Here's how you can use your skills and experience to secure a higher salary.

Often, people don’t fully understand the actual value they bring to the table. This is why with many of my clients, we go through a personal branding exercise. Personal branding isn't about bragging or marketing—it's about knowing who you are and the value you offer. By clearly defining your unique skills, accomplishments, and contributions, you can confidently articulate your worth. Reflect on your strengths and how they align with the company’s goals. This clarity not only boosts your self-confidence but also makes a compelling case for why you deserve a higher salary. Understanding your worth is the foundation for successful salary negotiations.

To secure a salary increase, transform the negotiation into a strategic partnership. Instead of focusing solely on your market value, talk about how your professional development can benefit the company. Suggest growth opportunities, such as specific training or innovative projects, that align your personal goals with the needs of the organization. This approach creates a dialogue where both parties see the increase not just as a concession, but as a mutual investment in the future.

To secure a higher salary, go beyond benchmarking. Identify how your specific skills and accomplishments directly impact the company's strategic objectives. Show how you've contributed to key initiatives, such as revenue growth or process improvements, and align those accomplishments with organizational goals. By demonstrating that your contributions are vital to the company's success, you not only justify a raise, but also reinforce your role as a strategic asset.

Negotiating a higher salary requires a value-based approach. Present a detailed plan for how you intend to further contribute to the organization in the future, including new projects or improvements. Discuss not only your past accomplishments, but also how you position yourself to meet future challenges and contribute to the company's growth. This proactive approach shows that you are invested in the organization's continued success and strengthens your case for adjusted compensation.

Apart from the timing strategies mentioned, consider these additional tips for choosing the optimal moment to negotiate your salary: Company's financial cycle: Align discussions with your organization's financial calendar or fiscal year-end, when budget allocations are often being determined. Consistent high performance: If you've received praise for your work on multiple occasions or have recently exceeded expectations, capitalize on this momentum. Implementation of new initiatives: If you're taking on additional responsibilities due to a company growth or new project, it may present the right opportunity to negotiate your compensation package.

Effective communication is the cornerstone of successful negotiations. Approach conversations with a positive attitude and express enthusiasm for your role and the company. Be clear and concise about your expectations and actively listen to your employer's perspective. Avoid ultimatums; aim for a dialogue that seeks a mutually beneficial outcome. Remember, negotiation is an art requiring both assertiveness and empathy

After the negotiation is when your leaders will be able to see if your character, values and skills are truly worth promoting in salary, responsibility and general championing of you. If you've made the case that you want to of increasing value to the company, it's critical that you are demonstrating this even if you did not receive the salary increase yet. The follow up is more than just getting their feedback, which is very important, but it is your opportunity to demonstrate your commitment to be an increasing value to the company. Your leaders want to know that you can think from the owner/leader perspective, not just from an employee perspective.