I believe in emerging markets more than elsewhere: as an entrepreneur, once you’re in the spotlight either because you’ve been quoted as Forbes 30-under-30, or you’ve won a pitching competition, or you’ve talked the talk at a UN Forum, you can count on getting recycled from list to list, from competition to competition and from forum to forum.

It is easy to confuse interest in you and your image, with the actual success of your company. I see too many founders getting busy working the circuit, that they forget to work on growing their company.

SPARK OF THE DAY

Spotlights only last while the switch is turned on, while a business can last a lifetime. Find a balance! Don’t become a posterboy or pitchpreneur if you want to build a lasting legacy.

Know that saying no always is an option!