Differences between B2B and B2C products

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Getting confused between what to do as a B2B Product vs B2C Product manager role? Read further to understand the difference. Let us start with understanding the difference in those two types of products.

It is important to understand what B2B and B2C products are.

B2B products are products or services that are sold to other businesses, rather than to consumers. They can be physical products, such as raw materials, components, or finished goods, or they can be digital products, such as software, SaaS (software as a service), or data.

And B2C products are products or services that are sold directly to consumers. They can be physical products, such as clothing, electronics, and food, or they can be technology items, for example, digital books, music, Smartphones.

Why it is important to understand the difference between the two ?

It is important to understand the difference between B2B and B2C products as they are essential for you to develop more effective Product, Marketing and Sales strategies. B2B and B2C buyers have various necessiti­­es and inspirations, it is important to tailor your approach accordingly.

Here is a brief overview of the key differences between B2B and B2C products.

Target market, Market segments, Market needs and Buying Process

: The main difference between B2B and B2C products’ target market is that B2B products are sold to other businesses, while B2C products are sold to individual consumers.

B2B

  • Audience: Businesses of all sizes, across all industries
  • Market segments: Small-sized, Medium-sized and Large (Enterprise) businesses
  • Needs: Products and services that can help them improve efficiency, productivity, and profitability
  • Buying process: Typically, longer and more complex, involving multiple decision-makers
  • Factors that influence purchasing decisions: ROI, product quality, customer support, reputation of the vendor

B2C

  • Audience: Individual consumers
  • Market segments: Market segments are based on Demographics (age, gender, nationality, occupation, family size, or education level), New or repeat customer, Geographic (country, states, cities), Income (if this type of data is available)
  • Needs: Products and services that meet their personal needs and desires
  • Buying process: Typically, shorter and simpler, with fewer decision-makers involved
  • Factors that influence purchasing decisions: Price, convenience, brand recognition, product features and benefits

As a general rule, B2B products are more complicated and costly than B2C products. B2B purchasers are likewise more rational and logical in their decision-making process. As a result, B2B marketing techniques will often center around training, thought initiative, and building connections.

Product features and benefits

There are some key differences between B2B and B2C products when we check their features and benefits.

B2B

  • Features: B2B products often have complex features that are designed to meet the specific needs of businesses. For example, a B2B software product might have features that allow businesses to track inventory, manage customer relationships, and generate reports.
  • Benefits: B2B products are typically purchased to help businesses improve their efficiency, productivity, and profitability. For example, a B2B software product might help a business to reduce costs, increase sales, and improve customer satisfaction.
  • Initial investment: B2B products must have minimum feature set before customers can begin to use the product. Due to this, the investment required at the beginning to build the product is often larger than what’s required for B2C products.
  • Integration with existing tools/systems/processes: Also, for the B2B product to sell, it must integrate with the existing systems (third-party tools, procurement process of the customer, compliance with regulations and security), must be robust, must offer a better technical support before the customer can make the decision to use the product.
  • User Experience: Historically, business users have been Ok with less than consumer grade experience with the screens for software products. But with changed times, a business user has started to demand a consumer-grade experience.

B2C

  • Features: B2C products often have features that are designed to make them easy to use and enjoyable for consumers. For example, a B2C smartphone might have features such as a high-resolution camera, a large screen, and a long-lasting battery.
  • Benefits: B2C products are typically purchased to meet the personal needs and wants of consumers. For example, a B2C smartphone might help a consumer to stay connected with friends and family, take high-quality photos, and access entertainment.
  • Initial investment: B2C products can start with a minimum viable product and the product can grow from there. The investment required to start a B2C product is comparatively lesser than a B2B product. The B2C product purchase decision can be made by the customer independently just based on the product’s feature set.
  • User Experience: Consumers demand a very sophisticated user experience for the products they use.

It is important to note that the difference between B2B and B2C products is not always clear-cut. For example, some products can be used by both businesses and consumers. For example, a laptop computer could be used by a business employee to work remotely, or it could be used by a student to write papers and browse the internet.

In general, however, B2B and B2C products have different features and benefits that are designed to meet the different needs of their target audiences.

Marketing Campaigns

B2C marketing strategies, on the other hand, are in many cases more emotional and engaging.

B2C advertisers focus on making brand mindfulness, producing leads, and driving deals.

