A reader looking to break into consulting seeks Bob Lewis’ advice on the best way to come up with a pricing scheme because, he believes, the current practice of charging by the hour is not the best approach. If you see flat-rate pricing as the best way to gain more business and more profits, then Lewis advises the reader to go for it. Just know that it’s not appropriate for every situation. “I’d never charge a flat rate for developing an IT strategy, for example, because sometimes client subject matter experts don’t show up for interviews and we have to reschedule,” Lewis offers in Getting into consulting. Careers