29 TIPS FOR ENTREPRENEURS & WOMEN IN TECH

ALIYA RAHMANProgram DirectorCode for Progress

Rise Together.

“Remember that no one really does it alone - and if they claim as much, they're leaving something out of the story. Set concrete goals around boosting the capacity of other people's projects, give lots of credit to those who work alongside you, and turn solo ventures into community building projects.”

@AliyaRahman

AMY WILKINSONAuthor & Senior FellowHarvard University

Get Comfortable With Being Uncomfortable.

"When you are trying to solve a problem that no one knows the answer to or come up with an unexpected insight that might crack open a new market, you face a myriad of questions, uncertain decisions, missteps and U-turns along the way. Creating something new requires courage. The promise of entrepreneurship isn’t that it’s easy, but that it’s worth it.”

@AmyMWilkinson

BONNIE BOGLECOOMapbox

Have high standards.

“...for yourself and your work, for your company and its goals, and for the people you work with. If you're not fired up about all three, make a change.”

@Bonnie

COURTNEY WALLACESoftware EngineerBlueLabs

Research & take notes.

“One thing I did when I was starting out was to write down every technology that was talked about that I didn't already know about. I would later take some time to research it, at least a little bit, and then next time someone brought it up I would have some knowledge about that technology so I could either contribute or at least be able to follow the conversation.”

@CourtPholio

CARLA VALDESFounder, CEOHandpressions

Don’t make assumptions.

“It's easy to get wrapped up in what-if situations and to overanalyzing what went or would could go wrong. Focusing on assumptions can make your mind spin and be very unproductive. Remember to bring yourself back to the facts. Who are your customers or users?  What does the data tell you? Facts are key to determining a successful strategy.”

@CarlaMValdes

DAYNA GRAYSONPartnerNEA

Don’t be afraid of failure.

“Successful entrepreneurs and executives alike say that their best experiences were ones they ultimately failed at. It’s no different for women. You must be able learn from these, pick yourself up, and gain the experience to navigate waters more successfully next time. Be confident about the value of these experiences and recognize that they can make you more prepared to succeed.”

@DaynaGrayson

DONNA HARRISCo-founder1776

Embrace your talents.

“Everyone has a gift or talent to offer the world - don’t squander it by being afraid. If you have ideas, embrace them, start socializing them with others and listen to the input you get. You never know when the person standing next to you might be the one person who can help you succeed.”

@dharrisindc

ELISE WHANGCEO & Co-founderSnobSwap

Validate your ideas.

“If you have a brilliant idea that is SO exciting it keeps you up at night, you owe it to yourself to go explore it! A good test is to bounce it off complete strangers who maybe in your target market to see if it sticks. Gather the feedback, let it sit for a few days or weeks and see if you're still in love with your idea.”

@EliseWhang

EMILY WILLIAMSONCo-organizerRails Girls DC

Rally the men.

“Sometimes the best way to get more women involved in tech is to rally the men. Men can be a strong force in encouraging women they know who may be too shy or lacking confidence to get involved with tech. I've met numerous women, and include myself in this list, that have found tech and development through a man in their life.”

@DistrictEm1

GEORGIA BULLENField Operations TechnologistOpen Technology Institute

Ask questions and be direct.

“Most of the time we're worried that being direct will make us seem aggressive or nosy, but that's more about the delivery of the question or the context at the time. The more direct you are the less likely that there's ambiguity about what's being done, who's in charge of it, how it's going to happen and why it's even happening in the first place.”

@GeorgiaMoon

HIBAH HUSSAINPublic Policy AnalystGoogle

Champion other women!

“[Make] the conscious effort to publicly support one another's work. This is especially effective for women like me who struggle with self-promotion-- by paying it forward and fostering a collaborative, supportive environment, you end up in a much better place than you would otherwise.”

@HibahSays

JACKIE KAZILFounder, PyLadies DC Co-founder, GeoDCOrganizer, Django District

Push boundaries, and don't be afraid of anyone or anything. 

“Push boundaries, and don't be afraid of anyone of anything. When you are intimated, ask yourself, "What real power does this thing that intimidates me have? What might I lose by pulling back, and what might I lose by pushing forward?" If you are going to die by pushing forward, then you have a real reason.”

@JackieKazil

JENNY ABRAMSONPresident & CEOLiveSafe

Think big!

“As a leader, it is important to decide how you can have the most significant impact. Pick big things that can move the needle. That said, at the end the day, all the building blocks matter, so don't be afraid to dig in and get your hands dirty.”

@AbramsonJenny

JESSICA JACOBSDirector of InnovationAetna

“Deserve your dreams.”

