Salary

Now, if you are like me, no current salary level is ever enough. My first job right out of college, had me earning $22,000.00 and I thought it was a LOT of mula. Flash forward 11 years later, earning much more....its still not enough, but on paper, earning more makes one feel more financially secure. 

I managed to negotiate a little raise last fall. Here are some tips:

1. Work harder AND smarter: See the big picture, and stay two steps ahead of your manager. Volunteer to undertake projects you wouldn't otherwise have done. Stay late if you can. Take on roles others will not. Make yourself indispensable. Make your manager take notice of your "stellar" efforts.

2. Ask: This is most obvious, but many people do not, especially women - who might think we might come across as aggressive and desperate. If YOU dont ask, then who will? Make bulleted points, make graphs, a pie chart, present your contributions to the organization in a professional succint manner. Show how your efforts have benefitted your company in a positive way (cashflow, cost savings, efficiency etc.) I place emphasis on the format to be in writing - this gives management something tangible to review. So accompany your speech (that you rehearsed in the bathroom mirror for hours) with your proof on paper.

3. Tout your successes over time: In day to day conversations with management, subltley drop hints of your work, work ethic and accomplishments. Mention that "so and so" project was completed. Someone asked you to work on something that adds value to the company? Tout it. Drop hints so that they have knowledge of it. Self-promote. A coworker called you for assistance, ensure that your manager knows that you ran to the rescue. A client sends you a complimentary note? Respond with a thank you, and cc your manager. These things add up.

4. Negotiate: So your efforts are finally realized and the conversation has begun? Negotiate. Dont just settle for that. Gague the atmosphere, ask for more. Suggest that your job descrip be amended to add "so and so" responsibility, for an additonal 5% increase. They can't do it all at once? Ask that the raise be broken up. Half in this quarter, the rest in the next, after they have observed you in your new capacity. It gives them time to assess their investment, and you more time to show-off.

Its not difficult folks. If you are confident within yourself that you deserve that salary adjustment, go for it. The only person who knows your true worth, is YOU.