Pink Business to Pink Business

 
As gay culture moves from the Meatpacking’s back alleys to Midtown’s boardrooms, so too does the way in which gays communicate and network. Which is why Surface Magazine publisher Richard Klein developed dot429, an innovative new online community that specifically aims to connect LGBT professionals. Like a gay LinkedIn—with a little Media Bistro thrown in—dot429 (429 is the numerical code for g-a-y) looks to harness the power and influence of the community on the Web and through live events, and is garnering attention from plenty of boldface names early on. We chatted up Klein about his new social networking experiment to learn more about what to expect from the site’s upcoming launch next month.
 
What is dot429?
dot429 is a networking community for LGBT people. People can connect and interact online and they can also meet in person at regular professional events in major markets. The website will also feature regular blogs by respected opinion leaders, mentoring and more. 

But aren’t there already online communities for LGBT peoples?
I’ve always felt there had to be a better way for the LGBT community to harness our power. While things have improved dramatically in the last few years, there are still so many of us that experience discrimination in the workplace. The idea behind a community like dot429 can help make being gay a professional advantage.
 
So one would be using dot429 to find a job instead of a boyfriend?
The most important way to use dot429 is to connect with others who share your personal and professional interests. We are seeing people find financing for their small businesses, hear about job openings or learn about possible career changes. dot429 is a purely professional community. We are not here to find you your next girlfriend or boyfriend. We want to help you advance your career and grow as a person.
 
But is it just professional networking?
The site will also feature a section for mentors and blogs written by industry leaders to help keep everyone on the cutting edge. We will feature significant video content, including interviews with our founding members—some of the most successful LGBT people in the world.
 
The professional social networking at dot429 isn’t just limited to the Internet. Tell us about the live events you have planned.
I am very excited that dot429 will be more than a website. Real networking involves face-to-face contact and our networking events will create the ideal environment for LGBT professionals to connect with each other. Our first brunch in San Francisco was a huge success, with over 350 people exchanging business cards and just having a good time.
 
What events will be coming to New York?
We will be having monthly networking events in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago and Miami. In addition we will be hosting smaller events for founding members and for certain professions.
 
How is dot429 taking social networking to the next level?
We believe that by connecting a group of people who are already predisposed to help one another, we can create richer, more intimate networking opportunities. LGBT people have long shaped American trends and culture. I am excited about the chance to bring the whole community together in a way that makes us all more powerful.
 
Register in advance of dot429’s March launch now and attend their New York networking brunch at The Tribeca Grand Hotel on February 28. Visit dot429.com for more info.