How to Get a Raise
6 personality traits that will impress your boss and increase your salary
by Sara Eckel, PayScale.com
You work hard--meeting deadlines, delivering results, and showing up on time. But each year you've been getting a raise in the measly 2 percent range (if that). Meanwhile, certain coworkers stroll out of their review meetings with big smiles on their faces.
Why do some people get a fat, juicy slab of the pie while others are offered crumbs? Experts say that, of course, diligence and talent play their part, but if you really want to increase your salary, you'll need these qualities:
1. An Owner's Mentality
Many people go into their annual review with a list of reasons that they need more money. But Joel Rudy, vice president of operations for Photographic Solutions, a supplier of digital-camera cleaning products, says that such pleas don't inspire employers to give raises. "I know that utilities have gone up," he says. He is more impressed with people who apply those inflationary concerns to the business--as if it were their own. For example, he was recently impressed with an employee who found a less expensive phone plan for the company. "Now, that's a raise-getter!" he says.
2. Forward-Thinking
While the people who get good raises definitely know how to highlight last year's achievements, Laura Browne, a corporate trainer and the author of "Raise Rules for Women: How to Make More Money at Work," says the highest earners don't dwell on the past. "Forget about last year. Find out the key initiatives that your company or your president wants to achieve this year," she says. For example, if the president said in the annual report that he wants to increase customer satisfaction by 15 percent, focus on that goal. "Your work needs to be connected with what the company cares about right now," says Browne.
3. Visibility
If you stay cloistered in your cubicle, you'll probably be disappointed when raises are announced--no matter how hard you work. "Quiet, shy, or otherwise invisible types are often left behind when it's pay-raise time," says Jane Goldner, PhD., president of The Goldner Group, an Atlanta-based consulting firm. To ensure that you and your hard work are seen, request projects that will get you in front of others--working with colleagues from other departments, giving presentations, or even contributing to the company newsletter. This will make it easier for your boss to plead your case to any necessary approvers. "If your boss is in the meeting and says, 'I want to give a raise to Sally,' it's going to be hard if no one knows who Sally is. On the other hand, if you have been visibly helpful, they'll say, 'Oh Sally, She's terrific!'" says Browne.
4. Charisma
Having great ideas and lofty goals is terrific. But if you want to see them executed, you also have to motivate others to rally around your initiatives. Executive coach Lisa Chenofsky Singer says these kind of interpersonal skills play a huge role when compensation is discussed. "Although someone may be competent from a technical-qualifications perspective, if their style doesn't flow well with others or they're not able to influence others, they tend to be the low-increased players," she says.
5. Tough Skin
No boss will ever say, "I love to give raises to self-promoters." So how do you draw attention to your achievements without looking like a braggart? Milan P. Yager, president and CEO of the National Association of Professional Employer Organizations, says that giving your boss a quarterly progress report and asking for feedback is a subtle way to get noticed. "It is a fine line, but if you can master the technique, it will pay rewards," he says. And letting your supervisors know that you want criticism will show them that you have the confidence to handle any negative comments, which makes the evaluation process a lot less stressful for them.
6. Empathy for the Boss
The highest-earning employees understand that their job is to make their boss's life easier. Think about the things that your boss doesn't like doing--running meetings, tracking numbers--and ask if you can help by taking over those tasks. It's also important to understand that your boss can't always give you what you want, no matter how great your work is. "Most people get keyed up to ask for a raise and when they hear 'no' they respond really negatively," says Browne. "If you instead say, 'I understand, but when raises are unfrozen I would like to be the first in line,' you'll have a much better chance of getting the raise when they can give it."
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Idaho's plan to downgrade the dollar
Idaho's plan to downgrade the dollar
A bill to allow citizens to pay their taxes with silver medallions gains support. Goldbugs are watching closely
By Andrew Leonard
With only one state representative dissenting, the Idaho House State Affairs committee voted on Monday to endorse HB 633, a bill that would allow Idaho citizens to pay their state taxes with an official state silver medallion.
The news comes just a month after a South Carolina legislator introduced a bill seeking to ban Federal currency altogether, and replace the upstart greenback with gold or silver coins. A half-dozen other states have considered similar legislation, reports the Tenth Amendment Center. But there's a key difference between the Idaho plan and the bills proposed in other states, most of which fall somewhere on a spectrum ranging from Tea Party rage to Ron Paul goldbug-ism. (The South Carolina bill, for example, claims that "the State is experiencing an economic crisis of severe magnitude caused in large part by the unconstitutional substitution of Federal Reserve Notes for silver and gold coin as legal tender in this State.")
