• January 26

    Are You Ready to Lead?

    Posted on: 1/26/2012 11:26:09 AM | Comments (0)

    Go Lead Idaho asks you to save Saturday, March 3rd for the 2nd annual leadership development conference, Ready to Lead.  Keynote speakers include Debbie Walsh, the Executive Director of Rutgers Center for American Women & Politics and Chris Jahnke, author of The Well Spoken Woman.

    There will be two tracks - Ready to Run, geared for those interested in running for political office and Ready to Serve, for those interested in private and non-profit sector leadership.

    If you or your organization is interested in sponsoring, there's still time!  Visit Go Lead Idaho for information or email the Executive Committee [goleadidaho(at)gmail.com].

    More information on registration will be coming soon.  For now, save March 3rd from 8:00 to 4:30 pm at the Concordia University School of Law in downtown Boise.

    Hope to see you there!

  • January 25

    Boise Web Techs Meetup Thursday

    Posted on: 1/25/2012 4:13:04 AM | Comments (0)

    Join fellow web dev enthusiasts Thursday the 26th for the January Meetup from 6:00 to 7:45 pm at the US Bank Building (101 S. Capitol Blvd, 2nd Floor Conference Room, Room 202, in downtown Boise).

    First up is Jonathan Tallman leading a discussion on grabbing a customer's attention online.  He'll be followed by Patrick Lee and deploying web applications. 

    There's still time to sign up.

  • January 23

    Be The Girl That Says No

    Posted on: 1/23/2012 4:17:03 PM | Comments (0)

    Its Monday. 

    Anything can happen. 

    We released all the information on our upcoming February meeting on work-life balance and we see an article in FastCompany calling work-life balance a myth (Chappelow, 2012). 

    Really. 

    We can see his point.  Balance is arbitrary and sounds good in theory.  Its setting your own schedule, taking down time when you want to, picking and choosing what you want to work on.  We agree - where do we sign up?

    Chappelow states that we tend to think of this as balance act.  We constantly move items from one side of the scale (WORK) to the other (LIFE) so we can maintain that level of balance. 

    What we really mean is control - as in the good and positive connotation for control.  We are the deciders and decision makers in our lives.  We set limits and boundaries.  We let go of things.  We say no.  We recognize and accept that we cannot be everything to everyone all the time. 

    Control gets a bad rap; balance sounds nicer, softer and is more palatable.  Its really a sliding scale (and yes, we are back to the scale imagery again).  There's balance to control and there's control required to balance (if that makes any sense).  Its an ability to manage ourselves, not to deny the fun of multitasking and juggling, because really, who doesn't wonder sometimes what would happen if one of those items you are juggling drops?

    He offers some suggestions for getting started at taking control (or finding balance):

    Shore up the home front - reduce stress
    Quit complaining - reframe instead
    Say no strategically - take control (find balance) prior to taking on a new project or job

    We say let the ball drop.  Its ok.  Reduce stress.  Say no.  Let 2012 be the year that you want it to be by managing your life the way you want.  If that means finding balance, going to your happy place, or taking control - do it.  The choice is yours.

    Reference

    Chappelow, C. (2012, January 22).  Work/life balance is a myth; here's what you can do about it.  FastCompany.  Retrieved from http://www.fastcompany.com



  • January 22

    Take Steps to Restore Balance in Your Life

    Posted on: 1/22/2012 8:21:33 AM | Comments (0)

    Join us February 1st from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm at the BSU Center on Main (1020 W. Main St, 1st Floor of the Alaska Building) for an important discussion on work-life balance.  This interactive panel discussion features:

    Kelly Madison    , Girls in Tech Boise Board Member and Independent Benefits Broker and Advisor
    Dr. Elisa H. Barney Smith    , Associate Professor, Electrical & Computer Engineering Department
    Amanda Moore    , IT Recruiter for Scentsy, former IT Recruiter for TEKSystems, Head Coach at Boise Stealth Volleyball
    Denise Korman    , Girls in Tech Boise Board Member, Senior IT Systems Integration Analyst for the Idaho Department of Health & Welfare, President of Ladybug Studios

    Hear how these talented women find the balance between active careers and personal lives, stay up to date on the latest tech gadgets, make time to network, set boundaries, stay organized and be productive.  These women are sure to motivate and inspire with their tips and tricks for finding (and maintaining) the balance.

    RSVP now!  We promise it will be worth your time.

  • January 15

    Make Media Better by Consuming Better Media

    Posted on: 1/15/2012 8:25:52 PM | Comments (0)

    This is just one nugget of wisdom from a new book, The Information Diet, featured on NPR last week.  The book, written by Clay Johnson, is a call for the conscious consumption of information.  Did you skim that last sentence?  Johnson wants everyone to slow down and think, to be aware of the information that they are reading, relaying, sharing, retelling, etc. 

