The two most effective ways (at the core) to get Google and other search engines to find you quickly is to:
a) start a blog
b) utilize Pay-Per-Click
I say start a blog because blogs are websites and pages that are continually updated frequently. Google LOVES that. I've noticed I'll write a blog article and tomorrow it's showing up in searches. Alternatively, I might code a static web page and not see it listed for a couple weeks.
I say use PPC because that can get you to the top of searches today. You just have to be willing to bid high but still leave room to turn a profit.
Secondly, you should learn about keywords and keyword phrases. Use them in your title tags and links when possible (just make sure you don't sound like you're writing for a search engine - they don't buy from you, people do).
A sitemap is good to have and I highly suggest having one. Like emilypal said, you can tell Google to visit your site more often - not necessary though if it never changes. Sitemaps don't have a direct link to search engine optimization in that they don't determine where in the searches you end up, just that you're indexed.
I have an article you might want to read about search engine optimization -
25+ SEO Tips For Getting Ranked Well In Search Engines.
Hope that helps some and good luck.