Oct10: Essential Education, Knowledge and Skills for Product Management Success w/Saeed Khan

Transcript from Oct 10, 2011:
Global Product Management Talk w/ Saeed Khan, Expert, OnProductManagement.net
Essential Education, Knowledge and Skills for Product Management Success
NEWS: http://bit.ly/ouZN8J FB: http://on.fb.me/ncKUD8 Site: http://bit.ly/dESAcb Podcast: http://bit.ly/nbw9Yr

Saeed W. Khan is an experienced hi-tech product manager and
marketer with deep experience in enterprise and data center
software. Khan is a career Product Manager with over 14 years
experience in startups and public companies, in Toronto and
Silicon Valley, in roles ranging from individual contributor to Vice
President of Product Management. Saeed writings can be found
on his blog, OnProductManagement.net and on the Pragmatic
Marketing website.

Saeed was a contributor to the book, Software Product
Management, Issues and Perspectives ISBN: 978-81-314-1589-4.
He speaks widely on the topic of Product Management, including
as a keynote speaker at the 2008 Software Marketing
Perspectives conference in Santa Clara, California and at
Podcast: http://bit.ly/oH03PL numerous ProductCamps. He is one of the coordinators of
Links: http://pack.li/3x ProductCamp Toronto.

"This is my second time leading the discussion with the Global Product Management talk community," commented
Saeed. “I enjoy participating in this talk regularly and view it as an educational event for product managers to share
their knowledge and experience.”

INTRO
There are few if any formal education programs for technology product management. There are some university
courses and well known short training classes that give an introduction to the topic. But given the breadth of skills
(business, technical, organizational, etc.) needed by technology product managers, and the laments we hear from
people working in the field, what is really needed to fill the gap? What are the essential skills, knowledge, tools, etc.
that can help lead someone to success?

QUESTIONS
Q1 Business Skills: What are the business skills or knowledge needed to enter the product management field?
Q2 Technical Skills: What are the technical skills or knowledge needed to enter the field?
Q3 Hard skills/knowledge: What other hard skills or knowledge are needed to enter the field?
Q4 Soft skills/knowledge: What other soft skills or knowledge are needed to enter the field?
Q5 In Retrospect: What skills do you have today that you wish you had when you first became a product manager?
Q6 Experience: How or where did you learn those skills?
Q7 Transition: As one moves from individual contributor to manager, what new knowledge is needed?
Q8 Managing: What abilities and knowledge do Product Management Executives need as compared to those who
report to them?
New question: What would your ideal Product Management Course of study include if you were teacher?

MENTIONED DURING TALK
The Personal MBA http://bit.ly/qR4WPb
Learning Theories and Learning Domains http://bit.ly/oHRL1f
5 Whys Method http://bit.ly/nDakds
Ries & Trout's "immutable laws of marketing" http://bit.ly/odRpSo
University level Product Management related courses http://bit.ly/qB9txw
Ries & Trout's MARKETING WARFARE http://bit.ly/nFXKBo
_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Sponsor us http://bit.ly/gF0Tt3 Thank you http://bit.ly/phTOWh 1

GLOBAL PRODUCT MANAGEMENT TALK http://www.prodmgmttalk.com @prodmgmttalk #prodmgmttalk


TWEET CHRONOLOGY

saeedwkhan Join me 4 Essential Knowledge & Skills for Product Management Success http://t.co/PjrTkyYu
#prodmgmt #prodmgmttalk -3:19 PM Oct 10th, 2011

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10th, 2011

cindyfsolomon See a list of all the twitter chats: over 520 and growing! Twitter Chat Schedule http://t.co/Dmwu0Ucl -
3:49 PM Oct 10th, 2011

cindyfsolomon Discussion questions from each talk http://t.co/AJlZtCOh Today’s questions: http://t.co/XHSwLr5i -3:50
PM Oct 10th, 2011

cindyfsolomon If you're NOT showing up in twitter search, follow these instructions http://t.co/0EhQIXiX -3:50 PM Oct
10th, 2011

cindyfsolomon I'm co-hosting w/Adrienne @brainmates & speaker Saeed W. Khan @saeedwkhan @onpm
http://t.co/aM0gueiz -3:52 PM Oct 10th, 2011

