I would recommend building a STRONG LinkedIn network, boosting up your profile, recommendations, endorsements, ask to join relevant groups, etc. In the meantime, I would also develop a simple WP site and start pushing quality content on a regular basis. Would even explore trying to hop on a few...
How many people are you looking to roll this out to? I would caution against trying to automate what should be handled in person during the early days of your business. Talk to people. If they don't feel like you care (because you're automating the process), they won't give you valuable feedback.
Yes to both. Because it is a lucrative business, there is a lot of competition. There are very few barriers to entry in the staffing/recruiting space (cash flow being one if you are focused on contract placements as you'll need free cash to support payroll). You need to be prepared to stick it...