After the All-Star ended, Tang Qian returned to Los Angeles because on the 20th, they will face the arrival of the Green Shirts. Pen & Fun & Pavilion www.biquge.info

But as soon as he arrived in Los Angeles, he noticed something different.

The portrait of the old Buss has been posted in many places, especially for Lakers fans, as if there is a silent atmosphere that is quietly spreading and spreading the air. Tang Qian had only met the "old man" once, but he still admired his temperament and conversation from the bottom of his heart. And when he proposed to "press the palm print" for himself in the collection corridor, Tang Qian was indeed shocked. After all, he saw the "palm prints" in that place, all of which were big names of the Los Angeles Lakers, and they were once famous hot stars. Although he thinks that his potential is very strong, he has not yet "cashed in", so the first meeting of Old Bass still makes him irrepressible, and he has a feeling of "gratitude".

This is the normal feeling of any normal person, when you are unknown and not very good, if someone appreciates you or encourages you very much, that feeling will be completely different from the appreciation and encouragement after becoming famous. To use an ancient Chinese idiom, it is the difference between "sending charcoal in the snow" and "icing on the cake". Although he didn't know why Old Bass was doing this to him, a sense of gratitude and warmth could not be avoided, and he suddenly came to him.

It seems that a college student who has just entered the society has suddenly been affirmed and appreciated by his boss, and this feeling is naturally needless to say. And this is also the original intention of the old Bass to Tang Qian's "handprint", which can not only win people's hearts, but also stimulate the desire of this young man in the East to struggle, kill two birds with one stone, why not? It goes without saying that he was able to create the strongest club in the league from the identity of the "poor boss of the NBA", and the art of leadership and management.

You can't say that old Bas is "scheming" or "cunning", because he has to do it both in public and private. The public aspect is to pave the way for the future of the Lakers, and in the final stages of his life, he will not forget this team that has poured countless hearts and souls into it. What about the private aspect? He did it for his family and for his descendants, and as a father, it was understandable to do so. Of course, the most important thing is that he also pulled Tang Qian by the way, so that this lonely Oriental teenager inadvertently had feelings for the Lakers, plus there is also the role of motivation and tempering, he is already very thoughtful and humane.

If it is simply harming others and benefiting oneself, it will be inferior to the old Bass at countless levels.

Why is he one of the strongest people at the helm in NBA history? In addition to other monetary and visionary factors, his leadership and management philosophy are also at the forefront of his success. Look at the random arrangement of this hand, the cost is not high, but for the team and players, it has played a rising force, so the success of Old Bass is definitely not accidental.

To put it simply, he is not an upstart, nor is he a stupid tyrant, he is a real helmsman.

Any decision is made on the basis of a win-win situation for the team and the player, which is not owned by many owners in the NBA. It's not that other bosses are fools, who can become a rich man, who is the master without intelligence? It's just an NBA team, it's just their side hustle, and the level of hard work injected by old Bass is completely different.

And it is this "hard work" that makes the old Buss and the Lakers have a close relationship far higher than that of other teams.

This is one of the core reasons why the Lakers have been so successful in the league.

This sentiment was especially evident in the team's training on the 19th.

There is no joy in the whole, only seriousness and silence dominate.

For this situation, Mike. D'Antoni didn't interfere much, because with the death of old Bass, he could just tap a little bit to knock on some of the "restless factors" who did not listen to the command. However, there is another person who is "special", and he is the "jolly beast" Dwight. Howard, originally he also pretended to be "painful", but he couldn't stand it for long, so he showed his stuffing, smiles, jokes, and pranks, all of which were presented. Usually, everyone doesn't hate this mode of communication, because Americans are also a group of people who pride themselves on humor, but this time, it is obviously inappropriate, and it is obviously a bit excessive.

Kobe Bryant even stared at him from behind for a long time, but didn't say much.

But that gaze, Tang Qian saw it, gave up, cold, and ruthless.

This......

At noon on February 20, US time, Tang Qian and Zhou Zhiru came to a café in Los Angeles after training, because today, there is an important contract in Tang Qian's career to negotiate. The original agreed time was 13 o'clock, but after Tang Qian and Zhou Zhiru arrived fifteen minutes early, they found that there were already several people sitting in the reserved seats.

So sincere? Tang Qian said with some surprise in his heart, but no matter what, the negotiation attitude of AND1 still made Tang Qian leave a good first impression. At least compared to Nike and Adi, their sincerity is full of performance.

People are eager to be respected, especially in a foreign country, and the attitude of the other side made Tang Qian's interest in this company suddenly increase a few points. Of course, he didn't know that AND1 had no way to make this decision, if it had been a few years ago, the latter would not have been so "close to the people", but now the economic situation of AND1 has reached a point where it is about to collapse, and if it is not stimulated, there may be only one way to completely sell and go bankrupt.

