7 Things You Can Do to Increase Your Salary

by Tiffany Bloodworth Rivers on August 30, 2016
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Have you been considering approaching your superiors to ask for what you feel you’re worth professionally?

Korn Ferry, a preeminent global people and organizational advisory firm, recently released a forecast indicating that workers around the globe are expected to realize wage increases of up to 2.5%, with some regions experiencing significantly higher increases. With these numbers reaching the highest they have in 3 years, now would be the time to vie for that pay raise you’ve been thinking about.7_things_you_can_do_to_increase_your_salary.jpg

Whether you’re seeking additional opportunities within your organization, or are ready to venture out into the next stage of your career, here are a few things to ensure your pay grade matches your skill level.

Expand Your Skill Set & Knowledge Base

As the workplace manager, there’s no doubt that you’re an asset to the enterprise. Your role places you firmly in a position of leadership, with all eyes turning to you for guidance. Regardless of the profession, it is critical that those in a leadership position be the interminable student and educator. No matter how much experience or education you have, there is always room to learn more.

Fortunately, the FM profession is incredibly supportive and there are a variety of oppoBuilding Connectionsrtunities made available to those striving to excel and grow.

Seek Out Additional Certifications

While many colleges are now offering Facilities Management degrees, your education can (and should) extend beyond that. There are a number of credentials you can earn through the International Facility Management Association (IFMA). Doing so will not only expand your knowledge; it will also prove to both current and prospective employers that you have what it takes to lead the facility to success.

Build Connections

Networking and building meaningful connections within your community presents new opportunities for growth both professionally and personally. LinkedIn is the perfect avenue for developing and fostering those professional relationships and offers participants the opportunity to share their knowledge with those facing similar challenges. If you’re unsure where to begin, our blog The Right Way To Connect On LinkedIn has some valuable tips to get your started.

While LinkedIn is a great resource for connecting and deepening your knowledge, it is not the only option. There are a number of professional associations, on an international and more localized basis, that you could join. These organizations support educational activities that facilitate the exchange of ideas, intelligence, and proficiency, offering their members opportunities only limited by the individual’s drive to succeed.

Your Knowledge Base Should Extend Beyond the FM Profession

Successful workplace managers don’t limit their knowledge to just their profession. It must go beyond that. Learn everything you can about the industry your enterprise is a part of. Join industry-specific associations to gain a better understanding of common challenges (and solutions) and keep up with the latest in workplace advancements that could potentially affect your facility. Doing so will not only offer you valuable insight into the industry itself, it will prove to c-suite that you’re committed to the business’ long-term success.

Be Flexible & Positive

When we wake up in morning we have a choice – will it be a good day or a bad day? We all have bad days, but the leaders who really stand out are the ones who choose to not allow the negativity to affect their attitude (or anyone else’s). They roll with the punches, choosing to keep the attitude light and positive. This positivity is remembered and is often mirrored back. It will also assist you in being comfortable with the constant changes that come with being in the workplace management profession, which significantly increases your value within the company.


Annual ReviewUse Your Annual Review to Your Advantage

Many of us dread the day of their annual review, riddled with anxiety as to what’s to come. What we should be doing, however, is using this as an educational tool. This is a wonderful way to gain a clearer understanding of what makes your superiors tick and where they find value within the organization. Ask for feedback and suggestions. You might be surprised to find out that your employer places a higher value on aspects of performance that you may view as less important. And don’t forget to save copies of your reviews. This could come in handy if and when you ever decide to leave the company.

If you are poised to ask for that raise, timing is everything. Often, by the time reviews are in progress, a strategy is already in place regarding where any “extra” money will go. Plan to approach your superior 3-4 months before your review. This gives her/him ample time to consider the value you add to the facility and how much additional income they are willing to offer you.

Market Yourself

Employees who fly under the radar, focusing on providing concrete results, often get overlooked. Even if your successes are through the roof, your manager might not remember a lot about them. This isn’t because they aren’t interested; it’s because they spend much of their time following up on the low performers’ progress. High performing employees don’t require management follow up.

Take your success in your own hands. Write down your accomplishments. If your new predictive maintenance strategy saved the facility $200,000 last year, make sure your superiors know this. Show them the numbers.

Do Your Research

Speaking of numbers. Your first step should be to do your research and learn a little more about your worth. While websites such as Glassdoor and Payscale are great, they’re a little too general. Your best resources are to talk to others within your industry, scour job postings, and open up a dialogue with recruiters. This will give you a feel for your true market value and help you map out just how much you should be expecting.

Be Persistent

Persistence is one of the most critical attributes of a successful workplace manager. And I don’t just mean persistence in asking for a raise. I mean be persistent in everything you do. Many workplace managers are solicited for their opinion on certain matters, yet are left out of planning sessions that they stand to hold the most value. While many managers have one facet of the organization that they must know well, your job requires you to know EVERY facet. Your role requires you to understand the big picture, which is a very valuable tool. So, next time the c-suite has a meeting about the business plan, share your insights, whether requested or not.

In today’s workplace, our successes are no longer simply defined by how hard we work. It’s about HOW we work, how adept we are at rolling with the punches, and consistently striving towards professional growth. Following these 7 tips is a great way to get started ensuring your workplace security, providing the framework for that next pay raise.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tiffany Bloodworth Rivers

Tiffany covers leadership and marketing topics and enjoys learning about how technology shapes our industry. Before iOFFICE, she worked in local news but don't hold that against her.

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