Along with concerns about the state of the U.S. and world economies comes another worry for each of us. 

What about the state of my personal economy?

I won’t even think about commenting on the stock market.  Please don’t ask about my portfolio.  Fortunately, this blog is specific to career advancement.

Over the past weeks, clients asking:

“What if I have performed my job well and have met my goals, should I ask for a raise when the year-end performance review comes around? 

Or put another way, would asking for a raise right now demonstrate confidence or chutzpah?  Or both?

In today's New York Post, Brian Moore explored this valid and complex question in two articles: Bounty Hunt  and Bah Humbug.   

Based on my conversations with Brian and my clients, I have added a new section to my FREE white paper on “Six Steps to Fortify Your Career in Uncertain Times”.  You can order and receive instantly below:

• If you plan to ask for a raise, make sure you tie your contributions to the company’s bottom line, or the organization’s mission.  Right now, your boss is as worried about his or her job as you are about yours.  So present your request with back up that makes both of you look stellar.  Did you close deals that brought in 45% of your departmental profit?  Did you forge a distribution alliance to expand market share?
  
• If you can't demonstrate how your performance improves cash flow or will strengthen your company's position in the immediate term, forget it.  Hold off on the request, and channel your thoughts and energy into figuring out what you can do to contribute winning results in the immediate term – the upcoming two to three months.  Can you identify an opportunity for international sales, examine means to reduce energy costs, or leverage internal training to increase team productivity?
  
• An alternative to asking for a raise is to ask for another career or life enhancing benefit.  These can range from an extra week of vacation to attending an industry conference to raise your exposure.  Or, ask your boss to participate in a project or initiative which will elevate your profile and give you valuable experience or a new credential.

Please sign up for this blog to receive further career advancement ideas.  If you have any comments or questions about the white paper or how to approach your boss during this challenging times, contact me, Stefanie Smith, Executive Consultant and Coach.