    Its a classic case of overload, information overload.  Johnson argues that our solution to this overload (and our ability to manage it) should not be thought of in terms like efficiency and productivity, but in terms of health, the way we think about our food.   Simplicity is key; more information is not necessarily good or effective.  Johnson encourages readers to read as close to the actual source as possible to stay true to the intent.   

    This seems like a relevant resolution for us in 2012.   Who knows?  Being conscious of the information we consume just might make us more productive and efficient this year.  It certainly will free up some time and relieve some stress.  While we don't really like the idea of 'diets' we think this is one lifestyle choice that we can start AND maintain.

    You can read an excerpt of his book here.  

     

  • January 13

    Thrive in Chaos?

    Posted on: 1/13/2012 5:45:46 AM | Comments (0)

    Do you embrace instability?  Are you someone that finds joy in resetting your career?  Do you challenge business assumptions?  Are you able to acquire new skills?  If the answer is yes, you just may be a part of Generation Flux. 

    Generation Flux is a mind-set; it defines an attitude and behavior.  Think of it as a way to psychographically categorize individuals.  Traditional demographic categories would have us group people by race, ethnicity, age, income level, gender - the list of characteristics is seemingly endless. 

    Nearly midway through the first month of 2012, Fast Company offers some terrific food for thought that aligns with the resolution mind set that we often have at the start of a new year - to embrace the chaos and uncertainty around us and join Generation Flux.  Granted, not everyone is wired to do this.  That's ok.  For those that are, what's stopping you?

    Fast Company's Robert Safian identifies some that embody Generation Flux including Mashable's CEO Pete Cashmore; Raina Kumra, Co- director of Innovation, Broadcasting Board of Governors; Bob Greenberg, CEO & Founder of R/GA; DJ Patil, Data Scientist, Greylock Partners; Beth Comstock, Chief Marketing Officer, GE; danah boyd, Sr Researcher at Microsoft Research; and Baratunde Thurston, Director of Digital at The Onion.  Trust us, their full page profiles are well worth the read and would seem to fly in the face of Safian's comments that there are 'no perfect role models'.  Want to see the embodiment of Generation Flux?  Read the profiles.  Membership in Generation Flux is not linked to age, gender or industry. 

    In describing the future of business, Safian outlines some interesting mantras that are pretty powerful on their own.  When you consider them in the context of Generation Flux, imagine the possibilities:

    The New Economy is For Real
    You Don't Know What You Don't Know
    Be Not Afraid
    Nuke Nostalgia
    There Are No Perfect Role Models

    Safian's article gives us much to ponder and strive for in 2012.  Be open.  Embrace the chaos.  Adapt to change (yes, he even gives a shoutout to Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection).

    Good food for thought.

    Reference

    Safian, R. (2011, January 9).  This is generation flux:  Meet the pioneers of the new (and chaotic) future of business.  Fast Company. Retrieved from http://www.fastcompany.com

  • January 10

    Us Girls, We Love Technology

    Posted on: 1/10/2012 8:22:52 AM | Comments (0)

    We knew it!  A study released by HSN shows that the stereotype of women not being the decision maker when it comes to tech gadget purchases is not true.  The study found that women are more likely to buy tablets,  laptops and smartphones than men.  In fact, more women than men planned to purchase these items before the start of 2012.  Did you?

    Samantha Murphy over at Mashable has a great writeup on the numbers and what it means.

    It's what we've said all along here at Girls in Tech Boise - we all use technology in our daily lives - be it at work or at home.  You don't have to be a programmer or engineer to be a part of Girls in Tech.  If you've been thinking about joining us, there's never been a better time.  Our next meeting is Wednesday, February 1st from 11:20 to 12:30 at the BSU Center on Main (1020 W. Main, 1st floor of the Alaska Building).  If you can't make it in February, don't worry, there's always next month.  We meet the FIRST Wednesday of the month.  Did we mention membership is free?

     

    Won't you join us?






  • January 09

    Get Your Dance Cards Ready

    Posted on: 1/9/2012 8:50:49 AM | Comments (0)

    If your New Year's resolutions included networking, learning something new or pursuing your dreams, get your calendars ready!  January and February are packed with activities and events that will help you keep (and stick to) your resolution.

    Thursday, January 12th - Kickstand brings 3 LaunchPad alumni companies from the 2010 and 2011 sessions to share the progress they've made.  The event is 5:30 to 7:00 pm at the WaterCoole (1401 W. Idaho).  The event is free to members; non-members $15.  Food & drink provided.  RSVP here.

