The personal brand is not just a business card, but a reflection of our values, choices, and persistence

Introduce yourself in a few sentences..

Hello, thank you for the invitation. My name is Petar Dyaksov, and for over 15 years I have been developing in the field of digital marketing and online commerce. I am a co-founder and managing partner at the digital agency SEOMAX, which helps businesses in Bulgaria and abroad grow strategically through the internet. I am also a co-owner of GombaShop, DigitalPRO, STL, and several online stores with presence in both the local and international markets. I am a member of the board of the Bulgarian E-commerce Association (BEA) and RED Group Capital.

Over the years, I have become convinced that success does not come only from knowledge and experience, but from the way we build trust, create connections, and are present in the minds of others. That is why I believe that the personal brand is not just a business card, but a reflection of our values, choices, and persistence.

What did you dream of becoming in your childhood?

Even as a child, I dreamed of having my own business. My parents are entrepreneurs, and watching them inspired me. I didn't imagine a specific field of activity, but I knew I wanted to create something of my own and develop it here, in Bulgaria.

At what age did you earn your first money? Tell us an interesting story?

I earned my first money when I was 8 or 9 years old. I bought pens and notebooks from the local bookstore and sold them to my classmates. Later, I had a PlayStation 1 and started letting the kids from the block play on it for symbolic amounts. Everything was going well until my parents found out that even my sister was paying for this service – then they stopped my business.

What are the main factors and examples that shape us as individuals at an early age and form our interests? What is your recipe for curiosity, sources and wells of information and inspiration at this stage of our human development?

The main factor, in my opinion, is the environment. Family is the first and strongest example, especially at an early age. In addition, the content we consume has a significant influence – in my case, it was books and the internet. I grew up in a period when the internet was just emerging, and the ability to find information on different topics inspired me. Through searching, reading, and contacting diverse sources, I began to develop my interests and discover what truly excites me. In my opinion, it is this combination of personal environment and access to knowledge that is at the core of personality development at an early age.

Has there been any significant change in your perceptions in more mature age regarding what motivates you to do or not do something?

Yes, over time there has been a change. When I was younger, my main motivation was to earn money and secure a good standard of living. At one point, however, I began to realize that this was not the most important thing for me. I became more and more excited about what I could give to others, how to be helpful, and how to contribute to the development of the people around me. This brings a different kind of satisfaction that cannot be measured in money. At the same time, it gives meaning to my life.

Whose decision was it where to pursue higher education and what to study? Was this decision correct, viewed from today’s perspective?

The decision was mine, supported by my parents. I chose to study in England – first business management, and then a master's in international business. This gave me the opportunity to experience a different type of education, at a very high level. I met people from all over the world, broadened my horizons, and I believe this was a very correct decision.

Share more about your interests, knowledge, skills, and hobbies?

My hobbies are mainly related to sports – I enjoy training and actively engage in Crossfit. I like going to the theater and watching movies. Such activities help me balance mentally, relieve stress, and maintain my concentration. My interests are focused on digital marketing and online commerce. I enjoy learning new things and challenging myself with interesting topics and challenges. Among the skills I would highlight are analytical thinking and the ability to work effectively under pressure.

Would you change your profession today and which areas of activity capture your interest?

Certainly, my choice of profession has been correct, as I work in the field of digital marketing – a field that remains extremely relevant today. However, at the moment, it, like many other professions, is changing dynamically under the influence of artificial intelligence. Many of the approaches that previously yielded good results are no longer as effective. Therefore, I am open to new directions and paths that combine technology, innovation, and strategic thinking. I believe that adaptability is one of the most important qualities today.

It is said that the personal brand is everything that people say about you when you are not in the same room with them. What would you like to hear today?

I would be happy to hear that I have inspired someone to take the first step – to believe in themselves, to start something new, or not to give up. That I have been helpful, that I have contributed to someone’s development. For me, that would be the most valuable feedback.

Emotional intelligence, adaptability, and flexibility, as well as our soft skills, are key conditions for success in the last few years. How do you cope with the daily challenges of life to stay in good shape and mood?

I train actively, eat quality food, and try to lead a healthy lifestyle, with more positive habits than negative ones. I try not only to work and chase results, but also to give myself time to rest, to maintain adaptability and to keep balance in my life.

What are the most important conclusions you have made so far about maintaining proper communication considering the different characters of the people you meet daily  – colleagues, friends, relatives?

Recently, I learned that every person has leading values that motivate them. For some, the most important are relationships with other people, for others – achieving results, while others strive for influence and authority. When you manage to recognize what is leading for a specific person, you can communicate with them much more successfully. In my opinion, proper communication comes from the ability to understand what drives the other side, to adapt, and to connect with them on that level.

What do you think about money? What is their influence on your life? What is your advice to people who often ask themselves questions related to money and how sufficient they are?

Money is a measure of value. They allow us to live well, but they should not be an end in themselves. The more value we create and give to others, the more it is natural to receive in monetary terms. It is important not only how much money you earn, but how you do it – whether it satisfies you and whether it brings meaning to your life.

My advice to people is to focus on creating value, to develop themselves and their skills, and not to measure their success only in money. The true measure includes inner balance, peace, time, and freedom.

What is the most valuable career advice you would give to people?

Choose a field that truly attracts you, and seek out a person whose path inspires you – an entrepreneur, professional, or leader you aspire to be. Try to work with or for them, even without payment at first. This is an invaluable way to learn how such a person thinks and acts in real situations. Courses and diplomas cannot replace practice and working side by side with someone, from whom you sincerely draw inspiration and want to learn.