The birth of the Hong Kong Island family

Lin Zhihao came to Mong Kok and couldn't help but frown when he looked at the newly opened 'Flywood Fast Food'.

His cousin Lin Zhichao had already predicted that once the Café de Coral fast food opened, there would soon be followers. Therefore, Café de Coral opened its first regional flagship store nine months after its opening, and is preparing to open three more regional flagship stores in the next six months.

Today, 'Cabar Le Fast Food' has four stores in Central, Mong Kok, Tsim Sha Tsui, and Wan Chai, and will open a Causeway Bay store one month later (November). In just one and a half years, Café de Coral has opened five stores, all of which are developed according to the size of regional flagship stores.

Lin Zhihao just didn't expect that this 'Big Happy' fast food was almost directly plagiarized, even the name was plagiarized.

"It's so unethical! It's immoral!" Lin Zhihao couldn't help but cursed.

"Boss, this restaurant obviously wants to take advantage of our reputation and get a foothold immediately. I have investigated and found that our two homes are only 500 meters apart. Their business is also quite good, and their dishes and models are similar to ours." They are exactly the same, a combination of Chinese and Western fast food. The only difference is that they also sell wontons and beef brisket noodles upstairs, which is not fast food." reported his manager Gao Yangchenghui.

Café de Coral has positioned itself as a company model from the very beginning, so it has its own office headquarters. The company also has multiple departments such as administration department, planning and publicity department, decoration department, and purchasing department.

Lin Zhihao nodded and said: "The high wontons and beef brisket noodles upstairs are just playing the piano randomly. It's because they lack confidence. It seems that they haven't learned the essence. After we go back, we must immediately formulate a strategy to completely get rid of these Followers.”

Gao Yangcheng said: "Well, we will now have five stores and have formed a chain model. This fast food chain is still in the experimental stage."

Afterwards, Lin Zhihao no longer paid attention to Happy Woods Fast Food. He had already planned to start from two aspects:

First, Café de Coral is preparing to “advertise widely” and begin long-term advertising on TV stations, radio stations, newspapers and other media. In my cousin's words, I didn't pursue profit margins at the beginning, but pursued market share.

Second, formulate a store opening plan for next year. It is best to open four stores to completely distance yourself from competitors.

He has learned to be smart now, that is, "Café Coral Fast Food" will develop into a listed company, so there is no need to be conservative. There is no need to worry about the funds for expansion. All you need is a nod from your cousin or a guarantee from Cheung Kong Holdings. Many banks are willing to lend money, so there is no need to inject funds.

More than a week later.

Uncles and nephews Luo Shengxiang and Luo Kaimu were sitting in the 'non-buffet' restaurant upstairs.

"Uncle Third, the business upstairs is much worse than downstairs. It feels like it's superfluous!" Luo Kaimu frowned.

Back when they decided to make Chinese fast food, they wanted to refer to "Café Coral Fast Food" on the one hand, and they wanted to innovate on the other. As a result, the "Mong Kok Happy" was divided into two, with Chinese and Western fast food downstairs and non-buffet food such as wontons and beef brisket noodles upstairs.

Unexpectedly, this move seems unnecessary. If the people around me want to eat wontons or beef brisket noodles, they don't even want to go upstairs here. There are many on the street.

Luo Shengxiang blushed. This suggestion was made by him. He not only wanted to innovate, but also wanted to catch all the diners in one go.

"Let's take a look at the situation. If the diners downstairs are full, they will also sit upstairs. It won't affect us, but we will pay more wages."

Luo Kaimu said: "Speaking of the issue of paying more wages, Third Uncle, did you watch TVB last night? 'Café Coral Fast Food' actually advertised there!"

Luo Shengxiang said in surprise: "So willing to invest?"

Luo Kaimu nodded and said: "More than willing to invest! Now there are almost all their advertisements in buses, newspapers, radio stations, and TV stations. It seems that they want to establish their leading position through advertising effects. After all, they have four There are now three stores, and the fifth Café de Coral will soon be opening in Causeway Bay.”

Luo Shengxiang said: "There is no way around this! They are the first Chinese fast food in Hong Kong, and they are backed by a large consortium. We will definitely not be able to defeat them in a short time."