@jess_jacobs

KRISTiN MUHLNERCEONew Brand Analytics

Be present with friends & family.

“The world isn’t going to end if you go on vacation and aren’t available. In fact, it’s probably good for the rest of the team to figure out how to survive. I love what I do and I hope I get to do it for a very long time. It’s equally important to me that I am mentally and emotionally present for my family and friends.”

@KMuhlner

LAURA MCGUIGANVP, Design MavenTrackMaven

Take a leap of faith.

“It can be an intimidating but necessary challenge for your career. You will be given opportunities you didn’t expect but the growth potential as a result will only set you up for further success down the road.”

@grafxnerd

LEAH BANNONCo-Captain, Code for DCOrganizer, Tech Lady HackathonProduct Manager, GSA 18F

Google it.

“Smart techies just know how to work through problems and find answers -- and they're willing to work hard to figure it out. How? Google your question. Start curating a list of great places to check – people or organizations who you know “get it” and are doing cool things. If that doesn't work, ask a friend.”

@LeahBannon

LEAH BELSKYSVP of Operations, KalturaBoard Member, Public KnowledgeEngine Advocacy

Embrace the flexibility.

“Running a startup gives you the flexibility to control your time, team, work environment, and priorities in a way that is so very rare in this town. Embrace this power and use it to build the life and company of your dreams.”

@leahbel

LISA FOREMANFounder and CEOWomen’s Society of Cyberjutsu

Network, Network, Network.

“Networking is priceless. It can help you find a mentor, a job, and new connections. You never know when a connection you've made will come in handy.”

@womencyberjutsu

MICHELE WESLANDER QUAIDChief Technology Officer (Public Sector) & Innovation Evangelist atGoogle

Trust your gut instinct.

“Stay true to yourself and your convictions. Have the courage to speak truth to power.”

@michelewq

MISTY MELTONFounder & Chapter LeaderGirl Develop It Baltimore & DC

Be the solution.

“If there's a gap in the community around you that you'd like to see filled, step up and create that resource! All it takes is willingness to be the person that takes the lead. You are just as capable as the next person and even better equipped because you bring passion and a drive to see the change.”

@m0onb4by

RACHNA CHOUDHRYCo-founder & CMOPOPVOX

Know the problem.

“It’s critical that you’ve experienced the pain-points of your users or customers. If you know the problem first hand, it’s likely you’ve been thinking about solutions for years — and you’re a founder with issue expertise. Trust your instinct as you set out to build your company and solve the problem, but make sure you validate your idea with others.”

@rachnacDC

ROSEMARY WARDLEYSenior GIS CartographerNational Geographic Maps

Be open to opportunities.

“Especially early on in your career, saying yes to a side project or favor that a colleague asks will broaden your skills and create connections outside of your division. Everyone has a different definition of what 'tech' means, embrace your tech expertise and be willing to learn about others'.”

@RosemaryDaley

SHANA GLENZERVP Social MarketingSocialRadar

Offer to help.

“When starting out, make a concerted effort to get to know others in the DC tech & startup community. Remember to support their endeavors by offering to help in any way you can, whether it’s volunteering your time or being their public advocate. When you focus on building a few honest relationships from within that community, you'll be glad you did.”

@ShanaGlenzer

SHANNON TURNERSoftware DeveloperFounder of Hear Me Code

Learn something new everyday.

“In this field, no one knows everything -- and you don't need to. The most important skill to have is being able to learn something new every day and using your mistakes as a way to grow.”

@svt827

SONG PAKGeneral CounselRevolution Growth

Practice confidence.

“Make an effort to practice confidence everyday. Make the tough ask in a negotiation, propose that off-the-wall but potentially brilliant idea, make your voice heard. You will not always get what you want, but sometimes you will. And, no matter what, you will be flexing that confidence muscle and making it stronger!”

@revolution

SUSAN TYNANCEOFramebridge

Trust yourself & charge ahead.

“When you solicit career advice, remember that most people are risk averse. And the people who care about you the most are the most likely to want to protect you from failure. So, if you feel confident in your big idea, you may have to filter out some cautious feedback.”

@SusanRTynan

TAMMY WINCUPCOOEverFi

Get comfortable with the unknown.

“The journey will never be linear, so embrace the turns. Become the competent team player that can deliver. You will make mistakes, claim them, and then keep going. It's a recipe for a career of no regrets.”

@TMWincup

VERONICA ERBCo-chairInformation Architect (IA) Summit

Be intentional.

“Whatever I do, I gather input, experiment, and customize as I go. I do my best work and build my best relationships when I give myself time to find what works for me.”

@verbistheword