How to Nail Your Elevator Pitch in 6 Steps

Quick: You have a potential investor's attention while he waits for his cab, or you meet someone at a dinner party who works for your dream employer. Convincing this person in less than 30 seconds that you have a brilliant, profitable idea or are the smart, capable person they need to help their company grow is a tall order. But we know you have it in you—once you follow these six simple steps, that is.

EXCERPT:

3. SOLIDIFY YOUR CONNECTION.

James O’Rourke, professor of management at the University of Notre Dame, says you want to find common ground with the person you're pitching. When you introduce yourself, explain how you know them—is yours a family, university, or business connection?

4. MAKE CLEAR WHAT YOU'RE LOOKING FOR...

Once you give your descriptive introduction, “Then, make the transition into what’s next, what you’re looking for long-term," says O'Rourke. But your aspiration has to connect with your qualifications and the steps you're taking to get there, whether that be finishing up your master’s degree in science at night or seeking your MBA.

Read the entire story on the Mental Floss website.