In a record-setting deal, quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has just signed a 5-year contract worth $137.5 million. While he has his agents to thank for the intense negotiations, there are two things about Garoppolo that make him capable of demanding so much money. If you want to earn the big bucks in your career like him, consider these two factors:

1. He was groomed by a well-known professional. Seen as the protege of Tom Brady, Garoppolo was mentored by the best - and it was a well-publicized fact. This put all eyeballs on him as the person that could be as good (if not, better some day) than Brady himself. 

2. He put up the numbers when it mattered. All you have to do is look at the numbers before Garoppolo joined the San Francisco 49ers, and then after. His impact was immediate and large. Giving validation to the idea that he was more than capable of following in his mentor's footsteps.

If you want to earn a big salary increase, here's what to do:

There are two steps you can take to increase the chances of a Garoppolo-like payday:

A) Get a high-profile mentor. Having a well-known industry professional work with you to improve your skills and abilities will not only make you better, it will make you better-known. As I always tell my clients, "Coaching isn't a sign of weakness, but a path to greatness." Just ask any pro athlete or executive and they'll tell you their mentors and coaches were key in helping them get to the top in their careers. It's not just the skills, but the introductions they can make on your behalf that will help you climb the ladder and earn more pay.

B) Focus on exceeding the expectations of those that sign the checks. As they say, "Actions speak louder than words." When you're consistent in your ability to deliver more than is asked, you're creating immense value in the eyes of those that can reward you. Mark Cuban is known as saying, "Anyone that can reduce my pain is invaluable to me." This is true for all companies and the executives who run them. The people they perceive as adding the most value to the success of the business are the ones that get paid more. It's up to you to figure out what they value you most and how to deliver it.

Being paid what you are worth is no joke. It takes solid negotiation skills. But, you can't even begin to get that big pay increase until you position yourself to be worthy of it. The above tips can help you set yourself up for success.