How much do you cost your firm?

Your company makes a significant investment in you every day. 

First, there’s your salary.  Assuming you have used your sales skills to negotiate a decent wage, you’re likely making more than the average member of the American workforce (never forget that).

 

In addition to your salary, your benefits are a direct cost to the company.  The value of your benefits is generally equivalent to 25 percent of your base salary.  On top of that, add the tools you are provided to perform your job (e.g. a computer, software, office, cell phone, copiers), which comprise the operating overhead of your firm. The amount of this overhead is roughly equal to 75-150 percent of your salary.  So, in round numbers, with direct salary, benefits, and overhead, your cost is essentially double your salary. 

Next, your company needs to make a profit, doesn’t it?  That’s an important concept.  The ability to improve people’s lives by providing them an income is contingent on a company’s sustainability.  And for a company that strives to stay in business, it needs to grow and invest in itself, or it will stagnate, lag behind its competitors, and eventually falter and fail. So, in addition to the costs you incur as an employee, your company would like to make, let’s say, a 10-20% profit.  

That’s a lot of coin.  The question you should ask is, am I providing the equivalent return on that investment?