African Entrepreneurship Record

While everyone in Mbeya was offering suggestions for the strategy to conquer the Yake Kingdom, the office building of Heixinggen Food Enterprises in Vienna had also been selected.

Mueller, the Vienna Food Company general manager preselected by Ernst, was introducing the company headquarters' building to Ernst.

The new company is named using the convention of location plus function, thus it is called Vienna Food Company. The headquarters' main role is to oversee all food sector matters under the Heixinggen consortium, which is why it is built in the main urban area of Vienna where transportation and information are advanced.

"Your Highness, this is the new office location we've selected for the company. Its original owner was Count Antonio of Salzburg, who has been active in Salzburg and rarely comes to Vienna. Hence, this property had been vacant, so he planned to sell it. After several rounds of bargaining, I finally secured this building for the company within the budget," Mueller explained to Ernst.

"Hmm, the environment is quite nice, and the transportation is convenient. The location is well-chosen, allowing business operations to be handled efficiently from here," Ernst commented.

"Your Highness is quite right. I considered this point at the beginning. This location is slightly offset from the city center of Vienna, connecting to the nearby affluent district.

The surrounding environment is elegant and removed from the bustling downtown. The land prices around here are relatively high, but as long as we make some professional modifications to this building afterward, it will definitely make clients feel at home.

As the company headquarters, it certainly should leave a good impression on clients and also facilitate our work," Mueller said.

"You have been with us for a long time, having been quite capable in banking business. Moving you from finance to food production now, will it be uncomfortable?" Ernst asked.

Mueller quickly responded, "Your Highness, serving the consortium requires constant learning to progress, not relying on the industry one is engaged in. After receiving your instruction, I have already conducted extensive research on the food industry ahead of time and would not dare to fail your nurturing."

Ernst nodded and said, "Very good, but I still want to know your unique insights into the food industry, including your plans for the company's future development."

"After researching many materials and combining them with my previous work experience and everyday knowledge, I have some humble opinions about the food industry.

Currently, I believe that if our company operates according to traditional market models, it may end in disaster.

We are in an era of transformation, especially with the increasing impact of machinery on the food industry.

The traditional food industry operates with the most basic products and production methods, especially in Austria-Hungary and Russia, which are historically strong agricultural nations in Europe.

However, through research on recent agriculture and food industries in various countries, I find that North Germany, France, and others are accelerating their efficiency and utilization in grain processing, outpacing Austria-Hungary and Russia.

The application of machinery is the absolute main force, and currently, the horsepower of machines in Austria-Hungary cannot match that of Germany, France, and Britain.

Therefore, we should focus on the application of new equipment and new technology in the food sector in the future.

The disadvantages of Austria-Hungary are also our advantages in setting up the company there. Once we complete the industrial district construction on the banks of the Danube, we will be able to fill Austria-Hungary's gap in the relevant fields," Mueller spoke eloquently.

"It's excellent that you recognize this. Industrial development indeed significantly impacts agriculture, and using machinery more can lower our product's production costs. However, in the food industry, customer satisfaction is the ultimate measure.

Lower prices do not necessarily mean customers will buy, as it requires comprehensive consideration, such as taste, consumer demographic targeting, product quality, and marketing strength.

If the products are not well-promoted, they will also stagnate, so ensure proper packaging of products and invest in quality advertising.

Meanwhile, you should value expanding product varieties. Research more on food preservation and preparation methods, offering more options for customers to choose from," Ernst suggested to Mueller.

"Yes, Your Highness, I will absolutely pay attention to these matters in daily work," Mueller promised.

"What I mentioned earlier are mere ideas. What I'm about to tell you is the key focus; you must remember it well," Ernst said with a serious expression, "The biggest taboo in food is safety, so you must firmly grasp hygiene issues. Do not excessively add preservatives, and maintain a limit.

At the time, invite some experts to verify what amount is appropriate, and then establish strict unified standards.

Also, manage public opinion well, discreetly handle any trouble-making consumers, and prevent negative factors from spreading in society.

If it's a minor issue, compensate more and rectify it immediately, but if it's a major problem, don't make your own decision to cover it up. Report it to me promptly, or else weigh the consequences yourself..."

Hearing this, Mueller shivered all over and immediately said, "Your Highness, rest assured. I, Mueller, swear to God, will adopt your instructions as a work attitude and will never take these matters lightly."

Ernst was satisfied with Mueller's attitude and said amiably, "There's no need to worry too much. Making mistakes isn't terrible; what's terrible is hiding them. When it comes to work! As long as you are careful, you generally won't make major mistakes, particularly since your capabilities are quite good. Otherwise, such a big company wouldn't be entrusted to you. Check your work more often, and I'll arrange for a secretary to assist you, to remind you frequently."

Mueller, upon hearing this, said, "Thank you for your nurturing, Your Highness. I will definitely serve the company with utmost dedication."

"Very well, overall, pay attention to these keywords: technology, talent, food safety, advertising, and develop the company according to this line of thought," Ernst said, "Also, how is the progress on the industrial park's construction going recently?"

Hearing Ernst inquire about the industrial park, Mueller said, "The construction of the industrial park is underway. Currently, we are building roads to the docks and train station.

The land in that area has also been leveled, and factory buildings are being constructed. So far, two factory buildings have started: a flour mill and a sugar factory. Several more factories are in the blueprint stage.

The entire industrial park is expected to be fully completed by June this year. Once the machines are installed, production can commence."

"Very well. When the time comes, focus on recruitment activities and provide employees with ample safety education to standardize worker quality. After all, machines still require human operation, and hygiene is paramount in the food industry. Many people currently disregard sanitation, but our Vienna Food Company must not operate in such a manner. A large company must adhere to big company rules and avoid foolish actions that would damage our reputation," Ernst said.