Luo Kaimu said: "We can't win in a short time, that's for sure. I'm afraid they are already dissatisfied with us. The slogan in the advertisement is particularly emphasised. Please look for Café de Coral fast food, Coral de Coral!"

Luo Shengxiang was stunned and said for a long time: "Forget it, it's one step at a time. We originally wanted to get a share of the pie. So we still operate in a down-to-earth manner, and one day the schedule will expand. They are expanding too fast, which may not be a good thing!"

Luo Kaimu was speechless. His third uncle was considering stable development, but what he wanted was to open a few branches as soon as possible, hoping to form a chain model as soon as possible.

"Uncle San, if we don't have enough stores, we won't be able to advertise aggressively. Moreover, the market will be quickly occupied by Café de Coral fast food, and we will fall far behind in the future."

"Kai Mu La, I understand what you think, but this requires financial strength, and the rent is so expensive now. Unless you can convince your father to fully support you."

Luo Kaimu was immediately embarrassed. His father had several daughters, and he was just a son. Therefore, it is impossible to fully support him.

Seeing this, Luo Shengxiang said: "So, don't worry, wait until this store is on the right track, and we will raise funds then, so that your father will not stop supporting you if you can open it as hoped. After all, you Our store has only been open for more than a month, so we don’t know whether it will be good or bad, so it’s important to be safe.”

"Okay! I'm just worried about missing the good opportunity to expand!"

“There has always been competition in restaurants, and latecomers may not be able to do as well as those who came before, so it doesn’t matter!”

"Um"

Luo Shengxiang is older and likes to develop steadily; Luo Kaimu is younger and likes to expand rapidly.

now.

‘Cabar Le Fast Food’, led by Lin Zhihao, began to conduct extensive publicity to determine the brand of ‘Cabar Le Fast Food’. Therefore, as a latecomer, Luo Kaimu was a little anxious, but their financial strength was too poor, and they were destined to be left far behind.

This war is not the half-baked war between 'Caile de Coral' and 'Great Joy' in the previous life. It is not a competition on the same level at all.

Cheung Kong Holdings.

Lin Zhichao was in the office and listened to the work report of Lin Shaodong, the head of the retail department.

He has already been regarded as the 'world's richest man (personal wealth)'. After all, his fleet is very valuable, but why does he have to get involved in many industries?

The reason couldn't be simpler. When a business develops to a certain level, it needs to develop towards comprehensiveness and scale. In this way, the group can withstand greater risks in the future. No matter how simple it is, you still need to find a way for funds!

Lin Zhichao joins 7-11 convenience stores with the goal of building a retail network in Hong Kong, Macao, and the mainland in the future. At the same time, it can be considered as a minimum cost to enter the retail industry and accumulate enough experience.

"At present, the business of the two 7-11 convenience stores (Central and Wan Chai) is very good. This month, the 7-11 convenience store in Causeway Bay will also open, completing the three store opening plan this year. Next year, we plan to open four stores , including two in Tsim Sha Tsui, one in Mong Kok, and one in Central.”

After listening, Lin Zhichao said: "What is the difference between us and the Watsons?"

Although Lin Shaodong had doubts, he immediately replied: "Watson's products mainly include medicines, health products, cosmetics, distilled water and beverages, etc. Its products tend to be high-end, while our 7-11 convenience stores tend to be civilian and cater to the needs of citizens. The goal is to make life convenient.”

Lin Zhichao nodded and said: "Although there is some overlap, the general directions are different."

Lin Shaodong said: "Yes! 7-11 convenience stores can also achieve linkage effects with the boss's other products, such as the group's doll noodles, Red Bull, as well as the media group's newspapers, comic weekly, etc."

This is what Lin Zhichao wants - mastering the terminal of the product is the way to go!

Lin Zhichao continued: "You need to study more about how global retail companies operate supply chains. After 7-11 convenience stores grow, an excellent supply chain can reduce a lot of costs. For example, if we support a wholesaler, we will The products are made by him and delivered to each of our stores; in this way, although he makes some money, it does not save us money in warehouse and logistics. In short, the supply chain is very important, so study it carefully."

Lin Shaodong said: "Well, I understand what the boss means. According to Hong Kong's economic development, there will only be more and more 7-11 stores. An excellent management system is very important."