Both B2B and B2C marketing are significant for organizations to succeed. By understanding the various necessities and inspirations of their main interest groups, organizations can foster more powerful advertising efforts.

Customer journey

The buyer journey for B2B and B2C products differs in several ways, including:

  • Complexity:B2B buyer journeys are typically more complex than B2C buyer journeys. This is because B2B buyers are often making purchases on behalf of their entire company, and they need to consider a wider range of factors, such as the product’s impact on the company’s bottom line, its integration with existing systems, and its security features.
  • Length: B2B buyer journeys are also typically longer than B2C buyer journeys. This is because there are more decision-makers involved in B2B purchases, and the approval process can be more complex.
  • Touchpoints: B2B buyers interact with a wider range of touchpoints throughout their buyer journey than B2C buyers. This includes online and offline channels, as well as a variety of different types of content.
  • Motivation: B2B buyers are typically motivated by rational factors, such as ROI, efficiency, and productivity gains. B2C buyers, on the other hand, are often motivated by emotional factors, such as status, convenience, and personal enjoyment.

As it is clear to you, the B2B purchaser venture is more complicated and longer than the B2C purchaser venture. B2B purchasers likewise connect with a more extensive scope of touchpoints and are spurred by unexpected elements in comparison to B2C purchasers.


The difference between B2B and B2C products sales cycle is that B2B sales cycles are typically longer and more complex than B2C sales cycles. This is because B2B purchases are often more expensive and involve multiple decision-makers. B2B buyers also need to be more confident in their purchase decision, as they are putting their company’s money on the line.

Sales cycle

Comparison of the two sales cycles:

B2B

Longer: B2B sales cycles can last for weeks, months, or even years. This is because there are often multiple decision-makers involved in the B2B buying process, and they need to have time to evaluate the product or service before deciding.

  • More complex: B2B sales cycles are also more complex than B2C sales cycles. This is because B2B buyers need to consider a wider range of factors, such as ROI, integration with existing systems, and support.
  • More involved: B2B salespeople need to be more involved in the sales process. This is because they need to build relationships with multiple decision-makers and educate them about the product or service.

B2C

  • Shorter: B2C sales cycles are typically much shorter than B2B sales cycles. In many cases, consumers can make a purchase decision within minutes or hours.
  • Less complex: B2C sales cycles are also less complex than B2B sales cycles. This is because consumers are typically making smaller purchases and don’t need to consider as many factors.
  • Less involved: B2C salespeople don’t need to be as involved in the sales process as B2B salespeople. This is because consumers are typically making their own purchase decisions and don’t need as much education about the product or service.

Overall, the B2B sales cycle is longer, more complex, and more involved than the B2C sales cycle. This is because B2B purchases are often more expensive and involve multiple decision-makers. B2B buyers also need to be more confident in their purchase decision.
There are various key differences between B2B and B2C client onboarding. The following are a couple of the main ones:

Customer Onboarding

  • Scale and intricacy: B2B onboarding is in many cases more complicated and takes more time than B2C onboarding. This is because B2B clients regularly have more complex necessities and requirements, and they might have numerous partners engaged with the decision-making process.
  • Passion for learning: B2C clients are commonly more motivated to figure out how to use another item than B2B clients. This is because  B2C clients are in many cases involving the item for individual use, while B2B clients might be involving it for work.
  • Personalization: B2B customers expect a more personalized onboarding experience than B2C customers. This is because B2B customers are typically investing more money in the product or service, and they need to be sure that it is the right fit for their specific needs


B2B customer support is the most common way of aiding organizations that utilize your item or service to determine any issues they might experience. B2C customer support is the method involved with assisting individual customers who are utilizing your item or service to determine any issues they might experience.

Customer Support

There are a few critical contrasts between B2B and B2C customer support:

  • Intricacy: B2B client issues will generally be more complex than B2C client issues. This is because B2B clients frequently use your item or service in additional complicated ways, and they might require assistance with additional technical issues.
  • Influence: B2B customer issues can greatly affect the client’s business than B2C customer issues. For instance, if a B2B client is having trouble with your product or service, it could disturb their operations and cost them cash.

Because of these differences, B2B client issue support groups should be more specialized and knowledgeable than B2C customer issue support teams. B2B customer support teams also should be more responsive and ready to rapidly determine issues.

