Re: the marketing side of things, if you don't already have a blog, start one today. Write about how to solve problems in your particular area of expertise (or the one you'd like to get hired for). Start a mailing list, and send your weekly articles out to the list. I've done basically this, and after 3 years running, built up quite a bit of traffic and email subscriber base, and some passive-ish side income (I wrote a book that I sell as well).

This is not a quick tactic, but it is a good longer-term strategy for building a following and a reputation.