[quote style=”boxed”]When I was 18 I moved to UK. I was working at a factory and I was assembling TV antennas. Basically it required taking 3 pieces of this antenna and putting them together. It was very systematic and boring job but I was excited about getting my first paycheck and I worked hard. I worked so hard I was producing almost double of what other employees. When I saw the numbers I was proud and I was hoping for some kind of reward or promotion but it turned out I wasn’t making myself look good, I was making others look bad and the next day I got fired. What did I learn from it? You have to be your own boss if you want your paycheck to be equal your hard work.[/quote]
Vojtech Svarc is the founder of GameSwapped, an online game swapping community where users can exchange their video games. Despite not having any experience with the online industry and with zero knowledge of coding, he started an online business at the age of 18. His first project was VinCity, service that was helping people from Czech Republic shop in USA. Unfortunately new government regulations and restrictions made online shopping in USA unattractive and the business had to close down.
It didn’t take him long and he started working on a new idea, few months later GameSwapped was born.
Both his businesses came from a hobby and he believes that’s the way to success. In order to be successful you have to love what you are doing. Vojtech Svarc is always looking for new interesting partners or customer feedback so if you have something to say or offer don’t hesitate to contact him.
What are you working on right now?
Currently I am getting my new website GameSwapped ready to launch. I am doing a lot of testing, bug fixing, going through users feedback and partnering up with new people. GameSwapped is a new game swapping website that allows users to swap their video games. The best part about GameSwapped is you don’t have to like games of the user who is swapping from you. Thanks to our point system you can swap your old games to someone and change them for new games from someone else. This makes game swapping much faster and easier for anyone giving you better chance of completing a successful swap.
This idea was born in my head after finishing a game on my PS3 and not having enough cash for a new one. I knew there are gaming forums where you can swap your video games with other users but it didn’t give me the options and security I was looking for, something was missing. So with help of my brother we came up with GameSwapped. First we are going to launch in English speaking countries but slowly site will be translated and we are aiming to be available to every game addicted nation.
What does your typical day look like?
Now during summer I don’t even see daylight most of the time, I like to work at night and sleep at day. At night I just get more done, there are no distractions around…everything is sleeping and I have the night to myself. But starting from September I will have to switch to daytime mode again. My usual day starts with morning run or practice, I play basketball so if I am not behind my PC you find me in the gym. After lunch it’s work time and from 7PM basketball. I am coming back around midnight and after I respond to new emails and quick shower it’s bad time. I am trying to set a balance between my three loves: online business, basketball and my girlfriend.
What is the worst job you ever had and what did you learn from it?
When I was 18 I moved to UK. I was working at a factory and I was assembling TV antennas. Basically it required taking 3 pieces of this antenna and putting them together. It was very systematic and boring job but I was excited about getting my first paycheck and I worked hard. I worked so hard I was producing almost double of what other employees. When I saw the numbers I was proud and I was hoping for some kind of reward or promotion but it turned out I wasn’t making myself look good, I was making others look bad and the next day I got fired. What did I learn from it? You have to be your own boss if you want your paycheck to be equal your hard work.
3 trends that excite you?
– That everything is going online. Nowadays I can do almost anything from the comfort of my home
– That everything is going small. I love how much GB of memory you can fit in your pocket these days.
– That everything is going green. People are starting to care more about this planet.
How do you bring ideas to life?
First I think about my idea, a lot! I get obsessed with it and I think about it even in my sleep. I give it some time and if I still think it’s a good idea week or month later, I start consulting it with family members and with the Internet community. When I am sure this idea should be brought to life the process is quite simple. I sum up the basics, hire team of freelancers and start the development. Then it’s just testing, testing and testing before I start promoting, promoting and promoting.
What inspires you?
Internet. I read a lot of blogs, visit a lot of forums and websites. Most of my inspiration comes from there.
What is one mistake you’ve made, and what did you learn from it?
When I was starting with Internet business I paid for a website script $1500 and never heard from the guy I was sending the money to again. The lesson was beware of scammers!!!
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Someone should make a software that will make gameplay recording from your PS3 easy. I just purchased $200 machine for it with a lot of cables and settings. I don’t get how could SONY miss this.
What do you read every day, and why?
News from my country (Czech Republic). I am living in Portugal but I like to keep up with what’s going on back home.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read, and why?
Book? I am not the right guy too give literature tips, last time I read a book Walkman was still cool.
What is your favorite gadget, app or piece of software that helps you every day?
My Nokia E5, I am not really a touch screen guy, this little qwerty machine helps me stay online on the run.
Who would you love to see interviewed on IdeaMensch?
Robert Himler, the founder of razzi.me.
When is the last time you laughed out loud? What caused it.
Few hours ago. My girlfriend. I love her and her sense of humour and we have a lots of fun together.
What is the next step for GameSwapped and where do you see your business in 3 years?
We are still in the process of finding new partners for the business. We want to launch in every country where the gaming market is promising and for that we need local partners to run the business. If anyone reading this is interested you can drop me an email. In 3 years we would like to be the worldwide home page for all game swapping needs and have millions of satisfied users behind us.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Basketball, beach, movie, bike, running, PS3 …
Connect:
Website: www.gameswapped.com
Twitter: @gameswappedUK
Mario Schulzke is the Founder of ideamensch, which he started a decade ago to learn from entrepreneurs and give them a platform for their ideas.