If I'm looking to start consulting on the side, is it reasonable to charge lower rates at first to attract business and get some experience (something in the $50/hr range)
While I want to be paid fairly for what I'm worth, I also don't want to overcharge clients while I figure out what I'm doing (processes and services etc).
You probably won't get a straight answer to this so I'll say the tough words.
Anyone who's established will be easier to philosophize about why you shoudl charge more.
At the end of the day, no one pays your bills for you but yourself. Getting any work is more important than getting good work. Getting great work is more important than getting good work.
I don't know if I am doing it the best way but I did start ($50/hr in 1999) doing absolutely anything anyone would pay me for at that equivalent rate.
Also, figuring out your processes and services is complete BS. You never stop developing and improving them. I've trashed my entire setup and rebuilt/programmed it from scratch 5 times in 10 years only to finally settle on a happy-ish medium of Fogbugz and Freshbooks.
If I'm looking to start consulting on the side, is it reasonable to charge lower rates at first to attract business and get some experience (something in the $50/hr range)
While I want to be paid fairly for what I'm worth, I also don't want to overcharge clients while I figure out what I'm doing (processes and services etc).