You might already have mad PR skills.

But in our ever-changing game, there’s always room for improvement.

To that end, here are six things you can do right now to become a better PR pro:

1. Read some Charles Bukowski. Rather than picking up yet another social media book, try reading some Bukowski and observe how a master puts words together. It’s quick and lean. If Bukowski is too raw for you, grab some other fiction, maybe Hemingway. There’s plenty of evidence to suggest it helps a career.

2. Learn to analyze financial statements. You’re in business, so you should know how to read and interpret financials. If you cannot do this, you will: get screwed over by an accountant someday; lose a bunch of money through a terrible investment; get in trouble with the government for filing bad taxes, or never get to the C-suite/run a successful enterprise of your own.

3. Visit a newsroom. You’d be surprised how many PR people have never been to a newsroom. It’s so important to see how media live. I’m sure you have contacts. If you didn’t spend part of your career in a newsroom—or it’s been a while—ask if you can pay their workplace a visit.

4. Read blogs with different perspectives. In our game there are a ton of folks producing great blog content. Find a few new ones and you’ll probably learn new things.

5. Make use of podcasts. No, podcasting is not dead! They’re a great way to learn on the fly and stay current.

6. Read some mythology. I’m a big fan of mythology, especially the Greek variety. The stories are well crafted, and the life lessons remain relevant. In this business, we’re all storytellers who can benefit from reading masterfully woven tales.

You must have stuff to add. Love to hear from you.

A version of this story first appeared on the author's blog Proper Propaganda.

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