ABSTRACT
Like a law of nature, whenever two or more independent professionals come together for lunch or coffee, the subject of setting rates will naturally come up. Putting a price on your time and your work is more than just a matter of throwing together a proposal; it is a question of value. As an employee, there are salary benchmarks for your value that are well known and widely accepted. It is a bit like checking out the Kelley Blue Book to find out what your car is worth. If you know your job title, how many years of experience you have, and where you live and work, you can find plenty of data on what you should be paid. Being a free agent is somewhat different and the range in rates, rate structures, and payment processes varies tremendously.
