I'm only a few weeks ahead of you so I may not have any earth-shattering advice yet. But I would say that if you were to put even a little outside money into the game, get a Pizza Box or Risky Whiskey to manage your energy or your fans. Beyond that, something to add a few fans to get over the early hump. Aside from that, your first milestone is to look forward to finishing 100 missions, then 110, 120,and 130. You get free cards there. I got a Pizza Box (which solved my energy problems) and a few others which added a few fans and some luck. It's all about the cards. I think this early part is a grind unless you put a lot into it. I didn't and got through it and still had fun. Welcome to the game!