We love all our employees at Connectzone.com. Each one plays an integral part in our business and we simply couldn’t survive without them. Employee reviews are a little bit like getting your report card and can create anxiety for both the reviewer and the reviewee. Connectzone.com uses a common tool in reviews where not only does the supervisor review the employee but they also must review themselves and describe how they have increased their value to the company over the time period under review. Here are some helpful tips and ideas to keep in mind during a review: Negotiating Salary: From most employers’ standpoint, if an employee is deserving of a salary increase it is because they have added value to the company, not because a calendar page has turned. There are many ways an employee can add value:
  1. Consistently increase your skill set with independent continuing education.
  2. Seek out certifications for your industry.
  3. Consistently give quality service to your “customers”. Customers being inclusive of co-workers, vendors and your employer.
Dos and Don’ts:
  1. Never compare your salary with co-workers; what other employees make is irrelevant to your negotiation.
  2. Do research salaries in your field.
  3. Do consider your experience level.
  4. Do evaluate the present economy.
  5. Always be accountable for your mistakes.
  Everyone is in Sales! This is a key concept in business and life in general. If you ever want anything from anyone-you’re in sales. While generally I work in the administration of Connectzone.com, I am in sales because I want to “sell” the idea to my employees that working for me is a great place to be. Every time I have contact with a vendor I am selling them the idea that I am a great customer so I can get their best customer service. Of course I sell to my customers, but I am never talking with them about cables, I am selling them customer service and making their experience with us the best it can be. As an employee you are in sales by selling yourself to your employer and your co-workers. It is simple things like arriving at work on time. I remember my father telling me before I went to my first job “if you start work at 8:00 AM that means you show up at 7:45 AM to put your coat away and get your coffee so you are actually working at 8:00 AM”. It is complex things like finding ways to positively interact with your co-workers and leaving petty jealousy and gossip at the door. It is courteous and respectful behavior, for example calling your supervisor if you are going to be late or absent. Be a problem solver, be creative and embrace new ideas! The “No Whine Zone” Most people have heard of Fox News “No Spin Zone”; make your work area a “no whine zone”. What the heck does that mean you may ask? It sounds easy and no one ever thinks they are whining-or they wouldn’t be whining. Trust me no one likes to be around a whiner. Instead view challenges as an opportunity to think outside the box and problem solve. Some days work is just hard and you can be faced with tasks you don’t like or that aren’t necessarily in your “job description”. After being in the workforce for 30 years, trust me, it’s like that for everyone. You can either be noticed for your whining or noticed for your positive and creative force and tenacity to meet a challenge. The later will get you farther in business and life.