There are some key differences between B2B and B2C product documentation.

Product documentation

  • Audience: B2B product documentation is written for other businesses, while B2C product documentation is written for individual consumers. This means that B2B documentation should be more technical and detailed, while B2C documentation should be more concise and easier to understand.
  • Purpose: The purpose of B2B product documentation is to help businesses use the product to achieve their goals. This may include providing instructions on how to use the product, troubleshooting tips, and technical specifications. The purpose of B2C product documentation is to help consumers learn how to use the product and get the most out of it. This may include providing instructions on how to set up the product, use its features, and troubleshoot common problems.

When writing product documentation, it is important to keep the target audience in mind. B2B and B2C audiences have different needs and expectations, so it is important to tailor the documentation accordingly.

Product training

B2B and B2C product training differ in several ways, including:

  • Audience: B2B product training is typically targeted at employees of other businesses, while B2C product training is targeted at individual consumers.
  • Goals: B2B product training is typically designed to help employees learn how to use the product to achieve their job goals, while B2C product training is typically designed to help consumers learn how to use the product to get the most out of it.
  • Content: B2B product training typically covers more complex topics than B2C product training, and it may also include information about the product’s integrations with other systems and tools.
  • Delivery methods: B2B product training can be delivered in a variety of ways, including in-person workshops, online courses, and self-paced tutorials. B2C product training is often delivered through online tutorials and in-app documentation.

 Accessibility support

The difference between B2B and B2C accessibility support is that B2B support is designed to help businesses meet the accessibility needs of their customers and employees, while B2C support is designed to help individual consumers with disabilities access products and services.

B2B support may be provided by a variety of different organizations, such as accessibility consultants, training companies, and software vendors. B2C support, on the other hand, is often provided by government agencies, non-profit organizations, and businesses themselves.

Overall, the goal of both B2B and B2C accessibility support is to help people with disabilities access the products and services they need. However, the specific services that are provided and the way that they are delivered can differ depending on the needs of the target audience.

Product pricing and Negotiations

B2B companies usually have special prices for certain customers. While B2C companies have a unique price which applies for everyone.

Another difference is negotiation. Negotiation is more normal in B2B sales than in B2C sales. This is because B2B customers commonly have serious purchasing power and tend to negotiate on price. B2B vendors may also haggle on price, especially for huge orders or long-term contracts.

Conclusion

The differences between B2B and B2C products are significant, and it is important to understand these differences when developing and marketing your product. B2B products are typically more complex and expensive, and the buying process is longer and more complex. B2C products, on the other hand, are often less complex and more affordable, and the buying process is shorter and simpler.

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Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategies – Customer Onboarding

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#customeronboarding #gtm 

In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of customer onboarding.

We will especially talk about how it can negatively impact customer experience to the extent of losing a customer.

A recent story comes to mind when I was filling a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form for my daughter’s recent college acceptance. The government form was so complex and I ran into issues at every stage including creating user id, setting up 2 factor authentication, getting Internal Revenue Service (IRS) returns and everything else. The process also involves waiting 2-3 days for them to confirm my details with IRS. It has been 5 days and I am yet to receive the confirmation that my account has been approved for next steps by FAFSA at the time of this blog post.

The above process certainly frustrated me. I felt like running away, if there were any other options available. Sadly, there are not any options for FAFSA.

But in reality consumers have many options for everything in their daily life. Does a company really want to lose customers because of their onboarding process ? 

Losing customers at onboarding is like customers walking away before entering your store. You lose a lot more as you don’t get to learn about them – their behaviors, their habits, their buying power, their preferences.

There are many reasons why customer onboarding may not be the best. This includes things like:

  1. Complex processes – when several backend organization involved, onboarding often gets slower
  2. Lengthy wait time – delays in account activation can prevent access to underlying services
  3. Lack of training – Not having proper training or documentation can create confusion
  4. Inadequate support – Customers can feel neglected due to this during onboarding
  5. Regulatory – Asking for Physically identifiable information (PII) can deter customers

These are just a few reasons, why onboarding becomes slower and painful.

