Sure, it sounds like it should go without saying, but are you REALLY ready? Record labels are more inclined to pay attention when you have honed your craft a little bit and put in some of the groundwork. Get out there and play your songs in front of an audience as much as you can. You can start out at the local coffee house or open mic night. If you live in an area that has some small to mid-size clubs, call them up and find out who books the bands. Try to get on the bill for local talent nights as well as trying to get some opening band slots for touring bands. When you get a show, call the local college radio stations, hit the independent record stores, get in touch with the listing guides in your area and let them know what you'll be doing.
By doing some shows, you might spend some (a lot) of time playing your songs for your mom and your best friend, but also you'll become comfortable with being in front of an audience. You'll find out what works and what doesn't in your set, and it will give you a chance to get your name out there. Get people at shows to sign up for a mailing list, and invite them along the next time. When you then get in touch with labels, you can tell them you have already built up a following in your area. Besides, you never know who will be at those shows.
Also, if you are in a group, make sure everyone in your group is ready for what happens if a record label does pick you up. You'd be surprised how many "next-big-things" never were, because when it came down to it, Susie couldn't really take that time off of work, or Billy's girlfriend doesn't want him to go on tour.
Source : lovetoknow.com
