(CNN)Big, loud and in-your-face, Lagos is a packed megacity where the streets are teeming with life and the buzz of innovation. Home to nearly 20 million people, Nigeria's economic nerve center constantly attracts big numbers of people pursuing fortunes and dreams.

For entrepreneurs here, starting and growing a business can be fairly tricky work. It can also be exhilarating and full of opportunities.

With all of this in mind, we wanted to know what it was like to set up shop in Lagos. To get a lay of the startup landscape, we asked you to finish this sentence: "You know you're running a business in Lagos when..."

Using the hashtag #CNNLagos, you delivered giving us the lowdown on the good, the bad and the ugly. Here's 13 signs you are a Lagos entrepreneur -- as chosen by people in the megacity.

1: You will always get stuck in traffic:
You have to leave for your meetings at least 4hrs or more ahead of the scheduled time, if you are to make it early https://twitter.com/cnnafricanstart/status/593420462648119296 …

2: And even then sometimes it doesn't matter what you wear or how you pitch:
the outcome of your meetings most times will depend on the type of car you arrived for the said meeting in https://twitter.com/cnnafricanstart/status/593420462648119296 …

3: At times, keeping the lights on can be a struggle (and not because you didn't pay the bill):
You know you’re running a business in Lagos when generator is your most expensive employee #CNNLagos

4:Not that a little blackout is going to stop you:
You know you’re running a business in Lagos when…the lights go out and the hustle on the streets remains the same @cnnafricanstart #CNNLagos

5. Sometimes business can be a waiting game:
Expect to wait several hours in the waiting room to have a meeting with a potential new client or partner #CNNLagos

6. But with a huge potential market, the sky's the limit for a good idea:
The massive population of over 15Million people makes it encouraging to venture into one business or the other. #CNNLagos

7. You've got to work with officials:
There is a heavy political undertone while doing business in Lagos. One way or another you will have to interact with the govt. #CNNLagos

8. And then there's the other unexpected expenditures...
@cnnafricanstart govt levies, taxes and hiden charges could kill ur startup bfor it even began,get ready to grease palms #CNNLagos

9. Offers are key to stay ahead of your rivals:
@LaurenMoorhouse U knw U are running a Biz in Lagos when U constantly have 2 give discount & offer VAS 2 stay ahead of competition #CNNLagos

10. But despite the trials and tribulations, you can always find a solution:
@rich_opara @cnnafricanstart Lagos, the only place where the laws of economics are defeated.

11. Your phone is constantly stuck to your ear and that means...
Your data plan is hungrier & much more expensive than that new chic you took on your last date.

12. As if getting stuck in traffic constantly isn't enough, sometimes there isn't even enough gas for that 4+ hour car ride:
You know you're an entrepreneur in Lagos when you're battling with power and internet costs then fuel scarcity shows up anytime.

13. But you never give up because the success could be just around the corner:
#CNNLagos that you may fail to see a breakthrough 10 times of trying and your 11th attempt becomes the BIG BREAK!




#Source: http://edition.cnn.com/2015/05/06/africa/13-things-only-a-lagos-entrepreneur-will-understand/index.html

very true