"Hello Seth. Mr. Berger, this is my client Tang Qian, Tang Qian, the founder and chairman of AND1. Mr. Berger. "Zhou Zhiru was familiar with the introduction of both parties from the beginning, and it can be seen that her business ability has become more and more proficient." Hello Mr. Berger, I'm Tang, it's a pleasure to meet you~" Tang Qian stretched out his hand very politely.

"You're okay ~ Chinese hot ~ We've heard your story a long time ago ~ You're a Chinese warrior ~" Seth. Berger knew his task today, so he didn't have a rich man's shelf at all, and he smiled all the time, as if he was an old friend who Tang Qian hadn't seen for many years.

To be honest, when he heard Zhou Zhiru say that it was the founder and chairman of AND1 who came in person, Tang Qian was still a little proud in his heart. Because no matter what kind of state AND1 looks like now, the big boss can come in person, which is full of sincerity. Compared with Nike and Adi because they do not have the support of the Chinese market, they do not bird themselves at all, and the attitude here is undoubtedly much better.

Tang Qian really didn't play basketball for money in his life, so he dared to fight with the basketball association to the end, so if he wanted to get his "favor", the first thing is to let him look at the right eye and make him feel comfortable. Maybe for some players who are good at calculation, Tang Qian's doing this is very unprofessional and immature, but they don't have the experience of living again, so they don't understand Tang Qian's spirit and thoughts at all.

Money or something, life does not bring it to death, after Tang Qian had a personal experience, he gradually lost his mind about money.

For him, as long as he can earn what he needs in life, that's fine, and for the rest, he will no longer go against his heart and intention to flatter, or compromise. Besides, he is not a big spender, and the salary of his career alone is enough for him to live ten lifetimes, so he does not have high requirements for this kind of advertising and endorsement.

In a word, the right eye is enough, just follow the heart.

It is this mentality of Tang Qian that gives AND1, which is about to collapse, a chance to rebirth.

Since Zhou Zhiru has been in contact with AND1 several times before, the general direction is basically finalized, and today is mainly to communicate and negotiate on some details and special notes.

"By the way, hot, why did you specifically note that you didn't go to Japan to do propaganda activities? Do you know that Japan is one of the top three economic powers in Asia? If this market is lost, I am afraid that it will have a big impact on global sales. "Seth. Berger pointed to a special note from Party B and wondered. Tang Qian knew that many Americans were not proficient in history, and they didn't even know the history of their own country, so he didn't ask this question on purpose. After thinking for a moment, he said, "First of all, Mr. Berger, I don't want to ban the sale of signed shoes in Japan, my original words are not to go to Japan to do publicity and activities, that's all. Secondly, you are an American who may not know much about the historical relationship between China and Japan, and I dare say that if I go to Japan often to do promotional activities, then the Chinese market AND1 will never want to get it. Although it is impossible to bring the AND1 Chinese market now, there may still be opportunities in the future, and if I accept your proposal, I am afraid that not only the Chinese market, but the entire Chinese market will reject me, and even close the door to sales. This is definitely not my joke, you go to a Chinese and ask casually, and you will know if what I said is true or false. ”

"This? So serious? Is it true that Zeu is hot? "Seth. Berger was a little incredulous after listening to this, because in his survey, there is not much racial and xenophobic in the Chinese market. Zhou Zhiru nodded and said: "Yes, Mr. Berger, you are right, other countries are easy to say, but as long as it is related to Japan, then it will become the target of public criticism, and it will be difficult to wash or turn over." ”

"Really, really?" Seth. Berger's original meaning was that since Tang Qian's domestic market was temporarily closed, it was always right to start with the Great East, after all, the faces of Asians alone should be able to win a lot of popularity and support. And since it is necessary to focus on attacking the Great East, then it is impossible for Japan, an economic powerhouse, to avoid it, as evidenced by the fact that Nike and Adi make a lot of net profits from Japan every year, and it is a huge pity and waste that AND1 signed a yellow person who does not use the "Japanese market". But look at what the other party said righteously and strictly, Seth. Berger also fell into hesitation all of a sudden, because just like Tang Qian thought, he was not very familiar with the history of the United States, let alone an ancient oriental country far away on the other side of the ocean? It is already very professional and good to be able to do market research and market research, and as for historical factors, he really hasn't taken them into account.

This is one of the keys to why AND1 went from glory to decline back then, and their research on some aspects can be called blank. And their development has a huge limitation of vision, thinking that they can make a lot of money by specializing in the streets, comparable to Nike and Adi, so the signing of professional basketball players has always been dispensable, and the strength is very small. But the development of history has proved that the growth of the NBA is far beyond the imagination of AND1, and the road of street basketball is getting narrower and narrower, and in the end, even the streets cannot be fully controlled. At the beginning, due to the weak foundation of AND1 and the short time of establishment, it was normal to avoid professional basketball courts and Nike Adi competition, which was a wise starting plan, but they made the mistake of still taking the street path after they had fame and financial resources, and did not increase their involvement in professional basketball, so they were finally eliminated by history.

