After the All-Star Game ended, Tang Qian returned to Los Angeles because on the 20th, they would face the arrival of the Celtics.
But as soon as he arrived in Los Angeles, he noticed something different.
Old Buss' picture has been posted in many places, especially for Lakers fans, as if there is a silent atmosphere that is quietly spreading and spreading in the air. Tang Qian only met the "old man" once, but for Lakers fans,
I admire his temperament and conversation from the bottom of my heart. And when he asked to "put a palm print" on himself in the collection corridor, Tang Qian was really shocked. After all, he saw the "palm print" in that place.
All of them are big names in the Los Angeles Lakers, and they were once famous and popular stars. Although he thinks he has great potential, he has not yet "realized" it, so this move of Old Buss when they first met was still disappointing.
He could not suppress a feeling of "gratitude".
This is normal for any normal person. When you are unknown and not very good, if someone appreciates you or encourages you, the feeling will be completely different from the appreciation and encouragement after you become famous. To use an ancient Chinese idiom
, is the difference between "giving help in times of need" and "icing on the cake". Although he didn't know why Old Bass treated him like this, a feeling of gratitude and warmth was unavoidable and suddenly emerged spontaneously.
It is as if a college student who has just entered the society has suddenly been affirmed and appreciated by his immediate boss. This feeling is naturally needless to say. And this is also the original intention of Old Bass to "press fingerprints" on Tang Qian.
Winning people's hearts and stimulating the desire to fight in this young man from the East, killing two birds with one stone, why not do it? He can create the strongest team in the league from the identity of "NBA poor boss", and the art of leadership and management are unnecessary.
Talk too much.
You can't say Buss is "scheming" or "cunning", because he has to do this no matter whether it's public or private. The public aspect is to pave the way for the future of the Lakers, and he will not forget this team in the last stage of his life.
A team that has devoted countless efforts. What about the personal side? He does it for his family and future generations. As a father, there is nothing wrong with doing this. Of course, the most important thing is that he also gave Tang Qian a hand to make this lonely man
This young oriental boy inadvertently developed a love for the Lakers. Coupled with the role of motivation and training, he is already very considerate and humane.
If you simply benefit yourself at the expense of others, it will be countless levels inferior to what Old Bass did.
Why is he one of the strongest leaders in NBA history? Apart from other factors of money and vision, his leadership and management concepts are also the top priority for success. Look at this random arrangement, the cost is not high,
But for the team and players, it has played a role in improving the team, so the success of the old Bass is definitely not an accident.
To put it simply, he is not a nouveau riche, nor is he a stupid tycoon, he is a true leader.
Any decision-making is based on a win-win situation for the team and the players. In the NBA, few owners have this. Other owners are not fools. Anyone who can become a rich man has no IQ.
Mainly? It's just an NBA team, just their side business. It's completely different from the level of effort that Buss put into it.
It was this "hard work" that allowed Buss and the Lakers to develop a close relationship that was far stronger than other teams.
This is also one of the core reasons why the Lakers are so successful in the league.
This sentiment was particularly evident during the team training on the 19th.
There was no trace of joy in the whole place, only seriousness and silence dominated.
Regarding this situation, Mike D'Antoni did not interfere too much, because with the passing of old Buss, he could just knock some "restless factors" that did not obey orders. But there are still people who are "special", they
It's the "Happy Beast" Dwight Howard. He originally pretended to be "sad", but after a while, the secret was revealed, with smiles, jokes, and pranks. Normally, everyone doesn't hate it.
This mode of communication is because Americans also pride themselves on being humorous, but during this time, it is obviously inappropriate and a bit excessive.
Kobe even stared at him from behind for a long time but didn't say much.
But Tang Qian saw that look, giving up, cold and heartless.
this……
At noon on February 20th, US time, Tang Qian and Zhou Zhiru came to a coffee shop in Los Angeles after training, because today, there was an important contract in Tang Qian's career to be negotiated. The original agreed time was 13 o'clock, but
After Tang Qian and Zhou Zhiru arrived fifteen minutes early, they found that several people were already sitting in the reserved seats.
So sincere? Tang Qian was a little surprised and said, but in any case, AND1's negotiating attitude still left a good first impression on Tang Qian. At least compared to Nike and Adidas, their sincerity and full performance
.
Everyone longs to be respected, especially in a foreign country. The attitude of the other party made Tang Qian's interest in this company suddenly increase. Of course he didn't know that AND1 had no choice but to make this decision. If he let go
A few years ago, it was impossible for the latter to be so "people-friendly", but now AND1's economic situation has reached a point of imminent collapse. If there is no stimulus, the only way is to sell out and go bankrupt.
"Hello Mr. Seth Berger, this is my client Tang Qian, and Tang Qian is Mr. Seth Berger, the founder and chairman of AND1." Zhou Zhiru introduced both parties familiarly from the beginning.
