We Just Became a Certified LGBT Business Enterprise® (And Why It Matters for B2B Tech Marketing)
How Authentic Representation Became Our Competitive Advantage in a World Pulling Back from DEI
After what felt like the world's most thorough background check, Tom Basgil, LLC has officially achieved status as a Certified LGBT Business Enterprise® by the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce.
Some of you might be thinking, "That's nice, but what does this actually mean for the work we do together?" Fair point! Let me break it down.
It's Been a Tough Year for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (But We're Doubling Down)
Look, it's been a challenging year for DEI initiatives across the board. While many companies are quietly stepping back from diversity commitments, we're doing the opposite. We're going all in on. Why? Because it's the right thing to do.
And, honestly? Because authentic teams deliver better results.
The Secret Weapon We Didn't Know We Had
When I first started this agency – and it was just little old me doing the whole kit and caboodle, I genuinely wasn't sure whether being out as a gay man would help or hurt my ability to succeed in the B2B tech world. The industry can feel pretty traditional sometimes, and I had my doubts.
Turns out, it's been my secret weapon.
Here's the thing about authentic representation in marketing. When you've lived as part of a diverse community, you understand nuance in ways that show up in your work. You get that audiences aren't monolithic. You know how to speak to different groups without feeling forced or being performative.
Our small team is thrilled to achieve this milestone just in time for Pride Month – it feels like the perfect way to celebrate our identity and our business. As an LGBT-owned and -operated agency, we believe that authentic representation delivers better work for our clients.
The Real Impact
In the crowded B2B tech agency landscape, we've carved out a distinctive niche as a data-driven strategic partner that turns marketing insights into measurable results. Our diverse client roster reflects our ability to leverage advanced analytics and performance data to solve the unique advertising challenges that come with breakthrough technologies.
This certification represents more than recognition. It's validation that you don't have to choose between being authentic and being successful in B2B tech.
Looking Ahead to the Future of Tom Basgil, LLC
The certification process with the NGLCC was thorough (seriously, they don't mess around), but it was worth every document submitted and every question answered. It's opened doors to new partnerships and reinforced something I've always believed: diversity is a competitive advantage.
To my fellow marketing leaders in B2B tech who might be reading this: authentic representation isn't just about checking boxes. It's about bringing real, lived experiences to the table that make your campaigns more effective, your messaging more nuanced, and your results more impressive.
And to anyone who's ever worried about being "too much" or "too different" in this industry: the world needs exactly who you are.
Perfect timing for the close of Pride Month. Here's to building a more inclusive B2B tech community, one campaign at a time.