Often when one thinks of using influence it’s to create a win in a negotiation. I’ve said in many times, that you are responsible for your career. That point is non-negotiable in today’s business environment. Therefore, you should have access to as many tools as are available to help you succeed. Ensuring you have influence over your career is one of those success tools. So how do you use influence to make things happen in your career?

The challenges of a global marketplace are not only impacting a business’ profitability, but the development of its workforce as well. Think outsourcing… As a result, companies are considering where each dollar of investment is made, in all areas, and what the anticipated return will deliver to the bottom line. Therefore, your approach to career development must take on a different and innovative pursuit.

Consider a desire to pursue a degree program, either a bachelors or masters, which will make you more effective in your current or future position. If the company will not pay for your full tenure, might they agree to pay for a course that has a direct bearing on one of their current challenges? Perhaps where you might be able to leverage the training to “up skill” the entire department?

Maybe you’d like to take an external course or attend a conference. Would they consider funding a percentage of the training costs, if you bring back the information and material to the team to increase their effectiveness? Or use this newly acquired knowledge to make a recommendation for an innovative approach. Consider offering to preview/recommend a guest speaker for the next large internal or customer meeting!

Your desire to increase your skills, resulting in a higher level of contribution to your company’s profitability - either in revenue generation or cost savings, can translate to a more profitable investment by your company. Remember, the key to influencing successful negotiations is by ensuring there is a win-win. By helping your company, boss or superior see the return they will receive as a result of their monetary investment in your development, they’re more likely to partner in increasing your professional portfolio.