Bosses either consciously or unconsciously ask themselves seven questions before they will enthusiastically help you to receive more pay or promotions. If you can put yourselves in your boss' place, and answer these seven questions, you're much more likely to have them help your career.

1. What can you do for me?
Robbie Bogue, President of Marketing Excellence, says, "People don't care who you are or what you know, until they know what you can get done for them." A "dream" employee is someone who achieves great results with minimal training or handholding, who reflects favorably on the boss and their department. Requiring too much concentration and attention on your boss' part to discern the benefits from your job doesn't work in a too-busy-to-relax world. Your boss must be able to size up quickly, simply, and clearly the value of your work. TOP

2. Why is that important to me?
Your boss is looking for something that is important to them rather than to you. You love some aspect of your work, but if what you're doing is of no value to your boss, who cares? Certainly your boss doesn't. Find out what he or she wants and needs most, then do that and get it noticed without too obviously calling attention to it.

3. Is that more than I'm getting now?
Whether people own up to it or not, everybody wants more. At first glance, wanting more appears to be a rather crude and offensive quality, but it is not just about greed. It is just as often a cushion against times in life when your boss has less breathing room. Having more offers some protection against having less at some other time. Getting more from you also gives your boss the feeling that he or she is a good leader and smart for having you.

4. Is that better than I'm getting now?
Even bosses who desire quantity seek out quality in your work product. Being able to help produce high quality results that exceed the expectations of not only your boss, but their boss as well, will do wonders for your perceived worth to your boss. TOP

5. Is that sooner than I'm getting it now?
Time is money. That's just a fact. As much as your boss may bark at you to speed things up, higher executives are breathing down his neck to do the same. If you can deliver the results sooner than your boss expects, it distinguishes you from all the other employees who have trouble meeting deadlines.

6. Does it cost less than I am spending now?
Cost is a vital issue in your boss' mind. He has a budget that seems too skimpy to him, but is what he has to make do with. If your results far exceed your cost, you're a diamond in the rough. Even considering the cost factor in what you do sets you apart from others.

7. Is that less risky than what I am doing now?
The thrill of an adrenaline rush is only exceeded by the terror of an adrenaline crash. As much as bosses like the excitement of a pedal-to-the-medal, throw-caution-to-the-wind new project, the potential slips and slides scare them more. Be someone that helps your boss to safely take on bigger and better projects.