In today’s competitive market, one must position themselves to be successful in any organization. Some consider additional training, college, workshops, seminars, etc as a means to achieving success. While you obviously have value, you want to make sure you maximize your potential and make it obvious to management. Think about it, after all that training and education, how do you go about putting a dollar amount on the value you would bring to the organization? Consider the following:
What are your strengths? Do you know what you are good at; what makes you different from your peers and co-workers; are you currently using your skills?
What are your weaknesses? Are you afraid to speak in from of others? Maybe you have difficulty communicating either written or orally
How much do you know about your company? How well can you put your skills into action to benefit the organization?
How much would people be willing to spend to get the skills you offer to support their organization?
Now is the time to increase your value.
So you know your strengths and weaknesses, its time to market yourself. People should start to see you as the subject matter expert if you build your reputation in that way. Getting people to trust your abilities is one way to increase your value. Next you need to promote your talents. There are lots of people in Hollywood (The Kardashians, The Braxtons, Tiana Taylor, etc) that have become very successful primarily due to their ability to brand themselves. Determining your brand takes identifying your talents, strengths, weaknesses and then communicating in a way that would reach management. You should show your boss your value and if necessary let them know where you can add more value to the organization (even if you need to move to another department to do so). Look at the conversation below and pay special attention to the employee...
Employee: Excuse me sir, may I talk to you?
Boss: Sure, come on in. What can I do for you?
Employee: Well sir, as you know, I have been an employee of this prestigious firm for over ten years.
Boss: Yes.
Employee: I won't beat around the bush. Sir, I would like a raise. I currently have four companies after me and so I decided to talk to you first.
Boss: A raise? I would love to give you a raise, but this is just not the right time.
Employee: I understand your position, and I know that the current economic down turn has had a negative impact on sales, but you must also take into consideration my hard work, pro- activeness and loyalty to this company for over a decade.
Boss: Taking into account these factors, and considering I don't want to start a brain drain, I'm willing to offer you a ten percent raise and an extra five days of vacation time. How does that sound?
Employee: Great! It's a deal! Thank you, sir!
Boss: Before you go, just out of curiosity, what companies were after you?
Employee: Oh, the Electric Company, Gas Company, Water Company and the Mortgage Company!
While the employee was not completely open in the reason for her demands, she was able to communicate to her boss the value she brings to the company, her needs and loyalty to the organization. You see, she understands her value and was willing to step up to ask for what she felt she deserved.
Finally, step out of your comfort zone and take risks. Try doing many different things to expand your skills set and thus increasing your value. If you follow these steps, people will see your value...
College education $50,000++; your value to the organization, PRICELESS!
Images: blog.brand-yourself.com