cindyfsolomon You're welcome to call in to talk w us today! (323) 927-2957 -3:57 PM Oct 10th, 2011

cindyfsolomon We're broadcasting live on the air! Listen in now at http://t.co/DFvjS2Fp #BlogTalkRadio -3:57 PM Oct
10th, 2011

brainmates About to start our weekly discussion. Its with @saeedwkhan & we're talking about knowledge & skills for
Product Managers -3:59 PM Oct 10th, 2011

cindyfsolomon Today: Please follow @saeedwkhan @prodmgmttalk@cindyfsolomon @brainmates and use
hashtag #prodmgmttalk -3:59 PM Oct 10th, 2011

cindyfsolomon Our format: we post questions Q1, Q2, Q3 please answer using A1, A2, A3 -4:00 PM Oct 10th, 2011

cindyfsolomon Discussion questions from each talk http://t.co/AJlZtCOh Today’s questions: http://t.co/XHSwLr5i -4:01
PM Oct 10th, 2011

VFigatelix hello! already logged in from Caracas, Venezuela #prodmgmttalk -4:02 PM Oct 10th, 2011

JohnsonTC joining #prodmgmttalk with @cindysolomon and @saeedwkhan @onpm http://t.co/2XQss6B9 -4:02 PM
Oct 10th, 2011

cindyfsolomon Please introduce yourself: where you're tweeting from, your involvement w/product management when
you come in! #prodmgmttalk -4:03 PM Oct 10th, 2011

cindyfsolomon This is Cindy, your co-host, tweeting from across the bay from San Francisco -4:04 PM Oct 10th, 2011

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brainmates Hello @JohnsonTC, @VFigatelix. Thanks for joining us today. #prodmgmttalk -4:04 PM Oct 10th, 2011

lmckeogh Checking in for the first 15 minutes on the road in Denver today #prodmgmttalk -4:04 PM Oct 10th, 2011

JohnsonTC Tim is following from Sunnyvale #prodmgmttalk -4:04 PM Oct 10th, 2011

brainmates This is Adrienne, your co-host, tweeting from Sydney, Australia. I am a lead consultant at brainmates
#prodmgmttalk -4:04 PM Oct 10th, 2011

carlymicallef joining #prodmgmttalk from Sydney, AU. -4:04 PM Oct 10th, 2011

saeedwkhan Hi everyone. Just getting started with the #prodmgmttalk today. Talking about skills and tools needed for
successful #prodmgmt. -4:05 PM Oct 10th, 2011

cindyfsolomon Here are resources for today's talk http://t.co/aM0gueiz -4:05 PM Oct 10th, 2011

cindyfsolomon Welcome @johnsonTC @lmckeogh @carlymicallef@lizrice @saeedwkhan @brainmates -4:05 PM Oct
10th, 2011

cindyfsolomon Q1 Business Skills: What are the business skills or knowledge needed to enter the product
management field? #prodmgmttalk -4:06 PM Oct 10th, 2011

cindyfsolomon Our format: we post questions Q1, Q2, Q3 please answer using A1, A2, A3 #prodmgmttalk -4:06 PM
Oct 10th, 2011

brainmates A1 Business Skills = Knowing your way around a Profit & Loss statement is important for #prodmgmt

carlymicallef @brainmates hi thanks! Yep I'm a product manager from FOXTEL. First time I've been able to join the
talk live. #prodmgmttalk -4:06 PM Oct 10th, 2011

saeedwkhan Want to have a lively discussion on what is needed and what are the gaps for educating #prodmgmt
professionals. #prodmgmttalk -4:07 PM Oct 10th, 2011

lmckeogh A1: always good to start with the basics and do you understand profit, loss, COGs, ROI & some rudimentary
financial terms #prodmgmttalk -4:07 PM Oct 10th, 2011

JohnsonTC A1 in addition to P&L, how sales process works, how customers view value #prodmgmttalk -4:08 PM Oct
10th, 2011

saeedwkhan @lmckeogh - where do people who don't have those basic business skills go to get them?

