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FarfromPar

AE (Account Executive)

Contributor

How to address manager about a pay concern.

I just recently learned from my peers they're on average making 30% more than me. These peers and I started within 2 months some before and some after me. I suspect it is because they all came from the same company who paid well. (I live in a more expensive state)  I am outperforming them on every metric since day 1 and some by A LOT. 

I'm upset but our company just had layoffs. Any advice for how best to address this with my manager? 
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Kosta_Konfucius
Politicker
3
Sales Rep
Couple questions, do the other reps have more experience? Do they have a higher quota? When you say out performing, is that % of quota or total rev sold or total meetings set?
The main reasons why I ask is it is important to know what possible arguments can be made to justify the difference. So you can come more prepared.
I would for sure bring this up with a manager, but be ready for the "in this economy we can't". It is a very unfortunate reality where, you might need to get an opposing offer to match the 30% difference.
FarfromPar
Contributor
0
AE (Account Executive)
Great Questions.
We have similar years of experience with similar previous jobs. Quota is the same and I am winning by %, revenue, self generated - you name it. Their last company is the same. Half my team came from the same place including manager. I came from a rival who just paid less and I think that’s how it happened.
SaaSsy
Politicker
1
AE
Put that info together in a concise presentation and approach it confidently asking for what you want. Expect to negotiate. I’d they see your value, they’ll meet your needs to some extent or tell you no I’m which case, then you decide to stay or go.
CuriousFox
WR Officer
2
🦊
Go to your manager with your data and state your case of why you should have a raise.
detectivegibbles
Politicker
2
Sales Director
It's going to cost the company more $$$ to hire someone to fill your shoes than paying you more.

You have the data/metrics to back up your reasoning for the ask.

Keep us updated on what comes about. Interested to hear.
Pachacuti
Politicker
2
They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy
Sounds like the other reps were better negotiators and knew their worth. Don't take that personally - take it as a learning experience.

I'm not gonna pat you on your back and say "that sucks" etc. You had the same chance to negotiate your salary like they did. They value themselves more highly.
If you're going to go in and swing for a bigger salary, you need to be ready to swing and miss. What will you do if they don't give you the bump you want? What its zero or only 10%? Can you quit today and immediately jump into something else?

The layoffs don't help you much. If they were actively hiring more reps, you'd stand a better chance. They may tell you that you were lucky to keep your job.
You didn't state for how long you have been at your job. >1 year?
Also, you didn't state how you found out about the pay differences. That *could* cause a problem.
Usually I'm the guy saying "go for it" but you need to weight the consequences of going for it here.
Diablo
Politicker
1
Sr. AE
It’s natural to get disappointed. If you are unhappy about anything but you think there is a way around to win you back, speak up your mind. Just keep little patience and wait for the right time.
TennisandSales
Politicker
0
Head Of Sales
ugh this sucks. i went through this at my last role.
now, the fact that the company just went through lay offs does NOT help your case.
do you have annual performance reviews?
my first thing would be to see if the company has a certain time of year that they normally have discussions around comp.
Mendizo
Opinionated
0
Sr. Director
Great comments from others; I would also just note that sometimes this is literally 'happenstance'.
In the past, I've had odd instances where Recruiting would just give an offer, sometimes higher than expected, especially early in the cycle such as when building a new team. So the AE's first on the team would get a higher package. That would then leave relatively less comp for the rest of the team if we needed to maintain a certain level of average comp. So know that it may have just been this 'happenstance'.
As for what to do about it, definitely bring it up in a professional manner in advance of the next FY (and others have already posted great thoughts on what you include). I'm going to guess they may not bump you up immediately, but having a runway can help your manager make a strong case that is approved in advance.
Living in a more expensive state isn't really a great reason; I actually prefer to pay all of my AE's the same comp, because I pay for performance, not based on where you live. Where you live may contribute to COLA, but that's only after you've been there a bit.
Don't let your foot off the gas, and continue to outperform every day.
FarfromPar
Contributor
0
AE (Account Executive)
Update - manager mentioned in a non-private slack chat to call his boss if I wanna talk more about my “question”. Apologized later and said he thought it was our private channel. Had a fair conversation but no changes will occur. I start my new job April 1st with the salary I had asked for here. Appreciate all the posts.

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