This in from USA Today: More than 90% of employees are expected to receive an increase in base pay this year, finds a survey by WorldatWork. That includes cost of living, merit and other types of increases.  The good news is deceptive, though, as the projected raises are only slightly better than years past and much of the gains will be eaten up by inflation.  Employers are trying to ease the financial pain with more one-time incentives, such as sign-on and spot bonuses, that don't add to fixed compensation costs.  But chances are, you’re still going to be getting less than you did a few years ago. 

How can you beat this trend?  Start with the strong performance review you just received, because your boss will probably be expecting you to bring up the topic of money. Before you sit down with your manager, be prepared with a list of contributions that have positively impacted the bottom line.  Look at the situation from your company’s point of view.  Have you honestly acquired such valuable skills, performed at such a high level and exceeded expectations to such a degree that your company should shell out more assets to keep you? 

If you begin the conversation and things aren’t going your way, don’t act angry or defensive.  Tell your boss how much you like working for the company and ask him/her what you need to do to receive an increase and if it’s possible to revisit the issue in a few months.

Economic trends being what they are, you still may not get the raise you deserve this year.  But you have a much better shot when you ask strategically.