Chapter 129: Simple Truths

Zhou Ming stood on the stage, surveying the audience below. Seeing the nervous yet eager eyes looking up at him filled him with a sense of accomplishment. It's no wonder so many people strive to become leaders, using any means necessary to become the center of attention; the allure of being the focal point is indeed mesmerizing. In his previous life, he might never have had such an opportunity, but now, with his rebirth, he was determined to turn his destiny to a new page.

Thinking this, Zhou Ming composed himself and began speaking: "Hello everyone, my name is Zhou Ming, and I am the owner of this South River Nightclub. You might have heard of me and know that I'm here today to give you training, but I don't think it's necessary because I believe you are all the best!"

Zhou Ming's words brightened the eyes of everyone below. Clearly, they had never heard a company leader speak to them in such a manner during training.

Of course, Zhou Ming wasn't done: "You already know what the South River Nightclub is, what your roles are here, and the rules and regulations, as you must have learned from your supervisors. I'm here today to talk to you more personally."

"From the information I received from Manager Kong, most of you are from rural areas and not locals of South River. I believe you didn't come all this way just for sightseeing. In fact, South River isn't very exciting. I'm sure you came here primarily to work and earn money. You want to change your family's circumstances, make life better for your loved ones, so your parents don't have to work so hard, so your siblings can be proud of you, and so you can enjoy good food and wear nice clothes…"

As Zhou Ming spoke, many people below nodded in agreement because what he was saying matched their own aspirations.

"Achieving these dreams isn't actually difficult; it comes down to two words: making money. Our nightclub offers very high wages, with a minimum of 300 yuan. I believe you won't find another place in South River that pays this well."

Although they already knew the salary, hearing Zhou Ming confirm it still excited them, as it was indeed a high wage they couldn't find elsewhere.

Seeing their expressions, Zhou Ming continued: "But if you think that salary is all you get, you're very wrong. Here's a little secret: our nightclub also has a bonus system. If you work here for a year, you will receive at least 2,000 yuan in bonus at the end of the year."

The announcement caused an uproar. Everyone started asking if it was true, since 2,000 yuan was a significant amount. Many people back home couldn't earn that much in a year, so with their regular salary, they could earn five to six thousand yuan a year, enough to build a new house!

Seeing their excitement, Zhou Ming smiled and said, "If you work hard, this money will be yours!"

"Boss Zhou, we will work hard. Whatever you ask us to do, we will do it! You are like the savior to us!" someone shouted from the crowd.

Zhou Ming gestured for them to keep their voices down and said, "I'm not asking you to do anything particularly difficult. Just remember your work guidelines. Our South River Nightclub is going to be the best in South River, Lingnan Province, and even the entire country. As my employees, my only requirement is that you always put our customers first!"

"No matter how you feel, you must always maintain a smile when dealing with customers. Even if you face difficulties or difficult customers, you need to inform your supervisor and avoid conflicts with customers. Do you understand?"

In unison, the crowd responded, "Understood!"

Zhou Ming nodded approvingly, "Good. Let's go over this clearly: Why did you come to South River?"

"To make money!" they answered.

"And what will you get by working at our nightclub?"

"Salary and bonuses!" they replied.

"What are salary and bonuses?"

"It's money!"

"So why did you come to South River?"

"To make money!"

"Then how can you make money?"

"By working hard!"

"What does working hard mean? How should you treat customers?"

"Maintain a smile, avoid conflicts!"

"Excellent. So why should you maintain a smile and avoid conflicts with customers?"

"To work hard!"

"What will working hard lead to?"

"Making money!" everyone answered enthusiastically.

"I can't hear you. What will it lead to?" Zhou Ming asked, raising his voice.

"Making money!" they shouted even louder.

Seeing they were still not loud enough, Zhou Ming asked again, and this time, they almost shouted in unison: "Money! We want to make money!"

"Your answers are great. I hope you all can give yourselves a round of applause."

Zhou Ming led the applause, and since it was for themselves, they clapped vigorously, driving their excitement to a new peak.

…

After finishing the meeting with the employees, the service staff and security were taken back by their respective managers, and Zhou Ming went to the break room with Kong Xiaolin for tea and a chat.

"Boss Zhou, your speech was amazing. Even I was excited just listening. I heard you gave a speech at a university in Port City, where hundreds of students cheered for you. I can imagine your words were even more stirring there!" Kong Xiaolin said, clenching her fists with excitement and a flush of enthusiasm on her face.

Facing Kong Xiaolin, Zhou Ming felt no need to be modest. He said, "It wasn't as exaggerated as you describe. What I did was simply capture their deepest desires and magnify them, guiding their thoughts along my path without giving them time to think, leading them towards the direction I set."

Zhou Ming shrugged and continued, "I used the same technique in Port City. It's just a way to sway people's hearts. Didn't you notice how my questions came one after another, not giving them any time to think?"

Kong Xiaolin said, "Although you put it that way, it was still very impressive! I tried using your method before, but I never achieved such results."

"I don't think you need to achieve such results. After all, you are the general manager. You only need to manage your supervisors well. Training is their job. And since your training is frequent and routine, it's not comparable to my first-time approach," Zhou Ming said.

He paused for a moment before continuing, "However, if you really want to enhance the effect, there is a way."

Kong Xiaolin's eyes lit up. She immediately asked, "Boss Zhou, how can we improve the effect?"

"By doing games," Zhou Ming said.

Kong Xiaolin looked puzzled, so Zhou Ming explained, "Humans are social creatures and need to be in groups for a sense of security. People's behavior is closely related to the group dynamics. Therefore, games are the best way to engage everyone's collective consciousness and make them follow you naturally."

"For example, on the grasslands, sheep usually form flocks, but they are not as organized as humans, which makes them vulnerable to predators. However, if one sheep starts running in a direction, the others will often follow without hesitation, even if there are dangers ahead. This is the herd mentality; it applies to both sheep and people."

Zhou Ming continued, "It's like when we played the game of 'eagle catching chickens' as children. If Xiaolin, you were a chicken, you would follow the movements of those in front of you without question, right?"

Kong Xiaolin was stunned, her mind overwhelmed. Although Zhou Ming was explaining some basic truths, the shock came from their simplicity. 

Many people think they understand a lot, but they fail to apply these truths when needed. Only those with unique insight and intelligence truly grasp these concepts and apply them. Zhou Ming was clearly one of those individuals.

Kong Xiaolin, who considered herself well-read, had never encountered such simple yet profound truths, especially in management, until now. 

Realizing this, Kong Xiaolin took a deep breath and said to Zhou Ming, "Boss Zhou, you are the most incredible business genius I've ever met. Perhaps even the term 'business genius' doesn't fully describe your mind. I don't know how fortunate I am, but I must have accumulated a lot of virtue in my past life to be lucky enough to work under you in this one."

In the end, Kong Xiaolin straightened up and said respectfully, "Boss Zhou, it is my greatest honor to receive your guidance!"