DEVOTE & DEVELOP. No matter how good you are, there's always room to improve. Get tighter. Write better. Practice until it hurts, then some more. Expand your musical library to include unique sounds that stand out in a sea of the same old garage bands. Devote yourself not only to success, but being the absolute best band you can possibly be. Know that being good and being successful are related, but not at all the same thing.
RECORD AND DISTRIBUTE. You don't have to spend hundreds of dollars making your own demo to start getting your band heard. Record your live performances. Record your rehearsals. Record yourselves walking down the street to get a cheeseburger. Create a library of video and distribute it on Youtube. Post your audio on Myspace and any other site that will let you. Give CDs away at shows if you can afford to. In the beginning, exposure is far more valuable to you than profits. Also look to local cable access and radio shows that accept submissions from bands. Getting yourself on-air in any capacity will help you reach potential fans.
HELP OTHER BANDS. Yeah, a lot of other bands suck. There are tons of jerks out there who will never repay a favor. However, there are musicians who never forget a helping hand. Make yourself available to help other bands recording shows, building websites, or any other skill you have that might be helpful. It's a great way to network. The more people you know, the more likely you are to know the right people and get your band noticed.
BE AVAILABLE. You know the anger and frustration you feel when another band suddenly pulls out of a show you were supposed to play together. Other bands know it too. In fact, the best and most serious bands experience this problem more than anyone. Make yourself available as a last minute substitute band. You'll be making powerful friends (ones with gigs) and gaining exposure every time your band walks on the stage.
REWARD YOUR FANS. Forget selling bumper stickers and cds. Give them away whenever you can. If you can't give them away, don't look to make a profit. That guy who can't afford your cd might be friends with 15 people who CAN afford it. When you reward your fans, you breed loyalty. You fans will become more devoted and will advertise your band to their friends.
AN ONLINE PRESENCE. If you don't already have a website, a Myspace profile, and a Facebook profile, get to work! Online networking is the undiscovered band's dream come true. It's the cheapest way to get your fans talking to each other, talking about you, and interested in what your band is doing next. Use your online presence to announce shows and distribute digital media. These social networks and your own websites can help get your band noticed by people all over the world.
VOLUNTEER. No matter what you want to do in life, volunteering your skills is a great way to get your foot in the door. This is why many unknown painters donate art to charity auctions. This is why new web developers create non-profit websites. You gain experience and exposure every time you practice your craft. Also, donating your band's services to legitimate organizations will give your band an instant air of it's own legitimacy. Don't be afraid to offer your services for fund raisers and more.