saeedwkhan @johnsonTC -- same question. Where do #prodmgmt newbies go to learn that? #prodmgmttalk -4:09 PM
Oct 10th, 2011

cindyfsolomon welcome caller, please speak up so we can hear you! -4:09 PM Oct 10th, 2011

lmckeogh @JohnsonTC : how customers view value would be a more advanced skill. Very useful IMO #prodmgmttalk
-4:09 PM Oct 10th, 2011

brainmates @saeedwkhan: @lmckeogh - Product Managers can learn fr those within the business first #prodmgmttalk
-4:10 PM Oct 10th, 2011
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lmckeogh @saeedwkhan: got mine through a biz law class in high school and being cognizant in life #prodmgmttalk -
4:10 PM Oct 10th, 2011

saeedwkhan Is there a need for some business basics training for product managers? both new and experienced?

JohnsonTC @saeedwkhan community college accounting course to start with acctg principles, carry a bag
#prodmgmttalk http://t.co/2XQss6B9 -4:11 PM Oct 10th, 2011

cindyfsolomon A1 I learned thru being an entrepreneur, running other people's biz, owning smll biz & reporting to
CEOs -4:11 PM Oct 10th, 2011

brainmates It would be great. RT @saeedwkhan: Is there a need for some business basics training for product
managers? #prodmgmttalk -4:11 PM Oct 10th, 2011

lmckeogh Failure is a great teacher. Need to approach right way. Don't lose it all at any 1 point but like many things,
iterate #prodmgmttalk -4:11 PM Oct 10th, 2011

JohnsonTC If you don't know biz basics, you shouldn't be in PM -4:12 PM Oct 10th, 2011

saeedwkhan So, it seems right now, it's all adhoc learning -#prodmgmttalk -4:12 PM Oct 10th, 2011

VFigatelix A1: I believe in reading for starters My favorite The Product Manager's Handbook #prodmgmttalk -4:12 PM
Oct 10th, 2011

brainmates I know lots of PMs without basic biz skills. RT @JohnsonTC: If you dont know biz basics, you shouldnt be
in PM #prodmgmttalk -4:13 PM Oct 10th, 2011

brainmates I know lots of PMs without basic biz skills. RT@JohnsonTC: If you dont know biz basics, you shouldnt be
in PM #prodmgmttalk -4:13 PM Oct 10th, 2011

VFigatelix @saeedwkhan So, it seems right now, it's all adhoc learning - So true!! #prodmgmttalk -4:13 PM Oct 10th,
2011

JohnsonTC @brainmates how effective are they if they can't build a basic business case? -4:14 PM Oct 10th, 2011

Brioneja @brainmates Do you think that reduces their chances of success? #prodmgmttalk -4:14 PM Oct 10th, 2011

annanthem @brainmates Are they successful? #prodmgmttalk -4:14 PM Oct 10th, 2011

VFigatelix A1: there are some talents that if u r born with the PM job gets easier: Empathy #prodmgmttalk -4:14 PM
Oct 10th, 2011

carlymicallef I really enjoyed the personal MBA book. ekindle version teaches everything from finance to marketing
http://bit.ly/qR4WPb #prodmgmttalk -4:14 PM Oct 10th, 2011

brainmates As a senior PM consultant, I learn fr the community (u guys), by reading, & I have a mentor who is very
experienced. #prodmgmttalk -4:14 PM Oct 10th, 2011

cindyfsolomon A1 Basic biz learning is available in undergrad classes -4:14 PM Oct 10th, 2011

_______________________________________________________________________________________________




lmckeogh Rather than adhoc, get a mentor RT @saeedwkhan: So, it seems right now, its all adhoc learning

cindyfsolomon Welcome @annanthem -4:14 PM Oct 10th, 2011

brainmates They get products to market. Whether its the right product is another matter RT @annanthem: Are they
successful? #prodmgmttalk -4:15 PM Oct 10th, 2011

ProdMgmtTalk Moving on: Q2 Technical Skills: What are the technical skills or knowledge needed to enter the field?

