I'd suggest getting a booking agent to book shows for you. The standard pay is 15% of whatever is made at a show. Clubs pay attention to this kind of thing. Most clubs don't take a band seriously if the band members are calling, e-mailing, etc.... To them, it makes a band look more professional if the band has a booking agent and/or manager booking the shows.

Then the whole circle thing comes into play. Most booking agents won't take on a brand new band. Gotta have the following of fans. But, you can't get fans without shows, and it's hard to get shows without a pro booking agent. That's why it's good for newer bands on the scene to enter any kind of battle of the bands type of thing. It's a great way to get your foot in the door at certain clubs and be heard.