How to Make the Most of Your Moment in the Spotlight

Dan Zaccagnino, the co-founder of New York City-based Indaba, has appeared on The Colbert Report. He advises: "As a musician who's spent a lot of time performing, I've learned that there's always a moment before a show when no matter how much more you rehearse, you're still going to mess up a chord or a song." Instead of trying to cram, you might as well just relax and try to enjoy the experience.

"I got good advice from Colbert's producer, who told me, 'Stephen's going to steer the interview. Don't try to be funny—just try to make your big points,'" Zaccagnino says. "I wanted to talk about the size of our community and clearly communicate the concept that it was worldwide. I tried to go with whatever direction Stephen took it, but to make sure through all the silliness to get those main points across."

No one wants to be bored by a business pitch, Zaccagnino says. "Rather than jam in as much information as possible, I thought about giving just enough to make people interested and want to check out Indaba more," he says.

It"s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and it goes by in the blink of an eye. "I remember the first thing Stephen said—he pronounced Indaba wrong—and the next thing I remember is him standing up and shaking my hand," Zaccagnino says. "Afterward, our PR person said, 'How does it feel to do the coolest thing you’re ever going to do?'"