Elon on what actually builds companies:

You have to really believe in what you’re creating. Know in your heart and mind that this is something the world ought to have. Show you really care

Then prove it...

With Tesla Elon invested every last dollar he had. In 2008 he was borrowing money from friends just to pay rent

That level of “all-in” made a huge difference to investors.....at the exact moment GM and Chrysler were going bankrupt

You can’t fake caring this hard
The market can smell it