Rookie Employee Kim Cheolsu Chapter 207

While Uhuru was talking with Barack, three men were sitting at the table in the palace.

‘Ah, that’s annoying. ‘Is it really okay to do this on my birthday?’

If it weren’t for Uhuru’s words, he would have left the men in front of him as is and run out onto the stage to have fun.

– The wireless mobile communication market will be the biggest business in Kenya. Be careful to choose a partner who can leave a lot of money for ATC. Because election activities will cost a lot of money.

Leonard Cook of Vodafone, the world’s second-largest mobile carrier.

Andy Chang of Kenya Telecom.

Lastly, Andrew Smith from Safaricom.

Two are British and one is Chinese.

They were arguing heatedly in front of him, criticizing the conditions they had brought.

However, the eyes looking at Bohoho were full of dissatisfaction.

In particular, Andy Chang openly expressed his dissatisfaction.

“This seems like a very rude way to go.”

“If you think it’s rude, leave. “Why don’t you bid on another powerful person?”

When Bohoho answered as if it didn’t matter, Andy Chang gritted his teeth.

Leonard Cook, who was also very dissatisfied, stepped forward first, but when he saw that the window was not even worth it, he kept his mouth shut and began negotiations in earnest.

Andrew, who was quietly watching this process, sighed.

‘It’s a complete reverse auction.’

The one who made the most advantageous offer to the wealthy was bound to win.

Compared to Kenya Telecom, which is backed by enormous Chinese capital, and Vodafone, which has the world’s second largest wireless communication market, Safaricom had no presence at all.

So it turns out that this conversation only took place between Andy Chang and Andrew Smith.

“As you know, Vodafone is the largest mobile telecommunications company in the world. No one can match its stability and technology. And we have partnerships with many leading mobile phone companies. “You will be able to use premium mobile phones sold on the black market at a low price.”

“Chinacom’s communication technology is already proven. “We will never be inferior to Vodafone in terms of technology, and we can supply much cheaper mobile phones.”

Buhoho watched the boring battle between the two men and then turned his attention to Andrew, who was silent.

“Does Safaricom have anything to say?”

Andrew opened his mouth as he looked at the three people.

“Our company has no intention of making money.”

Bohoho shook his head and asked at the absurd answer.

“What are you talking about?”

“It is a company created from the beginning for the development of telecommunications in Kenya. We can set the lowest communication rates. So that even ordinary people with poor income levels can use it. To do that, we need to expand base stations, and we need subsidies from the government.”

Bohoho shook his head lightly as if he was not interested.

Andy Chang and Leonard Cook laughed at Andrew.

The party hall erupted in cheers that were almost maddening, and Bohoho folded his open notebook as if he couldn’t bear it any longer.

“First of all, we’ll start negotiations again tomorrow. Today is my birthday. “I want to feel better too.”

Bohoho soon got up and headed to the party, and Andy Chang and Leonard Cook followed behind him.

But Andrew remained alone, gulping down the wine on the table and shaking his head.

‘shit. Money from the government should be used for the people. ‘It’s pathetic that it’s being used to fill the stomachs of a few people.’

After seeing the large figure of Bohoho running towards the party, I turned my eyes back to the table.

The cell phone on the seat where Bo Ho Ho was sitting caught his eye, and he picked it up out of curiosity.

“Is it a diamond? Nope. Flashy things are what people like here. What company’s product is this? SKY Teletec? “What company is this?”

Although it hasn’t been activated yet, I was able to turn it on and briefly test its performance.

The response of the 256-color LCD panel was very good, and the music played was at the level of an expensive premium product.

‘The specs are better than I thought?’

Andrew, who even took out his premium cell phone and compared it, let out an exclamation.

“I can’t believe a product from a company I’ve never heard of is this good. hmm···. “I wish I could bring this in cheaply.”

Andrew put the phone back to its original position and stood up.

“Then what should I do?”

If this opportunity was lost, Safaricom had no choice but to become a third-rate telecommunications company in Kenya.

However, Andrew was not confident that he would be able to overcome the two who would spend enormous amounts of lobbying money on Bohoho and Uhuru.

**

As the party neared its end, Kim Cheol-soo sat alone at the table and rested for a while.

I was so exhausted from singing for two hours and meeting people for five hours.

