Swimming in a Bigger Pond

Ok DJ world, here's the deal. I DJ in a SMALL city with 1, maybe 2 places worth DJing at. The next bigger markets are all at least an hour away. The ceiling is pretty low and I'm pretty much already there (I'm in regular rotation at the better of the 2 places). I feel like my only chance to expand is to either creep into neighboring markets or completely relocate to a more vibrant place. But to make that work, you need contacts, connections, etc. otherwise no one will hire you right? So. Has anyone jumped to a bigger market with successfully? What's the process? Are those of us from small towns outta luck? lol. Any advice or success stories are appreciated.