FWIW, I charge $300 / hr as a mobile/full stack developer (and I'm based in TX). My clients are mostly startups. I have more work than I know what to do with, and have for quite a while.
Probably raising my rate to $350 soon.
Probably raising my rate to $350 soon.
Most of my inbound comes through referrals. I've been at this for about 8 years, so my referral network is pretty healthy. First few years were rough though!
In general, the real "trick" to a successful network (as least for me) is just to be friendly and do good work. Lots of coffee meetings, phone calls, and lunches. :)
Most people who are referred to me know what I charge, so there's not much haggling. People want results and I have a reputation for delivering them.