Here are some characteristics of a great onboarding process:

  1. User centric – A great onboarding process is highly user centric teaching them what they need to know to get started
  2. Action-oriented – The best onboarding processes focus on minimizing the actions to enable users to complete onboarding tasks quickly
  3. Informed – A great experience during onboarding should focus on providing immediate value of the underlying product/service at the earliest
  4. Constantly evolving – It is critical to monitor and keep tweaking the onboarding processes to continuously enhance it
  5. Holistic – A great onboarding process does not just get the clients onboarded but also prepares them for experiences beyond

Think of a measuring customer onboarding time and track it for improvement. It can be used as a competitive differentiation. Do a before/after video and use it for marketing. Use analytics to go deeper where customers spend more time than needed. Identify and fix those gaps.


Lastly, go through the onboarding process yourself on behalf of the customer. If you are not happy, your customer will not be happy either. Tweak the process until you are fully satisfied.

See an example of how one company simulates this process for their sellers here : https://help.gumroad.com/article/62-testing-a-purchase . Here is the reason why they created that feature – “to see what your customers will experience when they buy from you. This is great for understanding your customers’ experience and will help you hone in on areas that perhaps need a little tweaking.”

Businesses are moving in the direction to provide better customer onboarding experience. It is high time, we do that with our products/services as well, or else we will be left behind.

If you are not currently subscribed and want to receive GTM tips, please sign up here : https://productmanagementclub.com/newsletter/ 

Why engineers can be good Product Managers ?

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Engineers as Product Managers

Engineers bring many qualities to the table that can make them successful and effective product managers. Many products are now more technical in nature and require knowledge of engineering principles. Engineers have this and offer a unique set of skills that can give a product an advantage over competitors.

In this article, we will look at why engineers are ideally suited for product management roles, how they can leverage their background to master the role, and how companies can benefit from hiring engineers as product managers. We’ll also discuss some challenges and risks associated with the role and how they can be mitigated.

Table Of Content.

  1. Why engineers can be good product managers
  2. Advantages of having an engineering background as a product manager
  3. Disadvantages of having an engineering background as a product manager
  4. Conclusion:

Why engineers can be good product managers

People from engineering background can be a good product managers. Products are more technical in nature now. So having a background in engineering helps become a good product manager. Engineers understand the inner workings of a product and can be better at understanding customer’s technical needs. They can also be good at managing and prioritizing features. Engineers are also good at solving problems and can be creative in ideation.

💡 key Takeaway: Engineering background is a good thing if you want to become a product manager. It helps you understand the inner workings of products and how customers use them. You can also be good at solving problems and being creative in ideation.

What is a product manager?

A product manager is a critical role in any company, and one that requires a unique set of skills. As the leader of a product, the product manager is responsible for setting the direction and goals of the product, as well as ensuring that it meets the needs of the customer. In addition, a product manager is responsible for managing the resources and teams responsible for developing and delivering the product.

While a background in engineering can be a valuable asset for a product manager, it is not essential. Indeed, there are many successful product managers without a background in engineering. What is important is that the product manager has the skills and experience necessary to lead a successful product team. Some of the skills that are necessary for a successful product manager include the ability to identify and understand customer needs, manage resources effectively, and develop and maintain a product vision.

💡 key Takeaway: Having a background in engineering can be a valuable asset for a product manager, but it is not essential. What is important is that the product manager has the skills and experience necessary to lead a successful product team.

How is the role of a product manager changing?

The role of a product manager is changing. Gone are the days when a product manager was responsible for everything from product conception to shipping. In today’s world, a product manager is more technical in nature, focused on the product as a whole. This shift is a good thing, as it allows for a better understanding of the product and the customer.

A product manager needs to have a deep understanding of the product. This includes understanding the technology, the business, and the market. In addition, a product manager needs to be able to see the product from multiple perspectives. This includes the perspective of the engineer, the customer, and the marketer.

A product manager also needs to be able to communicate with stakeholders. This includes the engineers, the business, and the marketing team. A product manager needs to be able to understand the needs of all these groups and be able to meet them all in a way that is beneficial to the product.

💡 key Takeaway: A background in engineering can help a product manager become more technical in nature and better understand the product. This allows for a better understanding of the product and the customer, which leads to more successful product launches.

What skills do engineers bring to the table as product managers?

Engineers have a deep understanding of the technical aspects of products, which can make them well-suited for roles like product manager. Engineers are also experts in problem-solving and can be very effective at circumventing obstacles to get products to market. Here are a few skills that engineers bring to the table as product managers:

– Technical expertise: Engineers know how products work inside-and-out, which can make them an important resource when it comes to solving problems.

