Here's a conversation that no one wants to be a part of:

"Hey boss! Can I have a raise?"

"No!"

Sure, we'd all like raises. Most of the time, your company is under a tight budget. Hiring a new person to do your job for less figures into the corporation's bottom line. You want a raise? You're going to have to work for it.

Here are some tips:

1. Find out the average salary of people who do your job in your city

Go to Monster.com and look up what your peers are making. For me, as an account executive in Chicago, the median income is $57,000 a year.

You should be paid AT LEAST what your peers are earning. If there is a better job out there, what's stopping you from taking it?

2. Plead your case

Explain why you deserve a raise. Bring up what you've done for the company, in a list. For example:

* Saved company more than $1,000 on printing costs
* Organized files for future use, saving the company thousands of dollars
* Generated $10,000 worth of sales leads

The point of this is, YOU EARNED YOUR RAISE. You demonstrate how you've earned that raise in terms of finances.

3. Consider benefits besides a raise: Stock options, 401k, health

Let's say you don't get a raise. It may be worth your while to ask for a benefit, i nstead of a raise. Consider asking for: Life insurance, better health insurance, 401k's, stock options, or other investments.

Your company may be willing to spend more on you in the future than in the present, so see what you can get.

One final piece of advice: Don't hesitate to ask for what you deserve! The worst thing that they can say is:

"No, maybe next time."

Learn more about this author, Aster C. Lilly.
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