Outside-In View

Here in the US we are celebrating one of the most favorite national holidays this week, Thanksgiving. It is customary to offer thanks at this time. I will do so with my family and friends; but, I thought I’d offer a thanks to the PM and PMM world as well by listing what I am thankful for this season:

1. Twitter! Seriously, what Twitter has done for the product management and marketing world is amazing. It has formed a community where before there were fragments. If you’re a professional product marketeer or manager, and you’re not on Twitter, you are losing out on some serious conversations, guidance, and humor. Join now and follow the #prodmgmt and #prodmktg hashtag communities. (And, if you don’t know how, read this link to help you get started.)
2. Product Camps! Another great resource that has sprung up from a seed to a tree, and approaching a forest this year. Communities are forming, networks are growing, the shared learning is inspiring, and it’s all free. You can read about my impressions of the Boston Product camp here; or, better yet, plan to join me at the MN Product Camp in January and have this experience for yourself.
3. Blogs! This year has seen a growth of the Product Management & Product Marketing blog world. I look at the time not that long ago where I could spend 5 minutes a day and read all of the blogs that were of interest to me. Now, I can barely find time to skim the surface. OnPM has the most comprehensive list of blogs for our professional space, featuring 70 of the best. I encourage you to do more than review the list – really look at the blogs. I’m sure there are at least a couple of dozen you should start subscribing to if you’re not already.
4. Networking! The first three on this list have only increased the network of professionals in our field(s). It is amazing how we have all grown and learned more once we had resources to use that enabled us to share. I can’t believe how much I have enjoyed meeting new people and making connections. (And, this is from someone who doesn’t enjoy people.) Use the Twitter product management lists to find your own group of peers who can help you grow. I am.
5. Job transition! This may sound funny; but, yes, I am grateful that I lost my role earlier this year. Okay, not grateful that I lost the paycheck; but, I have had more time to do all of this which I wouldn’t have had if I was employed full-time by an employer where I was working 60-70 hours per week. I spent the time identifying what mattered to me, where and what I want my career to be, developing this blog, getting involved in the PM/PMM communities; organizing the MN Product Camp, writing a book (personal pleasure reading not professional,) spending time with my family and friends, and learning. Along the way, I’ve taken on some interesting projects as well as some not so interesting projects. And, most importantly, I know what I want as I seek my next opportunity. It has been very rewarding. (Yes, again, not financially but on the inside.)

So, that is the basic list of what I am thankful for – in my professional life – this year. Looking in from the outside, if you aren’t thankful for some professional growth, learning and accomplishments, well, maybe you’re not in the right place and you should take a look at what you want. (Read bullet #5 again.)

Mostly, I’m thankful for having you as part of this community and for your support of my thoughts and ideas on this blog. So, what are you thankful for…professionally? Let me know.

And, for you Americans, have a nice turkey day. May the parades make you smile, the football not be too disappointing, and the meal with family and friends fill you emotionally as well as physically. Thank you.

Filed under: Appreciation, Job Search, Product Management, Product Marketing, Uncategorized | Tagged: Culture, Social Media, Value