When You're Not NVIDIA, Good Thing You Have YOU to Fall Back On

When investing, there's a saying that investors bet on the jockey, not the horse.  But like any good rule, there's always an exception – and that exception is spelled N-V-I-D-I-A.

Quick, name NVIDIA's CEO. Drawing a blank? Don't worry, most people would. Yet investors are falling over themselves to grab a piece of the company that's become synonymous with AI infrastructure (It’s on discount! Get it while it’s red hot!) NVIDIA's story isn't about charismatic leadership or viral tweets – it's about relentless execution and market dominance so complete that they've essentially become infrastructure. 

But here's the reality check: you're probably not NVIDIA. The truth is, Few companies ever achieve that level of market dominance where their product becomes the industry standard. Tesla can weather Elon's X rants because they've carved out a commanding position in the EV market. People buy Apple phones because it’s a superior product, not because Tim Cook is such a great dad. (Is he a dad? See, I don’t even know!) When you're the 800-pound gorilla in your industry, investors will turn a blind eye and pick up what you're puttin' down anyway.

For the rest of us? That's where YOU come in. Your multifamily deal isn't NVIDIA. Your medical office build isn't NVIDIA. And that's perfectly fine, because real estate has always been, and will always be, a relationship business.

The truth is, most successful real estate portfolios are built on the backs of operators who can spot opportunities, navigate market cycles, and make tough decisions when needed. But in today's lonely-ass world, your edge to get ahead will likely depend on your ability to authentically connect with potential investors, even more so than your track record. For example, the barely-human Mark Zuckerberg transformed his image from a suited Senate-hearing prop to an authentic, jiu-jitsu practicing CEO, leading to a 73% increase in favorability among younger audiences, even though they’ve been ditching FB the last few years for the soul sucking effects of TikTok. So while you don't need to take up martial arts (although IMHO, I say do it), you do need to show up as your genuine self.

While NVIDIA can let their market share do the talking, capital constrained operators need to build true connections with investors to grow their operations. No doubt posting staged photos in front of your properties or sharing generic market updates is cute, but what I’m talking about is letting investors into your world – sharing your genuine thought process on deals, being transparent about your challenges, and showing the human side of your operation. Whether it's through personal newsletters, authentic social content, or highlights from investor meetings, your personality and perspective matter more than your polished pitch deck (and this is coming from someone who literally drools over a beautiful deck).

If you're (still) reading this, chances are you’re not sitting on NVIDIA-level market dominance (Schwarzman, is that you?!). So lean into what makes you uniquely you. We’re in an era where people are craving authentic connections and trust-based relationships more than ever. Your genuine story, unfiltered insights, and personal approach to deal-making are more than a social media post obligation. This all compounds to build your personal brand story!

Barely anyone will get to be an NVIDIA, or Blackstone for that matter, but everyone has a unique perspective and personality that can resonate with the right investors. In our world, trust drives capital, so your personal brand is essential currency.

They may be investing in your deal, but they're betting on you. Let it rip.