Ask HN: How to get VC/investor to take notice?

Hi all -

Mitch Kapor gave an interview the other day on CNN where he states that the purpose of a pitch is to get the investor to learn/walk away with 4 or 5 key things.

My question is - How do you get to the pitch?

If you're not in an incubator, and are just starting to build your network, you're most likely reaching out to investors/investment groups via e-mail. Is there anything an entrepreneur can do to improve their chances of getting their company past the initial screening and raising the attention of investors?

Thanks!