Getting pay right is an important part of managing people but, like issues such as safety and a pleasant work environment, it normally only gets attention when its not working. If these factors are taken care of people can then concentrate on the real job.
While we would all like more pay, most people are satisfied if they think their pay is fair. There are a number of aspects to this and they all need to be addressed.
Internal Relativities Pay needs to be perceived as fair relative to others in the organization. They understand that different jobs get paid at different levels but they want to see some equity when it comes to rewarding jobs of similar worth to the business.
While some businesses and industries pay more than others, and people generally accept this, they want some sort of consistency within their own organization.
External Relativities This is where people look outside the business and compare jobs. Again, they recognise that there are differences but they will look at what they may be able to earn in another organization.
So while an accountant in a not for profit organization may realise that the oil industry is going to pay more, she may weigh up the demands of each job and decide the differential is too much. Having a good knowledge of the market is necessary to establish the right level for each type of job.
Performance Based People like to be rewarded for their efforts, so giving the same pay increase for everyone can be very demotivating.
The concept of providing an automatic increase every year based on the cost of living may be done with good intentions but if nothing else is done about performance issues, good and bad, it will quickly lead to a culture of mediocrity.
Your performance management system needs to be carefully linked to your pay system.
Fair and Equitable The whole process needs to be transparent so people realise it is based on objective decisions. This way, although they may want more money they at least accept that there is a process and it is not based on favouritism or unreasonable prejudices.
Communications to all staff on a regular basis is the key to this - especially when there are salary increases provided. They should know on what basis their salary has been increased, or not, as the case may be.
Consistent Administration To achieve all the above you will need a system that can be consistently applied. While salary administration is not an exact science, the system should be objective and any deviation from it should be only for well considered reasons.
Any recommendations for salary changes should be based on a reasoned decision taking into account all the elements discussed above.
Once you have all of this in place, you can move on to doing what your business does best rather than getting into arguments about pay.
Internet Marketing Conference? Doesn't that sound like an oxymoron? If it's an online world, why meet in person? That's exactly it! You've got a special opportunity to distinguish yourself from all the other millions of people in cyberspace. They will not be there in person. They will not meet their favorite guru face to face. You will!
Okay. You're convinced. But how do you go about it the right way? Conferences can cost a lot of money. What do you have to do to make the investment worth your while?
It's not that hard. Just be sure to start on the right foot before you even leave though. To help you with costly errors, here's a true and false quiz to help you find out if you're ready to make the most of an internet conference:
1. Online marketing is supposed to stay online. Meeting people in person is a complete waste of time and money. (T or F)
2. Online marketers are a casual bunch. Jeans and ratty old t-shirts are perfectly adequate for an internet marketing conference. (T or F)
3. I love surprises. The best part of going to conferences will be to discover who's there. Reading up beforehand would just spoil the fun. (T or F)
4. I hate crowds. So when I do have to go to a conference, I'll drag along a friend and spend the entire conference with him or her. (T or F)
5. Business cards are tacky. If I really hit it off with someone I meet, we can always exchange information on scraps of paper or the program guide. (T or F)
6. The conference hotel is way too expensive. I'm going to stay at a cheaper hotel on the outskirts of town instead. (T or F)
7. I'll schedule my flights for maximum savings. Arriving late and leaving early is the way to go. (T or F)
How did you do? Let's take a look:
1. False. Remember, it's who you know, not just what you know. You'll meet and make friends with people who might never so much as return your email otherwise. Like with so many things, the secret lies in showing up.
2. False. Sure, being able to work in your PJs is one of the perks of internet marketing and many marketers agree. But a lot of them do enjoy dressing up for special occasions, and a conference is such a special occasion. With video and cameras everywhere, they want to look as good as they can. You better do too. Dress as a professional if you want to be treated like one.
3. False. This is not the time and place to play "guess who?" If you want to make your conference a success, better find out in advance who will be there. And do your homework. Know what they do. Read some of their work. You'll get much more out of the conference that way, and you'll be much more likely to make connections.
4. False. The point of a conference is to meet new people and to make and renew contacts. Sure, you can bring a friend or your partner, but don't plan on spending a lot of time with them. Expect them to do their own networking.
5. False. Business cards are professional. Bring lots. Make sure that the contact information is current and that the links work. Nothing screams "amateur" like dead links and crossed-out email addresses and phone numbers!
6. False. Staying at the conference hotel is crucial. You'll be where the action is. If you need a break, you can take a quick nap upstairs without having to trek through half the town. You won't have to lug around bags of goodies all day but can drop them off in our room. You can bring your own materials and products and replenish your supply whenever you run low. You've invested in airfare and the conference itself. Don't blow it by trying to save in the wrong place.
7. False. Get there at least the night before the conference. You'll be well-rested for greater effectiveness. And definitely don't leave until the morning after if at all possible. Breakfast is a great time for follow-up meetings, and you might bump into the very people you've been trying to catch up with all weekend. Besides, lots of great networking happens before the crowds arrive and after the pressure is off.
Your score: 3 or less: Either adjust your attitude or save your money and stay home.
4-6: You're an average conference attendee. You may have some successes, but you can do a lot better. Take a few pointers from the answers you missed.
All 7 correct: You're a pro at attending conferences. And I bet you knew that! Congratulations.
Both Paul Phillips & Elisabeth Kuhn are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Paul Phillips has sinced written about articles on various topics from Diabetes Treatment, Property Investment and Internet Marketing. Paul Phillips is a Director of Horizon Management Group; a specialist human resource management consulting firm. He has over 30 years experience in HR and, while based in Australia, has worked in a number of overseas locations.. Paul Phillips's top article generates over 18100 views. to your Favourites.
Elisabeth Kuhn has sinced written about articles on various topics from Computers and The Internet, Entertainment Guide and Guided Meditation. If you're ready to meet your favorite guru, find a JV partner, or learn some new tricks, has it all. And for more information o. Elisabeth Kuhn's top article generates over 22200 views. to your Favourites.