This simplest option, asking for a raise, might feel the scariest of all, but have no fear—I’m about to reveal the best strategies you need to get the raise, promotion, or bonus you deserve.
We’ve discussed how your job is not all about the money, that it’s important to feel good about what you’re doing. But sometimes it is about the money. After all, you have to make money to give money away—to fulfill your Generosity Purpose.
In order to start earning more, saving more, and giving more, you may have to make some changes in your job situation. But before you do, ask yourself:
- In your job, are you communicating your value?
- How confident do you feel asking for a raise?
- What about a promotion?
- Have you considered additional training to better position yourself for success?
- Are you worthy of making more money? (Yes!)
Many people are hurting right now. I know that for many Americans, it’s hard to put food on the table, and I understand where they’re coming from. But I believe people should not be handed the crumbs off the table by the government; I want them to have a seat at the table. It’s your job to add so much value to people that you’re worth more than the minimum wage—far more. If you live a minimum wage life, you’re going to have minimum opportunities. You’re going to make minimum money and have minimum relationships. It doesn’t have to be that way.
There’s a gap between you wanting to earn more money and the person in charge of the decision to pay you more. I’m going to help you close that gap. While it’s been made to be a deeply complex issue, it’s actually quite simple. Two words are battling each other: value and fairness. Take the example of high-producing athletes who are paid a boatload of cash because of the value society places on what they do. They put fans in seats, sell concessions and sports memorabilia, and help the team win the coveted championship. Let’s say they get paid $4 million per year. Now let’s take you. You work hard at your job, but you don’t feel like you’re paid what you’re worth.
At the risk of you slamming this book closed in disgust, I know you don’t want me to sugarcoat this. Based on what you’re currently getting paid, you’re not adding as much value to your company as the athlete is to their team. That’s not fair, is it? You and the athlete both work hard, but they’re earning fifty or one hundred times what you’re receiving. Now the point I’m making is not for you to suit up and pursue an athletic career. You won’t hear me holding you back, but I hope I’m not the first to tell you, that ship has likely already sailed. What I am telling you is this: you must add more value to your company and your company’s clients or customers. Otherwise, the salary you earn now will likely not change unless you decide to change jobs. Money chases value. Add value to an enterprise, and its money will chase you.