The phone with artificial diamonds attracted attention, but there was no talk of a deal.

When I asked Bohoho, he said that due to Kenyan legislation, ATC cannot officially sell mobile phones.

So, the point was that it had to be sold through a telecommunications company.

Or did you use the illegal black market?

“The CEOs of telecommunication companies are here, so let’s talk.”

Bohoho actively arranged the meeting.

“It’s a good phone.”

“It’s a really good idea to pave the outside with artificial diamonds.”

That’s what he said, but he didn’t seem to have the slightest interest in the cell phone he brought.

Because they were big enough companies to be able to procure their own mobile phones.

‘It’s difficult to do this. What should I do?’

Kim Cheol-soo, who was lost in thought with his eyes closed, opened his eyes to the voice of an unfamiliar man.

“nice to meet you. Are you Kim Cheol-soo of Hanyoung General Trading?”

Kim Cheol-soo opened his eyes and stood up, and Andrew held out his hand with a welcoming smile.

“It’s Andrew Smith.”

“Oh, nice to meet you.”

“I heard about it from Shin Kyeong-mi, a senior manager who leads the development site in the Toge region of Nigeria.”

Kim Cheol-soo smiled and waved at the word Shin Kyeong-mi.

“aha. nice to meet you.”

“Can I talk to you for a moment?”

“of course.”

“The drinks are already ready, are you okay?”

“I drank a little, but one or two drinks isn’t a problem.”

“He sang really well, it was like Elvis alive.”

“Just kidding!”

The two lightly clinked their glasses.

After taking a small sip of wine, Andrew’s eyes turned to the shiny cell phone in front of Kim Cheol-soo, and Kim Cheol-soo looked at Andrew and said.

“How do you know Manager Shin Kyeong-mi?”

“Uh, I found out about it while volunteering at the UNGC there.”

“UNGC?”

“huh. If you’re not interested, you won’t know. “It is an organization established in July 2000.”

“What are you doing here?”

“It is the world’s largest voluntary corporate citizenship initiative that internalizes the 10 principles in the areas of human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption into corporate operations and management strategies, and actually runs the company through them…”

Andrew explained the UNGC diligently, and when he finished speaking, Kim Cheol-soo’s expression changed.

“Are you running a business?”

“ah! I didn’t introduce myself. “I’m the CEO of a small telecommunications company in Kenya called Safaricom.”

“Telecom company?”

Kim Cheol-soo’s eyes sparkled.

There’s no time to relax here

Nairobi, the capital of Kenya.

It was like an ethnic mosaic where about 40 traditional African tribes and many foreigners lived together.

However, due to rapid urban expansion, it was also a city filled with problems such as security problems, serious levels of air and water pollution, the world’s largest slum, high unemployment rates, and a huge gap between the rich and the poor.

Uhuru Kenyatta, who entered the world of politics thanks to his father’s influence, continued to increase his influence, and is now at the point where he is running for president.

However, there were rivals in each region, and since it was a direct election system, a way to win over the hearts of the people was needed.

“How on earth did you become the biggest businessman in Kenya?”

Uhuru muttered as he looked at the huge fleshy body of the boohoho that had become caked with alcohol and was spread out on the bed.

“wake up.”

Although it was said to be a party, Uhuru only had a few drinks and looked in good spirits as he chatted about policy with many people.

After Uhuru tapped him a few times, Buhoho barely stood up with red eyes.

“We partyed until dawn, let me get some sleep!”

“It’s already 12 o’clock. “People are waiting for you.”

“who?”

“I heard you said you would negotiate again today?”

“Oh, that. What is there to call negotiation? “I’ve already made up my mind.”

“Then go quickly and finish the story.”

“okay. “I knew.”

**

Kim Cheol-soo continued to drink coffee in one corner of the living room.

I talked to Andrew all night yesterday, and thanks to that, I was relieving my extreme fatigue with caffeine.

Andy Chang from Kenya Telecom and Leonard Cook from Vodafone were each sitting in a corner of the spacious reception room, talking quietly.

Kim Cheol-soo, who was watching the two, was handed the document Andrew gave him.

“This is the fee schedule for the services we plan to provide to the people.”

There was one memory that came to mind while listening to Andrew’s company story.

