"Feng, Liu, I think you should recognize the fact that when it comes to PCs, we, IBM, are the best." Gerstner emphasized.
That’s all old history. Perhaps ten years ago, IBM was the absolute dominant player. But since IBM shifted its focus to software, IBM’s PC dominance has gradually been lost, and it has even fallen behind Dai Er and Huipu. He Lianxiang thought that if it weren't for the support of many long-term and large orders in the US market, IBM would have fallen out of the top five.
For example, in the previous life, Lianxiang acquired IBM's PC business. At that time, IBM's PC sales declined severely because the government orders in the United States had been replaced, and they were afraid that Lianxiang would "open the back door" in those computers! This is also the reason why China must independently develop computers.
"I don't know how you define the best concept, but from product design to cost performance to sales, IBM is not the best. Of course, except for the IBM brand. But you have to admit that in North America, you Even Dai Er and Huipu can't suppress it, and Europe has been surpassed. As for Asia, the market with the greatest potential, we have the final say now."
"I admit that IBM is still leading the world in some technologies, but a PC does not just mean it is leading in one technology. Everyone must consider all aspects when buying a computer. IBM is defined as a high-end personal computer, but in terms of performance , I can’t see where it is high-end. Blindly consuming the added value of brands is a very stupid approach.”
Liu Chuanzhi's words were very rude, pointing out that IBM's computer sales are consuming the brand. Although IBM's brand is strong, as its products become worse and worse, sales will decline more and more sharply.
But these words are also true. IBM has been said by many people in the past two years that its products lack new ideas and its prices remain high. A truly high-end personal PC must outperform other personal PCs in terms of performance. But now, not only have they not been able to achieve full performance, many laptops from other brands that are cheaper than IBM laptops even have better performance than IBM's!
"But in North America, Lianxiang is far inferior to IBM, so I think that at least in North America, sales should be dominated by IBM. Sales in China and even the entire Asia can be handed over to Lianxiang Group. This This is the true complementarity of channel advantages and resources.”
Feng Yu couldn't help but said at this time: "Do you really think that without IBM's help, we can't sell Lianxiang in North America? There are many large companies in North America, and they are now using Lianxiang computers, including Yixiang." Top companies such as Baidu and Amazon. Of course, it also includes companies like Yingweida and Kingston, as well as companies with great potential such as Guge. As long as we promote it properly and with price advantage alone, we can seize the market."
"In Europe, we have strong partners. Philips and Thomson are both the world's top consumer electronics companies. Lianxiang's sales in Europe are rising steadily, and in the Eastern European market, we are already the number one in the industry. ”
"Feng, you underestimate the brand effect. This is North America, not Asia, nor Europe. We at IBM have many loyal consumers." Gerstner emphasized, "And we have more stores, these are What you don’t have.”
Feng Yu smiled and asked: "What do you think will happen if I personally endorse Lianxiang Computer?"
Of course Feng Yu was just talking, he was not interested in letting him speak for himself.
Guo Shina was shocked. What did Feng Yu say? He wanted to endorse Lianxiang Computer? Doesn’t Feng Yu never like to appear in front of the media
If it is really Feng Yu who personally endorses the advertising, then it is really possible for consumers to buy it. These businessmen are also big stars in the eyes of ordinary people, and they are more dazzling than ordinary stars. They know very well how much sales a top celebrity can bring to a product. Doesn't IBM also look for those celebrities to endorse it
Liu Chuanzhi added at this time: "You two, I think if you cooperate with us and hand over all sales to our Lianxiang Group, then I guarantee that IBM's profits will increase. I will promote IBM as if it were Lianxiang, and I will not favor one over another." .”
Gerstner and Peng Mingsheng looked at each other and realized that they were at a disadvantage during the negotiation. When IBM negotiated with others, it was actually at a disadvantage!
But what Liu Chuanzhi meant was to hand over all the sales of IBM's personal computers to Lianxiang, including sales in North America, which naturally included IBM's original sales channels.
These values cannot be said to be immeasurable, but they are also extremely high.
More importantly, if this happens, wouldn't IBM's personal computer sales in the future depend on Lianxiang's face? Although IBM has shifted its focus to software and services at this time, and plans to increase its investment in technology research and development, personal computers are still profitable. If you leave this to Lianxiang, you are not waiting for Lianxiang to annex IBM's personal computers. What
Liu Chuanzhi said that he would treat IBM like Lianxiang, which is simply impossible. If it were the same promotion effort, relying on Lianxiang's strong price advantage and advertising, it would be impossible for IBM's sales to increase.
Peng Mingsheng suddenly had an idea in his heart. He felt that Lianxiang Group wanted to annex IBM's PC business!
He immediately pushed this terrible thought out of his mind. How is this possible? Which company dares to say that it can annex IBM's PC business? We are IBM, the creator of the PC!
But if IBM's PC sales are completely handed over to Lianxiang Group, it is equivalent to handing over half of its lifeblood to the other party.
In terms of PC design and research and development, there is really no company that has more advantages than Lenovo. Whether it is a desktop or a notebook, Lenovo has demonstrated the strongest competitiveness. Price, design, performance, brand, all are strong!
Peng Mingsheng raised his head and looked at Liu Chuanzhi. He seemed to really see Liu Chuanzhi's desire in Liu Chuanzhi's eyes, his desire to annex IBM's personal computer business.
If the PC is sold to Lianxiang Group, no, merged into Lianxiang Group, then IBM can obtain part of Lianxiang Group's shares, and at the same time it can focus more on the development of software and services, and more on technology development, which seems to be okay. not good.
Didn't Microsoft get to where it is today with the support of IBM? Many people say that if IBM had directly acquired Microsoft, then the industry dominance would have been IBM. Now that IBM has been surpassed by Microsoft, it seems easier to regain the industry leader if we focus on one thing, right
"Make a decision. You should know in your hearts what is more beneficial to IBM." Feng Yu urged.
"Feng, I don't think any company can make such a hasty decision to hand over the sales of the company's important products to another company. We need to discuss this matter in the board of directors, but we will give you an answer as soon as possible." said the voice.
Feng Yu never thought that he could get IBM to compromise with just a few words, but it seemed that both Gerstner and Peng Mingsheng had hesitated, and that was enough.
I believe Liu Chuanzhi can do the rest of the work well.
"I'm waiting for your good news."
…
(End of chapter)