changing career to programming, how?

[Guest_imported]

i'm a IT professional, 7 years. pc and net support. never programmed before. i bought a book on c++ (teach yourself)and i cant put it down. acquired a taste for c++. eventually i would like to get a job as a programmer. how can i break into the business?? and what do you recommend i read next after intro. to c++ book ?? reading and self study is great but eventually i'll need job related exp.