I have been asked about what tips I would give a starting photographer or even a photographer who's already in the business. People can always get into super specs with cameras, and gear etc. But honestly my biggest tip is just shoot.
Shoot as much as you can.
I am even re-learning this today. When I moved to LA I thought my photography was in a spot that I didn't need to constantly be shooting personal and creative stuff, and honestly that was my down fall. From not shooting for myself I wasn't experimenting, and ultimately failing at trying new things. Which all in all, kept my photography at a stand still. Yes i was shooting a LOT, but its different. I was comfortable with my shooting abilities, but I wasn't pushing myself or branching out with any of my abilities on those shoots.
So like I said, just get out and shoot. As much as you can even if your aren't making money. Yeah it sucks, that you aren't making money. But, if you were one who started pursuing photography out of LOVE-- Re-discover and rekindle that love. Ive only been shooting for a few years but I've had the opportunity of being around many photographers that are very talented. But it's easy to tell when someone TRUELY loves what they do, or when the veil of work has blinded the love that once started it all.