Chapter 30: Brand Building and Image Deepening
In the creatively charged discussion room bathed in soft lighting, the round table resembled a magnetic force field, drawing Zhang Liang and his team together. Papers and creative sketches were scattered across the table, like the remnants of their minds colliding in an electrifying brainstorm. The atmosphere was as intense as a blazing flame, bursting with boundless energy.
Zhang Liang's gaze was steadfast, his eyes sharp with purpose. "Partners," he said, his voice filled with passion and resolve, like the deep resonance of a gong, commanding everyone's attention, "We've finally established a solid foothold in this ever-shifting market. Now, it's time to make our move. We must create a unique brand identity that will leave everyone awestruck. Let our products shine like the brightest star in the night sky, indelibly etched in the minds of consumers, becoming irreplaceable in their hearts." As he spoke, his hands moved with powerful gestures, as though he were a painter confidently sketching the grand future of their brand, painting a picture of success.
Xiao Zhao, fueled by a passionate spark, eagerly chimed in, "Zhang Liang, I believe we can use the principles of sustainability and innovation as our trump card. Today's consumers, much like bees tirelessly foraging through flowers, possess an extraordinary sensitivity and longing for eco-conscious and innovative products. If we can position ourselves as pioneers in the green innovation sector, it will be like a magnet, attracting a loyal following. Take Tesla, for example. When it first entered the automotive market, it was like a brave adventurer venturing into uncharted territory. In an era dominated by traditional fuel-powered cars, Tesla boldly focused on electric vehicles, plunging into a new, uncertain domain. It was like a master magician, blending sustainability and cutting-edge innovation into every move, leaving solid footprints as it navigated the darkness. From its revolutionary battery technology to the gradual perfection of autonomous driving, every step Tesla took was deliberate and powerful. Its brand image evolved from just being a car into a symbol of a new era of sustainable mobility and bold exploration of clean energy. Tesla's rise to prominence is a testament to the power of eco-conscious innovation, drawing countless environmental enthusiasts and tech pioneers, becoming a shining beacon in a competitive industry, and forever casting its unique glow." Xiao Zhao's excitement grew with every word, his body leaning forward, eyes alight with fiery ambition, and his confident smile seemed to announce to the world the impending triumph of their brand.
At this moment, the familiar, wise voice of the system echoed in Zhang Liang's mind, "Zhang Liang, 'A great vessel is completed only after much time; a square form has no corners.' You must remember, building a brand image is no quick feat. You must adopt a long-term vision and a grand perspective. This is like constructing a towering skyscraper—it's essential to lay a deep and solid foundation first, for only then can it stand firm against the storm and weather the test of time."
Zhang Liang nodded thoughtfully, his expression contemplative as he addressed the room, "Let us take a moment and listen closely. Laozi once said, 'A great vessel is completed only after much time; a square form has no corners,' and there is profound wisdom in these words. True greatness is often unpretentious, just like the vast ocean, which, though seemingly boundless and formless, contains immeasurable power within. Achieving great things is not instantaneous—it is like planting a seemingly insignificant seed, which, over many years, quietly takes root and grows, experiencing countless seasons, until it finally stands tall as a magnificent tree. This process requires patience and time. As we work on our brand, we cannot chase fleeting gains or expect to produce a viral hit overnight. We must focus on every detail, from carefully selecting the best materials to rigorously controlling the production process. Every step must reflect our commitment to sustainability and innovation. Consider Muji, for instance. It is a brand known for its simple, natural, and unpretentious style. In product design, Muji is like a skilled sculptor, removing all unnecessary embellishments to leave only the most pure and functional elements. Whether in home goods or clothing, every product is made from environmentally sustainable materials, and its production follows the principle of simplicity and efficiency. By adhering to this approach, Muji has carefully cultivated a brand image in the hearts of consumers—one that is understated yet profound, with a strong emphasis on quality and sustainability. Like a fine wine, Muji's brand has only grown more refined and appealing with time, garnering a devoted base of loyal customers who appreciate its philosophy. We too should craft every detail with the same dedication, letting our brand's charm develop and mature, ultimately radiating a unique and lasting brilliance."
