Starting Conjurer is crucial - helps you get used to basic healing + DPS without the additional stress of the cards.

DRAW. Also, once you have access to RR and eventually Spread, its best to not hand out plain card buffs - make sure you improve them. Balance is always desired. I use Arrows pre-60 as a general buff (melee might not always like it, but I've never had a single complaint). At 60, give it to BRD/MCH/SMN, and ask anyone else if they want it before you start (esp. BLM). I end up RRing about 95% of my Ewers and Spires. Tanks love Bole, and I'll often enhance or extend it to facilitate DPS (as Rennies pointed out). Spear takes practice and communication to get right. Some think its weak, I think its awesome - at the right time. I RR about 85% of these.

Use CO/TD to maximize cards and HoTs. Use Light Speed (its not an emergency button as much as it is a mana saving tool). Use Synastry (Also not just for emergencies - the healing boost allows you to DPS MOAR).