Last week I had the honor of playing professional critic for the HEB CAP (Career Action Plan) Speed Networking Event. Each student had 30 seconds to provide a pitch to each professional, the goal of which was securing an internship or job position. The event was as much a learning experience for me as for the students. I was thrilled to give feedback to eager, intelligent students as well as to learn about their diverse backgrounds.

Networking is clearly a major activity for any entrepreneur or professional. In all honesty, I’d never given the art of “pitching” myself much thought; I tend to go with my instincts when introducing myself. One-on-one, I’m energetic and personable, reading very closely the nonverbal cues of my listener. That’s the communicator in me!

The opportunity to provide feedback, though, did get me thinking. How would I pitch myself in 30 seconds or less? What areas of my experience are most interesting and relevant? Thinking forward to future professional networking events, I might go in with a different mindset for describing myself in thirty words or less.

Clearly the person to whom you’re speaking will determine the type of pitch you make. Is this someone from whom you are seeking professional approval? Seeking to secure a new job? Pitching your services to a prospective client? Describing yourself to a group of peers? Giving a professional seminar?

Regardless, there are a few pointers to keep in mind.

1. Close with action
You may not be seeking a job, but you are looking to expand your network. Request a business card or schedule a time to speak in greater length. You’ve spent brief, yet valuable time with that contact, so look for the opportunity to build upon that foundation.

2. Provide examples
Although your time may be limited, provide examples of your success. If you are a consultant, briefly state your areas of expertise and provide an example of your skills in action and how your services have positively impacted your clients’ bottom line. Succinct facts will trump industry jargon and fancy adjectives.

3. Be confident in who you are
Understand both your strengths and weaknesses – and use them to your advantage by building on those strengths and looking for the opportunity to develop your weaknesses. If you aren’t successful in landing that job or new client, don’t be afraid to ask why you lost. Those areas might be an opportunity for growth – or they might indicate the opportunity was just a bad fit. Don’t bend who you are to fit what other people want. Build who you are and what you offer, and look for opportunities that are a winning match.

What elements of your pitch have been successful? How do you approach networking events in order to ensure you gain the most benefit of your time?