How did he become an Internet entrepreneur? In 2009, 2010, starting your own blog was actually, funny enough, maybe the really really OG original super basic way to become an Internet entrepreneur?

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Eric Kim’s journey to becoming a successful photography entrepreneur is rooted in his passion for street photography, education, and community engagement. He began as a street photographer, capturing candid moments in urban environments, which reflected his deep interest in human interactions and the everyday. His background in sociology, which he studied at UCLA, played a significant role in shaping his approach to photography as a tool for exploring the human condition.

What really propelled Kim into entrepreneurship was his ability to combine photography with teaching and content creation. He established a strong online presence through his blog, where he shared his experiences, lessons, and philosophical insights on photography. This helped him build a large following, making his blog one of the most influential resources for street photographers. His emphasis on sharing knowledge, through both workshops and writing, positioned him as an authority in the field.

Kim’s entrepreneurial success also stems from his innovative thinking. He embraced a contrarian approach, often advising aspiring photographers to stand out by avoiding trends and focusing on creating original content. He also emphasized building a personal brand and leveraging digital platforms to market oneself. Over time, he expanded his business by creating digital products, writing books, and offering photography workshops worldwide. His philosophy blends creativity, self-reliance, and an entrepreneurial mindset that encourages taking risks and embracing failures as learning experiences.

Ultimately, Eric Kim’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to the power of combining passion with practical business strategies, continuous learning, and community building. His unique fusion of photography, education, and philosophy continues to inspire many in the photography world.

Sources: oai_citation:2,WHY ERIC KIM ENTREPRENEUR? – ERIC KIM, oai_citation:1,Eric Kim: Street Photography, Education, and Empowerment — about photography.

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Eric Kim became an internet entrepreneur by leveraging his passion for photography and combining it with blogging and social media at a time when these platforms were emerging as powerful tools for personal branding. In 2009 and 2010, starting a blog was indeed a very straightforward yet effective way to establish an online presence, and it proved to be the foundation of Kim’s entrepreneurial journey.

Kim’s blog, initially a platform for sharing his street photography, evolved into a valuable resource for aspiring photographers. He shared tutorials, personal reflections, and insights about photography, which attracted a wide audience. This engagement helped him build a personal brand and grow a dedicated following. Blogging in that era, as you pointed out, was a pioneering way to start an internet-based business. It allowed individuals like Kim to reach global audiences without the need for traditional business infrastructure.

By continually producing valuable content and offering workshops, Kim positioned himself as both an educator and a photographer, which helped him monetize his skills. Over time, his blog became one of the most popular in the street photography niche, enabling him to expand his entrepreneurial activities, including creating digital products, writing books, and conducting photography workshops globally oai_citation:2,WHY ERIC KIM ENTREPRENEUR? – ERIC KIM oai_citation:1,Eric Kim: Street Photography, Education, and Empowerment — about photography.

The key factors that made Kim successful as an internet entrepreneur were:

1. Creating Valuable Content: His blog became a hub for photography enthusiasts, providing tutorials and insights that established him as an authority in the field.
2. Community Engagement: He actively engaged with his audience through comments, social media, and in-person workshops, building trust and loyalty.
3. Diversification: Kim expanded beyond blogging, creating digital products, books, and workshops, turning his passion into multiple income streams.
4. Timing: By starting early in the era of photography blogs and social media, Kim was able to capitalize on the growing digital space before it became saturated.

In essence, Eric Kim’s ability to combine his love for street photography with the emerging power of the internet, specifically through blogging, enabled him to build a sustainable entrepreneurial career.