Independently produce as many new instrumental records as possible. Maintain a continuously updated portfolio of these instrumental records. Your best crop of instrumental records is the launching pad for your production career. They will attract your first production clients, collaborators and possibly an agent.
Contact local or readily accessible recording artists who have music you enjoy and may need record production. Find their contact information or that of their representation--such as management--through artist websites and social networking profiles. Present your portfolio to these artists or applicable representation and inform them that you are willing to produce records for them.
Produce new and original records with the vocals or other contribution such as instrumentation of the recording artists that are willing to work with you. Add these new original records to your portfolio. Continue producing new instrumental records as well.
Hire a reputable talent manager or agent experienced in representing record producers. Present your portfolio to managers and agents you feel most comfortable with. Choose your favorite from the pool of interested representation. Hiring a manager or agent is optional, but recommended, as your representation can present your portfolio to the record labels and production companies seeking talent to offer production deals. Your representation can also help you find production clientele that will gain the attention record labels and production companies in addition to negotiating fair production deals.
Identify and research record labels and production companies that specialize in the type or types of music you produce. Listen to as much of a label or production company's catalog before deciding to contact them in search of a record production deal. Do this if you do not elect to or cannot hire representation.
Submit your portfolio to artists and repertoire (A&R) directors at the record labels and production companies you would like to work for. Do this if you do not elect to or cannot hire representation. Check the record label or production company's website for A&R department contact. Make each A&R department aware that you are seeking a record production deal with their company. They will review your portfolio and place you in contact with the entity in charge of offering production deals if interested.