– Analytical thinking: Engineers are often analytical thinkers, which helps them see problems and solutions from a technical standpoint.

– Ability to work independently: Engineers are often self-driven and are capable of working on projects independently.

– Proven track record of success: Engineers have a proven track record of success when it comes to creating successful products. This makes them a valuable asset to any product team.

💡 key Takeaway: Having a background in engineering can make a good product manager, as engineers have the technical know-how and drive to succeed that is often necessary for success in this field. Additionally, engineers are often successful when it comes to creating products, which makes them a valuable asset to any product team.

Advantages of having an engineering background as a product manager

There are many advantages to having a background in engineering when it comes to being a good product manager. One of the main reasons is that products are now more technical in nature. As a product manager, you will need to be able to understand the technical aspects of the product and be able to make sound decisions based on that information. Having a background in engineering also gives you a strong foundation in problem solving, which is essential for product management. Additionally, having a background in engineering can give you a better understanding of the customer base and how they use the product. This will help you understand how they might react to changes or features added to the product. Overall, having a background in engineering can make you a better product manager and help you make sound decisions.

💡 key Takeaway: A background in engineering can help you be a better product manager, as it gives you a strong foundation in problem solving and understanding the technical aspects of the product.

How does an engineering background help with product development?

Product development is a complex process that requires a variety of skills and experience. While an engineering background can help you with many aspects of the process, it is especially helpful when it comes to understanding the technical aspects of products. This is because products are more technical now than ever before. Engineers are familiar with the ins and outs of technology, which can help them ensure products are reliable and meet customer expectations.

Additionally, engineers are often able to see the big picture. They can see the interconnectedness of different parts of a product, which can help them identify and resolve problems early on. This ability to see the whole picture can lead to faster product development and better outcomes for customers.

💡 key Takeaway: Having a background in engineering can help you become a better product manager. Engineers are familiar with the technical aspects of products, which can help them ensure products are reliable and meet customer expectations. Additionally, engineers often see the whole picture, which can lead to faster product development and better outcomes for customers.

What engineering disciplines are most beneficial for product management?

Engineering disciplines can be a great foundation for product management, as they are more technical in nature. This means that engineers are well-equipped to understand and solve problems related to product design and development. They also have a deep understanding of the technical aspects of products, which can be valuable in creating and managing products.

Additionally, engineers are often experienced in managing teams and working with other departments. This experience can help them build effective collaborations and partnerships. In addition, engineers often have a strong understanding of customer’s technical needs and wants. This knowledge can be used to develop products that meet customer needs.

💡 key Takeaway: Having a background in engineering can be a great advantage for becoming a good product manager. Engineering disciplines are more technical in nature, which makes them well-equipped to understand and solve problems related to product design and development. This knowledge can be used to create products that satisfy customer needs.

How does an engineering background help with product design?

Engineers are well-suited for product management because they have a deep understanding of the technical aspects of products. This understanding can be used to help design products that meet the needs of the user. For example, an engineer might know how to create a product that is easy to use and meets the specific needs of a certain group of users. In addition, engineers are often able to see the big picture and understand the implications of changes to the product. As a result, they are able to make sound decisions about how the product should be designed.

While an engineering background does not guarantee success as a product manager, it does provide a strong foundation. Anyone can learn how to be a good product manager, but having an engineering background can make the process easier. If you have a background in engineering, consider applying for a product management position. You may be surprised at how well your engineering skills can help you in this career field.

💡 key Takeaway: Engineers are well-suited for product management because they have a deep understanding of the technical aspects of products. This understanding can be used to help design products that meet the needs of the user.

Disadvantages of having an engineering background as a product manager

There are several disadvantages of having an engineering background as a product manager. First, engineers are more technical in nature and may not be able to see the other aspects of the product. They are more likely to view the product from a technical perspective and may not be able to see the benefits of the product to the users in entirety. Second, they may be biased towards technology and may not be able to see the potential problems with the product. Third, they may not have the business experience to be a good product manager. Fourth, they may not have the skills to work with other departments in the company that are non-technical (ex. UX design). Finally, they may not be able to communicate well with other departments in the company, as a lot of conversations are not in black-white as engineers get used to in their profession.

