Looking at everyone's highly motivated posture, Wang Yi was very satisfied:
"Looking at your performance, if you do well, and it explodes globally, your year-end bonus this year can be up to eight months, or even ten months!"
"What? That much!"
Everyone was startled:
"12 months of salary, plus ten months of year-end bonus, that's 22 months. Even if it's 10,000 a month, that's 220,000!"
The median annual salary plus year-end bonus for game developers in the Imperial Capital in 2012 was only 135,585 yuan.
As for an annual salary of 500,000, it was nonexistent in 2012, unless it was at the CEO level!
Let alone 2012, even more than ten years later, most programmers don't earn an annual salary of 400,000 to 500,000.
After the internet winter, it's not easy for a 985 undergraduate to find a job with an annual salary of 300,000.
In 2012, earning an annual salary of 220,000 was already being among the elite!
Immediately, everyone was excited and full of drive.
Nothing is more tempting than a bonus, not even actresses!
"Work hard, at Xingyi Technology, compensation is not an issue, it just depends on how capable you are!"
"Yes!"
Wang Yi was very satisfied looking at their enthusiastic expressions.
The "big pie" strategy is still very effective these days, especially since Wang Yi's "big pie" is actually attainable.
Although the ten-month "big pie" is only for a small portion of employees if performance explodes globally, others might get six months, or even four months.
But such treatment is already very generous.
Currently, the national average annual salary is around 30,000, and the average annual salary of large companies like BAT in the Imperial Capital is just over 100,000.
Wang Yi offering 150,000-250,000 is already 1.5 to 2 times the industry median.
Any higher, and other big companies in the Imperial Capital would get agitated!
Leaving the game department, Wang Yi found Jian Ziyan:
"Ziyan, contact the Olympic Organizing Committee to see if any sponsors of the Fog City Olympic Games at various levels have breached their contracts and withdrawn early. If there are any, no matter the level, we'll take them."
Olympic sponsors are divided into four tiers.
Sponsors of different tiers pay different fees and enjoy different rights.
The highest tier is the Olympic Global Partner, also known as a TOP sponsor!
TOP sponsors can use all Olympic-related logos worldwide, exclusively own the right to use the Olympic rings, and there can only be one TOP sponsor per industry.
Therefore, it is a hotly contested area for all industries.
For example, in the retail food industry, if McDonald's secures a TOP sponsorship, KFC can only stand aside.
In the telecommunications equipment industry, if Samsung secures a TOP sponsorship, Apple can only stand aside, and Xingyi Technology would have no chance...
Unless they choose other vacant industries.
In 2012, there were only eleven TOP sponsor slots, each costing 80 million US dollars.
But in the future, this will increase to twelve, thirteen, or even fifteen, each costing 100-150 million US dollars.
There's no other way, the Olympic Organizing Committee isn't ashamed to make money.
In addition to global partner TOP sponsors, the Olympic Games also have senior partners, official partners, and the lowest tier, official suppliers.
Among them, senior partners are the next tier down, fewer in number, only seven or eight, and very expensive, mostly luxury brands like LV and Dior.
There are more than ten official partners, and the sponsorship fees are lower.
As for official suppliers of the Olympic Games, although they are called suppliers, they are actually just advertising sponsors; in plain terms, they are just throwing money to advertise.
As long as the money is in place, one can become an Olympic supplier.
They are also the most numerous, about fifty or sixty!
For example, in its previous life, Anta was an official supplier for the Olympic Games.
The Fog City Olympic Games are only half a year away.
TOP sponsors and senior partners are likely already recruited, unless they withdraw early for various reasons.
For example, in its previous life, McDonald's terminated its TOP sponsorship three years in advance.
However, such opportunities are rare, at least Samsung won't terminate, so Xingyi Technology has no chance.
But it doesn't matter, even if TOP sponsors and senior partners are out of reach, there are still official partners and Olympic suppliers.
There are many more sponsors at this level, so there might be withdrawals.
"Okay, Chairman, but what if no one withdraws?"
Jian Ziyan couldn't help but ask.
Wang Yi smiled slightly:
"It's alright, even if there's no opportunity for official partners and official suppliers, we can still cooperate indirectly by sponsoring national delegations and various sports teams to appear on the Olympic stage. There are even more sponsorship opportunities for that!"
