Most people get up everyday and go to work for the paycheck, not because they simply love their job and have nothing better to do with their time.  Working pays the bills.  When it comes to a job, at the end of the day (for most people) it all boils down to one thing—

“It’s all about the Benjamins Baby!”

As the days of 2007 slip by, it’s time to say good bye to being over worked and under paid. Your boss has no problems with adding to your work load or asking you to stay over time…so it should be just as easy for you to request a raise for all of your hard work.

A major part of living life abundantly involves asking for what you want, believing you deserve it, and being open to receiving what you’ve asked for.

My grandmother always says “a closed mouth doesn’t get fed,” so if a raise is what you want, need, and deserve, ASK for it!

Here’s How:

Before you go running into the boss’ office requesting more money, do an honest performance evaluation of your work to determine if you really deserve a raise.  Everybody wants a raise but not everybody deserves one. 

The employee that takes initiative, goes above and beyond the call of duty, and takes pride in their work is often the employee that gets the accolades, bonuses, recognition, and raises…Is that you?

• How long have you been with the company in your current position?
• When was your last raise?
• How have you improved your skills, abilities, and/or productivity?
• What special courses or training programs have you successfully completed that directly relate to your job?
• How has your work contributed to the success of your department and/or the company?
• Have you received any commendations or awards related to your performance?
• What can you offer the company for an increased investment in your work? (In other words, how will the company benefit from giving you more money).
• Why is a raise important to you?

Once you have answered these questions, organize your thoughts, put it on paper, and choose an appropriate time to present your request to your boss.

If you are the outstanding employee that you think you are, the quality of your work speaks for itself and your formal written request for a raise, simply shows on paper, the value of your work.

Remember, there is a time and place for everything, timing is important!  You want to catch your boss on a stress free good day when everything is going his/her way!

Ask. Believe. Receive.