Tech Gal Knows How to Mingle

Sometimes a tech gal needs to get dolled up and get her network on. Friday was one of those nights. My company threw a fabulous cocktail party (thankfully too exclusive to be on valleywag!) at a swanky flat in pacific heights and we went all out. Between makeup at Smashbox (I am obsessed!) to a fantastic cocktail dress to a killer blowout from Amy (adore her!) at Glama-Rama, let's just say I looked my best. We had web 2.0 themed drinks, killer food options, and the bloggeratti were all in attendance. It was a BLAST!

But this brings me to the larger topic of parties and how prevalent and expected they are in the valley. Networking is like a sport here and the more people you know, the greater likelihood that you will turn into a Internet celebrity (think Kevin Rose, Robert Scoble or Jason Calacanis) which is every tech geek's dream. What's up with this economic downturn that everyone seems to be talking about? While I'll note that quite a few tech companies are dropping employees like a bad habit (Yahoo, anyone?) that doesn't seem to affect the SF/silicon valley social scene. There is always some new company launch, social media happy hour, tweetup or tech panel. There are weeks when I attend 3-5 parties before Thursday which in itself is pretty disgusting. Whatever happened to having an independent work and social life? I guess I shouldn't really complain since I am constantly meeting new young tech guys and gals like myself, checking out new interesting venues in SF and learning about the hottest new web software...but a tech gal needs something to complain about, right?

SF vs. NYC -- the great debate

I am sure that at some point someone will bother me and say that SF is not THE city, simply a city. I recognize that many believe NYC to be the end-all, but as far as the silicon valley is concerned that is not the case. Yes, there is the silicon ALLEY (New York) and yes, there are several other large tech hubs across this wonderful world of ours (London, Tokyo, etc) but when it comes down to it, it's called the silicon valley for a REASON. The valley is the hub for innovation, technology, and venture capitalists. Even really large European companies often set up teeny-tiny offices to prove that they have a valley presence. So when I say city, I mean my version of THE city which happens to be a short drive away from the silicon VALLEY. This is my world and I'm not ashamed.

The Vaaaaalley

While I am an SF gal at heart, trips to the valley are both necessary and appreciated. Whether it's Palo Alto, San Jose, Mountain View or even the dreaded Sunnyvale (soooo far!) it is nice to get away from the hustle and bustle of San Francisco. That said, the valley has its own form of bustle, it's just often on El Camino instead of Market St. I'm often surprised how many people commute daily between the SF and the SV, I did it myself for a year and I'm glad that time is behind me. Plus now when I do go I can take the train which makes my life SO much easier. My only issue is that the train doesn't have wireless! A lot of other public transpo options in SF do have it, one would think the major connector between two technology hubs would get it together! Life is hard when a tech gal can't always get what she wants...