Practice, practice, practice. Know your fundamentals. Work on your technique. Learn to read music, and if that's not really your thing, develop your ears by listening to every drum part and be able to play it. You have a better chance of getting gigs if you can quickly and cleanly play whatever's called for. Find out where your weak spots are and take lessons. Try new things--add some electronic pads, for example, or percussion onto your set.
Make contacts. Don't just browse online classifieds--go out and sit in at jam sessions so that other musicians see and hear you. Be ready to hand out your business card. Get a simple website--a Myspace page will do--that has pictures, some info about you and examples of your playing. Make sure your cards and website are in order and up to date. Hand out your business cards, which should have your web address and contact info.
Go to auditions for paying gigs such as theater pits, dance performances and classes. You'll most likely be asked to play some auxiliary percussion, so be as ready as you can--ideally, you'll be familiar with classical, African and Latin percussion.
Get high-quality gear and take good care of it. Replace whatever isn't working. Take your drums apart and clean them, know if there's a problem before you get into an important situation. If you have electronic components, check for updates and keep them up to date.
Be punctual and friendly. So many musicians arrive late and unprepared that you can make a great impression simply by being on time and ready to go. Drummers usually have the most gear to set up, so arriving early gives you time to set up everything just the way you want it--and it shows that you know that time is money.
Share what you know. For most drummers, teaching will bring in more money than being in a band or going on tour. Post ads at live music venues, rehearsal studios, cafes and anywhere else musicians congregate in your town. Hand out your business cards among musicians and at music schools.