saeedwkhan @lmckeogh - but that's still somewhat adhoc...i.e. not a formal curriculum for example. #prodmgmttalk -
4:15 PM Oct 10th, 2011

lmckeogh A1: Because product management knowledge can be very broad a good apprenticeship should be
considered #prodmgmttalk -4:15 PM Oct 10th, 2011

brainmates Yes absolutely RT @Brioneja: Do you think that reduces their chances of success? #prodmgmttalk -4:16
PM Oct 10th, 2011

annanthem RT @JohnsonTC: joining #prodmgmttalk with @cindysolomon and @saeedwkhan @onpm
http://t.co/2XQss6B9 -4:16 PM Oct 10th, 2011

brainmates I like this book too. RT @carlymicallef: I really enjoyed the personal MBA book. #prodmgmttalk -4:16 PM
Oct 10th, 2011

cindyfsolomon You're welcome to call in! GUEST CALL-IN (323) 927-2957 -4:16 PM Oct 10th, 2011

Brioneja @brainmates Launching the wrong products to market means a lot of resources wasted #prodmgmttalk -4:16
PM Oct 10th, 2011

saeedwkhan Any thoughts on Q2 - basic technical skills needed to enter the field? #prodmgmttalk -4:16 PM Oct 10th,
2011

cindyfsolomon We're on Q2: Today’s questions:http://t.co/XHSwLr5i -4:16 PM Oct 10th, 2011

lmckeogh A2: tech skills can be both hard & soft. Hard would be domain. Soft would be working w/ ppl & getting results
w/o authorithy #prodmgmttalk -4:17 PM Oct 10th, 2011

JohnsonTC A2 don't have to be a programmer but MUST have appreciation for coding process. QA is a good teacher -
4:17 PM Oct 10th, 2011

brainmates Agree! But that is the sorry state of #prodmgmt RT @Brioneja: Launching wrong prods to market means a
lot of resources wasted #prodmgmttalk -4:17 PM Oct 10th, 2011

cindyfsolomon Q2: Technical skills specific to the product line/industry you're in. In web services, knew HTML &
design -4:17 PM Oct 10th, 2011

VFigatelix A2: Goal oriented, have focus, be tech savvy, active listener... 2 name a few #prodmgmttalk -4:18 PM Oct
10th, 2011

brainmates A2: I think you need to have an appreciation for technical concepts rather than hard technical skills such as
programming. #prodmgmttalk -4:18 PM Oct 10th, 2011
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cindyfsolomon Q2: Customer support is also a good teacher - hands on use of the product & problems of using it -
4:18 PM Oct 10th, 2011

VFigatelix A2: Sorry I was talking Biz skills before: Goal oriented, have focus, be tech savvy, active listener

carlymicallef A2: I couldn't live without analytics for my web products and some basic HTML/CSS understanding.
#prodmgmttalk-4:18 PM Oct 10th, 2011

cindyfsolomon A2 depending on who you interface with - must appreciate their tech skills & understand their dev
process -4:19 PM Oct 10th, 2011

lmckeogh Gotta run. Will have to catch transcript later.#prodmgmttalk -4:19 PM Oct 10th, 2011

saeedwkhan @carlymicallef -- what analytics knowledge do you need? #prodmgmttalk? -4:19 PM Oct 10th, 2011

PmDude A2: It helps to be completely immersed in the technology, or attuned to the technology. As much a mindset
as a skill #prodmgmttalk -4:20 PM Oct 10th, 2011

JohnsonTC A2 the more tech the product, the more important domain expertise is -4:20 PM Oct 10th, 2011

VFigatelix Q2: @saeewkhan But are there gnrl tech skills to be learned? or are they all product specific?

annanthem A2: Isn't product planning the key "technical" or functional skill of a product manager? -4:20 PM Oct 10th,
2011

