Make Yourself More Valuable At Work

I hate my job, I don't get paid enough, I'm asked to do too much, etc. These are frequent complaints from people in a variety of industries but there are plenty of cases where it is perfectly within the complainer's powers to make themselves and their employers happier. Those with jobs tend to forget that there is likely someone else who wants their job...even if it's a horrible one in their opinion.

The greener grass begins to grow when we choose to apply for and accept the wrong jobs for us and when we allow ourselves to get too comfortable. Humans tend to take the path of least resistance and many also work this way as well. When we don't challenge ourselves, a variety of our specialties begin to slip, we get bored, and we can self destruct. At any given time many people are seeking jobs and if you aren't making yourself valuable to your employer, you could find your job is no longer yours.

Being a rainmaker means that you bring in clients. It doesn't hurt if those clients give you good reviews or mention that you referred them. Being a rainmaker is a positive sign to most employers whether or not you are actually in a sales position. It shows that you are taking ownership as an employee of the company and is a highly valued trait. Some people call in favors such as a window company employee asking his architect friend to use his company's windows for a new project. Another example could be a college student working at a clothing store recommending that a friend come in to try out some new pieces that just came in.

Where you can't make it rain, find ways to save the company money and don't be afraid to politely mention that it was your idea. Polite assertion is key. For instance, if you can take a step that costs the company money out of the company processes, you can save money. Saving the company money is often like making them money. Most higher ups will be pleasantly surprised that you took the initiative and will have a good reason to remember your face and name. If you want to move up in the company, these are two very important things that can keep you head and shoulders above the crowd of competitors for the positions you will be attempting to land.

This one can only come from within. Fakes are often easily spotted and some customers will try avoiding fakes like the plague, even if it means never doing business with you or your employer again. Many people hate car and other types of purchases or shopping. It's easy to see that insincere or pushy staff are often a good reason why.

Making customers happy is easier when you truly think of how you would like to be treated and by doing the same. Just one of many signs of poor customer service is when the customer is being called names such as sweetheart, baby, girl, or boy. Regardless of age, economic status, or education level, these "nicknames" do not reflect that you respect the customer. Some customers will correct you, others will not. Nicknames such as these are disrespectful or insulting to many people no matter what their age or background is. If you are unsure, asking the customer how they would like to be addressed is the best approach.

Those who have a genuine interest in making customers happy and show it will keep customers coming back and referring their friends and family in for business. Particularly for those in sales, this can be very, very rewarding. When a customer receives outstanding service on every interaction, that customer is more likely to recommend the company to others.

Doing things such as double checking to make sure the order is correct, offering products or services that complement the ones being purchased, and following up after the sale can go a long way to make customers happy. Being able to recommend other highly skilled professionals or companies that perform services that your company currently doesn't offer can also make customers very happy. There are a number of ways that you can make customers happy and all it requires is that you be respectful, listen carefully, and attempt to meet or exceed their needs and expectations.

"That's not my job" is a common refrain from people around the world. However, it doesn't show your employers or colleagues that you are a team player and can create negative feelings within those that you work with. When something is outside the immediate realm of your job duties and you are asked to help contribute, think of the larger picture. You could be gaining more experience outside your skill set and job duties and could be getting on the radar with higher ups in a positive way. When you decline, particularly repeatedly, you will more than likely get on the radar in a negative way for being selfish or not being a team player. The ensuing consequences could affect your career in the short and long term.

Taking the initiative to get things done is important in your personal life as well as in your career as an employee. If you dream of being an employer, this trait is even more important. While you are an employee, show your employer that you are taking the initiative to get more education, be a rainmaker, contribute ideas that save the company money, shorten the length of various processes, etc. Taking the initiative is seen through a variety of ways whether it be verbal or non-verbal and can put you on the positive radar within the company. Be respectfully assertive of your efforts and do not allow others to take credit for them.

You never know who is watching, whether you are meeting or exceeding expectations or laying low at work because you're not really doing your all. It's best to give them something positive to remember. When you take the initiative to get things done or to contribute new solutions or ideas that the company and/or customers can benefit from, you are effectively raising your value within the company. Raising your value can mean that you get perks, bonuses, or promotions that validate your efforts and can make your life as an employee more enjoyable.