Expert: Dominic J. Maltese, Jr. - 11/9/2006

Question
In March 2006, I was hired by a GC firm as the Marketing Coordinator to monitor construction opportunities (both public work and private), project forecasts for several business sectors, web maintenance, promotional advertising, journals/subscriptions/association memberships/dues, attendance at industry/local gov't/business association breakfasts and celebrations/galas, and a myriad of other duties.  Since April, we have secured $48 million of work.  Last year the company did a total of $20 million.  What should my employment contract include?  As it stands now, I am making a very meager salary.  I was directly responsible for a $6.5 million procurement (private - I made contact and we were invited to bid) and also, hooked him up with a friend of mine on a real estate development which is close to $15 million.  HELP?  I have a review next week and believe I am worth much more than I am being paid.  Thanks.

Answer
First, before you started you should have agreed on a salary based on new sales.  Now, it's the employer's option to renegotiate.  In 1999 we had a marketing person that was paid a base salary of $45,000 plus benefits.  Any new work brought it by her was considered part of her job.  I did, however, give her a bonus for each project that exceeded $1,000,000 and that was at my discretion.  Typically, it was $2,000 per $1,000,000 in new sales.   If you are really that good and you have a reasonable employer ask him/him what you work is worth and work something out.  If and you are looking in Michigan I might be interested.