It can be seen that her business ability is getting stronger and more proficient. "Hello Mr. Berger, I am Tang. Nice to meet you~" Tang Qian politely extended his hand.
"Hello to you~China Perm~We have heard your story a long time ago~You are a Chinese warrior~" Seth Berger knew his task today well, so he didn't have the airs of a rich person at all, and smiled throughout the whole process.
It was as if he was an old friend Tang Qian hadn't seen for many years.
When Honest General heard Zhou Zhiru say that it was the founder and chairman of AND1 who came in person, Tang Qian felt a little proud in his heart. Because no matter what AND1 is like or what state it is now, it would be a big deal if the big boss came in person.
They are full of sincerity. Compared with Nike and Adidas, who don’t have the support of the Chinese market, so they don’t care about themselves at all, the attitude here is undoubtedly much better.
Tang Qian really doesn't play basketball for money in his life, so he dares to fight with the Basketball Association to the end. Therefore, if he wants to get his "favor", the first thing is to make him look at each other and make him
I feel comfortable. Maybe for some players who are good at calculations, Tang Qian's behavior is unprofessional and immature, but they have no experience of living again, so they don't understand Tang Qian's spirit and thoughts now.
Money is something that cannot be taken with you in life or death. After Tang Qian had personal experience, he gradually became less concerned about money.
For him, as long as he can earn the necessities of life, that's fine. For the rest, he will not go against his own heart and intention to flatter or compromise. Besides, he is not a big spender.
For a person, his career salary alone is enough for him to live for ten lifetimes, so he does not have high requirements for this kind of advertising and endorsements.
In a word, just meet your eyes and be happy with your heart.
It was Tang Qian's mentality that gave AND1, which was about to collapse, a chance at a new life.
Since Zhou Zhiru has already contacted AND1 several times before, the general direction has been basically finalized. Today is mainly about communication and negotiation on some details and special remarks.
"By the way, Hot, why did you specifically specify not to go to Japan for promotional activities? You must know that Japan is one of the top three economic powers in Asia. If we lose this market, I am afraid it will have a big impact on global sales."
Seth Berger pointed to a special note from Party B and said doubtfully. Tang Qian knew that many Americans were not proficient in history, and did not even know the history of their own country, so it was not intentional to ask such a question. After thinking about it,
, said: "First of all, Mr. Berger, I don't want to ban the sale of signature shoes in Japan. My original words are that I won't go to Japan for promotions and activities, that's all. Secondly, you are an American and may not know much about China and
Japan’s historical origins, I dare say this, if I often go to Japan to do promotional activities, then I will never get AND1 in the Chinese market. Although I cannot bring AND1 to the Chinese market now, there may still be opportunities in the future.
, I accept your proposal. I am afraid that not only the Chinese market, but the entire Chinese market will reject me, and maybe even close the door to sales directly. This is definitely not a joke on my part. You can just find a Chinese.
If you ask, you will know whether what I say is true or false."
"Is this? So serious? Zhou, are you telling the truth?" Seth Berger felt a little unbelievable after hearing this, because in his survey, the Chinese market did not have much racial or xenophobic characteristics. Zhou Zhiru
He nodded and said: "Yes, Mr. Berger, you are right. Other countries are easy to criticize, but as long as you have a relationship with Japan, you will become a target of public criticism and it will be difficult to clear your name or turn around."
"Really, really?" Seth Berger's original meaning was that since Tang Qian's domestic market was temporarily closed, it was always right to start from the Great Eastern region. After all, just the faces of Asians should be enough.
Gaining a lot of popularity and support. Since we want to focus on attacking the Great Eastern region, it is impossible to avoid Japan, an economic powerhouse. Nike and Adidas make a lot of pure profits from Japan every year. This is an example. AND1 signed a yellow
It is really a huge pity and waste for people not to use the "Japanese market". However, seeing the other party's righteous words, Seth Berger suddenly fell into hesitation, because just as Tang Qian thought, he had no interest in the United States.
He is not very familiar with the history of the country, let alone an ancient Eastern country across the ocean. Being able to do market research and market research is already very professional and good. As for historical factors, he really has not taken them into consideration.
This is a key reason why AND1 has gone from glory to decline. Their research on certain aspects is blank. Moreover, their development has huge limitations. They think that they can make a lot of money by focusing on the streets.
It is as full as Nike and Adidas, so the signing of professional basketball players has always been optional and the intensity is minimal. However, historical development has proved that the NBA has grown far beyond AND1's imagination, while street basketball has become more and more popular.
The road became narrower and narrower, and in the end it was impossible to fully control even the streets. In the beginning, because AND1 had a weak foundation and a short history of establishment, it was normal to avoid the professional basketball court and compete with Nike and Adidas. It was a wise starting plan.
