It is important to do things you believe in, even when they do not yield results immediately

Introduce yourself in a few words..                                                  

My name is Petar Dyaksov and I am a digital entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience in online commerce and marketing. I am a co-founder and managing partner at the digital agency SEOMAX, where we work with clients in Bulgaria and abroad. I am a co-owner of GombaShop, DigitalPRO, STL, and several online stores that successfully sell in the Bulgarian and international market. Over the years, I have created various online projects and initiatives, driven by the desire to build solutions with real value – for the business, for people, and especially for those who are just starting their professional journey. I believe that when you help others succeed, your own success makes sense.

How would you describe your career in a few words?

My career is that of an entrepreneur who has never followed the standard corporate path. I have not moved along a clearly defined career ladder, but have followed my own sense of direction and meaning. This is how I have created several companies that I am still actively developing today. Whenever I felt that an idea had the potential to be useful and I saw a business opportunity in it, I did not hesitate to act.

What was the most important choice that shaped your path?

If I have to point out just one choice that truly shaped my path, it was the decision to separate from the family business and to start my own digital agency from scratch. That was the moment when I decided to follow my intuition and take my own path.

What would you like to have known at the beginning of your career, but no one told you?                                                                               

I wish someone had told me how important it is to do things you believe in, even when they do not yield results immediately. It is much more significant whether what you do today has the potential to create value in the future. This is a lesson related to perseverance, patience, and the ability to delay immediate gratification in the name of something more meaningful and significant.

How can one understand which profession is suitable for him?

One can understand which profession is suitable for him if he answers two basic questions – whether what he does brings value to other people and satisfaction to himself. If both are present, then he is on the right path. There will always be difficulties, but if you believe in what you do, you will find a way to overcome obstacles, continue, and develop.

Which skills do you think will be key in the next 10 years?

In my opinion, one of the most key skills in the next 10 years will be the ability to ask the right questions and think critically. With the development of technologies and the emergence of artificial intelligence, this skill is becoming increasingly valuable. Additionally, creativity will also be of crucial importance because machines can perform tasks, but they still struggle to replace human intuition and imagination.

How to build a network of useful contacts?

The best way to build a network of useful contacts is to attend events, conferences, and training – places where we can meet people from our environment or learn something valuable. It is important to approach with the thought of how we can be useful to the other person. This creates connections that are genuine, meaningful, and of real value to both parties.

What is the biggest mistake you have made in your career, and what did you learn from it?

The biggest mistake I made was after a successful project, when I believed that everything I started would be doomed to success. I was so confident that I began to ignore important things – a clear plan, strategy, and preparation. How to act if something goes wrong. I allowed my ego to cloud my judgment. This taught me that every idea must be tested and validated, regardless of experience. The ego should not stand between us and reality.

How to recognize a toxic work environment and when is it time to leave?

A toxic environment is most often recognized when you feel constant demotivation coming from the team and the people you work with. If there is a lack of any connection on a value level and you cannot imagine communicating with these people even outside of work, that is a clear signal that you are not in the right place.

What would you do differently if you could start over?

If I could start over, I wouldn’t change much because everything that has happened to me has given me valuable experience. But when starting a business, I would focus more on selling my product and reaching the right customers. I wouldn’t expect value to be recognized on its own. I would be more proactive right from the start in finding the right clients and partners.

How to maintain our motivation in times of stagnation?

We need to set goals that are sufficiently inspiring but also achievable. It is good to be able to measure them and within a short time frame. To see a real result or at least movement towards it. This brings back the sense of direction and helps us get out of stagnation. Motivation is maintained when we see that we are making progress and not standing still.

How to achieve a balance between professional and personal life?

Achieving balance is not easy, but it starts with realizing what our most important priorities are. Focusing solely on work is not sustainable – the lack of movement, good food, time for loved ones, and care for mental health inevitably takes its toll. It is necessary to have something outside of work that brings us joy and meaning. This makes us more effective in professional terms. Personally, I exercise very regularly, read books, travel, and try to spend time with the people who are close to me.

When is it time to change our career, not just our job?

We should think about changing our career when we no longer see a perspective for either professional or personal development. If there is a lack of value for us and for others, and the job does not bring us satisfaction, the problem is not in the place, but in the direction. In such moments, it is time to seek something new that truly inspires us.

If you had to give just one piece of advice to people who are seeking success, what would it be?

I would advise people to strive to be useful and to solve a specific problem. In this lies the true path to success. The material result is a natural consequence of the value you create. If people see this value, they will repay accordingly.

What is your definition of a “successful career”?

A successful career for me is one that gives meaning to your daily life and continues to do so over time. At the same time, it provides you with a way of life that is good, fulfilling, and meets the standards that you want for yourself. True success comes when, in addition to achieving your personal goals, you find a way, through your work, to contribute to the well-being of others.