For example, in its previous life, Panpan Food, unable to secure an official supplier spot, directly sponsored the Xia Nation sports delegation, thereby indirectly appearing on the Olympic stage.
Chery also once sponsored the women's volleyball team, gaining fame at the Olympics!
With so many national team projects, there are plenty of choices.
And these types of sponsorships usually begin about half a year before the Olympic Games open.
There's no other way; sponsoring two or three years in advance would cost a lot more money, not to mention that success is not guaranteed.
Sponsoring half a year before the Olympics is just right, the sponsorship costs are controllable, and once they win, subsequent benefits are maximized!
Moreover, in 2012, there were not many wealthy companies in the country, and many projects lacked sponsors.
"This shouldn't be a problem. Then I'll pursue both options simultaneously, preparing for both. Sponsoring the Olympics is best; if not, then sponsoring the domestic Olympic delegation and various sports teams! But Chairman, with so many sports teams, which ones should we choose?"
Wang Yi thought for a moment, in his previous life, which projects won many gold medals for Xia Nation at the Fog City Olympics?
Table tennis goes without saying, they'd definitely get gold medals until their hands went soft, but teams like that are highly sought after for sponsorship, making it tough to secure.
Badminton, however, could be worth pursuing, especially with Super Dan winning and endorsing.
Diving and swimming are also gold-winning events.
"Badminton, diving, swimming, shooting – these projects are all viable. Also, sign Super Dan as the spokesperson for Xingyi sports brand, for two years!"
"Okay, Chairman."
"Also, contact Xiao Li Zi, and sign him to endorse 'Happy Match 3'!"
"Xiao Li Zi, the one from 'Inception'?"
Jian Ziyan was very surprised:
"Someone of that caliber, the signing fee won't be low, it'll be 30 million RMB a year."
Wang Yi waved his hand:
"Minor matter. 'Happy Match 3' has a global monthly revenue of 2 billion RMB, we're not short of that."
"Good!"
Jian Ziyan nodded,
"Yes, 'Happy Match 3' is incredibly profitable!"
Launched for one month, revenue of 2 billion!
With this money-making ability, not aggressively advertising and promoting globally would be a waste of resources!
Xphone 1 and X Buds both need to consider production capacity.
But games don't!
As long as the servers are ready and don't crash, there's no big problem.
The more users, the more money earned, a definite economy of scale.
Jian Ziyan's efficiency was high, and results came two days later:
"Chairman, one good news, one bad news, which one do you want to hear?"
"Whichever."
"Alright!"
Jian Ziyan said:
"The bad news is that there are no opportunities for TOP sponsors, senior partners, and official partners of the Fog City Olympic Games."
Wang Yi: "..."
Though expected, he was still a bit disappointed.
"However, there are still spots for official suppliers. This type of sponsorship can be secured by paying. Plus, it's close to the Olympics, so the price is very low. 3 million US dollars can get you one year as an official supplier. Or, if you include the next Olympics, 10 million US dollars for five years!"
The highest-level TOP sponsor costs 80 million US dollars for four years, and the lowest-level official supplier costs 10 million US dollars for four, or even five years, which seems reasonable!
Wang Yi, however, waved his hand:
"Xingyi Technology started late, we didn't get a senior sponsor this time, but for the next Olympics, we must aim for a senior one. How can we settle for the lowest tier?"
"Chairman, do you mean we only secure one year of official supplier status this time, then contact the Olympic Organizing Committee to directly secure a four-year senior partnership for the next Olympic Games?"
Wang Yi nodded:
"Exactly. You contact them again. Samsung has probably already secured the TOP sponsor spot for the next one, so we don't have a chance there. But we can aim for a senior partner for the next one, signing a four-year contract directly."
"Okay, Chairman."
This time, the reply was quick.
Many sponsorship slots for the next session were vacant, and since Wang Yi was offering money, they naturally wouldn't refuse.
And they offered an attractive price.
40 million US dollars, Xingyi Technology secured a four-year senior partnership for the next Olympic Games!
And they'd throw in one year as an Olympic supplier for "Happy Match 3"!
This price was already very reasonable.
There was no other way, the Olympic Organizing Committee also needed to cultivate high-end benefactors, especially a wealthy type like Xingyi Technology.