A company called Yuhan Corporation founded by Dr. Ilhan Ilhan.

Of course, it deteriorated slightly after the change of management, but it was a company that insisted on a clean management method that did not use corrupt methods and did not collude with those in power.

Andrew in front of me was a businessman with a similar mindset.

“I assure you, there is no place that can provide communication services at a cheaper price than Safaricom. “Even the cheapest rate is 20 shillings per month.”

20 shillings was equivalent to approximately 300 won in Korean currency.

Considering that the cheapest communication service in Korea costs 7,900 won, the price was extremely cheap.

“Premium service fees are close to half of other carriers.”

“Isn’t it difficult to make a profit this way?”

“Because it’s not a business that tries to make a profit. “This is a project we are doing for the development of Kenya.”

“It has the mindset of a public enterprise.”

“Well, actually, even if you set the price that way, there’s still quite a bit left over. “We can pay our employees well and have money to give back to the community.”

“Oh, really?”

“There is enough left to invest. “If we can get government funding to build base stations, more people will benefit.”

Kim Cheol-soo held a cup of coffee in one hand and looked at Andrew who was talking passionately.

Although he was well over 50 years old this year, he was a person with a strong body and mind.

Of course, his ideal and reality could be different.

But that didn’t matter much to Kim Cheol-soo.

If SKY Teletech could handle its overflowing inventory, it could do business with the mafia.

“To receive government support, we need to get help from Kenyatta’s family. However, I am not confident that I can overcome the lobbying of other corporations that are overflowing with money and rotting away. Where have all the bags carried by the employees following those guys gone yesterday…”

Whether in business, politics or lobbying, it was the most basic means of persuasion.

Because it is a decision made by people.

However, as lobbying funds increase, consumers are bound to suffer losses as business owners who win business try to extract lobbying costs from consumers who want to use the service.

‘The reason Safaricom can set such low service costs is because it doesn’t use a single penny of lobbying money.’

Although he still looked tired, Kim Cheol-soo smiled and nodded.

“You’re proactive.”

“I heard it from Shin Kyeong-mi. I also heard that she is close to the Kenyatta family. “It was a hopeless situation not long ago…”

Andrew glanced back and smiled.

“I guess I’m in a position where I’m hanging on by a rope right now?”

“It’s a rope. Well, depending on whether they import our cell phones or not, that could be a rotten tie.”

“I talked about it yesterday, but it can’t be done at a high price. “Products that are too expensive do not fit our policy.”

“It’s good to have faith. Just wait a moment. “You will be contacted soon.”

Kim Cheol-soo turned his eyes to the fare list again.

All plans were short-term contracts of 1 month.

Except for countries like Korea where people have a resident registration card and their identity is certain, long-term contracts are generally not signed.

“The phones we offer belong to the premium range.”

“I know. Even when compared to the most expensive Nokia or Motorola products, it is not far behind. “And even the exterior matches our tastes.”

“People with a lot of money will use it.”

“yes. “Most of them are civil servants or businessmen.”

“I guess this is the person receiving the identity verification?”

“Well, to a certain extent. But why is that?”

Andrew tilted his head in response to Kim Cheol-soo’s question.

“How about a contract service?”

“agreement?”

“If you use this product, you are making a promise to use this service for one to five years.”

“Who keeps that promise?”

Kim Cheol-soo took a sip of coffee and opened his mouth.

“If you don’t keep your promise, you will be subject to a penalty. Instead, if you sign a contract, the service cost or device price is reduced.”

“hmm.”

“For Safaricom, there is expected stable profit in the long term, and for consumers, the service is available at a cheaper price. For those with a somewhat secure identity who use premium plans. “It’s a win-win for both.”

Andrew clenched his chin and lost himself in thought at the fresh, unexpected suggestion.

Then he immediately took out his laptop from his bag and started tapping on it excitedly.

– Tiding.

A cell phone notification rang in Kim Cheol-soo’s pants pocket.

This was the reply from SKY Teletech.

Kim Cheol-soo checked the number sent in the message and closed his phone again.

After thinking about it for about 10 minutes, Andrew straightened his back and looked at Kim Cheol-soo.

“···good idea. “It’s a better idea than anything else our employees have brainstormed so far.”

It was natural.

