SpringSTNYC,
I tried the following suggestions from others and they seem to be working on the intelligent level.
First, expand, expand, expand. The first few months/years (depending on galaxy size) are all about property. You want to be cranking out the colony ships as fast as you can. Although you can buy them, this will saddle you with debt.
I prefer to change mili/soc/research to 75/25. Others prefer 80/20, but do whatever suits your taste. Crank your taxes as high as you can while keeping your approval rating at 55%, and set your government spending to maximum. Don't worry about losing money, the boost to your production and research is well worth it.
Later, you can form trade routes and sell some tech for increased revenue. I also like to buy garrison fleets from my neighbors by selling certain technologies or trade goods.
Also, it's good to devote your 2nd or 3rd colony to sole production of constructors, only to "claim" resources in the area. The lesser-quality planets won't really support a new colony ship every 2-3 turns anyway.
Some other general tips: Use diplomacy to your advantage, especially if you have diplomacy bonuses.
Form trade routes. Don't build every social project at every system, only the ones that will benefit you. Pick a strategy and the corresponding techs, you can't be good at everything.
Hope this helps,
JD
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