Wang Yi was very satisfied with this.
40 million US dollars, or 258 million RMB, for a four-year Olympic senior partnership, plus one year as an Olympic supplier, was very suitable.
It was perfect timing to promote "Happy Match 3" in the final year of the Fog City Olympics.
After these Olympics, they would directly promote Xingyi Technology!
"Oh, Chairman, Xiao Li Zi's agent has also been contacted, but he hasn't directly agreed yet. He probably wants to first understand our company's situation and try out our products before deciding."
"Good."
Wang Yi was not surprised.
Xiao Li Zi these days was already an international superstar; frankly, he wasn't short of money.
To get him to endorse, money was only one aspect; he would also need to investigate first.
If he was let down by the brand, it wouldn't be worth it.
In fact, many big-name celebrities are very cautious about endorsements.
But for Xingyi Technology, this was not a problem at all.
True gold fears no fire.
Given Xingyi Technology's strength, it would be strange if Xiao Li Zi refused.
It was morning in the West when it was evening in the East.
Xiao Li Zi had just woken up, and his agent, Lisa, was already waiting at the door, with dark circles under her eyes:
"Finally awake. A Xia Nation game company wants you to endorse them. Want to take a look?"
"A Xia Nation game company wants me to endorse them?"
Xiao Li Zi frowned slightly:
"Isn't that a bit beneath me? My other endorsements are all luxury brands or international brands!"
"Yes, it's the first time for a game endorsement, but this game is extraordinary. I tried it, and it's incredibly fun. I played it for half the night yesterday and even topped up thirty US dollars!"
Xiao Li Zi laughed dryly:
"That's not like you, not going clubbing but playing games for half the night! What kind of game? So addictive. A shooting game? A tower defense game?"
"No, it's a match-3 game called 'Happy Match 3'. It's really fun and gets more addictive the more you play. You should try it!"
Saying that, the agent handed the phone to Xiao Li Zi:
"This is it. I feel it has great potential and will become a globally popular game."
"That good? Lisa, your taste is getting lower and lower."
Xiao Li Zi was a bit incredulous, but out of trust in his agent, he still took the phone:
"For your sake, I'll play one round. I want to see what charm it possesses that makes you so engrossed."
"You'll be surprised,"
Lisa said with a smile.
Soon, one round ended, and Xiao Li Zi pouted:
"Don't say it, it's a bit interesting, let's play another round!"
Then, the second round ended:
"This game is good, continue."
Third round... fourth round...
He said he'd only play one round, but Xiao Li Zi got hooked and played for half an hour straight.
"Darling, you can stop and rest for a bit."
But Xiao Li Zi irritably said,
"Shut, UP! Don't disturb me from clearing the levels!"
"..."
Lisa wasn't angry, instead she smiled:
"Alright, you're hooked too."
After playing for another ten minutes, Xiao Li Zi made a careless mistake and failed the challenge!
"F***, I was careless!"
"Use props."
Lisa: "..."
It wasn't until he ran out of energy that Xiao Li Zi finally stopped:
"What's going on? Can't play anymore? Have to buy energy bottles!"
Saying that, he clicked recharge again.
Lisa was speechless:
"This is my account!"
"Yes, your account, that's why my feel for it isn't good. I need to get my own account, maybe I can clear all the levels directly!"
Xiao Li Zi said with a smile.
Lisa sighed:
"See, you're hooked too."
Xiao Li Zi: "..."
"Let's play the game later, let's talk about the endorsement first."
"Right, endorsement! Endorsement!"
Xiao Li Zi finally snapped back to reality:
"Such a fun game definitely has a future, I'll take it. But my endorsement fee isn't cheap, it's 5 million US dollars a year!"
"They are willing to sign for two years directly!"
"Two years!"
Xiao Li Zi was a bit surprised:
"At least 8 million US dollars for two years, is this Xia Nation company so wealthy?"
"Of course, I checked their information. I didn't know until I checked, and then I was startled."
Lisa said with a smile:
"Xingyi Technology doesn't specialize in games, but in mobile phones. The famous Xphone 1 was made by them."
"Xphone 1? Never heard of it, a small brand, right?"
Xiao Li Zi was confused.