💡 key Takeaway: Having an engineering background as a product manager can be disadvantageous. Engineers are more technical in nature and may not be able to see the big picture of the product. They are more likely to view the product from a technical perspective and may not be able to see the benefits of the product to the users. They may not have the business experience to be a good product manager. They may not be able to communicate well with other departments in the company.

Can an engineering background limit creative thinking?

Engineering can be a great foundation for product management. By understanding the principles of engineering and how products work, engineers can develop a deep understanding of product requirements and how to best satisfy them. This understanding can help them avoid common pitfalls in product management, leading to more successful products. However, engineers should not rely solely on their technical expertise to be a successful product manager. Creative thinking and problem-solving skills are essential for success in this field.

Engineers who are interested in becoming product managers should first identify the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. These include skills in problem solving, communication, and leadership. Engineers should also be aware of the challenges and opportunities that come with product management. As products become more technical, having a deep understanding of product requirements is critical for success.

💡 key Takeaway: Having an engineering background can help you become a successful product manager. However, you must also have skills in problem solving, communication, and leadership to be successful. By understanding the principles of engineering and how products work, engineers can develop a deep understanding of product requirements and how to best satisfy them. However, creative thinking and problem-solving skills are essential for success in this field.

Is there a risk of an engineering background creating a “one size fits all” approach?

Engineers have a deep understanding of the technical aspects of products. This can be an asset when it comes to becoming a product manager. However, there is a risk of an engineering background creating a “one size fits all” approach. This might lead to products being designed or developed in a way that is not optimal for the individual or the market. As a product manager, you need to be able to understand the needs of the customer and the market. Having a background in engineering can help you with this, as you are already familiar with the technical aspects of products. However, you need to be able to adapt these concepts to the specific needs of the customer and the market.

💡 key Takeaway: Having a background in engineering can be an asset when it comes to becoming a product manager. However, you need to be able to adapt these concepts to the specific needs of the customer and the market.

Do engineers have the soft skills required for product management?

Engineers are in the know when it comes to the technical aspects of products. They know how things work, what needs to be done, and how to fix them. This makes them great candidates for product management, which is more technical in nature now. Here are five reasons why engineers can be good product managers:

– They understand how products work.

– They’re detail-oriented.

– They’re good at problem-solving.

– They’re resourceful.

– They’re good at taking risks.

💡 key Takeaway: Engineers can be good product managers because they have the skills, knowledge, and attitude required for the job. They are detail-oriented and good at problem-solving, which makes them good at taking risks and ensuring products meet customer needs.

Conclusion:

Engineers have a strong technical background, which can make them a good product manager. A product is more technical in nature now, and having a background in engineering helps you understand the technical aspects of the product. This makes you better able to identify and solve problems. As a result, you will be able to create a better product that meets the needs of the users.

💡 key Takeaway: Having a strong technical background can make you a good product manager.

Is an engineering background an advantage for product management?

There is a growing trend of hiring engineers to be product managers, and for good reason. Engineering backgrounds are well-suited for product management because products are more technical in nature now. Engineers are experts in understanding how products work and how to make them better. They understand how to break down a problem and find a solution.

However, having an engineering background does not make someone a good product manager. It is important to have the right skills for product management, and engineering skills are not always the best fit. Product managers need to be able to think critically, be creative, and be able to work with others. Engineering backgrounds can help a product manager learn these skills, but they are not essential.

If you are considering becoming a product manager, it is important to have the right skills. However, having an engineering background can help you learn those skills faster. So if you have a background in engineering, it is not a disadvantage. In fact, it can be an advantage.

💡 key Takeaway: Having an engineering background can help you learn the skills necessary for becoming a successful product manager. However, it is not essential to have this background, and there are many excellent product managers who have no engineering background at all.

What other skills are required for successful product management?

Product management is a complex and challenging role that requires a variety of skills and abilities. In order to be a successful product manager, you need to be able to think critically, solve problems, and be able to communicate effectively. Here are a few other skills that are often required for success:

– Technical understanding: As a product manager, you will need to have a good understanding of the technology that your product uses.

– Creativity and innovation: A key part of product management is being able to come up with new and innovative ideas. This requires a creative mindset and a knowledge of technology.

– Business skills: A product manager needs to have strong business skills in order to understand the business goals and objectives.

