"Product positioning?"
Liang Xiaohai was a bit confused, unsure of Yu Zhou's purpose in bringing this up at this particular time.
Did he not know what product positioning meant? Wasn't it just about snacks?
He didn't think there was any problem with it.
But Yu Zhou was asking such a question, and it was hard for anyone to believe there wasn't some deeper meaning behind it.
Liang Xiaohai frowned and began to ponder, wondering if he had overlooked something.
It had to be said that the managers at the factory were still somewhat cautious when facing Yu Zhou. After all, the new factory director had just joined the dried fruit factory, and from any perspective, he would be the one controlling their destinies in the future.
In such circumstances, their future work would be entirely in the hands of this man before them, so it was impossible for them not to have some apprehension towards Yu Zhou.
"The product positioning for sunflower seeds is snacks, small bags, right?"
"Even with larger bags, there would never be packaging exceeding half a jin."
"So, do you really think that sunflower seeds would make people's mouths feel dry and parched from being too salty?"
"These are just snacks to satisfy the mouth when one is bored. Typically, after eating a handful, one wouldn't reach for a second. Eating a handful doesn't make it feel excessively salty, so the slight saltiness of sunflower seeds isn't a flaw."
Yu Zhou said directly to everyone present.
In an instant, all the management personnel present had their eyes light up.
That's right, how had they gotten into such a dead end?
They had initially considered this to be a fatal weakness, but upon closer reflection and considering the characteristics of sunflower seeds, they realized that there was no need to worry about them being too salty.
These high-level executives had been losing sleep over this issue, trying to resolve it.
Now, looking at it, this problem didn't seem to be a big issue at all, given the inherent characteristics of the product. Who eats sunflower seeds like a meal?
Even snacks like instant noodles are often made a bit salty, let alone sunflower seeds, which could never fill you up.
Only now did they truly understand why Yu Zhou said that the so-called flaw was not a flaw.
In Yu Zhou's memory, among the various brands of sunflower seeds in later generations, none were not salty.
The main reason was that saltiness brought out the flavor. Compared to original flavored sunflower seeds, they were entirely different tastes.
In later generations, sunflower seeds had a specific group of loyal fans, and some people were devoted to original flavored sunflower seeds. These were not problems, but the category and distinction had to be made clearly.
If it was just a simple enhancement of aroma, it wouldn't create a distinct market segment.
At this point, the flavor of the sunflower seeds became very important.
"I never thought it could be differentiated so finely."
Liang Xiaohai spoke. This time, he wasn't flattering; his words were a result of genuine thought.
After Yu Zhou's explanation, his thinking had been completely streamlined, and he naturally understood that Yu Zhou was very much right.
Regardless of the final outcome, this variety, completely distinct from original flavored sunflower seeds, was a significant breakthrough for the entire dried fruit factory.
Whether sales would be successful and if the dried fruit factory could truly make money from these sunflower seeds remained to be seen, but he believed they were not far from that point.
"The taste of the product can be adjusted slightly to suit the public's palate."
"But the overall direction should not change. Furthermore, we need to expedite packaging design and contact distributors to start product trial runs as soon as possible."
After tasting this flavored sunflower seed, Yu Zhou felt somewhat more confident. He knew that in this situation, everyone's confidence and time were crucial.
Launching the product earlier and starting to make money sooner would not only be an accounting for him but also a shot in the arm for the factory workers.
After all, even though Yu Zhou had already promised that wages would not be in arrears and had prepared initial funds, there was a world of difference between continuous funding and the factory becoming independently profitable.
Although the entire dried fruit factory used to make money, after the reform, the factory's account only had a little over twenty thousand yuan.
This wasn't even enough for a month's wages. If Yu Zhou kept pouring money in, who knew how long the boss would last? If he couldn't sustain it, the dried fruit factory would truly have to be disbanded.
Yu Zhou, with his deep pockets, might not be severely affected, but if the factory were to be dissolved and go bankrupt, the workers would be in dire straits.
Previously, if the factory went bankrupt after the reform, there would have been severance pay. But if it were Yu Zhou's private factory, they wouldn't get a penny.
These situations were not unfounded fears.
"Yes, we will proceed with the plan. Especially in terms of sales, I will personally oversee it and ensure it doesn't end up with no one interested."
Liang Xiaohai seized the opportunity to take on the responsibility, saying broadly.
He knew that since Yu Zhou took charge of the dried fruit factory, his performance as deputy director hadn't been outstanding, not due to a lack of ability.
The truth was that the factory had too many old problems. Even with the year-end and beginning-of-year push, the factory was still profitable, but the actual situation was very complex.
Now, with this rare opportunity to showcase his abilities, expanding to other sales channels on top of the factory's existing sales would be a way to demonstrate his capabilities to the boss.
If he didn't step up now, even if Yu Zhou valued the old employees, he, as deputy director, would only be marginalized.
A deputy director with limited ability and no outstanding points – even a boss would not want to keep him.
Wouldn't it be better to promote his own people instead of using unfamiliar individuals?
Therefore, Liang Xiaohai had no fallback plan at this moment. He either had to commit himself wholeheartedly to Yu Zhou and demonstrate his abilities before him, or submit a resignation letter, which would be the best option.
Similarly, ordinary employees were not concerned, but those who were already leaders in the factory shared the same sentiment. They, like Yu Zhou, had no retreat.
To continue, they could only develop the dried fruit factory along with Yu Zhou, the boss, at least to make the dried fruit factory flourish.
Even a superficial flourishing was necessary.