In contrast, the sponsor of the Idaho bill, Republican Phil Hart, seems to be marshalling wide support by crafting legislation that is straight out industrial policy aimed at boosting Idaho's silver industry. The text of the bill is quite clear.
The intent of this act is to use the abundant silver resources of the state of Idaho to create a means whereby the people of Idaho can pay their taxes to the state using silver mined from the ground of Idaho, processed in Idaho and finally minted into a medallion in Idaho. It is the intent of the Legislature to create mining jobs in Idaho while giving the people of Idaho a means to store their wealth in a precious metal that is immune from the effects of inflation while complying with the mandates of our federal Constitution.
The Idaho bill therefore incorporates tax incentives for silver processors located in Idaho.
From The Idaho Reporter:
That, Hart believes, could bring hundreds, if not thousands of jobs to the state. In conjunction with the creation of the medallion, Hart's bill would also try to lure silver processing companies to Idaho, and in particular, north Idaho, which, according to Hart, was once called "the silver capital of the world." The bill would give companies that come to Idaho to process silver for the medallion a 10-year exemption from income taxes, as well as property taxes. The exemption would be open for 20 years and would sunset after that period of time.
Hart believes one of the advantages of silver is that it would resist inflationary pressure better than paper money. But since states aren't allowed to mint their own money, the value of the silver medallion will have to fluctuate according to market forces. In just the last ten years, the value of an ounce of silver has zig-zagged between four and twenty dollars.
A bill to allow citizens to pay their taxes with silver medallions gains support. Goldbugs are watching closely
By Andrew Leonard
With only one state representative dissenting, the Idaho House State Affairs committee voted on Monday to endorse HB 633, a bill that would allow Idaho citizens to pay their state taxes with an official state silver medallion.
The news comes just a month after a South Carolina legislator introduced a bill seeking to ban Federal currency altogether, and replace the upstart greenback with gold or silver coins. A half-dozen other states have considered similar legislation, reports the Tenth Amendment Center. But there's a key difference between the Idaho plan and the bills proposed in other states, most of which fall somewhere on a spectrum ranging from Tea Party rage to Ron Paul goldbug-ism. (The South Carolina bill, for example, claims that "the State is experiencing an economic crisis of severe magnitude caused in large part by the unconstitutional substitution of Federal Reserve Notes for silver and gold coin as legal tender in this State.")
In contrast, the sponsor of the Idaho bill, Republican Phil Hart, seems to be marshalling wide support by crafting legislation that is straight out industrial policy aimed at boosting Idaho's silver industry. The text of the bill is quite clear.
The intent of this act is to use the abundant silver resources of the state of Idaho to create a means whereby the people of Idaho can pay their taxes to the state using silver mined from the ground of Idaho, processed in Idaho and finally minted into a medallion in Idaho. It is the intent of the Legislature to create mining jobs in Idaho while giving the people of Idaho a means to store their wealth in a precious metal that is immune from the effects of inflation while complying with the mandates of our federal Constitution.
The Idaho bill therefore incorporates tax incentives for silver processors located in Idaho.
From The Idaho Reporter:
That, Hart believes, could bring hundreds, if not thousands of jobs to the state. In conjunction with the creation of the medallion, Hart's bill would also try to lure silver processing companies to Idaho, and in particular, north Idaho, which, according to Hart, was once called "the silver capital of the world." The bill would give companies that come to Idaho to process silver for the medallion a 10-year exemption from income taxes, as well as property taxes. The exemption would be open for 20 years and would sunset after that period of time.
Hart believes one of the advantages of silver is that it would resist inflationary pressure better than paper money. But since states aren't allowed to mint their own money, the value of the silver medallion will have to fluctuate according to market forces. In just the last ten years, the value of an ounce of silver has zig-zagged between four and twenty dollars.
Best Companies for Job Growth
http://customsites.yahoo.com/financiallyfit/finance/article-109065-4445-4-best-companies-for-job-growth?ywaad=ad0035
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
6 Unusual Jobs
6 Unusual Jobs
by Fleur Bradley, Investopedia.com
Bounty hunters, private investigators, body guards--you've seen these jobs on TV, but do you know how they function in reality? Ever wonder what the job's about, how you get paid, and how much? Here are six strange professions, along with the skinny on pay and duties. Many of these careers are seeing growth in a tough economy--maybe there's a new strange job in there for you.