– Leadership skills: Being a successful product manager requires strong leadership skills. You need to be able to lead a team and be able to make decisions under pressure.

💡 key Takeaway: Having a background in engineering can be a beneficial asset when it comes to being a successful product manager. It can help you have a good understanding of the technology involved in your product, be creative and innovative, have strong business skills, and be able to lead a team.

What are the best resources for product managers?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best resources for product managers will vary depending on the individual’s specific career goals and experience. However, some of the most useful resources for product managers include books, articles, and online courses. Our flagship “Product Management Bootcamp” is a comprehensive resource to make transition to a Product Manager role.

Additionally, product managers can benefit from participating in relevant industry events and networking with other professionals in the field. As a product manager, it is important to stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends and developments. This can be achieved by reading industry publications, attending industry events, and participating in online forums and communities.

💡 key Takeaway: Being a product manager is a highly-skilled position that requires both technical knowledge and business acumen. Having a background in engineering can be a valuable asset, as it helps product managers understand the technical aspects of products and how they interact with the user. In addition to resources available online, product managers can benefit from participating in relevant industry events and networking with other professionals in the field.

How to sound like an experienced Product candidate ?

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Several people come to us when they fail a couple of interviews. Some proceed to the final round of interviews and they fail to get an offer. Or some just fail the first telephone interview. Others fail in the middle rounds. Remember, it takes only one question to be be answered incorrectly in order to fail an interview. So what is it that makes you sound an experienced Product guy ? Let us break it down.

Practice answers to common questions: Preparation is the key to all interviews. While this may sound trivial, many candidates often underestimate this aspect in their interviews. It goes a long way to get the role you want. But what exactly is preparation, you may ask ? It involves writing down answers for common questions like: how do you collect requirements, how do you prioritize them, who do you interact with as stakeholders etc. It also involves creating stories based on SOAR/STAR/CAR frameworks for questions of the type “Tell me a time when..”. If you are appearing in person, practice and be ready for panel interviews, as these are becoming more common. These are just a few examples. But I think you got the gist.

Never answer in black and white : Newer candidates often give away their naivety by giving simple yes/no or A/B type of answers. Experienced Product Managers don’t get stuck up in a single answer. They always give multiple answers and can come up with justifications for their chosen answers. To give an example, do you always address requirements from your high-value customers ? An inexperienced Product Manager will say, yes, I do that always (as if that is a no brainer). An experienced Product Manager, on the other hand says, it depends on whether this customer’s requirements align with the Product vision.  Sometimes, it is ok to say no to high-value customers, if the requirements do not align with the Product or Company’s vision. Got it ? A brief example but I am sure you got the point.

Use proper Product terminology:  “You have to learn the rules of the game. And then you have to play better than anyone else.” – Albert Einstein. If you cannot speak the rules of the game, in this case the Product terminology, then are far from getting picked up. It is essential that you learn and are very comfortable with all the keywords for the type of Product role you are applying for. Examples of Product terminology related to Product interviews are – addressable market, Product support, Pricing lists, functional requirements, stakeholders. You have to sound smooth while using these and you have to know when to use what keywords. The keywords vary from role to role and you should check the job description of the job you are applying to.

Give examples: Often times, it is hard for an interviewer to fully understand the context of your answers. While you are speaking, the interviewer is trying to make sense of what you are saying. So it is recommended that during the interview, you insert examples from your own experience while answering the asked question. Experienced candidates do this spontaneously. For ex. you can say that “in this product, that I have worked during my time in company X, we performed A/B testing in this way, and we found out that…”

Ask Questions: This can make or break your interview. Product interviews often contain open ended questions like “how would introduce Product X in a new market in Latin America” ? Instead of getting started with your answer, a better approach is to step back and try to ask questions. Examples of this are – Are we talking about only Go-to-Market strategy or also determining the market need ? Do we have a product ready at this time or are you also referring to product readiness as a part of introducing it in Latin America ? Answers to such questions help determine the scope of your response and they will also let the interviewer know that you have the ability to think critically.

Once you determine your challenging area(s) from the list above, it is important to get help and address the area(s). Also, it is important to highlight aspects of the Product role that have you experienced in your previous role, even when you were formally not in a Product role. All of this needs efforts and more importantly guidance. Remember, if you need help, we offer a Product Bootcamp !

Good luck with your interviews !