"کلید کسب درآمد در سرمایه‌گذاری فرشته، گفتن نه است. با ۱۰۰ شرکت ملاقات می‌کنید و به ۹۹ تای آن‌ها نه می‌گویید"

To get the essence of this quote, you've got to understand one big thing: in the world of angel investing, success isn't about the quantity of investments you make, but the quality. It's all about resisting the urge to invest in every shiny new startup that comes your way. Imagine you’re sifting through a massive pile of rocks, looking for that one diamond. You have to pick up each rock, turn it over, examine it closely, and—most of the time—toss it aside. That’s what angel investors do. They meet with a ton of companies but end up rejecting most of them. It's a game of patience and discernment.

Historically, angel investing has always been a high-stakes game. Think back to the early days of Silicon Valley. Investors were bombarded with pitches from wide-eyed entrepreneurs, all convinced they had the next big thing. But seasoned investors knew they had to be super selective. For example, early investors in companies like Google or Facebook didn't jump at every tech startup. They waited, scrutinized, and made their move only when something truly exceptional came along.

Let's say you're an angel investor sitting in a trendy café in downtown San Francisco. Over the past month, you've had meetings with 100 different startup founders. There's the AI-driven dog grooming service, the blockchain-based coffee subscription, and an app that promises to teach you a new language in 24 hours. They all sound promising in their unique ways, but you know deep down that most of these ventures won't make it. So, you say no to 99 of them. Then, one day, you meet with a founder who has a revolutionary healthcare tech startup. It’s something that not only solves a real problem but also has a solid business plan and a passionate, capable team. That’s your diamond.

For those looking to apply this wisdom, start by honing your ability to say no. It's not easy, especially when you’re dealing with passionate founders who genuinely believe in their vision. But remember, your resources—both time and money—are finite. Develop a clear set of criteria for what makes an investment worth your while. Stick to it rigorously. Don’t let emotions cloud your judgment.

Imagine you're a new angel investor, excited and maybe a bit nervous. You've saved up a significant amount of money and are eager to dive into the startup world. Your first few meetings are exhilarating—every pitch seems full of potential. But a mentor pulls you aside and shares a story. They, too, were once in your shoes and made the mistake of spreading their investments too thin. They learned the hard way that it's better to wait for the right opportunity than to chase every possibility.

This advice is like having a filter in place. It helps you focus on what really matters. So next time you’re sitting across from an eager entrepreneur, take a deep breath, listen carefully, and don’t be afraid to say no. That refusal could be what saves your resources for the one company that will truly transform your investment portfolio.

Remember, in the world of angel investing, it's not about how many pitches you hear—it's about the one you choose to back. And choosing wisely often means saying 'no' more often than 'yes'.