Record a demo. Go to a professional recording studio and record at least a few tracks. These days you can even do a good job recording at home if you have some audio-recording equipment and knowledge of how it works. Regardless of where you record your demo, aim for perfection.
Send your demo CDs out to record labels. Each label has a different policy for accepting demos so make sure you find out the label's requirements. Include a professional biography with your demo and put your best tracks first. Record labels get hundreds if not thousands of CDs every day; the key is to grab their attention from the beginning of the first song. If you don't, they might put your CD aside and never listen to it again.
Play in local bars and venues. It will not only give you a chance to practice playing live, but record labels want to see that you can entertain a crowd. Consider hiring a manager to book gigs for you.
Contact A & R representatives. Look for local A&R reps online or contact the record labels in which you are interested in landing a deal and ask for a list of their A&R representatives. Send them your demo CD and let them know when and where you will be playing.
Use your contacts. Because of the massive amount of music sent to A & R reps and record labels, it is unfortunate, but not unlikely, that your hard-earned demo will never get heard. If you know anybody who has contacts with A & R representatives or anyone else in the music industry, ask that person to pass on your demo personally and put in a good word for you.
Create an online presence. Set up a website or blog and upload your music and performances to YouTube, iTunes and any other website that will help promote your music. Don't underestimate the power of the Internet; it's a great tool to help your music reach a global audience and create a following.