Most of us have been there, we've got a great idea that's going to set the world alight. In my world, it usually takes the form of a story idea I've written which I think is going to become the next 'Game of Thrones'.

So what next? Maybe you reach out to a few contacts? Maybe you'll start chatting to a few professionals that move in the circles you want to move in. If a welcoming hand offers you the chance to review your Magnum Opus - Bonus!

Well, yes and no... Be careful your enthusiasm is going into overdrive... are you picturing yourself winning an oscar…

++DANGER WILL ROBINSON!! DANGER!! ++

What you do next is critical - take a moment, breathe. Go for a walk, maybe chat about it with a close friend or get sound advice from your peers. You've probably this got one chance to impress, don't want to blow it with a half-baked pitch fired off the hip in a moment of euphoric glee.

I recently was on the receiving end of an enthusiastic, yet half-baked pitch two emails emails and a Facebook post. In seconds, social posts suddenly appeared on my timeline tagging me with more information. I tried my best to temper the writer's enthusiasm, guiding where possible - pushing them towards what I needed, not what the writer wanted to impart on me. More emails came in, the writer had already shortlisted possible AAA talent, worked out budgets, had a minimum selling price - alarm bells were ringing. This is a beautiful dream, but the reality is far from this pitching utopia.

Maybe that does happen to a select few, but the chances are as remote as you banking on winning the lottery and putting a deposit down on that speedboat.

Again, I tried to calm the writer down.

The reality is, I'm nobody, who knows a few people who might be willing to read something... if the pitch is perfect. However in this instance, the writer had let his enthusiasm get the better of him, and left me scratching my head wondering what on earth I was reviewing.

When you door opens, don't bound in looking around for where your ball bounced. Give yourself a chance and give your contact a succinct pitch that they can do something with.

Remember, a helping hand won't put their reputation on the line for something they don't understand or believe in. If you spent long enough getting your idea right, you shouldn't be banging it out in a five minute pitch.

Don't get me wrong, I love enthusiasm... just remember to use it to start the race and let professionalism see across the finishing line.