[SatvikBeri]

Also, it seems that most people don't even know what they want. I prefer to meet them and see if I can find out, but lots of times that ends up being coffee with a stranger and not getting any work because either they couldn't figure out what they wanted or their problem was so simple I could answer a question in 5 minutes and that's all they needed. How do you handle this part of the process, the figuring out what the job is part? Do you give free consultation? Do you charge for this?

Here's a big tip-one of the most important parts of consulting well is being able to figure out how you can help a client. This means knowing what questions to ask to understand their individual situation, whether you can help, and how you can help. You will provide much more value and make more money if you can tell a prospect what you can do for them, instead of needing them to request.

I don't know what exactly you do, but keep in mind that since figuring out the problem is part of the service, you can certainly charge for it . If possible, you should also come up with lists of questions to help you identify opportunities for you to help a client-that'll make you look very impressive and be much more valuable in the long run. Think of a Website Designer as an example-one who can figure out what you want your website to be able to do, and design it accordingly, is much more valuable than one who just waits for you to tell them how you want the site to look.

My problem is that I am usually asked right at the beginning what my rates are but I never feel like I can answer that question. I am not sure what is better, to charge by the hour or by the job. I charged by the job when I did some freelancing as a partner and it worked ok, but some clients never wanted to sign off and say the work was done. What do you think? Also, do you have standard rates or do you charge different for different kinds of clients or work?

For rates, the first thing to do is check how others in your field charge. Don't be afraid to find an expert and send them an e-mail or invite them to lunch for some questions. If there are some services that you provide over and over again (such as removing spyware from a computer), then feel free to pick a fixed rate for that type of work.

Any other tips? I'm really very un-business-savvy and not really a people person but I do think I can do this if I can get over the initial fear and ignorance.

-When people ask you for rates, first find out their situation, then address the value you provide. Translate into $ value as much as possible. Then tell them your rates, showing that they're much less than the value you can provide .
-Start an e-mail newsletter that lets you keep in touch with your prospects-people are much more likely to buy after repeated contacts.
-In general, really focus on identifying problems/opportunities within individual clients. Then all the people who don't know what they want will turn to you, and you'll have more business than you can handle.