The chorus of assent was nearly deafening, though whether these individuals truly understood or merely wished to placate their factory director was irrelevant. What mattered was that the initiative could proceed smoothly.
Even if Yu Zhou had previously determined that it shouldn't be implemented, he would have forced it through regardless. But gaining everyone's support was undeniably better than facing opposition.
Yu Zhou wasn't so foolish as to believe these employees were the owners of the factory. Such a statement would be unbelievable even to himself. However, he was acutely aware that prolonged autocracy could lead to side effects. For instance, if every decision required his input, it would inevitably stifle people's creativity. This was not the outcome he desired, especially since he wanted everyone to genuinely embrace the advertising venture this time.
"I'll go talk to the bank right away. If everything goes as expected, securing a loan of a few hundred thousand to a million yuan shouldn't be too difficult."
"Once we have funds, we can start activating those production lines. Currently, one line is running at full capacity, and many employees are still idle. This is a significant waste!"
Liang Xiaohai was Yu Zhou's staunchest supporter. While he managed the factory's daily operations, he blindly followed Yu Zhou's lead when it came to the bigger picture. After all, just as he'd thought before, Yu Zhou's decisions had never failed. Therefore, all he needed to do was follow closely, and things would naturally turn out well. To put it bluntly, even if Liang Xiaohai felt a sense of belonging to the factory, ultimately, he was only accountable to the factory director, Yu Zhou. As such, he naturally had to support the director's decisions.
"Indeed, using the bank's money to develop ourselves is the best approach!"
"If I had to inject my own capital every time we faced a financial shortfall, I'd be exhausted and could never become a successful entrepreneur."
With his modern mindset, Yu Zhou never opposed taking out loans. While excessive debt could lead to difficult situations, as long as it was kept within a reasonable range, debt was a shortcut to rapid development. Even now, Yu Zhou could travel to Wang Hai and retrieve a substantial amount of money, and his personal savings, after repaying loans, would still be in the hundreds of thousands. However, he wouldn't put all his eggs in one basket because of this. Furthermore, personal debt and company debt were entirely different concepts. He had always meticulously separated his personal assets from company assets, demonstrating his self-awareness.
"Borrowing so much, will there be any problems?"
However, some managers with more traditional views raised concerns. In the minds of many old-fashioned individuals, borrowing money was only considered when development was no longer feasible.
Liang Xiaohai waved his hand, signaling the objector to cease. He stated directly, "My opinion aligns with the factory director's. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Not advertising would be a loss for us."
"To truly establish the 'Xiang Gua Zi' brand and make it a necessity in the market, this money must be spent."
"I actually believe that a million-yuan loan isn't a major issue. In fact, if we could borrow even more, that would be even better."
"Currently, our sights are set on provincial television. While it might have some reach, it's limited. If we had ample funds, wouldn't it be better to advertise on central television?"
"That's a truly nationwide broadcasting channel! If we can advertise there, we'll gradually become known to everyone."
"If successful, what kind of terrifying sales figures could we achieve?"
Liang Xiaohai was capable of extrapolating. Just a brief thought revealed the immense boost in sales such advertising would bring. He could even envision that spending a few hundred thousand would yield several times, even tenfold, the sales and profits. After all, their main sales channel was still the supply and marketing cooperatives. If their products were available in all small convenience stores, the sheer volume would make many envious. He was already envisioning the explosive scene of 'Xiang Gua Zi' selling nationwide.
At this, Yu Zhou gave him a look that was anything but impressed. He said softly, "I'd also like to advertise on CCTV, but my finances don't allow it."
"Let alone a million, even two million wouldn't make much of a splash on CCTV. Unless you have over five million in cash, you can't even get through the door."
He sighed ruefully. It was only 1993, but advertising fees on CCTV were already astronomical. While not yet reaching the hundreds of millions of the "bid winner" a few years later, it was still something that the current Yu Zhou couldn't even dare to imagine. Provincial television and central television were entirely different propositions.
"Ah? That expensive?"
Liang Xiaohai was stunned. However, the more Yu Zhou explained, the more he felt that television advertising was truly effective. Were any of these businessmen, especially those starting private ventures, foolish? They wouldn't spend money unnecessarily. Under such circumstances, he found it hard to comprehend the effect of advertising priced at such a premium. Consequently, Liang Xiaohai was currently filled with absolute excitement. Regardless, this path must be taken, and it would undoubtedly succeed.
He recalled that before Yu Zhou's arrival, their dried fruit factory was merely a facility processing bulk dried fruits for others. The profits were never substantial. But after launching 'Xiang Gua Zi,' the profit margin had multiplied several times over, with stable sales. Before Yu Zhou's arrival, who had any confidence in these matters? And wasn't the current situation brought about by their current boss? In just over two months since joining the dried fruit factory, it was already profitable, and with stable profits at that. Thinking about it, how could they not trust Yu Zhou? After all, Yu Zhou's head full of peculiar and innovative ideas was precisely what many people, especially businessmen, dreamed of.
"I'll contact the bank right away. I handled previous loan applications, so I guarantee this one will be processed quickly." Liang Xiaohai promised, his face still beaming with excitement.