But their mistake was that after gaining fame and financial resources, they still took to the streets and did not increase their involvement in professional basketball, so they were eventually eliminated by history.
AND1 has forgotten that people always go up and water always flows down. No matter how street basketball develops, its influence will always be limited and it will never reach the level of the professional basketball league. And countless actual battles have proved that even if it is
A top streetball player, he is no match for a second- or third-rate professional player. Even the legendary and miraculous "King of Streetball" can only be an ordinary main player in the NBA, completely unable to compete for core players and leaders.
position. In this way, the gap between street basketball and professional basketball is revealed. In the modern era where the Internet is prevalent, who would believe in some vague and unsubstantiated "street legends"? In this way, street basketball is in
The sense of mystery in people's hearts gradually declined until it completely became a vassal of professional basketball.
Really good basketball players should play professional basketball and strive in the NBA, while those who cannot play professional basketball will go to the streets and become "second-class talents." This trend only began to rise in the 21st century, even if
New York's Rucker Park, known as the "Catchball Mecca", cannot avoid such a fate. The previous glory has long since disappeared with the growth of the NBA. Especially after "Streetball King" Alston went to the NBA and hit a wall.
, American fans were immediately disappointed with the myth of street basketball. From then on, few people believed in the "story of street legends". This was undoubtedly a major blow to AND1. You were defined by the fans as a "second-class talent."
"How can we expand the market and increase revenue and profits with special basketball equipment? Do we still want to compete with Adidas and Nike? Isn't that a foolish dream? So within a few years, AND1's halo quickly ended and became history.
This is certainly related to its innovation and design, but errors in business philosophy and future direction are the core issues.
However, in this space, Seth Berger made the most important decision in his life, which will also be known as the "AND1 Rebirth Day" in the future.
"Okay, we will seriously consider this request. Is there anything else that needs to be discussed?" Seth Berger ignored the looks of the people behind him and continued to ask. "There is one more question." Tang
Qian didn't say anything, but Zhou Zhiru said first: "I wonder when AND1 will be able to design and produce sneakers after the contract is signed? What is the expected launch cycle? Another very important point is that we need the top sneaker designers to design.
As for sneakers, if there is a problem like Puma did back then, we will definitely refuse to wear them. I have mentioned this to you before, and it is an absolutely non-negotiable condition."
Hearing this, a manager behind Seth Berger was unhappy and opened his mouth: "We have given you such a high price and additional terms, what else do you want? Why are there so many demands? People are still
Don't be too greedy!" "Really?" After hearing this, Zhou Zhiru actually pulled Tang Qian to stand up, then bent down to pick up the small satchel, then turned and left.
Tang Qian couldn't help but be stunned by this scene, and Seth Berger was also dumbfounded. The latter quickly stood up and shouted: "Zhou, Ms. Zhou, what are you doing? What are you dissatisfied with?"
Is there a place where we can sit down and have a good talk?" "No need to talk." Zhou Zhiru said lightly: "You AND1 don't even have the most basic respect, and you want to enter the professional basketball world? This is not just a satire on me,
It is even more insulting to my employer."
Seth Berger was a little stunned when he heard this, because he didn't expect that this oriental woman would speak so fiercely, directly talking about "respect", "sarcasm" and "insult". If you take off these hats, it's Seth.
.Berger was also a little confused.
"Oriental woman, are you going too far? We can sign an All-Star player at such a high price. Aren't you satisfied? You are such greedy Orientals!" Seeing that his subordinates were still doing harm,
Seth Berger really wanted to shoot him to death, but before he could speak, Zhou Zhiru said: "All-star player? Isn't my employer an all-star player now? And 'greedy', you are
I used a rather unflattering word. I dare to ask Mr. Berger, is this your AND1 company culture and company professionalism?"
"Of course, of course not, Ms. Zhou, please listen to my explanation..."
"Is he still an All-Star? He just relies on the large number of Chinese people. If I were Chinese, I would be able to easily enter the NBA starting lineup even if I am 90 years old, right?" Before Seth Berger could finish speaking,
The AND1 executive sneered again, the contempt in his words clearly visible.
"Okay, then you AND1 can just live your whole life with street basketball, and we won't accompany you anymore." Zhou Zhiru didn't bother to argue with him, and led Tang Qian towards the door of the coffee shop. At this moment, Sai could
S. Berger became anxious. He glared at the executive angrily, then strode after him, saying: "Mr. Tang, Ms. Zhou, don't leave yet. Listen to me, listen to me."
However, Zhou Zhiru had no intention of turning around and stopping, as if she was determined to leave.
This makes Seth Berger even more anxious, because he knows better than anyone else that there is not much time left for AND1. If this move fails again, then he can only declare complete bankruptcy and sell off all original shares.
