Flexibility is key to being an entrepreneur: Azahn Munas

Azahn Munas talks his new giveaway platform Bingo and entrepreneurship in a new age

Being an entrepreneur is more than just a decision to start a business – it is a calling. It is being able to step up and take immense risks and responsibility, not just for yourself and your own livelihood but for that of others as well.

Like with all spheres of life, the digital age and the light-speed technological development of the last few years have seen a new age of entrepreneurship rise – one that makes itself relevant to the modern day and allows the young entrepreneur to thrive.

Azahn Munas is one such new-age entrepreneur. Sri Lankan-born but raised overseas (in Australia and the UK since the age of seven) Azahn, now 29, has been entrepreneurial from the start, and over the years has formed quite a few ventures. With a degree in Advertising and Marketing, Azahn is passionate about media and the creative arts. In 2020, he moved back to Sri Lanka with his family, bringing his experience to the table. One of his core businesses is Worx Coworking spaces, and his newest venture is the giveaway platform Bingo.

The Sunday Morning Brunch caught up with Azahn for a chat on Bingo and what the mindset of a new-age entrepreneur needs to be.

Following are the excerpts of the interview:

 

What made you decide to be an entrepreneur?

To be honest, I never wanted to be an ‘entrepreneur’ and I didn’t fully understand what that term meant until very recently. I did, however, always want to do something that would make a difference in some way – whether that be social, financial, or even through entertainment. I believe communication is an incredibly powerful tool and a lot of my business ideas stem from this ethos.

You’re also behind Worx Coworking spaces. How did that come about and when did the shift back to Sri Lanka in terms of business take place? What fuelled it?

WORX came about after the global pandemic hit. At the time, I was working at WeWork in London and had to come home to Sri Lanka to be with my family. My elder brother and I recognised an opportunity to introduce a different type of co-working space to Sri Lanka, which was still a very new concept for the local market.

The purpose behind WORX was to change the way people feel about coming to work. We wanted to create a space where members can not only accomplish a hard day’s work but can also spend quality recreational time to replenish and relax. Support by a strong community of like-minded people will further enhance their ability to achieve greatness and this is what WORX is all about.

 

Your newest venture is Bingo. Tell us about it – what does it do? What is your vision for it?

Bingo is Sri Lanka’s most fun online giveaway with plenty of cash prizes up for grabs. Giveaways have been garnering popularity over the years and businesses have turned towards social media contests to build brand engagement and reach an increasingly digitally conscious consumer. As such, Bingo is all set to bring a novel giveaway experience with entertaining puzzle games and cash prizes. My vision is that Bingo will grow to become Sri Lanka’s biggest giveaway platform on social media.

As a young entrepreneur, what has fuelled you to keep building new businesses?

I’m always looking at ways to make a difference, especially here at home in Sri Lanka. I think it’s important to recognise that in a country like Sri Lanka which has a lot of potential, there is much opportunity for innovation and growth.

I often look at businesses and services that have done well abroad and see how we can improve or bring this offering to a market like Sri Lanka. We live in an increasingly globalised society, so people are becoming more and more influenced by what they see on social media, and I think it’s important to recognise this if you are to bring successful trends to a new market.

 

The business world today is very different from what it was even 10 years ago. What sets successful young entrepreneurs apart in today’s market?

Being able to adapt or be flexible. I think it’s super important to not be stubborn with your ideas or way of thinking.

We live in a world that is changing by the day and if you want your ideas and businesses to thrive and have longevity, you must be able to think quickly on your feet and pivot or change directions if needed. That is what will set you apart and make your business stand the test of time.

 

What edge does the digital age give young entrepreneurs? And conversely, how do the digital age and today’s environment limit them?

The digital age gives young people the ability to access information and resources very easily. It is also incredible in terms of networking and collaborating with people who might not be in the same city, state, or country as you, which can be hugely beneficial.

However, there can be a downside in terms of originality and innovation as it’s easy to see what others are doing successfully and try and replicate or reference these ideas, as opposed to coming up with your own original ideas, which might have worked better.

 

What is your advice to young entrepreneurs trying to make it digitally?

My biggest advice for young digital entrepreneurs would be to plan ahead, but always be ready to pivot.

If 2020 taught everyone one thing, it’s to be ready to pivot. Everyone had very different hopes and expectations for the year, but the pandemic gave most of us a 180-degree turn. So, a great digital tip for young entrepreneurs would be to have an open mind and the readiness to pivot. They need to be swift and agile in their digital ways.

In a marketing context, customers are now more conscious and aware of the environment, social causes, and other happenings, so they want to align themselves with brands that are environmentally and socially conscious. They want brands to speak about the happenings around them. Therefore, it should be a lesson for young entrepreneurs to be ready to pivot their digital marketing game or their marketing message in light of the events happening, in order to expand their presence.