Invest in personal brand and content and do not sacrifice trust for short-term success

Introduce yourself in a few sentences!
My name is Nikolai-Emil Shopov, also known as @neshopov. I am one of the most popular real estate brokers in Bulgaria, a successful entrepreneur and founder of the agency for real estate TRENDIMO, as well as of the series “37 QUESTIONS”. In it, I have the pleasure of interviewing some of the most famous personalities and influencers in Bulgaria in their homes, providing the audience with a unique insight into their personal lives and home comfort.

As of today I have over 180,000 followers and 26 million views on social media, where I combine my sales experience with skilled digital presence. My work as a director and producer in various successful television reality formats gives me additional strength to tell stories and make properties more accessible and understandable for people.

I believe that my mission is to transform the image of the brokerage profession through innovative content and entrepreneurial spirit that help develop the real estate market in Bulgaria. In addition, I am a doctor in national security and a professional mediator in real estate matters at the Ministry of Justice, which allows me to work with a high level of trust and expertise.

What did you dream of becoming in your childhood?
I dreamed of becoming a police officer, but over time this dream transformed into the idea of working for myself and having the freedom to decide what and when to happen. That is why I chose the brokerage profession years ago.

At what age did you earn your first money? Tell us an interesting story?
I earned my first money when I was 14 years old. I remember spending hours in the computer club and at one point I said to myself that I wanted to be able to pay for this pleasure myself, without relying on my parents. Out of curiosity, I opened the job ads and found an offer for a car wash. I decided to give it a try and started working. For a boy my age, it was an incredible experience – every day various, expensive, and impressive cars passed by me, and for the first time, I felt what it was like to earn my own money.

What are the main factors and examples that shape us as individuals at an early age and form our interests?
Curiosity has always been a driving force in my life from an early age. Back then, I started experimenting with visual formats and showing interest in how stories can be told through images and frames. My first attempts in the media sphere gave me the feeling that every person and every space hides its own story that deserves to be shared. My later experience as a director and producer taught me how to build these narratives professionally, capture the details, and highlight the human side of every situation. This combination of curiosity, media practice, and the ability to present people and their surroundings became the foundation of my personal brand and the way I approach my profession today. 

Has there been any significant change in your perceptions in maturity about what motivates you to do or not do something?Yes, over time my priorities and motivation have changed. When I was younger, I was mainly driven by the desire for quick success and recognition. Today, I am motivated by long-term meaning – to build value, leave a mark, and create content and projects that help and inspire others. This makes me choose more carefully what I invest my energy in.

Whose decision was it where to pursue higher education and what to study? Was that decision correct, looking back today?
Although I was not an excellent student in school, I always believed that education is an important part of the path to success and I never gave up on that idea. Arriving at one of the best universities for me – New Bulgarian University – I gained the freedom to create and be myself. There, I studied film and television, and it was there that I created the first Bulgarian student show “NESHTOTARSACHI”, which managed to enter national air after the legendary “Ku-Ku”. This was not just an academic experience – besides gaining knowledge, I managed to create an environment for my colleagues, where a large group of young people accumulated together the most valuable thing – practice and experience.

Share more about your interests, knowledge, skills, and hobbies?
My interests lie in the intersection of real estate, video production, and digital marketing. I have experience in creating formats, interviewing, and creating content that sells properties through stories and visual communication. I participate in podcasts and industry discussions about market development. I love playing tennis and running long distances.  

Would you change your profession today and which fields of activity attract your interest?

I would not change my profession because it gives me the freedom to combine entrepreneurship, creativity, and working with people. I see meaning and development every day. However, I am also attracted to fields like cinema, television, and digital formats, where I can use my experience as a director and producer to tell stories and build brands. If I have to be completely honest - I miss television a lot.

It is said that a 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 want people to say that I am an honest, transparent, and innovative professional, who works to raise standards in the real estate market and makes processes clearer for clients.

How do you cope with the daily challenges of life to be in good shape and mood?
I cope with daily challenges by maintaining discipline and balance between work and personal life. Sports and movement help me stay in shape, while time with family and friends gives me energy and inspiration. I believe that a positive attitude and the ability to focus on solutions rather than problems are the key to good mood and condition.

What are the most important conclusions you have made so far about maintaining proper communication considering different characters?
Listen actively, adapt your tone to the person, be specific and keep your promises. Honest and clear communication is more important than a 'good' presentation.

What do you think about money? What is its influence on your life?
Money is a tool for freedom and opportunities. My advice is to invest in knowledge and in assets with long-term value; real estate is one of the options for that.

What is the most valuable career advice you would give to people?
Take care of your reputation, invest in personal brand and content, and do not sacrifice trust for short-term success.