On the set of a commercial shoot, the director stood in the center, animatedly explaining the shooting points to the actors. Zhang Liang stood silently to the side, fully immersed in the process, offering insightful suggestions when needed.
"This scene," Zhang Liang said, "we must evoke a strong sense of futurism and technology. Imagine the lighting as powerful, mesmerizing beams of energy, like something from a science fiction movie, drawing the viewers' gaze immediately." As he spoke, his hands gestured vividly through the air, illustrating the direction of the light. His focus was absolute, as if the perfect shot had already formed in his mind's eye.
The actors followed the director's instructions with full immersion, and Zhang Liang observed the scene with keen interest. "This advertisement," he thought to himself, "is like a meticulously crafted business card we're presenting to the consumer. It is our window to the world, a critical avenue for communication, and it must showcase our brand's essence flawlessly. Like graceful dancers on stage, we must convey the soul of our brand through every delicate gesture and every subtle expression, without a hint of negligence. Think of Apple's commercials—they are truly masterpieces. Apple has an uncanny ability to capture the core essence of its products, then convey them with vivid, emotionally charged visuals that encapsulate simplicity, elegance, and cutting-edge innovation. Whether it's the iPhone, with its astounding camera capabilities and intuitive operation, or the Mac, with its sleek design and unmatched performance, Apple's commercials resonate deeply with consumers, making them feel the brand's unique charm. That's why Apple remains a leader in the fiercely competitive tech industry, a benchmark that other brands can only aspire to."
At an industry media event, Zhang Liang stood confidently on stage, facing a sea of sharp-eyed reporters, yet he remained as composed as a mountain.
A reporter, with a subtle look of skepticism, raised his pen and notebook, ready to record Zhang Liang's response, "Mr. Zhang, your company has suddenly made a strong push into brand building—doesn't this seem a bit risky? After all, the market is like unpredictable weather, no one can foresee what will happen next."
Zhang Liang's smile curved with quiet confidence as he replied unhurriedly, "We are not taking a gamble, but rather following a strategy grounded in long-term vision. A brand is like the sail of a ship navigating the vast market ocean—without it, the ship drifts aimlessly, lost in the sea. Everything we're doing now is building a sail that is strong and unique. Though it requires time and energy, it will become the powerful force that propels us forward in the turbulent business waters. Laozi's words remind us to be patient and persistent, not swayed by temporary setbacks. Nike, for instance, started as a small sports brand, slowly growing through determination and strategic focus, eventually becoming a global powerhouse. Throughout its journey, Nike has consistently emphasized the spirit of sports and innovative technology. Like a keen-eyed talent scout, it signed top athletes whose performances embody Nike's ideals of self-challenge and pushing limits. In product development, Nike's innovation, from breakthroughs in air-cushioning technology to the creation of high-performance fabrics, has continually injected fresh vitality into its brand. Nike's path wasn't smooth, and it faced numerous obstacles, but through unwavering commitment to its core values and constant investment, it eventually became a symbol of perseverance and progress, admired by consumers worldwide."
Returning to the company, Zhang Liang and his team worked tirelessly to further refine their brand image. They organized a series of rich consumer experience activities, listening carefully to every feedback as if tending to a blooming garden, using those insights to fine-tune and optimize the brand image.
After months of consistent effort, the company's brand began to emerge clearly from the market, like a seed nurtured in the dark, slowly sprouting in the fertile soil. It began to attract increasing recognition and affection, like a once-dull star finally finding its place in the sky, shining with unique brilliance, capturing the attention of countless onlookers.
"A great vessel is completed only after much time; a square form has no corners." In this chapter, Zhang Liang's team applied this wisdom to their brand-building efforts. They did not rush to achieve quick results but focused on long-term considerations, perfecting the details and essence of their products, building their brand patiently, like crafting a flawless vessel. Through careful marketing campaigns, media interactions, and consumer engagement, they steadily established their brand, unshaken by short-term market fluctuations, and began to see the fruits of their labor.
Summary: In this chapter, Zhang Liang's team, guided by the wisdom of "A great vessel is completed only after much time; a square form has no corners," diligently crafted their brand image, achieving initial success. In the next chapter, how will Zhang Liang's team respond to imitators and malicious competition? How will they further enhance their brand's core competitiveness? Stay tuned for the next development.