I was talking to a friend today who had an interview. During the time he was asked “what is the biggest challenge you have?” And, his answer was pure genius – “overcoming misconceptions. Misconceptions about what I do. Misconceptions about what marketing truly is.”
Genius I say. Genius.
Product management has the same challenge. All too often I am asked the same question. I’ve tried other responses, but none seems to hit the nail on the head the same way.
Being a product manager is about overcoming misconceptions. Trying to help the market understand that you care about their problems, truly care, and are not there to simply promote or sell another gizmo or tool. You’re constantly trying to help your own development team overcome the misconception that the discipline of product management does not mean a slow process with more paperwork and steps. Overcoming the misconception of the executives that you need a technical background to be a product manager in a software company. Overcoming misconceptions.
Looking from the outsidein, product management as a profession requires many unique skills and talents to be successful. But, overcoming misconceptions is a constant challenge in the daily work. How do you prepare for the daily battle?
Filed under: Business Culture, Communication, Management, Marketing, Product Management, Product Marketing, Sales | Tagged: Buyers, Culture, Knowledge, Product Management, Product Marketing, Requirements
