Roadmap to becoming a Product Manager

It’s in human nature to feel delighted while dreaming about how success tastes like. That may be owning a new house, getting a good raise at work or spending holiday on a beach.

For an aspiring Product Manager, it is nothing but the same. I have been there, thinking about how it would feel like when I have transformed into a PM.

Though it is good to think about your future in a positive way, but it doesn’t matter unless there there is a plan of action. In today’s edition of The Product Leap, we’ll see how to plan your transition into PM.

Transforming into PM is like creating product. At the start, there is a goal - Becoming a Product Manager. Let’s start from this goal and see what needs to be done to achieve this.

There are two main phases of transforming into PM:

1. Prepare to transition into PM

2. Transition into PM

Consider this as your roadmap towards becoming a Product Manager.

As items on a roadmap, there should be 2 things associated with each.

👉🏿 Priority

👉🏿 Timeline

Let’s assign those. And don’t worry at this time about the timeline. You can alter that later.

1. Prepare to transition into PM || Highest || 3-5 months

2. Transition into PM || High || 5-6 months

Now let’s deep dive into each of these phase and evaluate what actions you need to take for each.

Phase 1 - Prepare to transition into PM

In this phase, you focus on preparing yourself for the role as well as project yourself to the product management world that you exist. Here is what should do:

• Learn

• Pick day to day product use cases

• Create portfolio

• Build relations with leadership

• Build strong network

• Join communities

• Lookout for internal open positions for Product Management

Learn

During this phase, dedicate time to acquiring knowledge and skills relevant to product management. This could involve studying industry trends, understanding market dynamics, learning about product development processes, and familiarising yourself with tools and methodologies commonly used in product management.

Pick day to day product use cases

Select specific product use cases from your daily life or industry that you can analyse, dissect, and potentially improve. This exercise helps you develop a deeper understanding of how products are used, identify pain points, and explore opportunities for innovation.

Create portfolio

Develop a portfolio showcasing your product management skills and experiences. Include case studies, projects you've worked on, your approach to problem-solving, and any measurable outcomes or successes. A strong portfolio can demonstrate your capabilities to potential employers or collaborators.

Build relations with leadership

Establish positive relationships with company leaders and decision-makers. Attend company events, volunteer for cross-functional projects, and showcase your skills and potential. Building these connections can help you gain visibility, receive mentorship, and potentially open doors for internal opportunities in product management.

Build strong network

Focus on building a robust professional network within the product management community. Attend industry events, connect with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn, and seek out mentors who can provide guidance and support. A strong network can open up opportunities, offer valuable insights, and provide a support system as you navigate your product management journey.

Join communities

Engage with product management communities both online and offline. Participate in forums, attend meetups, join relevant groups on social media, and contribute to discussions. Being part of a community allows you to learn from others, share experiences, and stay updated on industry trends and best practices.

Lookout for internal open positions for Product Management

Keep an eye out for any internal job postings or opportunities related to product management within your organisation. If you have the necessary skills and experience, apply for these positions or express your interest to your manager. Internal transitions can be smoother as you already have an understanding of the company's products, culture, and processes.

Phase 2 - Transition into Product Management

During the first six months, your focus should be to know these:

• Role

• Business

• Users

• Product

• Team

• Stakeholders

Role

Understand the responsibilities and expectations of a product manager within your organisation. Familiarise yourself with the day-to-day tasks, decision-making processes, and the overall scope of your role. This knowledge will help you prioritize your efforts and align your actions with the company's goals.

Business

Gain a comprehensive understanding of your company's business model, revenue streams, and long-term objectives. Analyse the competitive landscape, industry trends, and market opportunities. This knowledge will enable you to make informed decisions that support the company's strategic direction.

Users

Develop a deep understanding of your target users, their pain points, needs, and behaviours. Conduct user research, analyse user feedback, and engage with customer support teams to gather insights. This knowledge will help you create user-centric products that address real problems and deliver value.

Product

Familiarise yourself with the product you are responsible for, including its features, functionality, and roadmap. Understand the product's history, past successes, and challenges. This knowledge will help you identify areas for improvement, prioritise feature development, and make informed decisions about the product's future direction.

Team

Get to know the members of your cross-functional team, including their roles, responsibilities, and areas of expertise. Understand how your team collaborates, communicates, and makes decisions. This knowledge will help you build effective working relationships, delegate tasks, and foster a positive team dynamic.

Stakeholders

Identify and engage with key stakeholders, including executives, department heads, and subject matter experts. Understand their priorities, concerns, and expectations. This knowledge will help you manage stakeholder relationships, align product decisions with business objectives, and effectively communicate the product's progress and impact.

Are you an aspiring Product Manager ? I recently created a digital Product Wallet 👜 that contains the list of essentials ready to help you become a successful Product Manager. Refer here for more details.