"Yes, seriously study the knowledge in the retail field."

"OK"

Lin Zhichao naturally has a wealth of knowledge about the store layout and product selection of convenience stores; however, he has no experience with supply chains, etc., so naturally he has to tell his subordinates to do a better job.

Although Hong Kong is small, many supply chains come from all over Asia. This is also an important reason why Hengchang Trading is so big.

“How is the development of Café de Coral fast food?”

"It is developing very rapidly, and the business of each store is also very good. Recently, due to the emergence of competitors, and the number of stores has reached almost five, we have begun to carry out large-scale advertising to determine the brand effect."

"Well, you represent half of the shareholders. You have to supervise the development of Café de Coral and put forward some opinions of your own."

"OK, I see."

There is no big or small business. You have to make big money, but you also have to make small money.

What's more, a catering group is very important to Yangtze River Industrial Group:

First, you can get good dividends in the future;

Second, it can solve the leasing problem of its stores.

Third, an industrial chain of ‘food, clothing, housing and transportation’ can be formed.

November 8, 1969, Saturday.

Newspapers first reported that Li Fuzhao, Wang Qiming and others had registered with the government on October 31, 1969 in accordance with the Hong Kong Company Law to establish another brand-new exchange - The Far East Exchange Limited.

The news shocked society, and stockbrokers were even more nervous, worried that the new exchange would affect their business.

Lin Zhichao put down the newspaper in his hand and sighed: "The great era has finally come!"

good!

Lin Zhichao has always believed that it would be ideal if he traveled back in time to the late 1960s.

With his familiarity with the securities, real estate and other industries of this era, he can definitely catch up with the "four major families"; importantly, he is still twenty years younger.

Of course, God now compensated him by giving him an anti-aging body.

Mainly, Lin Zhichao believes that Hong Kong only became exciting starting from the 1970s!

The 'Far East Stock Exchange' established by Li Fuzhao and others is not as simple as it seems, but an important milestone for Hong Kong; because of the emergence of the Far East Stock Exchange, two more stock exchanges will be established in the future (actually there are still, but was promptly stopped by the Hong Kong government). The biggest role of the establishment of the four stock exchanges is to make it easier for Chinese-owned companies to go public.

And once Chinese-funded companies go public one after another, there will be a group attack effect on British capital, and Chinese capital in Hong Kong finally begins to gain the upper hand. After all, the purpose of listing is to raise funds, and raising funds can narrow the funding gap with British capital.

The establishment of the Far East Stock Exchange by Li Fuzhao and others will definitely lead to mainstream opposition from the chairman of the Hong Kong Society, brokers, and even the media.

However, as early as 1961, the Hong Kong government has been following the Financial Secretary’s policy of ‘non-interference’ and ‘free economy’, so it has adopted a non-intervention approach to the Far East Stock Exchange.

The general trend of history!

Although there will be a stock market crash in the spring of 1973, judging from the development of Hong Kong securities from 1969 to 1973, probably no one will think that the establishment of the "Three Committees" was a wrong decision.

In the afternoon, Lin Zhichao came to the media group.

Luo Wenhui, the president of Oriental Daily, came to his office to report: "Boss, Asia Daily seems to be imitating us recently and intends to become a 'popular newspaper', recruiting reporters and expanding its scale!"

Lin Zhichao was not surprised. "Asia Daily" was a whitewashing tool, a tool for transmitting information, and a money laundering channel for the Baifenma family, so he was naturally willing to invest in it.

However, Lin Zhichao naturally did not like this kind of person, so he said: "Then we will launch the second round of expansion, and then expand the number of reporters, especially overseas reporters, and give everyone a 10% salary increase to stabilize military morale."

After Luo Wenhui listened, he said: "Okay! But if this happens, the number of our reporters will be too large, and our profits will be affected."

Lin Zhichao said with a smile: "We will talk about making money later, the important thing is to occupy the market. The 1970s are coming, Hong Kong's economy will take off, and the sales of newspapers will be even better. Also, in the future we will also have to live in overseas Chinese communities. cities and publish overseas versions, such as Vancouver, San Francisco and other cities.”