Because it was a method used very naturally in Korea.

Just as Koreans don’t know how cell phone plans are used in Japan or the United States, Andrew just didn’t know about Korea.

“I think we can supply mobile phones for around $400.”

“The average annual income in Kenya is $700. “It’s a price that can only be achieved by pouring in seven months’ worth of salary.”

“Isn’t it difficult to bring up the trap of averages? “After all, we are targeting people who are well off.”

Andrew tried to lower the price of the mobile phone a little more, but Kim Cheol-soo was steadfast.

“Think about it, Andrew. “Considering that Motorola phones cost between $700 and $800 in the black market here, it is a cheap price.”

“But really rich people will buy Motorola, Nokia or Samsung phones. “If we’re not careful, we might have to rob our inventory.”

“It’s a stock raid.”

Kim Cheol-soo drank the remaining coffee and asked the serving employee for another cup.

“Do you know the brand called Chanel?”

“You can’t not know. It’s a world-class luxury product. “It’s also a brand that my ex-wife loves to death.”

“Was that product a luxury product from the beginning?”

“···That can’t be possible.”

“Do you know why it was so successful?”

Andrew, who had no interest in fashion at all, shook his head.

“I don’t know about that.”

Because Choi Hye-na talked to him beside him, Kim Cheol-soo knew some information about the fashion industry.

“Because it was popular in aristocratic society. “Products loved by royalty and nobles eventually become liked by the common people as well.”

“It’s not something that would happen in a democratic society, but there is definitely an aristocratic class.”

Kim Cheol-soo nodded and opened his mouth.

“Did you see the cell phone in Uhuru’s hand?”

“huh. The phone you gave me as a gift… Oh, really…?”

Andrew opened his eyes as if he realized something.

“Those two go to a lot of official appearances. Every single prop they carry attracts people’s attention. Giving it as a gift and having it carried around is one of the most efficient marketing methods. “It’s a kind of sponsorship.”

“So that’s what you were thinking when you gave me that phone as a gift?”

“huh. I thought ATC could import it. Once they have the money, they will advertise on their own. “But they said that because of Kenyan law, I had to use a telecommunications company.”

Kim Cheol-soo looked at the other camp and spoke while sipping his freshly brewed warm coffee.

“As you can see, it’s a cheap but high-performing phone. And I have a close relationship with the Kenyatta family.”

“···”

“It’s not a good idea to try to negotiate with me. If anything happens, I can just talk to them again.”

It was a remark that could have made him feel bad in some cases, telling him to consider it a blessing just to have been given the opportunity.

However, Andrew realized that the balance of power had already shifted far in favor of Kim Cheol-soo.

“It’s $400.”

Andrew sighed with a worried expression.

“And if I were the president of Safari Phone, I’d put ATC in our midst.”

“What are you talking about?”

“So that ATC can also take advantage of the margin.”

“Then the price of the cell phone supplied becomes more expensive, right?”

“People with money will buy it anyway. “Even with that margin, it’s much cheaper than other Premier phones.”

Andrew looked at Kim Cheol-soo blankly, as if he was possessed by something.

“If you can’t lobby, you have to make money. The two of you can discuss the method on your own. “I don’t know much about Kenyan law.”

“ah···!”

‘If you can’t lobby, let me make money…’

Andrew exclaimed and recalled the story he had with Shin Kyeong-mi early in the morning.

– Manager Kim is a great person. If you become friends, it will definitely help you.

After hearing a few words of conversation with him, my eyes seemed to open up.

“Sure… that will work. “As the transaction progresses over a long period of time, it can bring in more profits than the money received through lobbying.”

“There is no need to use unfair means such as lobbying. “It doesn’t violate the UNGC guidelines they follow.”

Kim Cheol-soo asked with a grin.

“But can you persuade Bohoho?”

Andrew also burst into laughter at Kim Cheol-soo’s question.

“I fed him everything like this, but if I can’t do it, I’m an idiot.”

“So now I guess I have to pay for my hard work?”

Kim Cheol-soo said as he took out a contract from an old bag.

Andrew looked at the contract and spoke to Kim Cheol-soo.

“You have to sign a contract on the premise that you can receive subsidies for the mobile communications business.”

“of course.”

fantasy, modern,