Thread: Questions About Getting a Raise

I work in a venue that pays me on the low end of acceptable range and I would like a raise ..g.: The current rate is what they were paying when I came on board.

How would you go about raising a venue's rate? I'm pretty sure others have tried before me with limited success. What should I know about approaching the manager? How should I present my case? He's never there when I dance, the only contact I have with him is via email. How is it different than when negotiating a rate at a new venue? How long do you need to work a venue before you can reasonably ask for more?

Do you think it's important to get the other dancers on board so we can present a united front or go it alone? I don't know all of the other dancers personally. Should I reach out to the ones I do know?

Any success stories for inspiration?

Thanks in advance!

I'd say these things are all a little different. If there is one scheduling dancer, I'd approach her to get her take.
If the owner/manager does the scheduling it would be helpful to have everyone on board, and I'd certainly try first, but if you don't know everyone you also can't guarantee their follow through.
I've gotten raises by accident a couple times. I'd say those are the rare cases, but it's still useful to keep in mind as negotiating tactics. One place I was ready to leave and had found other dancers... he called me asking me to come back and all I said was "but it's so far"...and he assumed I was negotiating and offered me a $20 raise. Truthfully I was trying to say "no". I think the lesson learned here though is that you only have the upper hand when you are willing to walk away.
Other places I started having less availability for. I explained to the owners "it's not that I don't want to be here, I love it here (blah blah blah, insert compliments about the venue etc)...it's that this other place pays more, so I have to take it". THAT has also resulted in a raise a couple times. Lesson learned, sometimes they'll pay more if they know other places are. Whether it's because their competitive (ego) or because they just want you to dance, I don't know, but the results are the same.
Another place- I didn't demand a raise, it was more a "soft" negotiation. "other places are paying $100. Your rates have been the same for 3 years and are behind. I drive far, and do my best for you. What would you feel comfortable with?" More talking back and forth...then "well, I want you to be happy with it, so why don't you think about it and get back to me next week". Owners are usually people who REALLY like to make their own decision and feel very confident in their decisions...so I wanted to drop it in his lap to think about. Then it feels like his decision. This only works when you know they want you as a dancer and won't just hire Suzy Nippletassels who dances for free shwarma (and tips!). It also helps for you to have an idea ahead of time what the minimum you will be happy with is.
Other raises I've gotten when I was the new gal aboard. I always asked the current dancers what the rates were and asked for just a little more. I figure it's opening the door for higher rates and doing everyone a favor. I find this last thing also handy in avoiding any drama with people falsely trying to accuse you of undercutting.

I'd be careful about negotiating a raise in today's economic climate. I'm not saying that you don't deserve it or that it's not possible, but with the economy down, fewer people are going out to eat. I'm sure the owner has seen an impact in his bottom line. Coming in and demanding more money will only make him resent you.

If business has been down at the restaurant, it may not be the right time to ask for a raise. If it's been the same or up even, then emphasize how the owner needs to hold onto his loyal clientele by ensuring he has quality entertainment, etc. Be sure to point out how keeping you there and happy affects his bottom line. Approach these negotiations the same as you would when asking for a raise at the office. "I need more money" isn't a strong selling point. "Many of your customers come to see me specifically," is and will likely yield better results.

Ah, yes, excellent advice Aazura. I had meant to mention the economy perspective and to keep that in mind when assessing the realities of his business and dancer's value to his business.

Great advice! Thanks so much, I hadn't considered a lot of these ideas.

Thanks!

It's an employers' market right now. Take what you're given and look around for someone who will pay you more. If that job arises, tell your current employer and they will either match it or tell you to piss off, whereupon you take the other job.

pm'ing you

I have been at my job for 12 years. Every year I get a nice raise - except this one. The current economy has made raises quite scarce unfortunately.