I posted a blog last week "In the Media - Making News - Ready to Pitch?". Forbes Woman is looking for outside contributors and in particular, is looking to the 85 Broads community for insights, commentary, opinions and columns. So are 85 Broads members pitching? You bet (and yes, Forbes Woman is catching).

But some members, surprisingly, are just, casting. Casting around a ramble of thoughts. Casting out websites where the editors at Forbes can 'find' their ideas.

Casting is not pitching.

Here's some thoughts based on "Making Your Elevator Pitch Work" http://blogs.reuters.com/small-business/2010/06/24/making-your-elevator-pitch-work/

1. Keep your pitch concise and to the point. Forbes editors requested a sentence or two for each idea. If you have a blog - terrific! But send the sentence or two on WHY the editors should go and look at your blog or website.

2. Name your market. Who cares or should care about the idea you're pitching. A story is great but a story with an audience is even better.

3. Is anyone else all over this topic - if yes, why is your idea different, better.... What's the angle and how is your voice on the topic going to rise above the other experts who speaking out.

4. Own your idea and your expertise. Include a short bio highlighting why you're the one to write this story, column or oped.

So, are you ready to pitch? Email me your pitch and I'll get it right over to the editors at Forbes!

And after you've sent the first idea, think about your next pitch!

Check out 85 Broads members who are already contributing to Forbes:
Joanne Tombrakos: http://www.forbes.com/2010/06/22/technology-detox-diet-forbes-woman-time-internet.html
Avril David:
http://www.forbes.com/2010/06/11/hate-job-advice-leadership-careers-workplace.html
Adrienne Graham:
http://blogs.forbes.com/work-in-progress/2010/06/21/want-to-succeed-with-social-media-get-a-solid-strategy-in-place-first/

Email your pitches to me at jkhoey@85broads.com