I realized I didn't answer the "how do I ask for a raise?" question. Here's how: you don't. Instead, state the facts and state them clearly, then draw the logi

I realized I didn't answer the "how do I ask for a raise?" question. Here's how: you don't. Instead, state the facts and state them clearly, then draw the logical conclusion. Something along the lines of: "It's been one year, which is an appropriate time to start compensation. I took this position at a high risk due to the small nature of the startup and my lack of experience, but in the past year, I've done A, B, and C. In my feedback sessions with you and others, I've been consistently highly rated and have established myself as a valuable member of the time. I've done my research and a fair market value for my role would be an increase up to $120K." Then you leave it at that. Don't elaborate, don't talk about your feelings. Leverage awkward silence, if you need to. If they're really good people and they care about you, they'll do their best to make it happen. If they aren't, then they won't. Their reaction will tell you a lot about your future at the company. But what you really don't want to do is come at it from a position of weakness. In other words, don't say: "Can I have a raise?" That sounds like Tiny Tim, "pretty please, sir, would you please throw your spare change from your couch into my bank account" kind of thing. Don't do that. Instead, stick to the facts.