Take a pre-purchase workshop. Many dealers provide a hands-on mini class for prospective purchasers to have the opportunity to use a machine and determine their interest in longarm quilting as well as their preference in a longarm machine.
Visit manufacturer's booths at trade show - get a feel for which machine works best for you.
1. Visit an AZLAQ meeting. Talk to longarm quilters and learn what type of machines they use and why. Get feedback as to the pros and cons of being a professional longarm quilter.

Practice, Practice, Practice. Devote a minimum of 3 hours per week solely to your own practice. Emphasize free-motion, smaller detailed pantographs and all over patterns.
Attend quilt shows. Examine winning quilts for their stitching, patterns and attention to detail.
Take a class post-purchase of your machine. Once the nerves have settled down and you have more confidence on the longarm machine, invest in a class for beginners/intermediates. Look for classes that teach free-motion, "how do I quilt that," tension, maintenance, advanced techniques, business practices, etc.
Watch videos on specific techniques. There are a number of videos from nationally ranked teachers that offer specific techniques on how to do pantographs, free motion, McTavishing, background fill and a wide array of longarm quilting techniques. This is an excellent way to get training without the cost of time to attend classes.
Attend a national longarm quilters conference. The Machine Quilters Showcase (MQS) and Innovations are two examples of national quilt shows with a format exclusive to longarm quilters. From the outstanding array of quilts on display to the vendor mall, the emphasis is on classes, tools and information to advance the profession of longarm quilting.
Network with other longarm quilters. AZLAQ provides a mentoring program for new longarm quilters that supports the development and confidence building of its new members. Contact Shari Lillywhite at quiltershari@yahoo.com to learn more about this program.
Join your professional organization. Membership in AZLAQ promotes networking, mentoring, classes, communication and support for its members.
1. Checkout books, websites and newsletters. There are a number of excellent books, chat rooms, websites and newsletters that cover longarm quilting. As a novice, these are excellent references for solving problems, gaining support and expanding your professional expertise.

For intermediate and advanced longarm quilters:

Make time for you to play and experiment. As a busy longarm quilter, it can be very difficult to practice. Making the time will help your business in the long run.
Break out of your box. If you only do pantographs, take a class on free motion. Trying new things keeps your customers excited about your abilities.
Assist in quilt show judging. This is one of the best ways to improve your quilting. By learning what constitutes a good quilt you will improve your quilting and increase your customer satisfaction.
Closely examine quilts at quilt shows. What do you see as imperfections? Can you critique the positives and negatives of the quilt? Look for techniques and motifs that can improve your quilting. Take pictures for later reference.
Attend classes. Don't pass up the opportunity to take classes from nationally ranked teachers when offered in your area.
Enter competitions. Push yourself to excel by receiving constructive criticism on your work.
Become active in AZLAQ. Networking with your peers will expand your knowledge base and improve your overall proficiency through peer review and problem solving.