my biggest way was make a good item! like a texturepack! that got me up good! then i took it and made a x32 x16 x64 and x128 that got me to level 28ish and then i built great items! witch is yet to be discovered! check it out called beverly hills xD and post alot!
make a good server! just be creative! help build great things and be the one who posts it! thats all i can say!