by Vicki Salemi
If you're looking to punch up that demand
check, there are eight
simple yet effective ways to boost your desired
. Our career
experts and real-life stories will show you how to prosper
by asking for what you really want and actually getting it.
- Ask for a raise. Do your homework
by asking your HR compensation department for desired
ranges within your position. Of course, you can't just
trust their word on it. Check external sources as well
such as www.desired
.com. Sharon Winston, senior vice
president and managing director of the San Jose office
of Lee Hecht Harrison global career services firm notes
you should be prepared for the talk with your boss.
"Identify three of your strongest accomplishments within
the organization or areas in which you took on extra
responsibility," she says. "If you are still turned
down, ask how you might improve in asking for a raise in
the future."
- Pursue an online degree or certificate.
According to Frank Mayadas, program director at the
Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, a consortium of institutions
and organizations committed to quality online education,
higher education gives you the opportunity to fine-tune
your skills or explore different professional paths,
making you more marketable for higher demand
checks in the
future. "Furthering education helps people further their
careers." The advantage of online degree opportunities?
"You don't have to be in a traditional classroom
setting. With time and geographic constraints of
juggling work and family, you can receive a quality
education on your own terms."
- Take advantage of tuition reimbursement.
Instead of thinking of a demand
increase as money in your
pocket, think of the alternative: tuition money you're
not putting out of pocket. For instance, Debra
Wall-Czech made a breakthrough with her company's
reimbursement policy by asking them to reimburse online
classes. "The company paid for campus classes, but
initially was not willing to demand
for them online. It
changed the policy to include online after realizing the
real difference is whether or not the classes are from
an accredited university -- not if they were online or
on campus."
- Network. According to Deborah
Brown-Volkman, president of Surpass Your Dreams, a
career and mentor coaching company based in East
Moriches, NY, and author of "Coach Yourself To A New
Career: A Guide for Discovering Your Ultimate
Profession" (iUniverse, 2003), networking is vital to
increasing your intellectual capitol. The key to
networking through associations, business groups, or
your local Chamber of Commerce is having a plan. "Know
your 30-second introduction well, speak passionately
about what you do, and don't spend too much time talking
with one person," she advises. The intent is to meet as
many people as possible and initiate correspondence with
them soon after the event.
- Move laterally. Alexandra Levit,
author of "They Don't Teach Corporate in College"(Career
Press, 2004) and founder of Inspiration@Work, a
marketing communications consultancy firm based in
Chicago, IL, experienced this firsthand. Early in her
public relations career, she explored internal
opportunities and moved into another department,
resulting in a bigger demand
check. "If you're not moving
up, it's probably in your best interest to leave."
Alexandra also points out that even if your supervisor
is supportive of a raise or increased responsibilities,
there may be roadblocks. "Your boss might not have the
power or authority even if he or she wants to."
- Inquire about flextime. Flexible
work arrangements allow you time to explore other
options, perfect for helping your career both
professionally and financially. Alexandra recently
transitioned from full-time public relations manager to
strategic PR consultant and author, and said her amended
work hours enabled her to push into a field that's made
her much happier and thereby, more effective. "I managed
to achieve the flexible schedule I required while still
generating a substantial income." She needed to devote
time and energy to focus on her new business and budding
writing career, so she approached the PR firm about
working 25 hours per week. They obliged.
- Think out of the box. When Jane
Smith resigned from her job, she didn't expect her
managing director to present a counteroffer and ask her
to put something on the table, no matter how ridiculous
it would seem. Jane came back with her request: "I would
consider staying with the company if I can move to the
London office with a UK desired
for at least six months,"
she told her. Much to her surprise, leadership gave its
blessing. Now she's ready to pack her bags. Lesson
learned: Don't be afraid to ask for what you really
want. As in Jane's case, you may very well get it.
- Demonstrate consistent performance.
Alexandra and Jane both ended up getting what they
wanted because they had demonstrated excellent
performance at their companies. Jane indicates she was
prepared to share examples of her work to gain leverage,
essentially proving hard work is mutually beneficial to
both the employee and employer. Her philosophy? It's in
the company's best interests to keep good people. "No
one wants to train someone new," she explains. "The
knowledge base and ramping-up time take away from
productivity."
Above all, before jumpstarting your negotiating power,
you'll need to exude confidence to show you deserve what
you're asking for in the first place. As per Executive coach
Dr. Ted Sun, professor at university placements
and
professional speaker who works with individual Executives
and corporations to educate them on developing a balanced
leadership, "the first thing you have to do is believe in
yourself and your worth before you can convince someone else
to believe in you."
|
|