Five Ways To Get A Bonus

Were you disappointed with your last bonus? Perhaps you feel you deserve a bonus-even if it's not a part of your current compensation package. Sometimes just meeting expectations is not enough to earn that extra cash. Here are five tips to help you get a bonus this year!

1. Ask for one
   It sounds simple, but it's the best way for you to get a bonus.
   Approach your boss now, tell him or her you want a bonus this year, and you'd like to map out a plan for you to get one. Together you can develop goals against which you will measure your effectiveness. Agree that by the end of the year if you have met your goals you will receive your bonus. Be sure to discuss the bonus structure and document the points of your agreement in writing.
2. Show initiative
   Don't wait for your boss to tell you what to do all the time-take the initiative. Apply your professional experiences and knowledge to your position, simplify your boss' job, or suggest an idea to improve a process for the company. Show your boss that you are not only a go-getter, but a thinker too.
3. Be valuable
   Take on extra projects or responsibilities that may or may not be in your job scope. Help other departments when they need an extra hand. And simply learn and grow in your job. Show that you're an asset to the job, to your boss and the company-and that's why you deserve this bonus.
4. Document your successes
   Keep a weekly log documenting what projects you have completed, accomplishments and extra responsibilities you took on that week. That way when it comes time to discuss your bonus or ask for a bonus, you can show your boss exactly what successes and accomplishments you have made in your job.
5. Make every project count
   Give 100 percent to all your projects, big or small. Sometimes the most unattractive projects end up being the ones that save the company thousands of dollars making one lucky project manager a hero, and a little richer.

Make a commitment to your compensation early this year. Decide today that every thing you do will be geared toward strengthening your case for receiving a bonus. Follow these five tips and you should be on the right track for higher compensation rewards by the end of the year. Good luck!