Many women think it’s impolite to talk about money. AND, women are usually underpaid. Coincidence? I think not.
And – men are FOUR times more likely to negotiate first salary offers which results in $500,000 more in their paychecks by age 60!
As a motivational speaker on personal and professional growth and development, I frequently get asked what can women – and men do to increase the odds that they will get a raise when they ask.
Here are a few things to consider.
First, let’s assume that you have already done one very important thing, either early in your tenure at your company, or in advance of asking for a raise. Tell your boss that you are committed to providing exceptional value to the company. Ask him or her what you need to do, in terms of your work, extra training, or anything that will help you earn your way up the ladder and provide an extraordinary ROI. Get this information so that you can do EXACTLY what you need to succeed. No need to guess.
Then…
- Do your research. Find out your market value. What are others making who do similar work?
- Document how you do what you do – better. What makes you invaluable? A great attitude? A willingness to stay late, come early, help others? Do you contribute at meetings? Do you treat the job as if you OWNED the company and you want it to succeed?
- Document your tasks. You do WAY more things than your job description calls for. Write those things down.
- Write down your talking points for your raise request meeting.
- Practice what you are going to say. Ask a family member to listen to you while you rehearse.
- Practice in front of a mirror. I know this sounds strange, but it works. What does your face look like while you are talking? Are you frowning? Do you look rigid and stern? Those facial expressions don’t work! Think “relaxed, pleasant, confident.”
- Here’s a really big one: Practice as if you expect a YES! There will be a subtle but powerful difference in how you come across and the outcome you get when you BELIEVE that you are deserving of getting what you want!
- Pick the right time to ask. Be sensitive to conditions within the company that could impact your boss’s ability to give you what you’re asking for. Don’t ask when she’s juggling three time sensitive projects.
- If you get a “no,” remember: No doesn’t always mean no. It may mean “no right now,” or “no, not THAT much, but maybe less,” or “no, I can’t do a salary increase, but I can do other benefits.”
By employing the above strategies, you CAN increase your odds that you will get the raise you DESERVE!
Linda Larsen, motivational speaker
