What steps are required to get a patent?

You should not disclose your invention to any third party before you file a patent application or at least have the third party, to whom you disclose your invention, sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). So, if you want to proceed with patent protection, you truly need to file a patent application, even a provisional patent application, as soon as possible - this permits you to disclose your invention to third parties, AND, since the US is now a first-to-file patent system, the earlier you file a patent application, the earlier you establish your priority filing date with respect to anyone else developing the same invention or technology. Therefore, you should engage a patent attorney/agent as soon as possible.