>1. Do your research - there's a lot of information out there, and it can be overwhelming at first. But the more you know about stocks, the better equipped you'll be to make smart investment choices. 2. Start small - don't go all in on one stock right away. It's important to diversify your portfolio, so start with a few different companies that interest you. 3. Be patient - remember that Rome wasn't built in a day! Your investments will take time to grow, so don't get discouraged if you don't see immediate results