One of the most frequent questions I receive from those who are trying to start or grow their own consulting business is: "How and what do you charge clients for your consulting services?"

The ways of billing clients are numerous. There are hourly rates, by-the-job fixed rates, contingency or performance arrangements, flat fee plus expenses, daily fee plus expenses, and many other methods of charging for your consulting services. Which one is best?

Useful tips from Gerry McLaughlin, an experienced UK-based IT contractor. Gerry's advice ranges from, 'Don't become a contractor if you are not a risk taker', and 'Don't charge more than you are worth', to 'Keep your skills marketable and up to date'.

For the full version of the Golden Rules, go here

So you’ve decided to go out on your own as an IT consultant or contractor ? Perhaps you want to be your own boss, work when you want, and of course there’s the money. You’ve got the skills and experience to do the job. Is that all you need? Not quite

The scary thing is now you have to go out and find some clients. You may belong to an agency that supplies consultants, but you’ve still got to persuade the client that you’re the best man or woman for the job

A business relationship between a consultant and a client is like any other relationship – it needs to be based on trust. To achieve this you need to build rapport with the client: smile, be friendly and professional, and show him or her that you can achieve their business goals in the timeframe required.

Are you a consultant, contractor, freelance, or other professional consulting in the information technology industry and looking to develop your IT career or find new clients ?

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