Early in my career, I was a commercial real estate broker with more conviction than capital.

I cobbled together the little money I had, then started talking to people about investing alongside me.

I’d say, “This is what I’m doing with my own money. Won’t you join me and do it with yours?” What usually followed was plenty of rejection.

“Nice idea, not for me.”
“You don’t have a track record.”
“Let us know how it works out.”

I could give you a hundred versions of “no” that I heard…until finally, someone said yes.

That one yes felt like two endorsements at once. Someone believed in what I was doing with my capital, and they also believed in me and my skills.

After that, the next investment conversation didn’t feel quite as daunting.

That’s the great thing about a first yes. It gives you the confidence to go out and do it again, and again, and again.

Mark Lester, Principal, LANDCO NEXA