Discussing money on an interview or with a potential client can be very uncomfortable. How do you justify the salary or rate you are requesting from a boss or potential client you are courting for your business?

Start by building your own unique personal brand story. Include information like, what makes you different from others in your industry and special projects that you have successfully completed. I would even mention projects that I didn’t find success in but learned a lot of specialized information throughout the experience. Sometimes there is great power within individuals that have survived great failures. You have seen places and challenges that others have only dreamed of. This could save companies millions by not making the mistakes you have already encountered so don’t be afraid to show your battle scars. Some people also find scars attractive but that’s another story.

Find out what makes you irreplaceable in your profession. Is it your creativity or your contagious smile that makes your department feel like a team which makes everyone more productive? Maybe it’s your strong work ethic that makes everyone follow your lead. Maybe you’re the only athlete on the field that finishes the game with more energy and heart than when you started the game. Coaches, bosses and clients notice these strengths and translate them to future success or cash flow. Character equals CASH!!!

Find out what makes you irreplaceable and remove the characteristics that make you invisible. Invisible people are the ones that fade into the back of the crowd and only work hard enough to maintain a position on the team but never get considered for special projects, pay raises or promotions. This doesn’t mean you have to become a know-it-all or suck up to your boss. Just focus on outperforming your co-workers or competitors. What makes you better professionally? NOT PERSONALLY. Never get in a situation where you compare yourself on a personal level. When emotions enter a professional environment, your will more than likely fail. Focus your energy on your performance and not emotions. You only have so much time and energy in one day so don’t waste it being sad or angry. NEVER get mad at your money. Focus on becoming really good at something each day.

We will talk more about building your personal brand in future blogs and on The Daily Life Coach web series coming in October, but for now I want you to start looking in the mirror at the end of each day and ask yourself, did I perform in a manner that separated me from my competitors or peers? If not, find out why and where you need to focus your efforts so you can avoid becoming the invisible person that no one sees or misses.

When people see your worth, they will pay you well for it and you wont have to ask for it but it starts with your commitment to become a better performer than the person standing to your right and your left. You don’t need to conquer the planet so start small and grow big.

Visit www.TheDailyLifeCoach.com and don’t forget to share and like The Daily Life Coach on Facebook. Send your questions and challenges so I can answer them on future episodes of the show or on my blog. #TheDailyLifeCoach

Victor Young