5 Tips on How to Get Paid What You Really Deserve

Want to make more money? Well, I’ve got the secret. And I’ll bet it’s not what you think. It sure wasn’t what I expected when I interviewed hundreds of high earners for my books Secrets of Six-Figure Women and Overcoming Underea
ing. Very few of these successful women were driven by money. Yet they still demanded to be well compensated because-and here’s the Big Secret- they felt they were worth it.

The good news is that it’s possible for all of us to build our self worth. Here are some tips for pumping up your self-esteem along with your net worth.

1. Think Big, Then Think Even Bigger
What most of us do is unwittingly limit our earnings by lowering our expectations. Especially women. The idea is to think in terms of what you are worth, not just what you assume the market will bear.
2. Do Your Homework
One of the worst negotiating mistakes women make is picking a number out of the air that’s way too low. The smarter ones find out their market value by researching the going rates, then ask for more than is offered so they’ll have room to maneuver.
3. Take the Initiative
Have tangible evidence of what you bring to the table. Maybe you saved your company x amount of dollars or had an idea that generated so many sales. Every time you accept more responsibility, successfully complete a challenge or create positive changes, document it. Keeping records is an effective means of demonstrating your value to an organization.
4. Daily Affirmations -Act As If
Affirmations are positive statements expressed as if they've already happened. For example: “I have the confidence to ask for what I want.”
"I deserve more money in my life." Write them down. Post them in full view. Say them out loud as often as possible. When you act as if you’re worth a lot, you’ll eventually convince yourself as well as others.
5. Challenge yourself in other areas A stretch in any area of life has a ripple effect in other areas as well. If you can't quite get yourself to volunteer for that tough assignment or ask for a raise, try signing up for an art class or running a marathon. Anything that puts you out of your comfort zone builds confidence and self-worth.

By practicing these tips, you'll begin to notice a shift in how you feel about yourself. Making more money becomes not something you should do, but something you have to do-because you know in your heart you’re worth it.

Copyright 2005 Barbara Stanny. All rights reserved. The information contained in this article may not be published, broadcast or otherwise distributed without prior written authority.