Aside from Hu Xian, other competitors in Xiangjiang also saw the introduction of the Jiuding News Agency in the *Fengyun Daily*. When they saw the impressive first-day sales of 500,000 copies, many smaller newspapers were tempted and sent people to Jiuding Media Group to inquire about the details of their services.
These small newspapers, which typically had daily sales of only a few thousand copies and considered it a success to reach ten thousand, were already barely scraping by. They were often caught in the crossfire of battles between bigger players.
With the release of *Fengyun Daily*, their sales were severely impacted. However, the gap between them and *Fengyun Daily* was too large to bridge.
They were surprised to discover that *Fengyun Daily* had exposed the powerful secret behind its success and was even willing to share it, which clearly presented an opportunity. They hoped that not only could they reverse their crisis, but also make further advancements. This opportunity had to be seized, and as long as the conditions weren't too harsh, they were willing to act.
As for any potential schemes? They didn't concern themselves too much, given their already dire situation. It was like someone wearing worn-out straw sandals worrying about the sandals—they were beyond caring.
Moreover, they didn't believe their limited resources could attract Jiuding Media's attention enough to be schemed against.
They might even seize this chance to boost their own paper's sales. As for discovering opportunities, it was up to their own abilities!
Aside from these immediate-acting small newspapers, other newspapers like *Sing Tao*, *Hong Kong Commercial Daily*, and *Ta Kung Pao* considered sending people to understand the situation first before making any decisions.
After all, they were large enterprises, and making decisions wasn't easy. The bigger the ship, the harder it is to turn.
The *Fengyun Daily*'s article stirred up the media industry in Xiangjiang and Southeast Asia!
---
At Jiuding Media Group's headquarters, the lobby was bustling with activity. Many media industry peers sent representatives to consult about Jiuding News Agency's external news services.
Inside the Jiuding Media Group building, Xia Yu and Yan Wenhan stood by the third-floor glass window, observing the flow of people below. Xia Yu's lips curled into a satisfied smile. At that moment, he was in a great mood!
It was evident that as more media purchased Jiuding News Agency's services and used their news, Jiuding's influence would continue to grow.
This was a good thing! How could Xia Yu not be pleased?
However, Yan Wenhan, standing behind Xia Yu and watching the bustling crowd below, was puzzled. The first-day sales of *Fengyun Daily* had already surpassed 500,000 copies, and he was confused.
During his previous tenure at the Financial Times in the UK, Yan Wenhan had dealt with Reuters, the only British member of the four major global news agencies. As a subscriber to Reuters, he was familiar with the business model of news agencies.
To establish Jiuding News Agency, he had studied the models of several major agencies, so he had a decent understanding of news agencies.
Xia Yu had mentioned that Jiuding News Agency would offer external news services, and Yan Wenhan agreed this was the mainstream direction for news agencies worldwide.
What he couldn't understand was why Xia Yu decided to act so quickly. Why not wait and allow *Fengyun Daily* to enjoy the exclusive advantage for a bit longer and maximize its sales?
Ultimately, his confusion stemmed from the impact of *Fengyun Daily*'s sales and promising prospects, and he hadn't fully grasped the essence of news agencies or what Xia Yu valued most.
Xia Yu turned around and noticed Yan Wenhan's furrowed brows and thoughtful expression. With a smile, he knew Yan was troubled.
"Come, sit down!"
Xia Yu invited Yan Wenhan to sit on the sofa, and they faced each other. Xia Yu leisurely began preparing tea.
Seeing Xia Yu's actions, Yan Wenhan was surprised and immediately offered to make the tea.
"Boss, let me do it!"
"No need. Sit down and watch my skills!" Xia Yu stopped Yan Wenhan's movement with his hand and spoke firmly.
Realizing Xia Yu was serious, Yan Wenhan sat back down quietly and waited.
Xia Yu's tea-making was smooth and graceful, a sight of beauty. Yan Wenhan, seeing it for the first time, couldn't help but admire:
"Boss, your tea-making skills are exquisite. It's truly a pleasure to watch."
