3 Smart Ways to Get a Raise

If you don’t have direct responsibility for profit and loss or aren’t a salesperson, it can be a challenge to demonstrate to your boss that you deserve a raise.  That’s one of the reasons I loved my last job in sales.  It was pretty clear at the end of the year whether your performance was exceptional or simply average.  Attainment versus quota isn’t always a clear-cut measure – there are often extenuating circumstances that can effect your performance.  However, I will take measurement versus quota over a subjective performance appraisal any day.

What if your job doesn’t lend itself quotas or profit/loss analysis.  How can increase your chance of getting a raise?

1) Help other people fulfill their potential – especially your boss.  Since you will need to convince your boss that a raise is deserved, why not find out what are their objectives.  Help make them achieve their goals.  This should make selling your case much easier.

2) Fix something.  Go above and beyond your normal job requirements and solve a problem that will save the company money.  In today’s environment, most companies are cost conscious.  Being pro-active in this area will be noticed.

3) Get something started.  How many meetings have you attended where the action item was to plan another meeting? Take initiative – show that you are a leader.

It pretty simple companies reward valuable people.  It’s your job to demonstrate your value.

Adapted from:  CNN Money 3 Ways to Get a Raise