    Tuesday, January 17th - Creative Juices meets at the WaterCooler (1401 W. Idaho).  If you are an inventor or are thinking about inventing something check out this group.  They meet from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.

    Wednesday, January 25th - Green Drinks at Bittercreek from 5:30 to 6:30 pm.

    Friday, January 27th - TechBoise Open Coffee Club at the Cole Marr Coffeehouse in BoDo from 8:30 to 10:00 am.

    Saturday, January 28th - Discover Engineering Day at BSU College of Engineering (1375 University Drive) from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.  This free event has a lot of fun activities for the whole family.  Free parking available at the Lincoln Garage.  Check out the details here.

    Wednesday, February 1st - Girls in Tech Boise meets to talk about work/life balance at the BSU Center on Main (1020 W. Main, 1st floor of the Alaska Building).  The team is lining up some terrific speakers.  RSVP here (remember to select the date from the drop down menu).

    Wednesday, February 1st and Thursday, February 2nd join the Idaho Technology Council and the Center for Advanced Energy Studies as they present Idaho Research Symposium:  Energy Connect at the BSU Stueckle Sky Center.  Wednesday's event is from 4:00 to 7:00 pm and Thursday's is 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.  If you are interested in energy, this event is for you.

    Saturday, February 4th is another opportunity to talk about inventions with the Boise Inventors Group.  They meet from 9:00 to 10:30 am at the WaterCooler (1401 W. Idaho).

    Thursday, February 9th - Kickstand (the 2nd Thursday of the month from 5:30 to 7:00 pm) at the WaterCooler (1401 W. Idaho).

    This is just the tip of the iceberg as there are some terrific events in later this Spring.  Details coming soon but be sure to reserve the dates for the following:

    March 2nd and 3rd - Go Lead Idaho conference featuring Christine Jahnke, author of The Well Spoken Woman and national speech coach.  The event will be held at the Concordia Law School and is designed to equip women interesting in running for public office as well as those interested in pursuing and assuming new leadership roles in the community.  If you are interested in sponsoring this event, please let us know.

    Tuesday, March 20th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm join BSU Public Radio and the BSU Women's Center for a live storytelling event Women in the House: Political Stories in the Simplot Ballroom, 2nd Floor of the SUB.  Free parking is available in the Lincoln Garage.

    Stay up to date on the latest in entrepreneurial and start-up related events by checking out the calendar graciously hosted by the Boise Valley Economic Partnership. 

    See you around!

     

     

        

     

  • January 04

    Calling All Coding Ninja Wannabes

    Posted on: 1/4/2012 5:52:57 PM | Comments (0)

    We are 4 days into the new year.  How are those resolutions holding up?  Are they already forgotten?  Never fear!  At Girls in Tech Boise, we know 2012 is YOUR year to be whatever you want, do what you want, learn what you want. 

    We have decided we want to be coding ninjas.  Want to join us?  Check out Codeacademy as a start.  We don't want to brag, but we did already earn a badge and have 40 points.  We are very proud!  If you are already a coding ninja and want to help them create lessons, there's a form for that - you can sign up to be part of the teacher-beta group.  Learn the story behind Codeacademy here.  Its worth the read. 

    Another option out there is CS Extras, brain child of JD Mullins and the Idaho Technology Council's Software Alliance.  CS Extras is led by the software industry and connects future software engineers to the industry in the state, the companies and the professionals.  If you are interested in getting involved, contact JD at jeremym1234(at)cableone.net.  Read more about CS Extras here.

    A third option is not quite available in our area but sounds really cool - its a meetup designed around learning to code, Girl Develop It.  From what we can tell, its on the East Coast right now.  We are keeping an eye out for any westward motion and will let you know as its available. 

    This is just 3 options that our friends have shared with us with all of you in mind.  There are likely countless others. 

    2012 is the year to be a coder.  Are you ready to be a coding ninja?

  • January 03

    Ease Back into the Work in January - See you at February's Meeting

    Posted on: 1/3/2012 2:57:42 PM | Comments (0)

    If you are like us, getting back to work today was a little tougher than it should be.  Maybe you had a slow start, maybe you spent time trying to remember where you were on the project you were working on or maybe which project you were working on?  For these reasons (and likely countless more) we have canceled the January meeting for Girls in Tech Boise.  That's right, you have the lunch hour on the first Wednesday of January (a new month and a new year) all to yourselves.  Enjoy!

    Use a smidgeon of that time to mark your calendar for February's meeting - February 1st at the BSU Center on Main (1020 W. Main St., 1st Floor of the Alaska Building).  Details coming soon.

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