I want to work and live in Australia?

[Chris]

I am a foreigner planning to find work and live in Australia. The cities I'm particularly interested in living in either Perth, Melbourne, or Brisbane, maybe Adelaide.

In addition I have previous, and recent sales and marketing work experience both in U.S. and briefly in China. I can speak more than one language, and have many uniques skills on my resume.
I sent out several CV/resumes to some companies in the above mentioned cities.

But when applying on some job hunting websites, I can only apply if I have a residence permit or visa (understandable). But here is my next question, besides calling and following up on those companies, what do I have to do to really get the company's attention and interest (at least for an interview) ?

If I have to travel there, how long would you recommend me to stay in the city. How much money (AU dollars) on average should I bring with me to live in that city, while prospecting jobs there by foot? (I plan to live on a "local" budget) And where is a safe, affordable district to live in while job searching?

Again, I would be grateful for your advise and suggestions. Thank you.

P.S. Are there any networking or social group website I can chat with people or expats/locals there (in Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane) that may be helpful?
ADDITION TO QUESTION:

Sorry for the late update as some have mentioned about certifications: I have graduated from a University within the U.S. with Bachelors of Business Administration (if that even helps count towards the list of qualifications for immigration), and yes I would be willing to do an immigratoin evaluation for further assessment.

[tuppenybitz]

your wasting your time til you see if you qualify to immigrate, you must be formally skilled and experienced in an occupation listed as needing skilled workers

[Ozmaniac]

You can't work in Australia unless you have a work visa and you have zero chance of getting a work visa unless you have formal qualifications and experience in an occupation on the Consolidated Skilled Occupation List (CSOL) and employer sponsorship. From what you've written (you haven't mentioned a degree or any other formal qualifications), you would not be eligible for any work visa so you're wasting your time applying for jobs in Australia - no employer would be allowed to sponsor you.
http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/_pdf/sol-schedule1-2.pdf The CSOL
http://www.immi.gov.au/skills/skillselect/ Work visas

[Aussie]

Sorry Mate , you sound as if you've already got you bags packed but it looks as if you're a no go ...we don't accept people based only on enthusiasm but if we did you'd be a dead cert !