AND1 forgets that people always go to high places, water always flows to low places, and no matter how street basketball develops, its influence is always limited, and it is impossible to reach the point of a professional basketball league. And countless actual battles have proved that even if he is a top street ball player, he is not an opponent of a second- or third-rate professional player. Even the legendary "street ball king" can only be an ordinary main force in the NBA, and he is completely unable to compete for the position of core and leader. In this way, streetball and professional basketball are pressed. In the modern era where the Internet is prevalent, who would believe in some ethereal and unverified "street legends"? As a result, the mystery of street basketball in people's hearts gradually declined, until it completely became a vassal of professional basketball.

Really good basketball players should play professional basketball and go to the NCAA and NBA to struggle, and those who can't play professional basketball will go to the streets and become "second-class talents". This kind of trend has only begun to emerge in the 21st century, and even Rock Park in New York, known as the "Mecca of the Catch", cannot avoid such a fate. The former glory has long since faded with the growth of the NBA. Especially after the "street ball king" Alston went to the NBA to meet the wall, American fans were immediately disappointed with the myth of street basketball, and few people believe in the "story of street legends" after that. This is undoubtedly a major blow to AND1, how can you expand the market and increase revenue and profitability with special basketball equipment defined by fans as "second-class talents"? Still want to compete with Adi and Nike? Isn't that a fool's dream? So within a few years, the aura of AND1 quickly ended and became history.

Of course, this has something to do with its innovation and design, but the mistake of business philosophy and future direction is the core problem.

But in this space, Seth. Berger made one of the biggest decisions of his life, and his future is known as "AND1 Birthday".

"Well, we'll consider this request seriously, I don't know if there's anything else to discuss?" Seth. Ignoring the looks of several people behind him, Berger continued to ask. "There's one more question." Tang Qian didn't speak, and Zhou Zhiru preemptively said: "I don't know when AND1 can design and make sneakers after the contract is signed?" What is the expected rollout cycle? It's also important to note that we need the best sneaker designers to design sneakers, and if there was a problem like Puma's, we would definitely refuse to put on our feet. I mentioned this to you before, and it is a condition that must not be compromised. ”

Hear this, Seth. One of the managers behind Berger was not happy and opened his mouth and said, "We have given you such a high price and additional terms, what else do you want?" Why so many requests? People should not be too greedy! "Really?" Hearing this, Zhou Zhiru actually pulled Tang Qian directly to stand up, then bent down to pick up the small satchel, and turned to leave.

This scene couldn't help but stunned Tang Qian, and made Seth. Berger was also dumbfounded, and the latter quickly stood up and shouted, "Zhou, Ms. Zhou, what are you doing here?" Is there anything we don't like that we can sit down and talk about? "I don't need to talk about it." Zhou Zhiru said lightly: "You AND1 don't even have the least respect, and you want to enter the professional basketball world?" This is not only a sarcasm for me, but also an insult to my employer. ”

Seth. Berger was a little stunned when he heard this, because he didn't expect this oriental woman to speak so fiercely, directly on "respect", "sarcasm" and "insult". These hats are buttoned down, and Rao is Seth. Berger was also a little confused.

"Oriental woman, are you going too far? We can sign an All-Star player for such a high price, are you not satisfied? What a greedy Oriental! "Seeing that his men are still doing their best, 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 right now? And 'greed', you use a rather unsightly word again, dare to ask Mr. Berger, is this your AND1 company culture and company professionalism? ”

"Of course, of course not, Ms. Zhou, you can explain ...... me."

"He's an All-Star like that? But it just depends on the large number of Chinese, if I were Chinese, even if I am 90 years old, I am afraid I can easily enter the NBA starting lineup, right? "Don't wait for Seth. After Berger finished speaking, the AND1 executive sneered again, and the contempt in his words was clear.

"Okay, then you AND1 will go to the street basketball for the rest of your life, and we will not accompany you." Zhou Zhiru didn't bother to argue with him, and led Tang Qian to the door of the café. This can make Seth. Berger was anxious, he glared at the executive angrily, and then strode after him, and said, "Mr. Hot, Ms. Zhou, don't go yet, listen to me, listen to me." ”

However, Zhou Zhiru did not mean to turn her head and stop, as if she was determined to leave.

