Viralogy

Contact: ishoifot [at] fotki.com
Twitter: @Fotki
Website: http://Fotki.com
Career: The Co-Founder of Fotki.com, Igor was CEO of Microsoft WebTV’s largest entertainment portal, Epsylon Games, and ran and co-founded start-ups in digital video, VoIP, document management and software development.

Why you should watch this interview

This had to be one of the most entertaining interviews that I have had a chance to be part of. Right from the start I knew that this was going to be fun. This interview will has some great tips on starting your own business and you can also learn first hand about some of Igor’s startups that he was part of.

Be sure to check out Fotki.com as it’s not only a great place to share your photos, but also a great place to build a community!

Conversation Breakdown

What is Fotki.com?

With over just 1.5 million users, Fotki is one of the largest photo sharing sites. Started in 1998, Fotki actually registered the same day as Google.com! Although their are many different photo sharing sites, Fotki is a place where you can fully customize your community. The big part that users enjoy most about Fotki is the community that they are building

Any new features at Fotki that we may be seeing?

Lookout for a secret project that Fotki has partnered up with one the largest phone manufacturers. Also look out for more integration with Twitter and Facebook

This isn’t your first startup, what is it about being an entrepreneur that you like?

Igor has what I like to call ‘true passion’ when it comes to being an entrepreneur. For Igor, the thrill of being an entrepreneur is the part he enjoys most. From the days leading up to a products launch, to trying to guess what your competitors will do, Igor loves the thrills and wouldn’t have it any other way.

Some people are scared to start their own business right now because of the economy. Any thoughts?

One of the biggest changes that people need to get used to is the stability of cash flow. Going from a check every 2 weeks, to guessing where it’s coming from is something that people need to get used too. Igor gives some great advice here saying that a good approach to look for the positive cash flows as soon as possible or an investor.

Should you focus on monetizing ideas?

Not necessarily. Although it is important to generate revenue, their are other ways to do this such as doing your startup as a part-time and getting investors.

What is the best background if you want to be an entrepreneur?

Igor studied history and law and social sciences. Although he has an MBA from Boston University, Igor states that formal education doesn’t mean everything. As an entrepreneur, it is the mindset. Igor says that you would be the perfect entrepreneur if you are “hardworking, flexible, open-minded and great to work with.” This is some great advice!

Were their any books or blogs that inspired you or were helpful in your success?

Charles Ferguson - High Stakes, No Prisoners : A Winner’s Tale of Greed and Glory in the Internet Wars

Some say that if you want to be part of the tech community you go to Silicon Valley and if you want to do social networking you go to Los Angeles and so on. Any thoughts?

Igor agrees that their is some truth to it. He moved his company from New York to San Francisco and he thinks that it was one of the smartest moves they made.