The ABCs of product management
Let's demystify product management!
Hey there, aspiring product managers! Have you ever found yourself intrigued by the world of product management but felt overwhelmed by the jargon and technical terms? Fear not! Today, we're going back to basics and breaking down the fundamentals of product management in a way that even your non-tech-savvy grandma could understand. So grab a cup of coffee, and let's dive in!
Picture this: You have a brilliant idea for a new app or software but are unsure how to bring it to life. That's where product management comes in. Product management is about turning ideas into reality, guiding a product through its entire lifecycle, from conception to launch and beyond.
The Work & Process:
Let's start by demystifying some common terms related to the work and process of product management:
Product Management: The process of overseeing the development, marketing, and launching of a product. Product managers are responsible for setting the product vision, defining its features, and ensuring its success in the market.
Product Strategy: Product strategy is the overarching plan that guides the development and direction of a product. It defines the long-term goals, objectives, and approach for achieving market success. Product strategy encompasses elements such as target audience identification, competitive analysis, and go-to-market planning. It serves as a roadmap for making strategic decisions and aligning efforts across the organisation to deliver value to customers and achieve business objectives.
User Flow: User flow refers to the path that a user takes when navigating through a product or application. It outlines the steps a user follows to accomplish a specific task or goal, from entering the product to completing their desired action. User flows help product teams understand and optimise the user experience, ensuring that interactions are intuitive, efficient, and enjoyable.
Product Launch: The moment when a product is introduced to the market for the first time. It involves planning and executing marketing strategies to attract customers and generate sales.
User Persona: Fictional characters created to represent the different types of users who will interact with the product. User personas help product teams empathise with their target audience and design products that meet their needs and preferences.
Roadmap: A visual representation of a product's strategic direction and goals. It outlines the key milestones, features, and timelines for development, helping teams prioritise tasks and align efforts towards common objectives.
Project: A temporary endeavour to create a unique product, service, or result. In product management, a project refers to the tasks and activities required to develop and launch a product, such as conducting market research, designing prototypes, and testing features.
Portfolio: A collection of projects or products managed by a product manager. A portfolio may include multiple products within a company's product lineup or various projects undertaken by a product manager throughout their career.
The People:
Now, let's talk about the people who make product management possible:
Product Manager: The leader responsible for guiding the development and execution of a product strategy. Product managers collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineers, designers, marketers, and salespeople, to deliver successful products that meet customer needs.
Software Engineer: Professionals who design, develop, and maintain software applications. They write code, debug programs, and ensure the functionality and performance of digital products.
Product Designer: Creatives who focus on the user experience and interface design of a product. Product designers use principles of usability and aesthetics to create intuitive and visually appealing experiences for users.
Stakeholder: Individuals or groups who have an interest or investment in the product's success. Stakeholders can include customers, investors, internal teams, and external partners. Effective stakeholder management involves understanding their needs, gathering feedback, and keeping them informed throughout the product lifecycle.
The Technology:
Last but not least, let's demystify some common technology terms:
Software: Programs, applications, or instructions that run on computers and other digital devices. Software powers everything from operating systems and productivity tools to entertainment and communication platforms.
API (Application Programming Interface): An API is like a messenger that allows different software applications to talk to each other. It defines the rules and methods for how these applications can communicate and share data. Think of it as a bridge that enables smooth interaction between different systems, making it easier for them to work together and exchange information.
Database: A structured collection of data stored and organised for easy access and retrieval. Databases are essential for storing and managing information related to users, products, transactions, and other aspects of a product.
Backend: The behind-the-scenes technology that powers a software application. Backend development involves creating and maintaining servers, databases, and other infrastructure components that support the product's functionality.
Frontend: The visible and interactive part of a software application that users interact with. Frontend development focuses on designing and implementing user interfaces, layouts, and features that provide a seamless and intuitive user experience.
And there you have it, folks! The ABCs of product management in all their glory. We've covered the basics, from understanding the work and process to the people and technology behind it. So, whether you're a seasoned tech guru or a total newbie, I hope this article has shed some light on the exciting world of product management.
Do you want to learn more about product management? Click the link below to check out free beginner courses.
8 Free Product Management Courses to Launch Your Career
As a Product Manager, you are responsible for the end-to-end development of a product. You own the product vision, strategy, and requirements and liaise between the business and engineering teams. The average annual Product Manager salary in the UK is £67,500, $100,000 in the US, and N6.9m in Nigeria.
When you are ready, I can help in 2 ways:
Join a free online community of aspiring and junior PMs. Learn from experienced PMs and recruiters, ask a question and get access to curated resources. Join here.
1-1 mentorship: Get 1-1 mentorship to land your first PM job or grow professionally as a PM. Navigate the 100s of templates and advice you see online and speak to an experienced professional excelling at her work and helping multiple folks land their first PM job. Email me at ezeanyaguuju@gmail.com to learn more and book a session.