1) Don’t cast friends in spec spots. Your girlfriend is not that hot. Do get actors. If you don’t write advertising, get a well-crafted script from an agency creative team. A gorgeous spot that is not a good ad will not get you work. Directors must have a healthy ego to succeed, period. But balance hubris with humility. Don’t expect to be “the director” at home. Do take an intensive commercial directing bootcamp.
2) Find a mentor. Do whatever she asks and soak up knowledge like a sponge. Produce a PSA for a seasoned director that already has a crew that will do her favors, and piggyback it on a paying job. Ideally, seasoned director has seasoned producer that will let have your back. Always try to repay your favors with decent paying jobs.