I love to hang out with Women in Tech. Most of my time is spent with entrepreneurs, but when I attend tech events there is a different vibe. Big thinkers, fast moving, and ideas are flowing. However, there never seems to be enough time to really connect.

I’m known as a “connecter,” it seems to be my gift and mission to bring people together. But there are times, fairly often actually, when I feel alone trying to figure out my own business/life strategy.

Your inner circle of friends isn’t necessarily your best brainstorming team, and/or you shouldn’t be constantly pressuring them for advice. Who’s out there to run ideas by, to connect with to make things happen?

I’m continually amazed how much we’re able to see for each other that we don’t see for ourselves.   

We get so close to what we’re working on that we often can’t see the obvious… can’t see the forest for the trees. Fresh eyes help us clarify. We need each other!  

Hiring business coaches is an unavailable luxury for me, and frankly, getting perspectives from this variety of smart experienced women seems like a better strategy.

After hosting Co-Storms in Seattle, Vancouver, and NYC for women entrepreneurs, we’re having our first Women in Tech focused storm here in Seattle.

We have gathered an exceptional group of mentors, including the fab Julie Pham ~  WTIA’s VP of Communication and Marketing, Kristin Toth Smith ~ COO of Dolly, Bridget Perez ~ Principal and Creative Director at TRAY,  Cynthia Tee ~ Executive Director of Ada Developers Academy, Diane Najm ~ CEO & Founder of PhotoPad for Business, Jennifer Wong ~  leads TUNE’s global marketing team, Mamtha Banerjee ~ Director of Technology at Expedia and a Startup Mentor at 9Mile Labs and Martina Welke ~ CEO of Zealyst.Dolly, PhotoPad, TUNE, and Expedia are WTIA members and Welke serves on WTIA’s EWiT committee. Ada Developers is a WTIA community partner.

They will be sitting in and be an extra set of eyes and ears to help move the dial. Check them out here.

A co-storm is a think-tank style session where two or three people brainstorm for each other. The concept behind it is how much we’re able to see for each other that we don’t see for ourselves. There’s a creative back and forth energy in getting outside your own head. Fresh eyes see our blind spots and filters. They also mirror back to us what’s really going on. A co-stormer’s insight can clarify what steps to take next, highlight your strengths, and make you pay attention to what should happen naturally. It can solve a problem in your field with an outsider’s perspective.

Bring your idea or project, a journal, sticky pads, colored pens, and be prepared to have your world rocked and to rock your fellow participants. You will get new perspectives and confidence to move forward with your project…or, you might ditch your plans and go in a totally different direction! No matter the outcome, I guarantee you’ll be walking out the door already taking steps in the right direction.

SEATTLE WOMEN IN TECH MASH-UP

Saturday, May 21st at TUNE

9am-3pm Register $97 (10% off discount code: WTIA10)

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