"True, they only sell in Xia Nation, not globally, so it's normal you don't know. But the sales are terrifying, over nine million units sold in two months after launch!"
"What? How many?"
Xiao Li Zi couldn't sit still, he abruptly stood up:
"Over nine million units? In two months? Are you kidding me?"
"Really, their Xphone 1 is exceptionally good!"
Lisa said, searching for Xphone 1 on her phone and showing it to Xiao Li Zi:
"Look, its aesthetics are better than the iPhone 4s, and its specs are also higher."
After looking, Xiao Li Zi was silent:
"It does look better than the iPhone 4s, no wonder it sold so well."
"Furthermore, Xingyi Technology also developed the social software 'Changliao', which is also very popular in Xia Nation. And Meiyou Technology, Meiyou International Mall, Pure Desire style, etc., are all their products."
Lisa rattled on:
"I can only say, this is a young company, and also a great company."
Xiao Li Zi nodded:
"You're right, but I still don't want to accept the endorsement for 'Happy Match 3'."
"???"
Lisa was full of confusion:
"Why? You're already addicted to this game, why are you still unwilling to accept it?"
Xiao Li Zi smiled slightly:
"Because I want to become Xingyi Technology's global brand ambassador!"
"..."
Lisa breathed a sigh of relief, giving a thumbs up:
"You're as insightful as ever. Xingyi Technology is definitely a great brand, and you'll be glad for today's decision."
Xiao Li Zi nodded:
"Go contact them, once it's set, I'll fly directly to Xia Nation!"
"Good!"
Soon, Jian Ziyan received Lisa's reply and then relayed it to Wang Yi:
"Chairman, Xiao Li Zi has agreed to the endorsement, but he doesn't just want to endorse 'Happy Match 3'; he wants to be the brand ambassador for Xingyi Technology!"
Wang Yi smiled:
"This guy has good foresight."
Endorsers are categorized in several ways: one is an endorser for a specific product, for example, only endorsing 'Happy Match 3'.
Another is an endorser for a product category, such as endorsing several mobile phones of a certain brand.
Then there are endorsers for several product categories, like Reba in her previous life, who endorsed Dior's global makeup and fragrance categories, and was also a Dior brand ambassador!
And then there's the brand endorser, who directly endorses and promotes an entire brand!
For example, Xiaomi once had the champion Su Shen as their brand endorser.
Originally, Wang Yi only wanted Xiao Li Zi to endorse "Happy Match 3," but unexpectedly, Xiao Li Zi was so optimistic about Xingyi Technology that he directly wanted to be the brand endorser for Xingyi Technology!
This way, he wouldn't just be endorsing "Happy Match 3," but also Xphone 1, and the future Xphone 1 Pro, Xingyi Pad, X Buds...
Of course, the endorsement fee would also be much higher, but that wasn't an issue.
With a top international superstar like Xiao Li Zi endorsing them, Xingyi Technology's internationalization would start on a much higher footing, and brand recognition and sales wouldn't be a problem.
Although Xingyi phones cannot yet be sold globally, Xingyi Pad and X Buds have no such issues and can be sold worldwide!
Even future Xingyi TVs can go international directly!
Even if it costs double the money, it's absolutely worth it!
Moreover, even though Xingyi phones cannot currently be sold globally, with Xiao Li Zi's endorsement, their international reputation can be established early, allowing the world to see the power of Xingyi phones.
In the future, when patents are abundant, global sales of Xingyi phones will naturally follow.
Wang Yi said decisively:
"Yes, let Xiao Li Zi be the brand ambassador for Xingyi Technology. As for the endorsement fee, it's not a problem, whether it's 8 million US dollars a year or 10 million US dollars a year, it's acceptable. You go negotiate!"
"Okay, Chairman!"
Jian Ziyan was in a great mood, never expecting Xingyi Technology's first endorser to be an international superstar, leading directly to internationalization.
Wang Yi didn't concern himself with the subsequent matters, leaving them to Jian Ziyan.
Instead, he was preparing for a new product launch!
Entering February, the new product launch had to be scheduled.
But then, Wang Yi received a call from Cai Zisong:
"Chairman, WeChat has updated and launched a WeChat Moments feature similar to our Changliao Moments."
Wang Yi smiled:
"Launched right after the New Year, looks like they didn't take a holiday for the New Year!"
