Simple Tech, Big Magic: An ADHD-Friendly Setup

🎬 Let’s Set the Scene

Ever looked at someone’s virtual event setup and thought, “There’s no way I can do that”? Between the boom mics, multi-monitor control centers, and ambient lighting that looks like it was curated by a design team - it's easy to feel like you're already behind before you even begin.

Here’s the thing: you don’t need a studio. You don’t need ten programs running. You don’t even need to feel totally “ready.”

What you do need is a setup that works with your brain, not against it - especially if your brain runs on neurodivergent creativity, bursts of hyperfocus, and a deep desire to connect without chaos.

Let’s walk through a minimum viable tech setup that keeps it simple, smooth, and - yes - absolutely magnetic.

The Myth of “Professional” Tech

For years, we’ve been sold this shiny lie: that credibility comes from the gear. That people will only take you seriously if your background looks like a staged TEDx set. That sounding “professional” means having a microphone bigger than your head.

Let’s get this straight: your presence is what makes the impact, not your production budget.

✨ Soapbox moment: We need to stop glorifying complexity. Women with real lives and real businesses don’t need more barriers - we need bridges.

I once had a client ask what editing software I used for my events. I told her: Zoom. Her jaw dropped. “Wait… you’re telling me this isn’t a full production?” Nope. It’s a laptop, a $40 ring light, and me showing up fully present. That’s it.

What You Actually Need for a High-Quality Event

Let’s break this down into the bare bones:

• Camera: Built-in webcam is fine. If you want a slight upgrade, something like the Razer Kiyo (under $100) will do wonders.
  
  

• Lighting: A ring light. Or a lamp next to a window. Seriously.
  
  

• Microphone: Use your headphones or a basic USB mic like the Blue Snowball or Samson Q2U.
  
  

• Platform: Zoom or Google Meet. No need to sign up for 12 tools that promise “event magic.”
  
  

That’s it. That’s the setup.

💡 Tip: Create a labeled box or drawer where you keep all your gear together. Nothing derails pre-event focus faster than hunting for your USB cord like it’s a missing sock.

Choosing Your Platform: Zoom, Google Meet, or Other?

I know tech choice can be overwhelming, especially when your feed is filled with endless comparisons of tools you’ve never even heard of. Here’s what matters:

✨ Rule of thumb: Go with what feels intuitive. If you’re clicking around for 10 minutes trying to find the “mute” button, that’s not your platform.

Tech Tips for the ADHD Brain

Let’s be honest: even the simplest tech setup can unravel if your brain is bouncing between tabs, timers, and internal pep talks.

Here’s how to prep without the overwhelm:

• Checklist: Create a visual event checklist and print it out. Tape it to your wall. Include steps like “Check camera,” “Plug in mic,” “Mute notifications.”
  
  

• Timers: Set reminders 15, 10, and 5 minutes before go-time. ADHD brains love countdowns.
  
  

• Rehearsals: Run a 5-minute tech check the day before. Say hi to yourself on Zoom. Watch your lighting. Feel the flow.
  
  

🧠 Bonus trick: Record a short pep-talk video to yourself. On event day, hit play and let the past-you remind the present-you, “You’ve got this.”

Avoiding Overwhelm: How to Grow Your Setup Only When You’re Ready

Here's a crucial insight for your sticky note wall: You grow your tech when your event revenue grows - not before.

Too many brilliant entrepreneurs blow budgets on gear they barely use, thinking “Once I have this, I’ll feel ready.”

Nope. You’ll feel… broke and overwhelmed.

Grow your gear when:

• Your audience size increases
  
  

• You want higher-quality replays
  
  

• You’re ready to repurpose your event content
  
  

✨ Real talk: I’ve tested tools that looked sexy in a demo but added zero value to my workflow. You don’t need the fanciest - you need what fits.

Bonus: The “No Excuse” Setup (For When You Just. Need. To. Start.)

Running a beta workshop? Hosting a small Q&A?

Here’s your no-excuse, I’m-doing-it-right-now setup:

• Phone camera propped up near a window
  
  

• Wired headphones for audio clarity
  
  

• Zoom free account
  
  

• Sticky note with your talking points taped near the camera
  
  

You can absolutely show up powerfully with this setup. The tech doesn’t deliver the transformation - you do.

🎤 Here’s Your Green Light

If you’ve been stuck in the “I’ll do it once I upgrade my setup” spiral… this is your permission slip to start scrappy.

✨ Your message is more important than your microphone.
✨ Your energy connects more than your camera.
✨ Your presence is what makes it powerful - not your plugins.

You don’t need a studio to start a movement. You just need a setup that lets you show up as yourself.

➡️ Feeling inspired?

I drop weekly tips, rants, and encouragement for entrepreneurs building their own virtual stages - without burning out or selling their soul to tech overwhelm.

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