Seeing that the meeting was about to turn into an open session for complaining about their disobedient children, Yao Hongbo had to steer the conversation back.
"Esteemed directors," he began, "do we still need to adjust our strategy for Taoxun?"
"No adjustments are needed for the overall direction," Jin Kaiyuan said, his face grim. "However, since we've already entered into battle, do we still need to concern ourselves with the finesse of our methods?"
Yao Hongbo pondered, "Director Jin, are you suggesting..."
"We don't have many good options against Taoxun, but isn't there still Shunda?" Jin Kaiyuan stated. "Shunda was already struggling to survive. Even with Taoxun's orders now, how could it possibly handle them all? It's likely that Shunda's deliveries will encounter numerous errors soon. However, we can't just wait around. Hongbo, go online and find some internet trolls to post and stir up public opinion, to ruin Shunda's reputation!"
Zhan Ruofeng was taken aback. "Uncle Jin, isn't that a bit... inappropriate?"
"Business is war. Only the victor has the right to say if something is appropriate or not!" Jin Kaiyuan scoffed. "Old Zhan, I didn't expect your son to be so naive!"
"This child is just a bit too upright," Zhan Li interjected, skillfully redirecting the conversation. "Alright, let's continue with the meeting."
Zhan Ruofeng fell silent, though he couldn't help but recall what Zhan Ruojing had said to him last night.
So, were they truly incapable of competing head-on and resorting to underhanded tactics? If they themselves lacked confidence, how could they possibly defeat Taoxun?
"Public opinion warfare is also a common business tactic, and I actually think it's quite a good idea," Su Ming commented. "Besides, we're not intentionally slandering them. Shunda's delivery volume is not large, so it's inevitable that it can't handle so many orders. We're merely exposing these issues in advance, allowing consumers to see Shunda's true face. How can that be called slander?"
"Exactly," Jin Kaiyuan declared righteously. "Once Shunda Express is at a disadvantage in public opinion, Taoxun will be dragged down with it! If people's purchases take half a month to arrive, doesn't Taoxun bear some responsibility?"
The other investors nodded in agreement, clearly endorsing his view.
Subsequently, these investors unanimously granted Yao Hongbo full authority to handle the matter.
After the video conference concluded, Yao Hongbo sighed helplessly. The investors had effectively washed their hands of the issue, leaving all the pressure on him.
If only things were as simple as the investors imagined. He had met Ye Zhi personally, and he seriously doubted the efficacy of such petty tricks.
However, since the investors had given their instructions, he had no choice but to comply.
Soon, numerous posts complaining about Shunda Express began appearing online.
For instance, comments about slow deliveries, orders not arriving for over half a month, lost packages with no compensation from customer service, and rude delivery personnel who simply dumped packages downstairs.
These sudden negative sentiments even started appearing beneath Taoxun's gaming content.
Feng Jie, observing these replies, immediately sensed something was amiss.
After all, when he was at Qianbai, he handled all such matters, and he could recognize the manipulation behind these online activities at a glance.
He immediately grew concerned, wondering if Ye Zhi could handle these online public opinion attacks.
Feng Jie stood up, preparing to find Ye Zhi.
But before he could take a step, he felt something was off.
Wasn't he supposed to be a mole?
He had been diligently working in the gaming department, which he felt was more than enough for Ye Zhi. Did he really need to go all out strategizing for Taoxun?
Immediately, Feng Jie fell into a deep quandary.
While he was still hesitating whether to go, Ye Zhi suddenly appeared in the gaming department.
"General Manager Ye, what brings you here?" Feng Jie asked, feeling bewildered.
"I'm here to check on the progress of game development," Ye Zhi replied.
Feng Jie immediately perked up and reported the work from the past few days.
Ye Zhi nodded. "Yes, very good. Keep up the great work."
Seeing Ye Zhi about to leave after listening to his report, Feng Jie couldn't help but call out to her. "General Manager Ye, have you seen the public opinion about Shunda online?"
"I have," Ye Zhi replied, a hint of surprise in her voice. "You're concerned about it too?"
"Um..." Feng Jie felt somewhat exasperated. How could he not help but ask?
But then again, since he had already asked, he decided not to be coy.
He spoke with concern, "General Manager Ye, this public opinion is likely the work of Qianbai. Could it have any negative impact on Shunda's business?"
"No," Ye Zhi said with a faint smile. "Shunda's business volume doesn't depend on its reputation, but on the fact that Feitong still refuses to lower its prices! The biggest clients for courier companies are always the merchants. No matter how bad the online reviews are, merchants will always choose cheaper shipping!"
Feng Jie still harbored some worry. He continued, "But General Manager Ye, the only reason Feitong is unwilling to lower its prices is likely its belief that Shunda cannot handle such a large volume of business. If we allow these online smear campaigns to continue, and problems truly arise, it will be a fatal blow to Shunda!"
"That was the old Shunda," Ye Zhi said with a composed smile. "The current Shunda is more than capable of handling this business. Shunda will use its actual actions to slap them in the face."
Seeing her confidence, Feng Jie also felt relieved.
"However, you are right. We cannot ignore the online public opinion. Improving our image also starts with customer service," Ye Zhi mused. "Since you're not busy, I'll have you take charge of public relations for Shunda."
Feng Jie: ???
Why did he have to open his mouth? Also, who said he wasn't busy?
"General Manager Ye," Feng Jie reminded her with a hint of helplessness, "I'm a mole."
"No need to remind me, I haven't forgotten," Ye Zhi said with a beaming smile. "Just keep an eye on the public relations department. You don't have to do too much, and besides, you have plenty of experience in these matters!"
Feng Jie gritted his teeth. "...Thank you for your trust and cultivation, General Manager Ye!"
"You're most welcome," Ye Zhi said cheerfully. "You're capable, and you'll be valued wherever you go!"
Feng Jie: ...
Thank you indeed for your recognition, General Manager Ye!
"However, Shunda's public relations approach shouldn't be like deleting posts as before; that will only provoke backlash," Ye Zhi contemplated. "Create an official account for Shunda. Go to those posts with negative public opinion and, as official customer service, inquire for the waybill number of the problematic delivery. Use a problem-solving attitude to investigate whether packages were lost or if there were any issues. If there were problems, resolve them. If there were no issues, and the other party is intentionally smearing us, then sending a lawyer's letter wouldn't be too much, would it?"
Feng Jie looked at her in surprise. This method was far better than crudely deleting posts!
Moreover, wouldn't people who saw Shunda's earnest approach to problem-solving develop a positive impression? This was the true way to change an image!
"Okay, I understand," Feng Jie agreed instinctively.