Core Viewpoint - Zhang Xuefeng, a prominent figure in the college application consulting industry, faces significant backlash as his social media accounts are banned, indicating potential issues with his business model and practices [2][10]. Group 1: Business Practices and Market Position - Zhang Xuefeng has established himself as a dominant player in the college application consulting market, overshadowing competitors in terms of size, reputation, and profitability [3]. - His success is attributed to his ability to generate attention through provocative statements and marketing strategies that exploit societal anxieties regarding education [6][12]. - The pricing for his services, such as college application consulting, ranges from 13,000 to 19,000 yuan, with reports of significant sales during live broadcasts [6][8]. Group 2: Controversial Statements and Public Perception - Zhang has made extreme statements that have drawn criticism, such as disparaging certain academic fields, which have been labeled as exacerbating educational anxiety [5][6]. - His claims of providing "big data precision reporting" and "100% admission guarantee" have been met with skepticism, with parents questioning the actual value of the services offered [6][12]. - The backlash against his marketing tactics has led to a growing awareness of the potential exploitation of parents' concerns, suggesting a shift in public sentiment towards accountability in the education sector [12][13]. Group 3: Future Outlook and Industry Trends - The rise of AI-driven college application tools and the establishment of public information channels by the government may threaten the viability of Zhang's business model, which relies on exploiting information asymmetries [12]. - The increasing public demand for fairness in education and accountability from influencers indicates a potential decline in the effectiveness of Zhang's current strategies [12][13]. - The ongoing controversies surrounding his practices suggest that his business may be approaching a critical juncture, with the possibility of a significant decline in influence and profitability [10][13].

Core Viewpoint - The dialogue reveals the multifaceted identity of Zhang Xuefeng, highlighting his roles in education, business, and public affairs, while emphasizing his genuine approach to helping parents and students navigate the complexities of college admissions [1][2]. Group 1: Government and Education Insights - Zhang emphasizes the importance of local government work reports for parents when making decisions about their children's education and career paths, suggesting that these reports provide critical insights into local industry and employment opportunities [5][7]. - The company actively engages in charitable activities, donating approximately 5 million yuan annually to support education in various regions, reflecting its commitment to social responsibility [10][11]. Group 2: Company Management and Strategy - Zhang's management style is characterized by a hands-off approach, allowing his team to handle day-to-day operations while he focuses on strategic decisions and new business initiatives [19][20]. - The company prioritizes quality in its educational materials, with Zhang personally reviewing all teaching resources to ensure they meet high standards before being offered to students [19][21]. Group 3: Business Philosophy and Employee Relations - Zhang believes that successful entrepreneurship is about creating a fair profit-sharing mechanism rather than merely focusing on revenue generation [31]. - The company does not set specific KPIs for employees, instead fostering a culture where employee satisfaction and personal growth are prioritized [32][33]. Group 4: Market Position and Pricing Strategy - Zhang supports regulatory measures against overpriced college admission services, asserting that such actions are necessary to maintain industry integrity [52][53]. - He expresses confidence that his company's pricing reflects the value of its services, suggesting that quality will prevail over lower-priced competitors in the long run [55][56]. Group 5: Personal Insights and Future Aspirations - Zhang emphasizes the importance of enjoying life and not equating success with financial metrics, advocating for a focus on personal fulfillment and meaningful experiences [118]. - He envisions a legacy that impacts future generations, highlighting the role of his company in shaping the educational journeys of students and the lives of their families [118][120].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the increasing complexity and commercialization of college entrance examination (Gaokao) volunteer filling in China, highlighting the significant market growth and the emotional and financial stakes involved for families [3][5][29]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - The market for volunteer filling services has grown tenfold over the past decade, reflecting the rising importance of strategic choices in education [3][5]. - The price of volunteer filling services has increased, with notable examples such as Zhang Xuefeng's services selling out quickly after price hikes [3][5]. - The number of companies involved in Gaokao volunteer filling has surged, with over 1,300 operating in China, predominantly in high-stakes provinces like Hebei [23]. Group 2: Changes in Filling Mechanisms - The transition from gradient to parallel volunteer systems has made the filling process more complex, with the introduction of real-time ranking systems in regions like Inner Mongolia [6][9]. - The new Gaokao system allows for a significantly larger number of choices, with some provinces enabling students to fill out up to 270 professional preferences [9][10]. - The importance of specific majors has increased due to the limited number of prestigious universities, which has remained constant while the number of available majors has expanded dramatically [10][11]. Group 3: Emotional and Financial Stakes - The pressure on students and families is immense, as the choice of major and university can significantly impact future career prospects and income [13][19]. - The article emphasizes that the decision-making process for students is often fraught with uncertainty, leading to a reliance on external advice and services [26][27]. - The financial implications of these choices are profound, with high margins reported for volunteer filling consultation services, indicating a lucrative market for providers [24][25].