Investing in Your Growth as a Product Manager: Six Key Strategies
Written on
Chapter 1: The Importance of Self-Investment
There's a well-known adage that emphasizes the significance of self-investment. But what does this truly entail? Let's explore several methods to allocate resources toward your professional development as a product manager, which will yield substantial returns.
Section 1.1: Reforge Membership
If I could recommend one investment, it would undoubtedly be a membership with Reforge. While the annual fee of $2000 might seem steep, the benefits you receive are invaluable:
- Comprehensive Courses: These high-quality courses provide in-depth insights into various subjects, including monetization strategies, retention techniques, and data utilization. You won't find such excellence on platforms like Udemy or elsewhere.
- Active Slack Community: With access to thousands of fellow Reforge members, you can engage in discussions on numerous topics, making it a superior forum compared to r/ProductManagement.
Additionally, a Reforge membership adds significant value to your LinkedIn education section.
Section 1.2: Quality Newsletters
In a sea of product-related information online, distinguishing valuable content from the irrelevant can be challenging. Subscribing to high-quality newsletters can alleviate this problem:
- Instead of sifting through countless low-grade articles on Google, receive curated content directly in your inbox.
- This is also an excellent opportunity to learn something new each week. For starters, consider subscribing to:
- Lenny's Newsletter
- Product Compass
Subsection 1.2.1: Coaching and Mentorship
Engaging with a skilled coach can be tremendously beneficial. They provide fresh perspectives, pose thought-provoking questions, and offer unbiased feedback on your approach. While some coaches may offer their services for free, those with substantial expertise might not readily share their time.
To find a mentor, reach out to individuals you admire on LinkedIn and inquire about their willingness to guide you. You might also explore:
- PM Diego for interview coaching
- Productpeo for personalized product management coaching
Subsection 1.2.2: The Benefits of Therapy
Yes, you read that correctly—therapy! While not every product manager may face acute stress, we all carry unaddressed emotions, beliefs, and past experiences that can hinder our emotional intelligence.
And in a field where emotional intelligence is crucial, working through your challenges with a therapist can help you:
- Clarify your thoughts
- Reduce stress
- Enhance your enjoyment of your career
- Maintain emotional balance
This is one of the highest-return investments you can make.
Section 1.3: The Value of Conferences
Conferences may not always be the optimal learning environment, but they offer distinct advantages such as networking and inspiration. Building a robust network can yield various benefits:
- Access to consultations and insights from diverse individuals
- An expanded reach when pursuing new opportunities
- Potential new friendships
The inspiration gained from conferences can be profound. Spending a couple of days immersed in a learning environment, listening to industry leaders, and interacting with peers can spark numerous ideas for enhancing your own processes.
Personally, I find that a well-organized conference can sustain my motivation and energy for months, making it essential to attend periodically.
Chapter 2: Leveraging Books and Workshops
The first video, AI's Impact On 6 Product Manager Career Paths and Salary Growth, delves into how artificial intelligence is shaping product management roles and the potential for salary advancement.
The second video, I Managed $500M+ as a Product Manager | Top 3 Lessons Learned in 6 Years, shares invaluable lessons from a seasoned product manager who oversaw substantial budgets, providing insights that can guide your own journey.
To conclude, diving into quality books and participating in workshops can significantly enhance your theoretical knowledge. While practical experience is irreplaceable, a solid foundation in theory can maximize the benefits of your experiences.
Recommended workshops include:
- ProductTalk courses focused on continuous discovery
- Mind the Product courses covering fundamental product management concepts
For further reading, you can also check out my article on the top product management books available.