Product Notes
Insights for Creative Product Managers
I have an idea for an app - “What Do You Mean” that I should not just hire a dev team to build it?
Having an app idea is just the beginning of a journey filled with twists and turns, highs and lows. It's time to roll up your sleeves and turn that idea into a reality. And don't let the naysayers bring you down — and trust me there are plenty of those. However, that does not mean you impatiently spend tens of thousands of dollars by hiring a dev team off Fiverr or through a friend of a friend who knows a development agency overseas.
“He's making a list, And checking it twice.” - QA/Test Teams Make The Difference Between a Naughty or Nice Product Launch
By adopting best practices such as starting testing early, defining clear test objectives, using a variety of testing techniques, and collaborating effectively across teams, product managers can help minimize common errors and deliver high-quality products to market.
“I Saw The Sign” - How to Start Out In Product Management
Transitioning into a career in product management can be an exciting and rewarding journey, especially for those with diverse backgrounds and experiences. In this blog post, we'll explore the transferable skills that individuals from other professions can bring into product management roles, and how these skills can be showcased to succeed in interviews and entry-level positions. According to LinkedIn, product management was among the top 10 most promising jobs in the United States in 2021, with a 30% increase in job openings compared to the previous year
“What You Really, Really Want?” Tips for Gathering and Writing Product Requirements
Building the Product Starts With Your Story. A product requirement document serves as the blueprint for your product, guiding your teams from concept to delivery. Writing product requirements is a skill that requires practice but clarity in communication. By following the guidelines outlined in this guide and focusing on clarity, conciseness, and specificity, you can create product requirements that set your team up for success and ensure your product meets the needs of your users.
“A Simple Kind of Life”: Why Good Product Managers Must Focus
Doing more as a product manager is often a recipe for frustration and misaligned teams. Focus, or simplicity, is a powerful principle in product management that can lead to greater clarity, efficiency, and user satisfaction. By prioritizing focus in your product strategy, one can achieve better outcomes and drive success for your product and your business.
“How Do You Measure, Measure A Year?” - Product Metrics For Success
I am a self-admitted product nerd. I love to build - it is one of the most satisfying aspects of being a product manager. But building without context or check-ins can be dangerous and throw a team off track, and even risk its demise.
However, building is not enough. A good product is measured by the impact the product has for the business and its users. Establishing metrics, including key performance indicators (KPIs), is crucial for tracking progress and ensuring that the product is meeting its goals. Otherwise, product leaders risk wasting resources (money, time, personnel) in pursuing an idea that is ultimately unviable.
“Will They Tell Your Story” -Understanding User Stories for Product Development
User stories are a powerful tool for describing user interactions and the value they will derive from using your product. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create user stories that guide your product development efforts and ensure that you're building a product that meets the needs of your users.
“Where It Began, I Can't Begin To Knowing. But Then I Know It's Growing Strong” - My Path Into Product Management
I became a product manager years before I actually ever held that title.
My journey into product management began with a deep-seated curiosity about how products are created and how they evolve to meet the needs of users.