I'll give you three tips:

1. You will need to spend money to make money! Make sure you have some funds set aside to get your business off the ground. Too many agents think they can't spend money till they make some. 
   
   
2. Learn how to fire clients who are not motivated, who don't treat you with respect, etc. 
   
   
3. Never compromise your name and reputation for a commission check. 

Brand new?

• Definitely #1 is to set up a CRM and
• ...start working your sphere right away. So many people are shy about reaching out to people they know but, those who know you WANT to support your new endeavors and will happily help you build your business.
• Put together your business plan and set long- and short-term goals
• Farm your neighborhood
• Work at least 40 hours each and every week
• Host Open Houses each weekend
• Volunteer
• BE SOCIAL

Put yourself out there and let the world know you are building a new business and you're there to help them with their real estate needs! 

You are running a business, not just running people around in your car.  Learn the business and keep learning.  You are the pro. act like one. 

Decide immediately if you are going to be a full time or a part time agent. If your choice is part time then think again and leave this business to the professionals. If it's full time then remember you do not have set hours, expect to work all hours of the day.

Don't give up too soon, make one more phone call, send that email, write that extra text every day. Following up one more time will easily earn you extra income, no one else seems to be doing it!

Treat real estate like a business, pay attention, and get a mentor. 

My number 1 tip: "You have a lot to learn!"

Find a broker that answers their phone and gives you sound advice.

Training, if the brokerage doesn't have it, run.

Talk to other agents that work for the agency, they will tell you what's it like.

Get ready to work hard, have at least 6 months of income saved up for the dry times when first starting

"People count; Numbers don't.  Focus on People you will have an infinite amount of business; Focus on Numbers you will create cement shoes and fall into proverbial bankruptcy."

Never answer a question you dont really know the answer to

Have a plan on how you will gain clients and gain experience.

Will you work with a seasoned agent? Will you be an assistant?  will you cold call?   You need a plan

Don't be afraid to work hard and fail sometimes.

Measure your progress. Analyze what works. Ask for help.

Be humble. Say you don't know but will find out and run right back with the answer. Be kind. Smile. Listen with your heart and mind.  

If Your Broker Didn't Teach You This . . . I Will

Use at will and yes, attribution is appreciated.

OH! And read the comments! They all gave MORE advice.

Start drinking or do something to numb yourself now. If you like being treated like dirt, this is the job for you!

It's the #1 tip for any business... develop a plan.

People will give you all kinds of advice like get a CRM, network, focus on SEO, learn to do dot this, spend money on this.

A hodgepodge of ideas is not going to help you succeed.  You need to come up with a business plan - ideally one year, but a minimum of six months.  The plan is not set in stone.  In other words, if you plan to do X, but after three months realize X isn't working, change the plan.  But a plan will help you focus your time and money.  It will eliminate indecision.  It will eliminate confusion.  It will help you prioritize.  (Hint: if you have to list several ideas when one tip is asked for because your 3-5 tips are soooo important, you haven't learned how to prioirtize yet.)

So my tip is to take the hodge podge of ideas that you hear on AR, at your office, at training, etc, and develop it into a working business plan. 

Can not limit it to just 1.  Here is my trinity:

prospect every day

have a business plan

ask for the business

Have reserves in the bank.

DON'T SPEND THAT COMMISSION UNTIL THOSE FUNDS ARE IN YOUR ACCOUNT.....

I've heard some agents say "RUN!".

Go to work in an office where the broker is available.  

Pick a niche and learn everything you can about that niche in your local market, including becoming very familiar with ALL the inventory in that niche.

Be prepared to rise above the several hundred thousand surplus agents.

To treat this as a business and develop a business and marketing plan... and stick to it!

Get a mentor! Don't practice until you get it right, practice until you can't get it wrong!

Ray,

Get a mentor.  A

Go to Physician Assistant school.... Go to nursing school... Go anywhere else!  Only somewhat serious... best advice I ever received still holds.... work hard because you work for yourself!

Get a mentor

Stay true to yourself

Take Ignite.

Consistently adapting and adjusting while continuously learning is pertinent for longevity in this industry.

Take your time learning to do it right. Market to generate appointments. Keep refining your listing presentation. Don't gamble. Keep a part time job if needed, and avoid creating stress in your home/family life. Be consistent.

Lend everyone your ear but not your mouth

Finish what you start

If you dont like people pass on Real Estate

Watch your greed, ethics and morals

Your licensed so act like it

 Must be willing to accept the fact you have 6-9 months savings before your first commission check. 

90% of new agents will not attain a single sale during his first year. 80% left will realize it is not for them and quickly drop out of business.

Sam Shueh, Silicon Valley realtor

You have a new license with drying ink... experience. Take nothing for granted and the best time to get into the real estate list and twist is when the incline is steep. You learn much, forget nothing. Save for the change in market conditions and learn how to adjust your "sales". The best sailors have gone out into rough seas from the safe close to shore harbor to learn how best to hone their survival skill set.

That this is a business and not a job.  Have at least 1 year worth of living expenses and if they are currently working do not quit their job yet.  I see too many people wanting to become a real estate agent and think that this business is easy money.  You get to dress nicely and drive nice cars.  Again it is a business and one has to work very hard to make it a successful business.  There, I think this is a lengthy tip :)

Great answers, Ray, you got. 

Debe Maxwell, CRS and  Nina Hollander - I am with you.

 Tell everywhere and everyone you know and don't know  you are Realtor. 

Network!

Start your "Past client" database with your first transaction. Stay in touch and never let go of them. Over the years they can become your own personal gold mine.

Have a good 6 months of savings to out last the period you will not be making any money. Just as important choose an agency that will meet your needs. Ask what you get for what you will pay.

#1. Know the resources, skills, experience and network upon which you can rely.

#2. With the data from #1, create a business plan
#3. Spend it! Determine what you have the most of: Time or Money, then spend it according to the business plan.

#4 Bonus: Never sign with a broker who will not COMMIT to getting you engage in a transaction within 30 days. A good business plan allows a broker to see your potential and enable them to commit.

Carry business cards with you WHEREVER you go, and hand out a box a month.

It's a tie between "Don't" and "Why?"

Find a mentor and have money ion the bank to pay your bills until a steady stream of money is rolling in

a great broker who provides tools and support/mentorship program

Get a mentor, coach and a great broker to start with!

Make sure your pipeline is always full!