“Boss…I need a raise,” Familiar words of a full-time employee?

Let’s face it, most employees feel overworked and underpaid. Who does not want a pay increase? Better bonus, a promotion, higher increment, better perks?

Their list of “wants” is endless. And they often grow frustrated and demotivated at work when things don’t come easily. After all, they’ve earned it, right?

The answer may not be what you expect.

Just showing up for work daily and doing what you’re told, is no longer enough. You need to demonstrate to your bosses that you stand out from the crowd of average employees.

To get better rewards, you need to show that you bring something special to the table.

Once your boss, colleagues and clients view you as a valuable asset to the company, your chances of getting that raise, promotion or other benefits increases exponentially.

In short, you have to make yourself worth it. Here are a couple of tips to get you started on the road to career stardom.

Make your boss look good

Sometimes, the boss needs help. Whether this is your ultimate boss, or your supervisor in a middle management position, bosses have a lot on their plate. By helping them, you help yourself.

Work hard at managing and nurturing the relationship with your boss. This can be difficult if you have a tough boss. You don’t have to “like” him, but you should not risk a bad relationship jeopardising your chances of moving ahead.

So, suck it up and focus on helping your boss in any way you can. The more reliant your boss is on you, the further ahead you’ll be in the queue for a raise.

Become the expert: Monopolise a particular skill

To get ahead at work, you need to have skill sets and knowledge that you can apply, to add tangible value to your organisation.

You need to keep yourself updated in your field and consistently learn new things. Keep reading, keep refreshing existing skills, and keep networking with your peers to glean industry insights and specific knowledge.

Network: Be a relationship builder

Work hard at connecting with and developing relationships with everyone in the company – subordinates, colleagues and bosses.

Don’t assume that just because colleagues and subordinates are lower down the organisational hierarchy, they are not useful contacts to have. The reality is every relationship that you cultivate will benefit you down the road.

When you have personal relationships with a variety of colleagues in different parts of the company, you find yourself able to tap into these networks and gain access to insights that even your bosses may not be able to access.

Soon, you will develop a reputation within the company of being the go-to person to solve problems requiring inter-departmental communications.

Say yes when others say no

The average employee prefers to avoid more work. Their objective is to get as much pay for as little work as possible. They spend most of their time complaining about everything in the office and doing the bare minimum.

You can stand out of this crowd, by being passionate, energetic and engaged in your work.

Step up and volunteer for new projects and roles. Take on responsibility. Your bosses will immediately sit up and take notice of you.

Focus on what matters

Identify your advantage over other employees. What is it that you have/can do, that others don’t/can’t, or rather, simply cannot do as well as you? Zoom in on that aspect and lock your focus onto it.

Delegate anything that is not a focus area (if you can). Or if you can’t, spend less time on those things.

Instead, work hard at showcasing the edge that you have over others, and strategically highlight the value that you add, to the right people in the organisation.

Keep a positive attitude

Lastly, greet everyone you meet at work with a positive expression, no matter how glum they look. Wear a smile and let your energy and passion for what you do, show in the way you carry yourself.

Your bosses and co-workers will have to respond in the same way, as they will feel energised when faced with your positive energy.

This is of course easier said than done, especially on days when things have not gone great or you are tired, unwell or dealing with family issues at home.

But, practice always sounding enthusiastic and energetic regardless of how you actually feel. You’ll find that you feel better when you respond this way, and that people around you respond better to you. Positivity is like a magnet and attracts people to you.

An employee demonstrating all of the above traits is truly worth rewarding by even the most tight-fisted organisation. So adjust your mindset and accept that in order to get a raise or other benefits at work, you have to make yourself worth it to your employer.

Be strategic and innovative in planning and achieving your career goals. Work hard, work smart, and give the job everything you’ve got. Your efforts will be noticed, and rewarded down the road.

This article first appeared in kclau.com

KC Lau’s first book Top Money Tips for Malaysians has sold thousands of copies. He launched the first online personal finance course specifically designed for Malaysians, entitled the Money Automation System. He also co-founded many other online financial courses including the Bursa Method, Property Method, Founder Method and REIT Method.