by Shayne Connolly

Created on: January 08, 2009   Last Updated: January 26, 2012

There are many traditional options you have to get paid more. You can get more education, another qualification, more hours, sleep with the boss. Whilst these may all work (some better than others) they rarely get you the pay rise that you think you are worth. We have all been in a situation where someone has moved past us on the corporate ladder with less qualifications, less experience and a bad hair cut. Have you ever wondered how this could be? The secret to more money, status and more power in your career is simple.

Become a salesman, learn how to sell. Learn how to make yourself memorable. Putting your head down and working hard can only get you so far, you can be the most efficient worker in the world but if you can't sell that then it won't help you. No one will know what a great job you are doing because they will come to just expect that from you.

Let me give this to you from another perspective. We all have a bank account right, now we don't go out and check everyday to see if we have the best bank account for us, the lowest fees, best features. That would be tough to do. Banks know that so they spend a fortune telling us about those features and benefits with their bank accounts. You see the ad and think oh, I can't do that with my bank account and you consider a change. Or you see your own bank account and think oh yes I have some good features, I should use that feature more.

You are a bank account to your bosses, they don't check everyday to see if they have the best employee's but if you make sure they are aware of all your skills, what your prepared to do, why your a good person to have around. You will be first in mind when a new project arrives, a position becomes vacant or a new up and coming person is needed in management.

Learn how to sell yourself and your assets. A good salesperson communicates well, listens, never uses a negative pitch (don't put others down). If you are shy, introverted, afraid to stand out, take a course in public speaking, get some self-confidence.

Now don't get me wrong I'm not saying to tell everyone how good you are everyday and wait for the money to pour in. Your job as a salesman is to plant seeds. A great salesman will make you think you came up with the idea even though they have given you all the key components.

Remember more people are employed because of who they are rather than what they know, this is how business is done it's all about relationship building. So start ringing your own bell and learn how to sell your best asset, you.

Learn more about this author, Shayne Connolly.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.