In the current age of social media and viral sensations, five minutes of fame can catapult a business from 0 to 100 real quick, and that's exactly what "Shark Tank" has done.

The Emmy-winning reality series has been helping entrepreneurs, innovators, and creators bring their dreams to fruition for over ten years with the help of self-made multi-millionaire and billionaire judges-- a.k.a. Sharks. The Sharks are made up of Mark Cuban, owner and chairman of AXS TV and outspoken owner of the 2011 NBA champion Dallas Mavericks; real estate mogul Barbara Corcoran; "Queen of QVC" Lori Greiner; technology innovator Robert Herjavec; fashion and branding expert Daymond John; and venture capitalist Kevin O'Leary.

Getting your idea in front of these well-accomplished individuals and the millions of Americans tuning in is no easy feat, but it's not impossible.

According to ABC's website, there are two ways to apply to be featured on "Shark Tank": Fill out an online application or attend an open call.

Next, get ready to pitch--but not to the sharks. You'll have to get through the producers first. From there your fate lies in their hands but former contestants who've landed on the ABC show offer tips to help land yourself a 10-minute slot. Alex Furmansky, who appeared on Season 6 advises applicants to "show extreme personality" and "build relationships" with producers.

Once you've made it through the producers and been accepted, it's time to play the waiting game. Filming for "Shark Tank" would take place in Los Angeles over the course of five days. However, contestants are required to reserve 35 potential days on their calendar. Brittany Hodak, a contestant who landed a $725,000 joint investment from Herjavec and Greiner, told Entrepreneur she and her co-founder couldn't make plans for over a month.

"We knew at some point we'd only have five days warning and then we'd have to be in LA to film," she said.

When it comes down to it, less than one percent of those who apply actually make it on the show but don't get discouraged. Simply take the advice of Elena Petzold, founder of Mama’s Milkbox, a maternity apparel subscription service -- "Don't take 'no' for an answer." Apply again.

Season 11 of "Shark Tank" premieres Sunday, Sept. 29 at 9 pm ET on ABC.

Shark Tank Cast
From left: Daymond John, Barbara Corcoran, Mark Cuban, Kevin O’Leary, Lori Greiner and Robert Herjavec on ABC’s “Shark Tank.” ABC/Patrick Ecclesine
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