I’ve seen firsthand how outdated technology can quietly—but powerfully—hold women back from reaching their full potential. I’m guilty too. I’ve sat in high-level meetings with top business leaders, armed with a laptop from 2015 and a phone that’s seen better days, while others showed up with sleek, cutting-edge tools. The contrast was undeniable. Their tech didn’t just look impressive—it elevated their confidence, efficiency, and perceived professionalism.
It’s striking how often women, myself included, “make do” with less. We prioritize others, viewing upgraded tools—like modern websites, high-quality cameras, or streamlined systems—as luxuries rather than the essential investments they truly are. Meanwhile, many of our male counterparts embrace top-tier tech without hesitation, giving them a visible edge in leadership and performance.
This mindset—settling for less—feeds into the $5 trillion power gap facing women entrepreneurs and professionals. Opportunities are lost not because of lack of talent, but because the tools to showcase that talent aren’t in place.
We’ve all done it. Held onto that aging laptop. Delayed upgrading our website. Skipped investing in a better webcam or mic. Not because we don’t care—but because we’re busy, budget-conscious, and often conditioned to “make do” with less.
Yes, affordability plays a role. But as I’ve coached clients over the years, I’ve seen how the impression you leave—visually and digitally—can make or break a deal. Perception is reality, and showing up with outdated tools can mean being overlooked, even when your expertise is top-tier.
But here’s the truth: every time we put off upgrading our tools, we risk downgrading our presence.
As women in business—especially in ecommerce, consulting, coaching, and content creation—our digital presence is our storefront, our stage, and our handshake. And when our tech doesn’t match our talent, we lose more than convenience. We lose credibility, confidence, and sometimes… clients.
Why “Making Do” Is Costing Us More Than We Think
Let’s talk about the ripple effect of outdated tools:
- Perception gaps: A grainy webcam or glitchy audio can make even the most brilliant speaker seem unprepared. In virtual meetings, first impressions are often tech-driven.
- Efficiency loss: Slow devices, outdated software, and clunky workflows eat away at time and energy—resources women entrepreneurs already stretch thin.
- Confidence erosion: When your tools fail you mid-presentation or pitch, it’s not just frustrating—it’s deflating. You start second-guessing your worth, not just your Wi-Fi.
- Missed opportunities: Whether it’s a media interview, a client pitch, or a speaking gig, outdated tech can be the silent reason you’re passed over.
And let’s name the elephant in the room: many of our male counterparts don’t hesitate to invest in top-tier tech. They show up with the latest gear, polished websites, and seamless systems—while women often prioritize others, viewing upgrades as indulgent rather than essential.
This mindset contributes to the staggering $5 trillion power gap between women and men in business. And it’s time we closed it—one upgrade at a time.
What We Tend to Ignore (and Why It Matters)
Here are a few common “put-offs” that quietly sabotage our influence:
Each of these is more than a tech issue—it’s a visibility issue. And visibility is power.
Tips to Upgrade Without Breaking the Bank
Upgrading doesn’t have to mean overspending. Here are smart, budget-friendly ways to elevate your tech game:
1. Start with the essentials
- Upgrade your webcam and microphone first—these are your virtual handshake.
- Invest in ring lights or softbox lighting for polished video calls and content.
- Replace your laptop if it’s more than 5 years old and slowing you down.
2. Use refurbished or certified pre-owned tech
- Check out Apple Refurbished Store or Best Buy’s Outlet for deals.
- Amazon’s Renewed section offers quality gear at lower prices.
3. Leverage free trials and freemium tools
- Use platforms like Canva, MailerLite, Trello, and Zoom to build systems before investing in premium versions.
- Try Descript for video editing and podcasting—it’s intuitive and affordable.
4. Bundle upgrades with business goals
- Launch a new service or offer and use part of the revenue to fund your tech upgrades.
- Tie upgrades to visibility goals—like booking more speaking gigs or hosting webinars.
Where to Find the Best Deals
Here are a few places offering great prices on tech for entrepreneurs:
Grants to Help Women Upgrade Their Tech
If affordability is a barrier, grants can be a game-changer. Here are some standout options:
Forbes Advisor’s Small Business Grants for Women
Offers a curated list of grants from nonprofits, private organizations, and government agencies. Many are designed to help women upgrade tools and grow their businesses.
TARRA’s 30 Startup Grants for Women
Includes microgrants, pitch competitions, and niche funding opportunities for female founders.
Founder Shield’s 37 Grants for Women in Tech
Perfect for women in ecommerce, tech, and digital services. Includes grants for equipment, software, and business development.
USGrants.org Women Entrepreneurs Grants
Tracks over 70 funding programs with millions allocated to women entrepreneurs. Includes international opportunities and niche programs.
Your Tools Should Match Your Talent
You are brilliant. Your ideas are bold. Your presence deserves to be seen, heard, and felt—clearly and confidently.
So let’s stop “making do” and start showing up fully equipped. Because when women upgrade their tools, they upgrade their influence. And that’s how we close the gap, claim our space, and lead with power.
If you’ve ever lost a client, missed an opportunity, or felt invisible because your tech didn’t reflect your brilliance—know that you’re not alone. And know that you can change it.
Let’s rise, one upgrade at a time.
