Why your career must include LGBT networking
Though LinkedIn is a valuable professional networking tool, not all of us feel comfortable being ‘out’ in that setting. Glassdoor offers quality insight into what it’s like to work at specific companies, but it doesn’t share experiences specific to LGBT employees. That’s why you need the LGBT networking site OutBüro.
Learn more about the LGBT networking site, OutBüro:
Meet LGBT networking leader, Dennis Velco of OutBüro
Dennis Velco is the Founder and CEO of OutBüro, an LGBT networking site for entrepreneurs and professionals. The site allows users to network, submit resumes to a searchable database, and rate companies anonymously from an LGBT perspective. It also provides a forum where companies of any size can connect with LGBT candidates through active recruiting.
Dennis joins us to discuss the impetus for OutBüro, describing the platform as a safe space for LGBT job-seekers. He offers insight around joining an employee resource group at work OR creating one of your own and addresses the common disconnect between a company’s inclusive policies and how LGBT employees are treated in the workplace. Listen in for Dennis’ advice around promoting diversity and inclusion year-round and learn how you can reap the benefits of joining the OutBüro community!
Topics covered about LGBT networking
The impetus for OutBüro
- LinkedIn and Glassdoor’s ‘little gay baby’
- Safe space for LGBT job-seekers
- Forum for companies looking for talent
The capabilities of the OutBüro site
- Connect with mentors, VCs and join groups
- Communicate without limitations
- Submit resume to searchable database
- Rate companies anonymously
- Users demonstrate expertise via blogging
The value of LGBT-friendly policies
- Impact on quality of life, job satisfaction
- Affects long-term earning potential
- Policy doesn’t always reflect reality
How OutBüro is different from the HRC Corporate Equality Index
- Includes any company of any size
- Offers feedback loop from employees
Dennis’ advice around coming out at work
- Individual choice (may not feel safe)
- Join employee resource group
- Create informal network of peers
Dennis’ take on promoting inclusion in advertising all year long
- Visibility leads to awareness, awareness leads to equality
- Economic value informs how marketing dollars spent
Dennis’ insight around shifting focus away from sex and politics
- Most oppressed usually most sexually outrageous
- Tendency to act out under ultra-conservative admin
- Need for leaders to rally community