This looks like Seth. Berger is even more anxious, because he knows better than anyone else that there is not much time left for AND1, and if this move is not successful, then he can only declare complete bankruptcy and sell all the original shares, so that AND1 will never have anything to do with him again. So what is the point of him holding on alone for so long, where? So he immediately opened his mouth and asked loudly, "Mr. Ran, Ms. Zhou, what do you want to do?" Can you talk about the conditions and give me a chance to remedy? ”

After hearing this, Zhou Zhiru finally stopped, she turned around and said slowly: "It's easy if you want us to stay, Mr. Berger, just fire this guy." "The voice of this sentence is not loud, but as soon as it speaks, it makes people feel as sharp as a knife." This ...... "Seth. Berger also fell into hesitation, because the guy behind him, he is a capable senior management, and he has also contributed a lot of efforts to AND1, so he fired him, and the former was a little unable to do it.

"Ms. Zhou, isn't this condition...... Can you change it? "Seth. While Berger was talking, the guy said to himself, "Mr. Berger, what are you doing with them?" They are a pack of greedy Oriental wild dogs! We don't talk to them, we can talk to other players! ”

What a fool!!

This time under Seth. Berger was also a little angry, because he was obviously helping him, but he didn't appreciate it and continued to make trouble for himself. "Okay~ You heard that, right? Mr? In this case, we don't have to talk about it anymore~Goodbye~" Zhou Zhiru turned her head and left, without staying behind.

It's just four or five seconds of effort, Seth. Berger made one of the hardest and most successful decisions of his life......

"Alright, Benjerham, you go, the company will give you the rest of the contract."

W，what？ The AND1 executive, named Ben Gerham, thought he had misheard, and opened his mouth to ask, "Mr. Berger, what did you say?" You're not kidding, are you? "Seth. After all, Berger is also a former business tycoon and a successful person, so once he made a choice, he became clean and said, "I'm not joking with you, Ben Jie Han, from now on, you will be fired from AND1, you can go." ”

After a few seconds of silence, Benjamin was furious and shouted with a red face, "Seth. Berger: I think you're crazy!! I've been putting a lot of thought into AND1 for a few years, right? You actually did this to me for the sake of an oriental? You're such a stupid boss!! "But Seth. Berger didn't mean to change his mind, and said directly with a cold face: "AND1 thank you very much for your efforts and dedication in the past few years, but I'm sorry, there will be no more seats for you in AND1 in the future, so you should try your luck at other sports companies." ”

"shi.t~ you idiot stupid dogs. ~ I'll make you taste the pain and pay the price in the future~ I'll go to Nike and Adidas and stomp on you!! "After hearing Ben Jay's unscrupulous words, Seth. The most basic apologies on Berger's face disappeared, and he pointed directly to the glass door of the café and said, "Get.out!! ”

"fuc.k~ You headless ducks~ It's stupid~ It's stupid~ Seth. Berger~Trust me~ You will definitely regret it~ At that time, you don't beg me to come back~~~" With a series of swearing, Benjerhan angrily left the café.

"Now, Mr. Ran, Ms. Zhou, can you sit down and talk again?" Seth. Berger asked.

"Of course, yes, I like it, Mr. Berger." After Zhou Zhiru nodded, she and Tang Qian returned to their seats and continued to negotiate, looking at her calm and calm expression, as if nothing had happened just now.

This oriental woman is not simple.

This is Seth. Berger's inner judgment.

"Alright, Ms. Zhou, can you tell me why you are so angry?"

Face Seth. Zhou Zhiru slowly replied to Berger's question: "As a large company specializing in the production of basketball equipment, don't you really know why we are angry?" "I...... Please don't beat around the bush and tell me directly. "After thinking for a moment, Seth. Berger shook his head and smiled bitterly.

"Okay~ The reason is very simple, basketball shoes are the athlete's on-court shelter, or a talisman, if you can't even do the basic protective performance, how can we trust your sincerity?" Zhou Zhiru said: "You must know health, but it is the second life of NBA athletes." ”

"If your company's managers don't care about that, aren't that just saying that they don't care about my employer's athletic career?" Career lifespan? Do you think such words can be called insulting and disrespectful? Zhou Zhiru's words were extremely closely linked, and they were done in one go. Berger felt a pang of shame.

In the end, the contract intention was preliminarily finalized, and the specific signing time was set in three to five days.

When the backs of Tang Qian and Zhou Zhiru gradually disappeared, the rest of the executives of AND1 couldn't help asking, "Mr. Berger, are you so optimistic about him?" What if he can't make it? Then we're going to be finished. "Seth. After hearing this, Berger said silently: "You don't know the situation of the company now? If you don't gamble, you will lose, in this case, I might as well let go of my hands and feet and be bold once, maybe in this way, there will be a miracle to favor AND1. ”

"Of course, I am also full of confidence in this Oriental." Seth. Berger said: "Because I see a temperament in him, and that is ...... The temperament of a champion. ”

PS: The first chapter arrives, and the big chapter is recommended, and today's 10,000 words will not break their promise~