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This article assumes you are already licensed have a rig, antenna and power supply.

1. Keep it simple
2. Use a Di-Pole antenna like a G5RV (you can get it here) Avoid wip or mobile antenna’s for now. The reason for the dipole is it is easy to setup and very forgiving. Even if not properly setup you still should be able to make contacts.
3. Open your squelch completely. You should hear static all the time.
4. Turn your RF Gain all the way up (later on you will learn when you need to adjust the RF gain and the squelch)
5. Do not try to operate HF in a mobile. Yes it works but until you know what to expect if just complicates things.
6. Do some listening for a bit at first. get used to how things sound.
7. Look up your local ham radio club. see when they are meeting and pay them a visit. Most are very friendly and will be willing to help you get started. But you probably already know this as I’m assuming your have your license and call sign already. Meaning you must have taken you ham test at probably a local club.
8. Visit the Arrl.org website for a wealth of information about getting started and many advanced topics.
9. 20 and 40 meters are probably the best bands to start with.
10. Don’t let grumpy people scare you away. But do be polite to them as once you get past the grump they do have a lot to share.