Hearing the praise, Xia Yu laughed heartily and accepted the compliment, knowing his tea-making skills were inherited from years of practice.
"Here, have some tea!"
"Thank you, Boss!" Yan Wenhan took the cup and began to drink.
After a cup of hot tea, Xia Yu felt relaxed and noticed that Yan Wenhan's mood had calmed. He began to speak slowly.
"Wenhan, you're puzzled about why I decided to offer Jiuding News Agency's services so soon, right?"
Yan Wenhan was startled, glancing at Xia Yu, who was smiling and looking directly at him.
Realizing Xia Yu had guessed his thoughts, Yan Wenhan admitted, "Yes, I haven't fully grasped your intention."
Seeing Yan Wenhan's diplomatic wording, Xia Yu smiled and explained, "The success of *Fengyun Daily* is due in part to Jiuding News Agency, but it's not the only reason. You're concerned that Jiuding News Agency's external services might affect *Fengyun Daily*. There's no need to worry. Your concern is misplaced, and that's why I called you here. Let me explain a few points."
Yan Wenhan, eager for insights, leaned forward and listened attentively as Xia Yu began his explanation.
"Our *Fengyun Daily* reached 500,000 sales on the first day not just because of Jiuding News Agency's quality news but also due to two important factors: the full support of *Jiuding Daily* and the effectiveness of our distribution channels!"
Yan Wenhan nodded in agreement, acknowledging the truth of this statement.
Quality alone isn't enough. Without the full promotion by *Jiuding Daily*, how would anyone know about *Fengyun Daily*?
If *Fengyun Daily* relied on its reputation alone to boost sales, it might take three months or more to reach 500,000 daily sales.
Seeing Yan Wenhan's understanding, Xia Yu continued, "And don't overlook the quality of *Fengyun Daily*'s political and social sections, as well as other minor news segments!"
"So, you should have confidence in our newspaper!"
Xia Yu smiled and observed Yan Wenhan, who, after some thought, nodded in agreement.
"As for your concern that other newspapers might lose their advantage if they purchase Jiuding News Agency's services, that's unlikely!"
"The more news services Jiuding News Agency provides, the higher the cost. Guess how many media in Xiangjiang can afford to subscribe to the highest level of service at once?"
Xia Yu smiled at Yan Wenhan.
Yan Wenhan's eyes brightened as he answered, "Very few. The third-rate media don't have the capability, and only large media can afford it."
"Do you think those large media would dare to subscribe to everything? Would they dare to redesign their papers to compete with *Fengyun Daily*?" Xia Yu countered.
"No, the current newspapers are already established. Changing them would be troublesome, potentially causing them to lose their existing readers. The best option would be to start a new newspaper!"
"But even then, they would struggle to catch up with us. Jiuding News Agency is ours, and we're always a step ahead. *Fengyun Daily* is already a major force. Other newspapers find it hard to compete. They would need to use a different news agency's services to make any headway!"
"Currently in Xiangjiang, Jiuding News Agency is dominant. Even if they seek foreign agencies, the cost is high, and efficiency doesn't match our own news services. Unless they have an agency comparable to ours!"
Yan Wenhan's face lit up with realization, and he smiled as he understood the situation.
Seeing Yan Wenhan's enlightenment, Xia Yu nodded in satisfaction.
"That's the point. The current situation forces them to subscribe to our news to mitigate the impact of *Fengyun Daily* on them!"
"If they don't subscribe, it doesn't affect us."
"If we don't open up, and force other newspapers into a crisis, they might unite to form an agency to protect themselves. Even rabbits bite when cornered! We would end up entirely opposed by all our peers. Can you imagine the consequences?"
"By opening up the news agency business early, we're showing our goodwill and bringing them into our fold."
"Business is never ending. Our relationship with other Xiangjiang competitors is poor. Our rise has encroached on their interests, and they're currently just under our influence. We need a group of smaller allies to rally around us!"
