Asking For That Raise

So many people talk about earning extra money.  They investigate getting a second job or a side hustle to earn extra cash.  Most times these endeavors usually don’t pan out or consume too much of an already tight schedule. But most of the time people are leaving lots of cash on the table at their current employer.  When you bring up asking for a raise people tend to shy away.  They would rather complain to friends about how they are overworked and underpaid than actually take steps to secure the money they claim they deserve.  But the Fresh Demeanor approach is far different.  We know our value and like many things in life there is a right way of going about it and the wrong way.  So let’s break it down.

1. Examine Yourself.  Do you actually deserve this raise?  Then convince yourself.  Write it down in eloquence why you deserve more.  Hopefully you can quantify your reasoning.  For instance, I have contributed to five lucrative projects for the company.  I have helped to increased sales by 25% over the last year by finding new leads and entering new markets.  If you find this difficult to do stop here and work harder.
2. Research.  What is the market rate for your skills?  People of all professions should do this anyway.  Employment sites are a good place to get an idea what other companies are offering for your skills.  Take special note of skills you possess which are hot in the market.  Are you familiar with a cutting edge technology, process, or industry best practice?  You can use a site like Get Raised to get a feel for your skills and the going market rate.
3. Assess Your Office Environment.  Is now the time to ask for a raise?  There is a time for everything under the sun.  But asking for a raise during a company transition or after the company experienced a poor quarter is probably not ideal. However, if you begin to notice how crucial your skills are to the operation of everyday business and the growth of new business, opportunity is knocking.
4. Rehearse.  This is not a conversation you just want to walk into coldly.  Preparation is key.  Rehearse with someone.  Your aim is to be direct, compelling, and honest.  If you are overly wordy or stumbling over your words you will come across as unconfident and ill-prepared.  But you don’t want to sound robotic or arrogant either.  So prepare by having ideas in mind not sentences.  This is also a time to talk about how much you have shared as well as personally accomplished.
5. Execute.  You have done the research, you have prepared, and you have chosen the opportune time.  It’s time to make it happen.  Be sure to include in addition your plans to increase your performance along with your request for a raise.

Options in case of a negative response:

• Request for perks – additional vacation time, a workday from home, expense account
• Trump card – Present them with an offer you received elsewhere.  Leverage is powerful.  It is far cheaper to give you a raise than to lose you and have to find a replacement.

May we all prosper,

@SireSpeaks