1. Bounty Hunter
When someone skips bail or leaves town without reporting to court, the person or company who puts up the bail hires a bounty hunter. The bounty hunter goes to catch the criminal, just like in the old Wild West. The hours are long and irregular, and as you can imagine, the job comes with its share of dangers.
Pay: Bounty hunters make anywhere from 10% to 45% of the bail amount, so if bail was set at $100,000, a bounty hunter would take home $10,000 to $45,000. Experienced bounty hunters typically take home $50,000 to $100,000 a year, but it can vary depending on the number of fugitives caught and bail amounts.
Qualifications: None, though a background in law enforcement comes in handy.
2. Debt Collector or Repossessor
In today's tough economy, debt is big business, which is good news for debt collectors. Debt collectors work in many different jobs, from collectors at call centers to the repossessors who tow your car away if you miss too many payments. The good news is that the collection industry is expected to grow by about 19% by 2018, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Pay: Working at a call center will make you $10 an hour and up, usually including benefits. Repossessors (or skip tracers, as they're also called) make about $100 per repossession if they work for a company; if you own your own business, expect to make $300 and up for each repo.
Qualifications: Call-center jobs usually require a high school diploma; many companies have training programs for their collectors. Repo men and women need no qualifications other than a willingness to work long hours and deal with angry people. (Jobs can be much more uncomfortable than dealing with angry people. Learn more in "America's Most Dangerous Jobs.")
3. Bodyguard
Bodyguards are people hired to keep celebrities and VIPs safe. Depending on the client, bodyguard jobs can take anywhere from a few hours to months or years. Bodyguards are often required to travel with their clients, so expect long hours and lots of time away from home.
Pay: Pay varies widely in the bodyguard business. The average bodyguard earns $300 to $700 a day, but some high-profile jobs can land your pay well into the six figures, plus bonuses.
Qualifications: A background in the military or law enforcement is helpful in this career.
4. Private Investigator
Though you probably think of the TV gumshoe when you think of a PI, much of the job is done on the computer, gathering information from databases. But a PI's job can get pretty dangerous out in the field, so this job is not for the faint of heart. And again, expect long hours in rough conditions. Some good news: this career group is expected to grow 22% by 2018.
Pay: Pay varies wildly depending on location, employer, and specialty, with salaried pay at $24,000 to $76,000. Self-employed private investigators make $40 an hour and up, depending on skill, experience, and specialty.
Qualifications: A background in law enforcement or intelligence is helpful but not required. Many states require a license, so check with your state before hanging out your shingle.
5. Headhunter
Headhunters find people for jobs, and often have a specialty like finance or healthcare. Also called recruiters or staffing coordinators, headhunters hold salaried positions and/or work on commission, meaning they get paid when they fill a position. Since headhunters are essentially in sales, expect long hours and high stress in this career field.
Pay: Depending on experience and specialty, headhunter salaries start at $25,000 to $40,000. Successful headhunters earning commissions can expect to earn well into the six figures.
Qualifications: A bachelor's degree is often required; for entry-level positions, a high school diploma is sometimes sufficient. Sales skills are crucial to make it as a headhunter.
6. Hazardous-Waste Remover
Asbestos, mold, nuclear waste, lead, mercury--ever wonder who cleans it all up? Hazardous-waste removers show up with respirators, protective suits, and gloves to take care of business--it's a dirty job, but someone's gotta do it. Jobs are expected to grow 15% by 2018, so roll up your sleeves.
Pay: Entry-level pay starts at $11 per hour, with experienced workers earning $30 and up per hour.
Qualifications: A high school diploma suffices, but expect to complete on-the-job training and qualification.
by Fleur Bradley, Investopedia.com
Bounty hunters, private investigators, body guards--you've seen these jobs on TV, but do you know how they function in reality? Ever wonder what the job's about, how you get paid, and how much? Here are six strange professions, along with the skinny on pay and duties. Many of these careers are seeing growth in a tough economy--maybe there's a new strange job in there for you.
1. Bounty Hunter
When someone skips bail or leaves town without reporting to court, the person or company who puts up the bail hires a bounty hunter. The bounty hunter goes to catch the criminal, just like in the old Wild West. The hours are long and irregular, and as you can imagine, the job comes with its share of dangers.
Pay: Bounty hunters make anywhere from 10% to 45% of the bail amount, so if bail was set at $100,000, a bounty hunter would take home $10,000 to $45,000. Experienced bounty hunters typically take home $50,000 to $100,000 a year, but it can vary depending on the number of fugitives caught and bail amounts.
Qualifications: None, though a background in law enforcement comes in handy.
