I forgot a 3rd one. It's not necessarily a mistake I made but rather one I could have made.

Don't be a tobacco snob and discount a particular tobacco just because you can buy it at the local drug store.
I don't know if I ever would have tried the drugstore blends but I got some samples from a fellow BOTL and my eyes were opened. I tell you, I like Prince Albert as much as any I've tried so far. I'm sure I'll have dozens of different blends on hand before it's over but I really like PA and I'm certain there will always be a place for it in my rotation.

Don't be turned off by pre conceived notions. Try anything you can get your hands on. I'm sure glad I did.