For most, asking for a raise falls somewhere between visiting the dentist and being subpoenaed to appear in divorce court.

All three inspire cold sweat, pounding hearts and knocking knees. While you might have the same symptoms when you first fall in love, the difference is the element of sheer terror. After all, who in their right mind would want to be called before a judge or have a cavity drilled?

Asking for a raise seems to be scarier than routine dental care, but less stressful than divorce court. All three, however, are necessary. Hey - you need teeth to eat, right? And you also need to protect your legal and financial rights so you don't get taken to the cleaners, too.

And you also need to get over your nervousness and confidently ask for a raise when you deserve one. But when is that, exactly? With apologies to Jeff Foxworthy (of "You might be a redneck if..." fame), here are ten times you should ask:

1) When you've saved your company more than your annual salary, you should ask for a raise.

2) When you've made your company more than your annual salary, you should ask for a raise.

3) When a large percentage of customers ask to deal specifically with you, you should ask for a raise.

4) When another company has offered you a job for more money than you're making now, you should ask for a raise.

5) When your company or team falls apart when you're on vacation or sick leave, you should ask for a raise.

6) When you are interviewed by a member of the media because you're an expert in your field, you should ask for a raise.

7) When you are asked to fill in for your manager/supervisor for a week or more, you should ask for a raise.

8) When your co-workers continually come to you to solve work-related issues, you should ask for a raise.

9) When your manager/supervisor continuously needs you to solve work-related issues, you should ask for a raise.

10) When you have gone more than a year without a raise, you should ask for a raise.

What other times do you think it's appropriate to ask for a raise? Share your ideas in the comments section.

IN THE CARAVAN: Ask for a raise when you deserve one - and know when you deserve one. It takes a little courage, but you can do it.

NEXT THURSDAY: Leverage Your Success and Get a Raise

Want more advice on Adding Value? Check out these posts and The Lion's Pride section of WildJobSafari.com!

Check out last Wednesday's post negotiation sales skills.

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