By Jessi Hamilton

Here's what I would recommend for a game plan.

Press Kit

First you need a press kit that you can use to market yourself to people in the industry, different performing venues, etc. A press kit consists of the following:

1. Several promotional photos.
2. A bio/fact sheet.
3. A three song demo of your music.
4. Your contact information, including your website address.
5. Any press you've received from news papers, websites, etc.

Next, I would recommend setting up a website with pictures, some samples of your music, and a bio (basically an online press kit). You can easily do this by creating a profile on some of the websites listed below. Then you can link to it from other music websites. These are just a few websites that you can check out:

1. Artist Now
2. Besonic
3. Artist Gigs
4. Singers UK
5. Pure Volume
6. Talent Match
7. Clear Channel New Music Network
8. Artist Launch
9. MBus
10. Artist Now
11. D Music
12. Band Jams
13. Sonic Bids

While you're getting some attention online, start searching for managers to represent you. It's nice to have someone who is well-connected in the industry who can shop your material to record companies. You might want to purchase a copy of Song Writer's Market.

It is a directory of the contact information for managers, producers, labels, contests, agents, and more. Labels rarely look at your material unless it comes from a solicited source who is connected to the industry. Also get out and start performing some at coffeehouses, clubs, bars, colleges and other venues in order to build your fanbase.

At your performances, you can also promote your website and sell CD's once they are finished.

Also try to enter some songwriting competitons. These will get you direct exposure with the industry who often are contest judges. You will also be able to get press more easily if you do well in these contests. ASCAP and BMI are two national songwriting / performing organizations. They regularly have showcases which are highly attended by the industry. The websites for these organizations are ASCAP and BMI.

If you do all of this, it should give you the opportunity to get lots of exposure and meet people who could help you further your career.

These ideas are by no means the only way of going about advancing your career. This is just the basic plan that I've followed. Just use this

for some ideas.

To get further feedback, advice, and to make more connections, consider joining your local or state songwriter's organization (if you have one).