How can you build a strong relationship with your boss through social media?

Social media is not only a tool for connecting with your friends and family, but also a powerful way to build a strong relationship with your boss. Whether you want to impress them, learn from them, or get a promotion, social media can help you achieve your goals. Here are some tips on how to use social media to your advantage and foster a positive rapport with your boss.

1 Follow and engage

The first step is to follow your boss on the social media platforms that they use, such as LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram. This will show that you are interested in their work, their insights, and their personality. Don't just follow them, but also engage with them by liking, commenting, and sharing their posts. Be respectful, relevant, and professional, and avoid spamming or criticizing them. You can also tag them in posts that relate to your industry, your company, or your projects, and thank them for their guidance or feedback.

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Eki Akhigbe, MSc

DataStorytelling|Transforming data into creative insights, marketing & analytics just got fun with me.
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I will share my thoughts this way, not all would agree, although I just state that this first step only works or is helpful on a professional network system like LinkedIn or Github. Over the years, experience has taught me to keep my distance. I hate to receive work instructions via my Instagram dm or any of social media DM for that matter and for some reason most bosses fail to get that part.🤭 The ability for most leaders/managers/bosses to separate the work life from the social life has an important role to play in this scenario. I am not totally against it, but it's not a decision I take lightly.

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2 Showcase your value

Social media is also a great way to showcase your value to your boss and demonstrate your skills, achievements, and potential. You can share your work samples, testimonials, awards, or certifications on your profiles, and highlight your contributions to your team or your clients. You can also post about your professional development, such as attending webinars, courses, or events, and share what you learned or how you applied it. This will show your boss that you are proactive, eager to learn, and committed to excellence.

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Eki Akhigbe, MSc

DataStorytelling|Transforming data into creative insights, marketing & analytics just got fun with me.
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Value is subjective, if your sole reason for staying connected with a colleague or boss on a social media platform is to showcase value, it must certainly match their perception of you at work. If this boss has never seen or is blind to the value you bring social media might only fuel irritation rather than admiration.

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3 Be authentic and human

While social media can help you impress your boss, it can also help you connect with them on a more personal level. You don't have to be formal or stiff all the time, but you can also show your authentic and human side. You can share your hobbies, passions, or interests, and find out what your boss likes or cares about. You can also celebrate your milestones, such as birthdays, anniversaries, or achievements, and congratulate your boss on theirs. You can also express your gratitude, appreciation, or support for your boss, especially during challenging times.

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Tiara Cannon

Product Manager + Content Creator
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One of the most important aspects of building any relationship is authenticity and relatability. If your goal is to build a stronger relationship with your manager, it’s important to be as honest in your social media interactions as appropriate - considering your boundaries and theirs. Allowing them to see and experience a more personal side of you can definitely help foster mutual understanding and establish shared interests. However, it’s important to set clear, healthy boundaries and to take note of their boundaries, so as not to engage in any unprofessional behavior. Most importantly, be aware that “professionalism” can be subjective and being authentic does not mean “sharing everything” 😅 Engage mindfully and with tact!

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4 Respect boundaries and privacy

As much as social media can help you build a strong relationship with your boss, it can also ruin it if you are not careful. You have to respect their boundaries and privacy, and not cross the line between professional and personal. You have to be mindful of what you post, how you post, and when you post. You don't want to share anything that is inappropriate, offensive, or confidential, or that contradicts your company's values or policies. You also don't want to bother your boss with too many messages, requests, or invitations, or expect them to respond to you immediately or outside working hours.

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5 Ask for feedback and advice

One of the best ways to use social media to build a strong relationship with your boss is to ask for their feedback and advice. You can use social media to solicit their opinions, suggestions, or recommendations on your work, your goals, or your challenges. You can also ask them for their insights, expertise, or experience on topics that interest you or relate to your industry. This will show your boss that you value their input, respect their authority, and trust their judgment. It will also help you improve your performance, learn new skills, and grow your career.

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Eki Akhigbe, MSc

DataStorytelling|Transforming data into creative insights, marketing & analytics just got fun with me.
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Social media is to me what weekends are to every 9-5er. Asking my boss how to use my social media must require some kind of trust or mentorship relationship even at that I do not recommend this.

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6 Be consistent and positive

Finally, you have to be consistent and positive in your social media interactions with your boss. You can't just follow them, engage with them, showcase your value, be authentic, respect their boundaries, and ask for feedback once in a while, but you have to do it regularly and genuinely. You also have to be positive and upbeat, and avoid complaining, gossiping, or venting on social media. You have to show your boss that you are a reliable, responsible, and enthusiastic employee, and that you enjoy working with them and for them.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you build a strong relationship with your boss through social media?

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1 Follow and engage

2 Showcase your value

3 Be authentic and human

4 Respect boundaries and privacy

5 Ask for feedback and advice

6 Be consistent and positive

7 Here’s what else to consider

Social Media Management

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