"Yes, the entire WeChat development and testing departments worked overtime, not resting a single day during the New Year."
Wang Yi nodded:
"I see, just Moments, what about other features?"
"Other features haven't been launched yet, like nearby food, nearby travel haven't been launched. Voice-to-text hasn't been launched, as for video calls, they've only just started developing it, probably another month."
"Good, let them slowly catch up. WeChat poses little threat to our Changliao."
Wang Yi smiled faintly:
"Perfect, our upcoming launch event should also release new features!"
As for the launch event time, Wang Yi originally planned for February 1st, but considering the signing of brand endorser Xiao Li Zi, he decided to push it back a few days.
Once the endorser is finalized, they will officially announce his appearance at the launch event!
This would maximize the natural effect, potentially causing a global sensation!
The development of Xingyi Technology is destined for internationalization.
Even if phones temporarily can't go overseas, all other products must go overseas, sailing with the wind!
After several days of negotiation and communication, both parties agreed on the cooperation intention.
On February 2nd, Xiao Li Zi flew to the Imperial Capital and came to Xingyi Technology.
"Chairman Wang, I finally meet you, my idol!"
Xiao Li Zi extended his hand, greeting him warmly.
Over these past few days, he had gained a deeper understanding of Xingyi Technology's development process and was increasingly shocked.
He felt that Xingyi Technology's development was like a business miracle, and Wang Yi was definitely a legendary figure!
"Chairman Wang, I dare say, if Xingyi Technology continues to develop like this, you can become a great existence like Steve Jobs!"
Wang Yi laughed dryly, humbly saying:
"You flatter me, it's just good luck, choosing the right trend."
"This isn't luck, but keen insight, a visionary strategic layout, absolute strength, and powerful courage, none of which can be lacking!"
Xiao Li Zi said with a smile:
"I am honored to be the brand endorser for Xingyi Technology and to witness the gradual rise of a future tech giant."
Wang Yi teased:
"Then you'll have to be prepared, Xingyi Technology has many products, you'll have to shoot several commercials!"
"It's alright, I'm happy to do so. To leave a significant mark in the development history of a great brand is a vision every celebrity dreams of."
Xiao Li Zi said with a smile:
"Besides, Chairman Wang is so generous. Endorsing other brands gives me 5 million US dollars a year. Endorsing Xingyi Technology, you directly gave me 8 million US dollars a year, which is equivalent to two years of endorsement fees from other brands!"
Wang Yi smiled:
"Want to sign for a few more years?"
Just kidding, how can a businessman lose money?
The reason for giving an extra three million US dollars was to entice Xiao Li Zi to sign for a few more years.
In two years, Xiao Li Zi's endorsement fee wouldn't just be 8 million US dollars, it wouldn't stop at 10 million, let alone endorsing multiple products across the entire brand!
In 2011, Oppo spent 5 million US dollars to invite Xiao Li Zi to endorse their phones.
Moreover, Wang Yi's contract with Xiao Li Zi was for the entire brand, not just Xingyi phone endorsement, but also tablets, TVs, earphones, and even food delivery, ride-hailing, and other full-brand endorsements!
"Yes, I have no problem!"
Xiao Li Zi was beaming with joy.
Currently, his annual income was only 30 million to 77 million US dollars.
The reason for such a large gap mainly depends on whether a movie's box office explodes or not.
If a movie's box office exploded, his remuneration would skyrocket several times, coupled with endorsement fees, reaching 70 million a year.
For example, "Inception" in 2010, which was a global hit, earned Xiao Li Zi 50 million US dollars in film remuneration, plus over 20 million in endorsement fees, totaling 77 million US dollars in one year.
But when the remuneration didn't explode, it was only 10 million US dollars, plus endorsement fees, only a little over 30 million.
Even Xiao Li Zi couldn't guarantee every movie would be a hit, let alone guarantee earning 50 million in remuneration every year.
On the contrary, in most cases, his remuneration was around 10 million, and his annual income was only about 30 million yuan.
Endorsing Xingyi Technology guarantees 8 million US dollars annually, accounting for a quarter of his total income, how could he refuse?
Moreover, such a high-quality brand is perfect for long-term cooperation.
(End of Chapter)