VFigatelix @saeedwkhan But are there gnrl tech skills to be learned? or are they all product specific? #prodmgmttalk -
4:21 PM Oct 10th, 2011

brainmates I like that answer RT @annanthem: A2: Isnt product planning the key "technical" or functional skill of a
product manager? #prodmgmttalk -4:21 PM Oct 10th, 2011

cindyfsolomon Welcome from London, Anna ! @anananthem -4:21 PM Oct 10th, 2011

cindyfsolomon RT @PmDude: A2: It helps to be completely immersed in the technology, or attuned to the technology.
As much a mindset as a skill #prodmgmttalk -4:21 PM Oct 10th, 2011

joshua_d RT @lmckeogh: Rather than adhoc, get a mentor RT @saeedwkhan: So, it seems right now, its all adhoc
learning #prodmgmttalk -4:21 PM Oct 10th, 2011

saeedwkhan @VFigatelix Things like understanding SW dev process, technology space U R in etc. stuff like that at
minimum. #prodmgmttalk -4:21 PM Oct 10th, 2011

saeedwkhan For business+technical skills - is that one person's job or should we be thinking of a team with those
skills? #prodmgmttalk -4:22 PM Oct 10th, 2011

cindyfsolomon Welcome @joshua_d -4:23 PM Oct 10th, 2011

cindyfsolomon Q3 Hard skills/knowledge: What other hard skills or knowledge are needed to enter the field? -4:23 PM
Oct 10th, 2011

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VFigatelix @saeedwkhan I'd like to think of skills regardless of the type of product: Tech savvy is one example

joshua_d RT @JohnsonTC: A2 the more tech the product, the more important domain expertise is #prodmgmttalk -
4:24 PM Oct 10th, 2011

cindyfsolomon Coming Q3 & Q4 of hard and softskills: What other hard & soft skills or knowledge are needed? -4:24
PM Oct 10th, 2011

rcauvin A1/A2/A3: The #1 talent great #prodmgmt professionals share is learning: both acquisitive & emergent.

JohnsonTC A3: Negotiation skills, leadership, making hard decisions, saying no -4:25 PM Oct 10th, 2011

cindyfsolomon Today's questions: http://t.co/XHSwLr5i looking to insite debate! -4:25 PM Oct 10th, 2011

VFigatelix @cindyfsolomon A3: being analytic; learning business or marketing also helps a great deal! #prodmgmttalk -
4:25 PM Oct 10th, 2011

cindyfsolomon RT @rcauvin: A1/A2/A3: The #1 talent great#prodmgmt professionals share is learning: both acquisitive
& emergent. #prodmgmttalk -4:25 PM Oct 10th, 2011

joshua_d ++1 “@rcauvin: A1/A2/A3: The #1 talent great #prodmgmt professionals share is learning: both acquisitive &
emergent. #prodmgmttalk” -4:26 PM Oct 10th, 2011

saeedwkhan @rcauvin - I really think domain knowledge is very important #prodmgmttalk -4:26 PM Oct 10th, 2011

rcauvin Acquisition: active, self-motivated learning. #prodmgmt #prodmgmttalk -4:26 PM Oct 10th, 2011

cindyfsolomon What if someone is just smart and has a point of view about making good products & has no
experience? -4:26 PM Oct 10th, 2011

annanthem Intellectual curiosity tops my list ..... -4:26 PM Oct 10th, 2011

hi1arion RT @brainmates: RT @scharnell: Join @saeedwkhan Essential Knowledge & Skills for Product Management
Success http://t.co/BIjr8Yil #prodmgmt #prodmgmttalk -4:26 PM Oct 10th, 2011

saeedwkhan @rcauvin @joshua_d -- isn't learning important in most professional jobs? What is specific to #prodmgmt
? #prodmgmttalk -4:27 PM Oct 10th, 2011

cindyfsolomon Welcome @hi1arion ! -4:27 PM Oct 10th, 2011

rcauvin Emergence: synthesis of existing knowledge & creation of new knowledge. #prodmgmt #prodmgmttalk -4:27
PM Oct 10th, 2011

brainmates No! Functional skills gets u a long way RT @saeedwkhan: @rcauvin - I really think domain knowledge is
very important #prodmgmttalk -4:27 PM Oct 10th, 2011

JohnsonTC @cindyfsolomon see Steve Jobs. I.E.: need drive to go with vision and enthusiasm. -4:28 PM Oct 10th,
2011

cindyfsolomon But how do you get domain knowledge? -4:28 PM Oct 10th, 2011

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brainmates Agree RT @saeedwkhan: @rcauvin @joshua_d -- isnt learning important in most professional jobs? What
is specific to #prodmgmt? #prodmgmttalk -4:28 PM Oct 10th, 2011

rcauvin @saeedwkhan Great #prodmgmt typically requires special kinds of learning: acquisition & emergence.

