I've recently started operating QRP with my new QCX+ and I'm loving the challenge, but I'm struggling to break into conversations or get answers to my CQ calls. One of the key skills for any QRP operator is to select the right moment to call - being quick to start to transmit, but not calling all the time and causing nuisance. Often jumping in just after the end of a contact or just at the end of a CQ call can help. Calling other stations rather than calling CQ works is one of the major operating approaches that should virtually always be used. Calling other stations works far, far better. Any other advice for successful QRP operation?

QRP operators will soon find out that their CQ calls are often overheard, and that it makes sense to watch out for CQ calls themselves. When a QRP op hears a CQ call a reasonable work hypothesis is that the calling station is using about 80W. Listen for the stronger stations calling CQ first!

It is common practice for operators to include "QRP" after their call sign when calling to indicate that they are running low power. This really helps - many ops will slow down and give you extra time when they know you're running QRP power levels.

Although it is possible to use both CW (Morse) and Phone (SSB), I have always found CW to be far more effective. It is possible to gain many more contacts using QRP on CW than SSB. Have you considered learning CW? It's incredibly effective at QRP power levels.