Focus on builders, teamsters and dockworkers first. While these professions may not be very prestigious, but they are the backbone of your island's economy. Make sure you always have citizens employed in these positions as their absence will have adverse effects on your economy. Raise the salary in the corresponding building if necessary.

Once you've organized your workforce, establish a stable cash flow early on in the game. You accomplish this by building some farms, mines or logging camps. Be careful though, as your workforce is limited to the number of citizens on the island and you can end up with a banana economy. If you end up short on workers for your buildings you can construct an Immigration Office in order to attract immigrants from abroad.