cindyfsolomon RT @JohnsonTC: joining #prodmgmttalk with @cindysolomon and @saeedwkhan @onpm -4:28
PM Oct 10th, 2011

saeedwkhan @rcauvin -- but that's true for marketing, sales, etc. i.e. it's a general requirement. #prodmgmttalk -4:28
PM Oct 10th, 2011

VFigatelix @brainmates also to go from tactic to strategic on the same day! versatile is a hard skill to learn!

carlymicallef @saeedwkhan @brainmates user experience skills, ability to conduct customer research, write personas,
user testing.#prodmgmttalk -4:29 PM Oct 10th, 2011

ProdMgmtTalk @rcauvin - are you listening? @saeedwkhan is trying to incite a debate! #prodmgmttalk -4:29 PM Oct
10th, 2011

rcauvin @saeedwkhan No. Other forms of learning suffice for many other professions. #prodmgmttalk #prodmgmt -
4:29 PM Oct 10th, 2011

StefanieM Being able to transfer ideas/solutions from 1 domain to another accelerates progress across domains. -
4:29 PM Oct 10th, 2011

annanthem @saeedwkhan That is why I prefer Intellectual Curiosity. Less about learning and more about "seeding
your brain" #prodmgmttalk -4:29 PM Oct 10th, 2011

carlymicallef our products wouldn't be what they are today without UX all product managers should be all over it!

ProdMgmtTalk There you go @carlymicallef insists that PMs need UX experience/knowledge to be excellent!

brainmates Absolutely RT @StefanieM: Being able to transfer ideas/solutions from 1 domain to another accelerates
progress across domains #prodmgmttalk -4:30 PM Oct 10th, 2011

saeedwkhan Q5 - What are the biggest GAPs that exist in skills/knowledge of PMs that need to be addressed?

joshua_d @saeedwkhan Don't disagree, it is important to all jobs. Just very apparent when #prodmgmt fails to learn
and apply #prodmgmttalk -4:31 PM Oct 10th, 2011

saeedwkhan @StefanieM Agreed. That's where domain knowledge needs to come in. Connecting the dots! :-)

ProdMgmtTalk Welcome @StefanieM Agree! Ablty to transfer ideas/solutions from 1 domain to another accelerates
progress across domains #prodmgmttalk -4:31 PM Oct 10th, 2011

rcauvin Great #prodmgmt doesn't come from accretive or transmissive learning. Acquisition & emergence are
differentiators.#prodmgmttalk -4:32 PM Oct 10th, 2011
_______________________________________________________________________________________________




annanthem RT @StefanieM: Being able to transfer ideas/solutions from 1 domain to another accelerates progress
across domains. -4:32 PM Oct 10th, 2011

ProdMgmtTalk @saeedwkhan says There's a ramp up time (I call it learning curve) when crossing domains & new
products #prodmgmttalk -4:32 PM Oct 10th, 2011

VFigatelix Q5: biggest GAP: customer focus! that's why so many fail #prodmgmttalk -4:33 PM Oct 10th, 2011

rcauvin Domain knowledge comes from learning. Great #prodmgmtis about aggressive acquisition & creation of that
knowledge. #prodmgmttalk -4:33 PM Oct 10th, 2011

rcauvin Ah, yes. The "ramp-up" time argument. Applies well to conventional learners. #prodmgmt #prodmgmttalk -4:34
PM Oct 10th, 2011

carlymicallef @VFigatelix totally agree! recommend going and listening to customers calls if you can, its a good laugh
and u learn so much! #prodmgmttalk -4:34 PM Oct 10th, 2011

derrekcooper RT @ProdMgmtTalk There you go @carlymicallef insists that PMs need UX experience/knowledge to be
excellent! #prodmgmttalk (agree UX is key) -4:34 PM Oct 10th, 2011

annanthem @ProdMgmtTalk @saeedwkhan Considerably less ramp up time / learning curve for PMs with transferable
functional skills though. #prodmgmttalk -4:34 PM Oct 10th, 2011

cindyfsolomon @saeedwkhan talking about details: lack of domain knowledge -4:34 PM Oct 10th, 2011

