You must have a positive attitude You must be determined. A demo and press kit will require money out of your pocket. Don't believe the statements from the misinformed or books that state if you're good enough you don't have to pay, that some record company will pay your way. This thought is still around. However, it is diminishing as artists and songwriters are gaining the truthful facts about the recording industry and proper presentation methods.
Record companies have limited resources.
The people who make decisions put their jobs on the line when they sign and commit resources to an unknown artist. From their perspective, it is much safer to invest in an artist who already has some sort of track record and following. There is no substitute for honest, consistent effort on your own behalf. Let them produce and promote you. They have the know how.