The premiere networking group for queer business owners and professionals in the greater St. Louis area.
Learning to network within the queer community can be your secret weapon for finding job opportunities, mentors and advancing your career. Imagine it as mixing business with pleasure, where every connection brings a touch of rainbow magic to your professional journey. Here's how to effectively network within this vibrant and supportive community.
Start by joining professional organizations specifically designed for LGBTQ+ individuals, like Queer Professional Alliance (QPA), the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) or Out Professionals. These groups offer a plethora of networking opportunities, from events and workshops to conferences. Volunteering at these events can also boost your visibility and help you meet new people. Think of it as the queer version of joining a secret society — minus the weird handshakes.
Attend events specifically tailored for LGBTQ+ professionals to expand your network. Career fairs, networking events, job expos and social mixers hosted by queer organizations such as Queer Professional Alliance are great places to start. If you can’t make it in person, virtual events and webinars are fantastic alternatives. Picture it as a glamorous mixer, but with fewer awkward small talks and more fabulous connections.
Utilize online platforms and social media to connect with other LGBTQ+ professionals. Join LinkedIn groups focused on LGBTQ+ leaders, or dive into Facebook groups such as "Queer Women in Business", "Queer Professional Alliance" and "LGBTQ Entrepreneurs". Platforms like OutBüro are specifically designed for LGBTQ+ business networking. It’s like finding your tribe in the vast wilderness of the internet.
Mentorship can be a game changer for career development. Join programs like Out Leadership's Quorum initiative or the Out for Undergrad (O4U) mentorship program. Connect with potential mentors at events or through professional organizations, and don’t shy away from peer mentorship where you can both give and receive guidance. Consider it as finding your professional fairy godparent.
Volunteering with LGBTQ+ nonprofits and community organizations is a fantastic way to meet like-minded individuals and build strong professional relationships. Taking on leadership roles in these organizations can increase your visibility and demonstrate your commitment. Volunteering is like networking with a halo — you get to help others while making valuable connections.
Conferences are goldmines for learning, networking and career advancement. Attend industry conferences that have LGBTQ+ tracks or focuses, like the Lesbians Who Tech + Allies Summit, or participate in conferences specifically for LGBTQ+ professionals, such as the Reaching Out MBA (ROMBA) Conference. These events are the equivalent of professional pride parades — educational, impactful and full of opportunities.
Leverage your school's alumni network to connect with LGBTQ+ professionals. Join your university's LGBTQ+ alumni association or affinity group, attend networking events, and participate in alumni mentorship programs. It’s like a college reunion, but with less awkwardness and more networking potential.
Engaging in professional forums can help you network within the queer community and connect with peers and industry leaders. Join discussion boards and forums focused on LGBTQ+ issues in your industry, or use platforms such as Reddit LGBTQ+ Business and Career Advice to ask questions and share advice. Think of it as joining a digital think tank — minus the dress code.
To network within the queer community is important but also networking with allies can provide additional support and opportunities. Join ally groups within your organization or industry, attend events that promote diversity and inclusion, and collaborate on projects with allies to build strong professional relationships. Allies are like supportive sidekicks in your professional journey.
Maintaining connections is as important as making them. Follow up with new contacts regularly through email or social media, use tools like LinkedIn to keep track of your professional network, and send personalized messages and thank you notes after meetings or events. It’s like tending to a garden — regular care ensures it flourishes.
Effectively networking within the queer community can open doors to job opportunities, mentorship and career advancement. By joining professional organizations, attending networking events, leveraging online platforms, seeking mentorship, engaging in community service, attending industry conferences, utilizing alumni networks, participating in professional forums, collaborating with allies, and maintaining connections, you can build a strong professional network. These strategies will help you navigate your career path with the support and resources of a vibrant and inclusive community. So go ahead, network with the queer community, and watch your career blossom.
▼ Follow us on your favorite social media platforms ▼
Queerprofessionalalliance.com © All rights reserved 2024