SoFi Blog

SoFi’s Guide to Adulting covers all things money, career and relationships, and how to win at each. Excelling at all three ain’t easy, but with a little guidance, you’ll be well on your way. We kick things off with a topic that merges them all — building stronger connections with complete strangers who can make a big difference in your life. We promise: it’s not that scary.

Building a strong relationship with your boss is a critical part of your career success. And it’s not just because a boss you get along with might be more likely to offer you a raise or promotion, or write you a great recommendation.

When you’re on solid footing with your manager—when you trust and respect each other, work smoothly together, and communicate seamlessly—you’re more productive and motivated. And when you’ve got that going for you, you’re healthier and happier.

It’s hard to keep track of the many scandals that have shattered consumer faith in companies over the years. Negative buzz and outright crimes have caused prominent companies to crash and burn. But one of the things that can help prevent misdeeds, missteps, and outright company failure is trust. Building a culture of confidence strengthens business relationships, improves morale, and boosts interactions with clients, colleagues, and vendors.

When I moved back to the Bay Area in 2010, I thought I’d find a new job within a few months. After all, I’d found work quickly before. But boy, was I wrong!

Relying on the tried and true methods no longer worked. I applied to dozens of companies and only heard back from a few. It was a tough economy, sure, and mid-management level jobs take longer to get than entry-level jobs. Still, the silence was crushing.

Eventually, I made it to a final round of interviews with three different organizations, but each time I was only the runner-up. A fresh round of disappointment followed.

There’s a reason that you consistently buy your coffee from the same place or insist on only using Apple products. Sure, part of it may be your great taste. But your favorite companies have also created successful and compelling corporate brands, which communicate exactly what they’re about and what you can expect.