11 questions with Sanan Makhmudov
1. Sometimes our talents begin to appear in childhood.
Did you have the prerequisites, interest for board games at early age?
Strong preconditions were not observed. But from childhood I loved to play classic board games. And two years ago I became interested in modern board games. My passion grew into a desire to invent games. I suppose playing games is a good reason to get together with friends, to break away from computer screens, following "back to the roots" new trend. It is a communication tool which brings a lot of positive emotions. People who play mind games live 7-8 years longer than others.
Sleep a little, eat a little, communicate with wise people older than you.
2. How are your profession and your business connected?
Did gained knowledge and experience help you in your dream?
I graduated from a Turkish lyceum and repeatedly won in the chemistry olympiads. I worked in the banking sector which is directly connected with finances. During the period of my working activity the financial literacy was much promoted. Thus the essence of Grand Bazaar game is the ability to make rational use of resources - to buy cheaper, sell more expensive, earn on the difference. It develops financial intelligence and sales skills. It is a kind of burse imitation. To create the game, you need to know Math on very good level as game value is also depends on the balance, from being able to give all the players the same opportunities and chances to win.
3. How was the name of game created?
Grand Bazaar literally means "big market" which is very closely linked with the principles of the game. It is also a famous oriental market in Istanbul. Grand Bazaar is associated with the East among people around the world, now it's the name of the game as well. French artist Roche used local attributes such as flag, national clothes, carpet patterns to create illustrations. I think he emphasized the local flavor in perfect way.
4. What skills does this game develop?
Mathematical and logic thinking. It happens on a subconscious level. Participants develop the tactics of how to get around the others. Grand Bazaar has passion, risk. Of course, the ultimate goal is to win. As Reynolds Knice said: "If you sit down at the table without the desire to win, do not sit."
5. Are you able to realize sales in Azerbaijan? How large is the demand among local customers? Where could I purchase Grand Bazaar game?
If we compare with foreign countries it is not well developed here. Their market of board games is already formed, ours is at the inception stage. It's the intellectual game that develop certain abilities and organize your leisure time with friends. We work closely with foreign publishing houses, they periodically replenish my own collection of board games. Typically players gathered in anti-cafes or coffee shops. Interest was growing and we decided to create a community. And in the future it would be great to have federation or association for board games in Azerbaijan. You can buy this game online or in the national store Chelebi, at the Lake Palace hotel and store Boon.az. The cost of the game is quite reasonable and adequate. This is a good gift that is made in Azerbaijan.
6. What type of advertising do you use to advance the game?
Word of mouth. - Internet. Indirect sales through forums, including foreign ones. Corporate purchases are also popular. Recently Grand Bazaar games were presented to the students by the University of Economics, ADA, Caucasus University. But the best advertising is feedback from players who had already participated in game.
7. What are the main difficulties you faced on the way of creating the game?
Lack of faith and friends' support on the first stage. At first the idea seemed to them ridiculous, then they tried to convince me and finally they started to help. Unformed board games market in Azerbaijan. Price policy. The price of the game is considered as inaccessible. It is - a pioneer company in Azerbaijan, which is engaged in the development of board games. Perhaps this factor suggests that people need a little time to accept innovation.
8. How was the community of board games created and can everyone join you?
First, we play with friends. Number of interested people began to expand. We started to play every week as soon as time and place were defined. Thus the community was created. To become a member, you need to subscribe to Board Gamers Baku page on Facebook and write about your wish. It's free. Depending on the game number of particpants vary from 2 to 10 people.
9. What do you plan to do in near future?
We plan to introduce the game to the Turkish and German markets. We are working on this at the moment, so Grand Bazaar can be purchased in Turkey and Germany very soon. That means the rules of the game will be available in Turkish, German, and Arabic languages. We have also invented new game about Azerbaijani cities the main rule of which is to make up words. We plan to create mobile app for this game.
10. Entrepreneur or employee?
Sensitive issue. It is a choice of individual. Someone can be successful as an employee, another person is able to manage perfectly his business. Or the person can cope with both fields. Everyone has own approach on making money.
11. Tips for young entrepreneurs. What kind of skills are beter to develop?
If you want to succeed in any field, write about it every week. Read about 200-300 books within 2-3 years. Success is guaranteed. You will become an expert in the desired field after 3 years. Sleep a little, eat a little, communicate with wise people older than you. Also I would like to recommend young people to read book by Lee Kuan Yew "From third world to first". It helped me personally, changed view on some things and gave confidence in certain matters.