Luo Wenhui said: "The boss has a long-term view. I am going to give Asia Daily a head-on attack. The boss is a fan seller. It is said to be a 'white fan newspaper'. He actually wants to show off his skills in the newspaper. I really don't know what it means." .”

Of course, he doesn't need to worry about the Ma brothers. Not only is it normal business competition and suppression, even the boss behind him, the Ma brothers are not enough.

Lin Zhichao said with a smile: "We have taken the lead and Asia Daily is not enough. However, Oriental Daily must also adhere to its characteristics of rich content and short and concise articles."

Luo Wenhui nodded and said, "No problem!"

Currently, the Oriental Daily has one and a half pages, which is already the largest page in Hong Kong. Most newspapers only have one page (folded pages). Not to mention the large space, the important thing is that the articles are short and concise, which is equivalent to a lot more content; so for the public, it is very value for money.

Next, Lin Zhichao said: "With the establishment of the Far East Stock Exchange, I have a hunch that Hong Kong's financial industry will develop. After all, there are only two exchanges in the United States (currently). I hope you will prepare a "Capital" 》 is a monthly magazine whose content mainly focuses on reporting and analysis on the economy, politics, finance, finance, real estate, and trade of Greater China and the world, as well as various cultural and artistic articles, such as Feng Shui, cultural interviews, book reviews, travel notes, technology, and medicine. wait."

Luo Wenhui was stunned, and then said: "This content is very professional and rich. I am afraid that the funds will be very large and it will be difficult to make a profit; more importantly, it needs an editor who understands finance."

Lin Zhichao shook his head and said: "It's not an editor-in-chief who understands finance, but a group of professionals who write for this magazine. You just prepare and invest in big things. Making money is not the purpose. What if I can network a few talents for my use?" That amount of money is comparable to that of an investment magazine.”

Only then did Luo Wenhui realize that his boss had spent money to create such a platform to take the opportunity to network with some talent consultants who could be used by him.

"Okay, I understand. We must refer to the "Fortune" magazine in the United States and create a similar "Capital" magazine in Hong Kong."

"Well, that's probably what it means!

When Hong Kong's economy developed in the 1970s, it also needed a monthly magazine like this. It didn't necessarily mean losing money, and of course it didn't matter even if it did! If you meet good talents, it is very cost-effective to join your own advisory group.

Asia Daily

"Brother, none of the reporters and editors from the Oriental Daily are willing to come to our Asia Daily. Not only that, the Oriental Daily is also recruiting a large number of reporters, especially overseas correspondents. At this time , we can't even find a few professional reporters." His younger brother Ma Zhenzhen said distressedly.

Ma Xiru said unexpectedly: "You're offered a high salary and no one changes jobs?"

Ma Zhenzhen said: "Their salary is already relatively high, and I heard that the salary was suddenly increased. When our people went to recruit, they were even ridiculed, saying that we were too stingy!"

Ma Xiru suddenly became thoughtful and said, "Don't go poaching people! I'm afraid that the big shots have been alerted. Otherwise, how could we have raised wages and recruited a large number of reporters."

Ma Zhenzhen was immediately shocked and said: "Brother, are you saying that Lin Zhichao knew about this and made arrangements immediately?"

Ma Xiru nodded and said: "Such a big matter as a salary increase can only be decided by the boss. Moreover, the salary increase is at this time, which is obviously to stabilize the morale of the military. Secondly, the "Oriental Daily" suddenly recruited a large number of reporters, which is a countermeasure. We warn.”

Although Ma Chechen has been involved in illegal crimes all year round, he also knows who he can't offend. They also have families and are not desperadoes. How dare they offend the Chinese leaders in Hong Kong.

"MD, he also poached Shaw Brothers' Zou Wenhuai and others. We poached a few reporters and were warned. It's really nothing."

Ma Xiru said: "There is no need to be nervous about this. In terms of business, we will continue to recruit people from other newspapers. In short, we must also be a mass newspaper, so that we can have a future."

It turns out that by adding dog scriptures and horse scriptures, the sales volume of "Asia Daily" increased to more than 30,000 copies. However, special newspapers that wrote about dogs and horses soon appeared, which forced them to consider investing in time-sensitive news and becoming a popular newspaper.