9 New Year's Resolutions For PR Pros

Let's make 2015 the year of your career!

1. I will not send mass form emails.

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No one likes to get spammed, especially media folks. This year, resolve to create more tailored, personalized pitches.

2. I will spend less time on twitter and more time making meaningful connections.

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Face to face meetings are still the best way to make meaningful connections and build relationships. So instead of spending all your time stalking media pros on social media, try inviting them out for coffee or a drink.

3. I will email reporters and producers without asking for anything.

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You know that friend who only calls or texts you when he needs a favor? To reporters and producers, you are that friend. Instead of only sending them an email when you're pitching them, reach out to praise a recent piece or see if they're working on anything they're excited about.

4. I will try something new.

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What makes our job so amazing is that the industry is changing all the time. Instead of relying on the same ol' PR tactics, resolve to try something different.

5. I will consume more media.

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Are you one of those PR pros who doesn't read a newspaper or listen to the radio? How can you expect to pitch media if you don't know what they cover? This year, subscribe to a national newspaper. Listen to the radio. Turn on a morning show. Know your market.

6. I will help out my fellow PR pros.

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This year, don't be so stingy with your contacts. If one of your comrades is looking for a contact or needs guidance on pitching strategies, help them out. You never know when they'll return the favor.

7. I will control my clients.

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We all have clients who do nothing but promote themselves on social media all day or shamelessly blast their mailing list. They make it worse out there for the rest of us. This year, guide your clients to harness their blatant self-promotion and build an audience organically.

8. I will get organized.

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Most publicists are juggling more work than they should be handling. This year, utilize tools like Todiost and ToodleDo to stay on task and ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

9. I will take a vacation.

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PR pros have a tough time un-plugging and un-winding, but it's something you have to do. Taking a vacation (a real one, not one where you check your phone every 10 minutes) will allow you to re-energize and work more efficiently throughout the year.