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Starting as a product manager

over 4 years ago from , Ux Designer

Hello,

In February I will change jobs and will start a new opportunity as a product manager for a startup. After 5 years of service and digital product design the time has come to make the change for me. I was always interested in the parts where I could set out strategy and communicate with clients.

But because i'm starting as a junior. I would love to hear all of your stories, learnings, books to read, how to prepare myself, frameworks you use, etc etc.

Thanks upfront.

10 comments

  • CTodd LombardoCTodd Lombardo, over 4 years ago

    Sign up for Mind the Product's newsletter. Read Never Split the Difference to learn good negotiation skills. You'll need 'em. And once you're settled in pickup Roadmaps Relaunched. (I'm not biased on that or anything :D )

    6 points
  • Matt BaxterMatt Baxter, over 4 years ago

    Congrats on the new job! I made the switch from designer to product manager about 3 years ago, also into a startup. Since you're joining a startup, you'll probably be doing some design work along with your product responsibilities. I've really enjoyed the world of product.

    If its possible, I would recommend that you attend one of Marty Cagan's workshops. It gave me some great tools and frameworks for understanding the role and job of a product manager.

    Here are some book suggestions that have really helped me out in navigating product management:

    3 points
  • Andrew C, over 4 years ago

    Nothing wrong w being a product manager but it bothers me in the depths of my being most designers feel they have to switch over to PM in order to do meaningful product strategy.

    I personally like Jared Spools "no as a strategy" idea. No is the default answer when adding new features and it's the job of the PM/designer/exec to do enough research to get that no to a yes.

    1 point
  • Marc Obieglo, over 4 years ago

    why'd you made the switch? I'm currently thinking where my career could be heading. i would like to stay close to product, but not as a ui designer anymore.

    1 point
  • Andu PotoracAndu Potorac, over 4 years ago

    This should help: http://svpg.com.

    0 points
  • Scott ThomasScott Thomas, over 4 years ago

    I'm not a product manager, but I know our biggest pain point is lack of feature road map or prioritization in the upcoming sprints. Mainly because we inundated with requests when X feature being worked on.

    0 points
  • Pedro PintoPedro Pinto, over 4 years ago

    Congratulations Craig. Are you going to be the only PM in the company?

    0 points