared not earning money.
When Yan Ruyu took the stage, she said softly, "As President Zhang, Mr. Zhang, has already stated clearly, I only ask for one thing: treat customers as gods, and provide smiling service. I'll ask you all one question: do you have the confidence to achieve our goals with high standards?"
All the employees shouted in unison, "Let guests feel at home. What home can provide, we can provide; what home cannot provide, we can also provide."
Zhang Tianxing said seriously to Yan Ruyu, "We need to organize an 'In-Store Gift' event. Prepare more gifts, don't be afraid to spend money."
"My Boss Zhang, how much are you planning to spend on gifts?" Yan Ruyu found it amusing. Spending a few hundred on gifts was fine, but he was treating it as a serious matter.
"At least ten thousand to start."
Upon hearing Zhang Tianxing's words, Yan Ruyu was stunned. She reached out and touched Zhang Tianxing's forehead, "Are you having a fever, or have you been possessed?"
Zhang Tianxing impatiently pushed away Yan Ruyu's hand. "I'm serious. If this is successful, we can establish our leading position in the industry in one go!"
"Fine, you're the boss, you call the shots. Anyway, we agreed beforehand, losses are yours, and profits are split equally." Seeing Zhang Tianxing's insistence, Yan Ruyu thought about it. Whether they could gain fame depended on these initial efforts. It seemed the money couldn't be saved.
Zhang Tianxing nodded. He was very satisfied with Yan Ruyu's ability and attitude. She was the ideal co-worker, saving him a lot of trouble.
After a week of aggressive advertising, Crayfish Hotpot opened with four branches simultaneously. Zhang Tianxing's move made his competitors laugh their heads off.
"I thought this Zhang Tianxing had some extraordinary abilities, but he's just a reckless fool. Who opens a store with four branches opening at the same time? Isn't that ridiculous?"
"Exactly. That girl from the Yan family is also going crazy with Zhang Tianxing. Doesn't she know her own age? The Yan family wanted her to get married, but she refused. Turns out she met a young man."
"I heard their waitstaff's wages are thirty percent higher than elsewhere, making me want to go there too."
"Wake up. If you want to go, first you need to see if he can keep the business running. If not, even doubling your salary won't be worth it. You work there for a couple of days, and it goes bankrupt due to high costs. Who are you going to ask for your money?"
"Brother, you've spoken very wisely. I was narrow-minded and short-sighted."
"They've spent a lot on advertising. On TV, on buses, and on billboards in the city center. It's no exaggeration to say that you can see Crayfish Hotpot anywhere advertising is possible. How much did this Zhang Tianxing spend?"
"I don't know how much he spent, but I'm sure he's not making a profit. They're paying such high wages for labor, and I've inquired about the rent for these four locations; they're not cheap. Plus, signing five-year contracts all at once, what a fool."
Yan Ruyu was very angry upon hearing everyone's discussions. What was wrong with people? Couldn't they stand to see others do well?
She and Zhang Tianxing were doing business openly, and yet they were belittling their advertisements, almost calling them "psoriasis advertisements."
However, the effect was also evident. Even a close friend from People's Daily called her.
"I won't be able to make it to your new store's opening. I have an important interview here and can't get away. I'll come find you after the interview, and I'll give you a big red envelope."
"How did you know? I'm opening a store in Zhonghai, how did Shengjing know?"
"It's mainly because your advertising is so amazing. An advertising industry big shot hailed it as a classic and called on his employees to study it well and submit their thoughts. I saw your advertisements, and they are indeed impressive."
Yan Ruyu felt a little more confident. Even her friend in Shengjing knew the news, so the money wasn't wasted.
Now, all they had to do was wait for the opening day to see how many people would come, whether they would "eat meat" successfully or "go home to eat noodles" shamefully.
Now, she and Zhang Tianxing were tied together like grasshoppers on a rope; neither could escape.
Zhang Tianxing's mindset was very calm at this moment. Everything that could be done had been done. Now, they just had to wait for the opening to see if his approach could attract customers.
The catering industry primarily relies on repeat customers. If there are many repeat customers, you are undoubtedly successful. Where else would people eat if not at your place? Why would they choose to eat at your establishment?
If you want to make money, you need to have something unique.
Liang Juan called Zhang Tianxing specifically: "Tianxing, listen to Mom. Everything is on track now. You should focus on your studies and don't worry about other things. The shrimp farm is doing well, and the cannery, under Miss Wu's management, is also improving. We don't lack money now, so don't overwork yourself."
Hearing his mother's advice, Zhang Tianxing could only nod and agree.
Unexpectedly, Comrade Liang Juan said indignantly, "It's fine for you to partner with that Miss Yan in business, but don't bully the young girl."
Hearing this, Zhang Tianxing was speechless. Mom, I'm your son. That young lady is several years older than your son. If she doesn't pick on me, I'll be grateful.
Well, it seemed that even his advertising was too effective. His mother knew about the situation in Zhonghai from home.
Zhang Tianxing could only nod repeatedly, promising that he would take good care of himself, study hard, and improve every day, and would not fail his exams. Damn it, he was so rich, yet he still had to worry about failing exams. Were there any bosses more miserable than him? Waiting online, urgently.