, let AND1 never have anything to do with him. What's the point of persisting alone for such a long time? So he immediately asked loudly: "Mr. Fang, Ms. Zhou, what do you want to do?
Stay? Can you tell me the conditions and give me a chance to make amends?"
After Zhou Zhiru heard this, she finally stopped. She turned around and slowly said: "It's easy for us to stay. Mr. Berger, just fire this guy." With these words.
His voice was not loud, but as soon as he spoke it made people feel as sharp as a sharp knife. "This..." Seth Berger also fell into hesitation, because the guy behind him was a capable senior manager who had also
He has put in a lot of effort for AND1, so firing him is a bit impossible for the former.
"Ms. Zhou, is this condition... can you change it to another one?" Seth Berger was talking here, and the guy tried to kill himself and said: "Mr. Berger, why do you care about them? They are just a bunch of greedy people.
The Eastern Wild Dogs! If we don’t talk to them, we can talk to other players!”
What a fool!!!
Seth Berger was a little angry at this time, because he was obviously helping him, but he didn't appreciate it and continued to cause trouble for himself. "Okay~ You heard that, sir? In this case, we don't have to do it again."
Let’s talk~goodbye~” Zhou Zhiru turned around and left without stopping.
In just four or five seconds, Seth Berger made the most difficult and successful decision in his life, which was...
"Okay, Benjihan, you can leave. The company will pay you the remaining salary in the contract."
W, what? The AND1 executive named Benjihan thought he had heard wrongly, so he opened his mouth and asked: "Mr. Berger, what did you say? Are you kidding?" After all, Seth Berger was also a former businessman.
A tycoon and a successful person, so once he made a decision, he became clean and tidy and said: "I'm not kidding you, Benjihan, you will be fired from AND1 Company from now on, you can go."
After the audience was quiet for a few seconds, Benjihan became furious and shouted with a red face: "Seth Berger, I think you are crazy!!! I have spent a lot of thought on AND1 in the past few years, right?
You actually did this to me for a guy from the East? You are such a stupid boss!!!" But Seth Berger had no intention of changing his mind, and said directly with a cold face: "AND1 Thank you very much for your hard work and hard work over the past few years.
Pay, but I’m sorry, there will be no more seats for you in AND1 in the future, you should try your luck with other sports companies.”
"Shi.t~ You idiots and stupid bitches~ I will make you suffer and pay the price in the future~ I will go to Nike and Adidas, and then I will trample you hard!!!" Hearing Benji Han's indiscriminate words
After saying these words, the most basic apology on Seth Berger's face disappeared. He pointed directly at the glass door of the coffee shop and said: "Get.out!!!"
"Fuck.k~ You bunch of headless ducks~ are so stupid~so stupid~Seth Berger~trust me~you will regret it~then don't beg me to come back~~
~" With a series of curses in his voice, Benjihan left the coffee shop angrily.
"Now Mr. Perm, Ms. Zhou, can you sit down and chat again?" Seth Berger asked.
"Of course, no problem, I'm very happy, Mr. Berger." After Zhou Zhiru nodded, she and Tang Qian returned to their seats and continued the negotiation. Looking at her calm and calm expression, it was as if nothing had happened just now.
Same.
This oriental woman is not simple.
This is Seth Berger's inner judgment.
"Okay, Ms. Zhou, can you tell me why you are so angry?"
Faced with Seth Berger's question, Zhou Zhiru slowly replied: "As a large company that specializes in producing basketball equipment, do you really not know the reason why we are angry?" "I...please ask Ms. Zhou not to beat around the bush."
, just tell me directly." After thinking for a while, Seth Berger shook his head and said with a bitter smile.
"Okay~ The reason is very simple. Basketball shoes are athletes' on-court protectors, or talismans. If they can't even provide basic protection, how can we trust your sincerity?" Zhou Zhiru said: "To know health,
But it’s the second life of NBA athletes.”
"The managers of your company don't care about this issue. Doesn't that mean they don't care about my employer's sports career? Career longevity? Do you think this is insulting and disrespectful?" Zhou Zhiru's words are extremely closely connected and coherent.
, which even made Seth Berger feel ashamed.
The final contract intention was initially finalized, and the specific signing time was set in three to five days.
When Tang Qian and Zhou Zhiru gradually disappeared, the other top executives of AND1 couldn't help but ask: "Mr. Berger, are you so optimistic about him? What if he can't fight? Then we will completely
It's over." After hearing this, Seth Berger said silently: "You don't understand the current situation of the company? If you don't take a gamble, you will lose. In this case, I might as well let go and be bold once. Maybe this way, there will be more
Miracle favors AND1."
"Of course, I am full of confidence in this Easterner." Seth Berger said: "Because I saw a temperament in him, which is...the temperament of a champion."
PS: The first chapter is here. Please recommend the big chapter. I won’t break my promise if I write ten thousand words today~