I never was or will be an IFBB pro, but I have been a judge fan, competitor and serious bodybuilding enthusiast for over 30 yrs.
If you are serious about wanting to turn pro, here is my 2 cents:
1. After 2-3 years of sewrious training and minimal to no drugs compete in the novice class of an aerea NPC show. If you do well there and come in hard , move up to the open in a qualifier. If you win there get some feedback from the judges and plan to do a Jr National show. At this point you might consider doing some serious drug cycles.Chart out a year or more long rpogram to hit a pro qualifier like the USA or Nationals. If you can't even place in a Mr Podunk novice without much juice however, pack it in.
2. *Learn about DIET diet and more diet. As you advance this will be the key to getting ripped.
Max out on LEGAL supplements BEFORE you do the vitamin S .
3. Learn your body and start to stick with exercises and body part routines that work for you.
More than 90% of guys with a few years of serious traing would do a lot better if they did exercises suited to THEIR needs and didn't flat BB bench , barbell reg squat or deadlift off the floor.
Bob Chic is 100% right on this. Once you have a good basic foundation of size and strength , drop the basic power stuff as your main deal.
4. * A little goes a long way- Learn how the drugs work with YOUR body as you grow and do them one at a time BEFORE you cycle different ones at the same time.
5. Learn what cardio works for you and be consistant but not crazy doing it.
6. Work your weak points and be honest about what they are to yourself.
7. COMPETE! When you feel ready, sign up for a show and compete . You have no idea what you REALLY can do unless you get up on the stage against other guys/girls.
8. Don't quit early on. Guys like Phil Heath are rare , really rare in bodybuilding and that is why they call him "the gift". Bob Chic competed for 13 yrs on the national level before he got his pro card.
9. Bodybuilding takes $$ and without a steady income you will be a bum and end up doing , well I think we know
Seriously, get an actual education and career outside of bodybuilding going while you trying to climb up the NPC ranks . This is VERY important in the long run, trust me.
10. Be consistant- You are in this for a marathon not a fast but over quickly sprint. Take it one work out and one show at a time.
11. Be visible, friendly and present a good image when at shows and bodybuilding related stuff.
Remember it is in the end a judged sport. Don't let being an assclown ruin your shot.
Porject confidance on stage and don't do crazy distorted angle twisting poses .
12* be like guys who accepted real hardcore bodybuilding for what it is ( like Chic, Jay , etc)
Don't get my kind of attitude or you won't be able to handle all the crazy crap in bodybuilding and end up being an an old fart wannabe (like me hehe) posting some tired old advice on getbig.com in 20 yrs.
Howard