Product managers are in charge of the product features, profitability, and ultimately a product's success. Years ago, I started out in product management. Being a product manager is a wonderful position to have because you essentially manage the entire business of your product. I’ve heard product management called the “accidental profession” because many people stumble into it.
If I had one piece of advice for a new product manager it would be to learn the art of persuasion. The art of persuasion is very necessary in product management. A product manager might know that they have a great idea for a new product, service, or enhancement, but they must be persuasive if it’s going to be funded and supported. Those closest to the product know the most about it and often must convince those who control the resources who perhaps know the least. The best product managers are fighters, and to excel at your job you must be persuasive. One meeting won’t do it and you better come prepared to fight. That is how successful products get made. Otherwise, it’s just an idea in someone’s head. I’ve seen some wonderful, solid, important ideas dissolve because there was no advocate for them who really made a push. Come prepared, have solid numbers and meaningful assumptions to back up your argument, craft a compelling argument, be persistent, and be persuasive.
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