Professional Development

I recently had the incredible opportunity to attend an electrifying event at Peoplehood in NYC!

The evening kicked off with an introduction by the amazing Julie Rice, founder of Peoplehood and SoulCycle, and was hosted by Lindsey Metselaar, creator and host of “We Met At Acme.” The panel featured powerhouse women: Taylor Strecker of “The Taylor Strecker Show,” Tara Moni, founder of La Maregold, and Hilary Hoffman, founder of Soto Method.

I owe a huge thanks to Lisa Mengotto, a close friend from my high school and college days, who encouraged me to join her at this amazing event. Networking with so many phenomenal women was nothing short of inspiring.

Entering the world of tech as a woman, specifically in network engineering, comes with its unique challenges and opportunities. The insights shared at this event were incredibly valuable, providing practical advice and strategic insights that are not only relevant but crucial for professionals in the tech industry.

Here are 10 facts that I learned from the event, and why they are particularly beneficial:

1. Authenticity and Branding: Make your brand true to who you are. Your brand and logo may evolve, but they should always reflect your genuine self. This authenticity will resonate with your audience and build trust.
2. Timing and Readiness: There’s no bad time to start a business. Whether you’re with a partner, have kids, or are independent, the right time is when you are ready. Knowing your strengths and leveraging them can make all the difference.
3. Resourcefulness: Stay scrappy by keeping expenses low. Figure out what to invest in and commit to those areas, but be resourceful and economical in everything else. This approach helps maintain financial flexibility and resilience, crucial in tech startups.
4. Networking and Relationship Building: Networking is crucial. Be open to all relationships, as they can lead to unexpected opportunities. Engage with tech communities on social media and build a network of supportive peers and mentors.
5. Consistency and Adaptability: Create consistency in your efforts while constantly evaluating and adapting your strategies. This balance helps maintain steady growth while allowing for necessary adjustments based on feedback and changing conditions, which is key in the fast-paced tech industry.
6. Embracing Failure and Taking Risks: Don’t be afraid of failure. Putting yourself out there can be uncomfortable, but it’s essential for growth. Each failure is a learning opportunity that brings you closer to success, especially when innovating in tech.
7. Growth Strategy: You don’t need a grand plan to scale your business immediately. Start with something small and allow for slow and steady growth. This approach can help manage risks and refine your business model over time, including tech solutions.
8. Balancing Career and Family: If you want to start a family, find a career you are passionate about that offers flexibility. This balance is crucial for long-term satisfaction and sustainability, especially in tech roles that allow for remote work and flexible hours.
9. Community Engagement: Join communities on social media to grow your brand and engage with your audience. Being part of a community can provide support, inspiration, and valuable connections, including within the tech community.
10. Productivity and Well-being: Incorporate activities that boost your energy and productivity into your daily routine. For example, going to the gym in the morning can set a positive tone for the day. Plan your days and weeks with clear intentions to stay focused and productive.

The event was packed with practical advice, powerful stories, and vibrant energy that left me buzzing with ideas. I’m excited to implement these strategies and continue growing my brand!

As I continue my journey, I’m inspired to apply these principles of authenticity, resourcefulness, and community engagement to my work. I encourage fellow women in tech to embrace these lessons and embark on their own paths to success. Together, we can empower each other to thrive in the dynamic world of technology.

I look forward to sharing more insights and experiences on Your Network Girl! Stay tuned for more tips and stories about navigating the exciting world of network engineering!