i think the most important aspect is to play on your strenghts at work.Also keep in mind that your boss would have been asked about a salary hike by many people before you and so he is used to the pitch.Therefore the idea is to keep it unique and substantiate your request with your strenghts and at the same time hint your boss about the prospect of him losing you as a performer!!he will then listen. what you then get is what you negotiate.Remember that your boss also would happen to do the same exercise with his boss!! so go in with a purpose and not as if seeking a favour!
