There are two rules we're using at Steam Clock that are keeping this problem at bay as we bootstrap with consulting: (1) 50% of our time should be spent on our

There are two rules we're using at Steam Clock that are keeping this problem at bay as we bootstrap with consulting: (1) 50% of our time should be spent on our own products (2) If we're spending more than 50% on average on client work, we either raise our rates or turn away the least reasonable clients If you can't pay your bills with the above formula, there are two options: (1) Promote yourself more, increasing demand and letting you raise your rate (2) Cut your costs It's simple, and has worked well for us.