2. Debt Collector or Repossessor
In today's tough economy, debt is big business, which is good news for debt collectors. Debt collectors work in many different jobs, from collectors at call centers to the repossessors who tow your car away if you miss too many payments. The good news is that the collection industry is expected to grow by about 19% by 2018, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Pay: Working at a call center will make you $10 an hour and up, usually including benefits. Repossessors (or skip tracers, as they're also called) make about $100 per repossession if they work for a company; if you own your own business, expect to make $300 and up for each repo.
Qualifications: Call-center jobs usually require a high school diploma; many companies have training programs for their collectors. Repo men and women need no qualifications other than a willingness to work long hours and deal with angry people. (Jobs can be much more uncomfortable than dealing with angry people. Learn more in "America's Most Dangerous Jobs.")
3. Bodyguard
Bodyguards are people hired to keep celebrities and VIPs safe. Depending on the client, bodyguard jobs can take anywhere from a few hours to months or years. Bodyguards are often required to travel with their clients, so expect long hours and lots of time away from home.
Pay: Pay varies widely in the bodyguard business. The average bodyguard earns $300 to $700 a day, but some high-profile jobs can land your pay well into the six figures, plus bonuses.
Qualifications: A background in the military or law enforcement is helpful in this career.
4. Private Investigator
Though you probably think of the TV gumshoe when you think of a PI, much of the job is done on the computer, gathering information from databases. But a PI's job can get pretty dangerous out in the field, so this job is not for the faint of heart. And again, expect long hours in rough conditions. Some good news: this career group is expected to grow 22% by 2018.
Pay: Pay varies wildly depending on location, employer, and specialty, with salaried pay at $24,000 to $76,000. Self-employed private investigators make $40 an hour and up, depending on skill, experience, and specialty.
Qualifications: A background in law enforcement or intelligence is helpful but not required. Many states require a license, so check with your state before hanging out your shingle.
5. Headhunter
Headhunters find people for jobs, and often have a specialty like finance or healthcare. Also called recruiters or staffing coordinators, headhunters hold salaried positions and/or work on commission, meaning they get paid when they fill a position. Since headhunters are essentially in sales, expect long hours and high stress in this career field.
Pay: Depending on experience and specialty, headhunter salaries start at $25,000 to $40,000. Successful headhunters earning commissions can expect to earn well into the six figures.
Qualifications: A bachelor's degree is often required; for entry-level positions, a high school diploma is sometimes sufficient. Sales skills are crucial to make it as a headhunter.
6. Hazardous-Waste Remover
Asbestos, mold, nuclear waste, lead, mercury--ever wonder who cleans it all up? Hazardous-waste removers show up with respirators, protective suits, and gloves to take care of business--it's a dirty job, but someone's gotta do it. Jobs are expected to grow 15% by 2018, so roll up your sleeves.
Pay: Entry-level pay starts at $11 per hour, with experienced workers earning $30 and up per hour.
Qualifications: A high school diploma suffices, but expect to complete on-the-job training and qualification.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Sales & Management Career Fair
Sales & Management Career Fair , 3/10/2010, 11:00 am
Sales & Management Career Fair
Wednesday March 10, 2010
11:00 am - 2:00 pm
(The next reminder for this event will be sent in 1 day, 18 hours, 3 minutes.)
Location: DoubleTree Hotel
Street: 100 The City Drive
City State Zip: Orange, CA 92868
Notes:
Orange County
Sales & Management Career Fair
3/10/2010
Doubletree Hotel
100 The City Drive
Orange, CA 92868
11:00AM to 2:00PM
Sales & Management Career Fair
Wednesday March 10, 2010
11:00 am - 2:00 pm
(The next reminder for this event will be sent in 1 day, 18 hours, 3 minutes.)
Location: DoubleTree Hotel
Street: 100 The City Drive
City State Zip: Orange, CA 92868
Notes:
Orange County
Sales & Management Career Fair
3/10/2010
Doubletree Hotel
100 The City Drive
Orange, CA 92868
11:00AM to 2:00PM
Monday, March 8, 2010
Long Beach Career Fair
Meet companies hiring in your home town.
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Long Beach Career Fair
Monday, March 22, 2010
11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Holiday Inn Long Beach Airport Hotel
2640 Lakewood Blvd
Long Beach, CA 90815
ShareThis
Long Beach Career Fair
Monday, March 22, 2010
11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Holiday Inn Long Beach Airport Hotel
2640 Lakewood Blvd
Long Beach, CA 90815
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