I walked into the boss's office at Home Hardware. I was 17 and working part-time at the lumber desk and in the lumber yard. I worked there for a few years while in high school.
I had proven myself through reliability, knowledge, hard work, and a good attitude—all of the key building blocks of any key worker. I went in with the single intention of asking for more money.
I was asking for about $12.00 per hour, which at the time was a decent sum for an hourly working teen. The minimum wage was about $8.00 then. I was making closer to $10.00 at the time.
But I knew I was worth more to the company. I was putting in a lot of work, and all the customers were satisfied in dealing with me and asking me questions. The store owner listened to what I said, “my pitch,” and told me he couldn’t pay me that much.
He said the managers at the time were only making $12.00/hour, if that. This was one of the first moments of me getting a pay raise rejection. So, what did I do? I found a competitor who could offer me that amount - Rona, and I moved on.
Promotions are a big topic, especially with so many people getting paid differently for doing the same job. Whether it’s age, sex, race, qualifications, who you know, or whatever else, there are pay gaps everywhere you look.
At every company, people will earn different amounts. I’ve been the person on both sides - earning way less than others and also earning way more at different companies.
Over the previous 15 years following that conversation, I’m happy to say I’ve earned over 7 pay raises throughout multiple careers. I don’t say this to brag, but rather that I have the life experience to write a post like this.
So, without wasting more time, let’s dig into the post!
I’ve said it before and will say it again - EVERYTHING IS NEGOTIABLE.
Including how much money you earn in your job/career.
Negotiating your salary upon being hired is one of the most critical phases in earning money where you work.
This is where you should have leverage and the ability to earn more from the get-go.
I’ve negotiated numbers with numerous companies. Sometimes they are more willing to be flexible, and sometimes they aren’t. But, you must ask and raise your voice now - early on.
The benefit of negotiating your wage immediately is you immediately up your earning potential. No yearly reviews, no asking at a later date. You will make more money now and beyond.
Here are 3 tips for negotiating upon hiring:
With these 3 tools, you can have a clear idea of more accurate numbers to crunch before asking.
While I’m not saying, you can go to a McDonald’s interview where they’re paying $15.00/hour and asking for $30.00/hour with zero experience and know-how…
You must be willing to put in the work and have the right attitude to build your rep and your resume before asking for more. This is critical.
This is a promotion tactic for some of you. Those in sales, selling services, tech, and beyond will likely be paid for what you produce.
Which can also be called commission.
While this isn’t available to every industry, it’s worth mentioning. Some of you may be able to pitch your boss a new pay structure based on your output rather than an hourly wage.
The more you produce on a project, deadline, or sale, the more you can earn.
Being paid an hourly wage may feel “secure,” but the earning potential is way lower.
That’s why certain people in sales are making a quarter million a year, half a million a year, or even into the millions per year.
Trading time for money is never effective because you only have so much time per day, week, month, and year.
If there is a way to earn based on results or output, opt for that. Remember, this is you betting on yourself. The more you produce, the more you make. While it’s not for everyone, it’s a great way to increase your earning potential.
I briefly touched on some essential work qualities earlier in the post. Saying that, BEFORE I went in and asked my boss for a raise, I had proven myself.
If you have no experience, no know-how, and zero skills out of school, you’re likely not ready to earn more than minimum wage. This is ok, but please don’t start asking for more money with no experience.
This will leave you with fewer opportunities and make you seem “entitled.” A word employers will run from.
Key Work Qualities to Practice:
While all of these qualities are important, there’s one that will elevate you to another level beyond everyone else - your attitude.
I’ve worked for over 15 + companies in several industries. I earned promotions in all of the different marketplaces. The standout quality amongst top performers is ALWAYS their attitude.
I would much rather work with someone and offer them more money with fewer skills and knowledge but a better attitude.
If you have a good attitude, you can be trained easier, will listen better, pick things up faster, show up on time, and so much more.
Your attitude is the foundation of the other KEY qualities that will earn you more money. So if there’s one takeaway here, it always shows up to your job with a positive attitude.
Earning promotions may be easier than you think. I’ve earned tens of thousands of dollars in promotions over the years.
It can be scary to ask for more money. But it must be done.
Your boss, supervisor, or manager may be intimidating, which could make you uncomfortable in this situation.
Many workplaces are used to harassing employees and “telling them” they should be lucky they have a job. Thankfully times are changing, and while these circumstances do still occur, they are becoming fewer.
If you want to learn fundamental money techniques, you can read one of my books, Optimal Wealth.
You’ll find budgeting tips, mindset techniques, gratitude, investing, and so much more in it. All of these skills are essential to earning more money in your job.
Chris M Wilson
Chris Wilson is a keynote speaker, CTI coach, and entrepreneur. Through his Hover to Fly framework, he aims to impact the next generation in their careers and lives.
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