Getting a Raise, Part I

Hopefully, you took some time to answer those 3 questions in the article “Maybe You Just Need To Make More Money”. And I mean, REALLY answered them. Were you able to identify some strengths and weaknesses in your work habits from your boss’s (or customer’s) perspective? So now you’ve got some things you can work on to help you create more value. (And remember, you provide VALUE first and the reward will follow.)

But along with “doing” those things you’ve identified, there is one more step in the process of getting a raise – and getting it soon. Make an appointment with your boss. (Again, if you’re self-employed – this technique can be adapted to use with your clients too.)

At this meeting, admit that you have been giving some thought how you can be a better employee and how you can provide more value to the company. You don’t need to get real specific with your ideas unless you want to, but here’s the key to this meeting:

Ask your boss the following question (and then shut up and wait for an answer – even taking notes): “What would it take for me to get a raise in the next 3-6 months?”

If you’ve really done a good job answering those 3 previous questions, you probably already have a good idea what your boss will tell you. But by making your boss answer the question himself/herself, you are psychologically forcing a sort of commitment from him/her that once you do accomplish certain things – those things that create more value – you are entitled to the increased reward. This will make it very easy for you to go back later and remind the boss of the conversation, provide proof of the increased value you’ve provided, and get your raise.

You’ll Only Have Your Own Failure To Blame

And this conversation also raises the awareness of your boss towards you. Not many employees will try this type of thing at work, so it will be completely refreshing. You will suddenly be viewed as a valuable member of the team, someone who is trying to better the company and work up the chain of command. You will be taken more seriously and be given better assignments – to test you. Only your inability to achieve the results you’re after will keep you from your raise.

Begin coming in a little earlier each day, and leaving a little later. Those few extra minutes a day, combined with your increased focus on creating value, will pay off big time – sooner than you expect.

Is Your Boss Just A Tightwad?

But maybe your boss is a tightwad and doesn’t give raises? Doesn’t matter. Work at your job as if you will get a raise by creating extra value. If you work for the tightwad boss, but you increase your value, a competitor or some other employer will recognize it and try to recruit you away (at which point, your old boss could loosen the purse strings to keep you). If you’re self employed and suddenly your work has more value – raise your prices, because now you’re worth more. Again, create the extra VALUE first and the reward will always follow.

See you for Part II …

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• Getting a Raise, Part II
• Maybe You Just Need To Make More Money?
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