Very good starting advice. Very few new managers grasp how big a difference Game Shape and Enth make to the teams ability to win, and to win against higher salaried squads.
I didn't get this advice for 2+ seasons, however I have learned to embrace it and use it to my advantage well (I have managed to beat 2 x $220 000+ squads in a row away and home with a $147 000 squad recently) It is a massive advantage.
Another "Gem" is to scout your opposition well and get the Off and Def combinations right, this can avoid surprising losses.
Looking forward, put as much money into your Arena as you can to prepare for Div III.