"Even if they are dissatisfied, they have to tolerate it for now. But can we guarantee they won't all turn against us one day? Can we handle one hundred newspapers if we can't handle ten?"
Hearing this, Yan Wenhan turned pale, realizing the potential crisis. He had been dazzled by Jiuding Media's rapid growth and hadn't considered the possible dangers.
If the crisis reached a point where it couldn't be hidden, and he had no means to counter it, it would indeed be too late!
The best approach was to eliminate the threat at its roots, preventing it from arising.
"Moreover, with only *Fengyun Daily* reporting international news, there's not enough space on the pages. Many major stories get
overlooked. Just like this time, we still have many stories we can't cover."
"News requires timeliness. These stories are the result of our staff's hard work. Instead of wasting them, we should convert them into income and expand the influence of our news agency."
"We have so many advantages, and our strength surpasses theirs. More competition is beneficial as it encourages us to keep improving. Without pressure, we risk becoming complacent and stagnant, which is the real danger!"
"Opening Jiuding News Agency's business early brings us many benefits and manageable risks."
"And there's one more crucial point!"
At this, Xia Yu's expression became serious as he looked at Yan Wenhan.
Yan Wenhan immediately focused, waiting for Xia Yu to continue.
"Right now, the media landscape in Xiangjiang and Southeast Asia is shallow. I will eventually leave this place. So, what do you think will be more important for me in the future, *Fengyun Daily* or Jiuding News Agency?"
Yan Wenhan was taken aback, finally understanding. The issue wasn't just about the development of Jiuding Media Group but what Xia Yu needed most. Now he understood!
"Boss, I understand. I will do my utmost to develop the news agency!"
With this realization, Yan Wenhan placed immense importance on the news agency and made a solemn promise.
Xia Yu smiled and nodded. It was crucial for Yan Wenhan to grasp this to focus more on Jiuding News Agency and benefit him.
"However, keep in mind that *Fengyun Daily* is also very important. As long as there isn't another news agency emerging in Xiangjiang and Southeast Asia, there is no real danger. But if one does appear, be sure to understand the situation thoroughly before responding!"
"Of course, if there isn't one, that's even better!"
Xia Yu took another sip of tea and said with a smile.
"Rest assured, Boss. I will be vigilant!"
Yan Wenhan assured him solemnly.
"I have a saying for you: the breadth of your perspective determines the height of your thinking. When analyzing problems, you need to step outside your immediate circle. This way, your strategies and tactics will be more sophisticated and you won't be blinded by the immediate issue!"
Xia Yu spoke earnestly.
Yan Wenhan was momentarily stunned, reflecting on the advice, and then nodded slowly, looking at Xia Yu with gratitude, "Thank you, Boss. I will consider this carefully!"
Seeing Yan Wenhan taking the advice to heart, Xia Yu was pleased.
"Alright, you can go back to work now. Report to me if anything comes up."
"Then, Boss, I'll be on my way!"
Watching Yan Wenhan leave with renewed determination, Xia Yu couldn't help but smile.
It was good that Yan Wenhan had come to understand; this would prevent any delays in Jiuding News Agency's development and make him more motivated at work. This was exactly what Xia Yu needed. Otherwise, he wouldn't have taken the effort to clarify things for him.
Yan Wenhan's capabilities were sufficient for managing the company, but he lacked a broad perspective.
In business, just like in warfare, if you remain focused on only the immediate issues without considering the broader picture, you won't achieve long-term success or sustainability.
Compared to others like Sun Xin, Yan Wenhan was quite capable. After all, he had experience and hadn't been confined to a small newspaper with only a few thousand copies in daily circulation.
Ultimately, in Jiuding Media Group, the only person who could be a strong contender for Xia Yu's trust and long-term partnership was Yan Wenhan. It was no surprise Xia Yu put so much effort into nurturing him.
When resources are limited, the only option is to dig deeper and cultivate talent internally!
Even the best leader needs a team of capable subordinates to implement their strategies.