Instead of aiming for a 'market rate', aim for a target utilization rate (# of billable hours / # of working hours) of something like 70%. The remaining time sh

Instead of aiming for a 'market rate', aim for a target utilization rate (# of billable hours / # of working hours) of something like 70%. The remaining time should be spent pursuing new work. If your utilization rate is higher than that, raise your rates. Edit: If it's less than your target, you'll automatically be spending more time finding new work. Use the extra time to figure out how to make yourself more valuable to your customers to bring in more work. As a last resort, lower your rates (maybe the market has changed?).