cindyfsolomon Welcome @derrekcooper ! -4:35 PM Oct 10th, 2011

VFigatelix @saaedwkhan " the learning curve" I rather have a good PM than a Product Expert #prodmgmttalk -4:35
PM Oct 10th, 2011

saeedwkhan @rcauvin -- are you on the skype cast listening in? Or are you just psychic? :-) #prodmgmttalk -4:36 PM
Oct 10th, 2011

cindyfsolomon Welcome @joshuatanjh -4:36 PM Oct 10th, 2011

StefanieM Problem often is that what customers THINK they need, is not really the solution. it'ProdMgmers need to
realize that #Prodmgmttalk -4:36 PM Oct 10th, 2011

rcauvin Four different types of learning: accretion, transmission, acquisition, emergence. Must understand the
differences. #prodmgmt #prodmgmttalk -4:36 PM Oct 10th, 2011

cindyfsolomon @VFigatelix You need both: product manager who is expert on product... -4:36 PM Oct 10th, 2011

JohnsonTC Agreed! w/out cust focus, y bother? @VFigatelix Q5: biggest GAP: customer focus! that's why so many
fail -4:37 PM Oct 10th, 2011

saeedwkhan @VFigatelix - agreed, but a good PM without proper context is not a good PM. #prodmgmttalk -4:37 PM
Oct 10th, 2011

cindyfsolomon @rcauvin please distinguish types of learning! -4:37 PM Oct 10th, 2011

_______________________________________________________________________________________________




brainmates RT @StefanieM: Pblm often is that what customers THINK they need, is not really the solution.
ProdMgmers need to realize that #prodmgmttalk -4:37 PM Oct 10th, 2011

rcauvin Accretion & transmission are conventional learning. Acquisition & emergence are exceptional. #prodmgmt

VFigatelix @cindyfsolomon @saaedwkhan does the amount of product expertise depends on the type of product?

cindyfsolomon @lizrice did you call in from Palo Alto earlier? -4:38 PM Oct 10th, 2011
saeedwkhan Q5 - Customer focus is a system problem in companies, and not always a #prodmgmt gap.
brainmates Or a process pblm? RT @saeedwkhan: Q5 - Customer focus is a system problem in companies, and
not always a #prodmgmt gap. #prodmgmttalk -4:38 PM Oct 10th, 2011
cindyfsolomon Can you provide specific definitions/context @rcauvin? URL? -4:38 PM Oct 10th, 2011
saeedwkhan Actually that should have been A5 - Customer focus is a systematic problem .... #prodmgmttalk -4:38
PM Oct 10th, 2011
cindyfsolomon Welcome Melanie from Baltimore, MD! @baltomel -4:39 PM Oct 10th, 2011
saeedwkhan A5 - beyond customer/market focus, what other major gaps in skills/knowledge are you seeing?
cindyfsolomon We're jumping all over the page of questions: http://t.co/XHSwLr5i looking for debate &
disagreement! -4:39 PM Oct 10th, 2011
rcauvin Accretion: learning through experience. Transmission: being taught. #prodmgmt #prodmgmttalk -4:40 PM
Oct 10th, 2011
cindyfsolomon You're welcome to join @saeedwkhan Saeed, Adrienne @brainmates & myself! GUEST CALL-IN
(323) 927-2957 -4:40 PM Oct 10th, 2011
cindyfsolomon @rcauvin so accretion is hands-on immersion with product/ markt? -4:41 PM Oct 10th, 2011
saeedwkhan A5 - Gaps? What about things like leadership skills, managing people (up and down), strategic
planning etc? #prodmgmttalk -4:41 PM Oct 10th, 2011
brainmates A5: I see that ProdMgers don't have a good #prodmgmt framework to help guide decisions. Many use
'gut feel' #prodmgmttalk -4:41 PM Oct 10th, 2011
rcauvin @cindyfsolomon Definitions of types of learning: http://t.co/YKN16c1r #prodmgmt #prodmgmttalk -4:41 PM
Oct 10th, 2011
cindyfsolomon Do MBAs or Engineers make better product managers? -4:42 PM Oct 10th, 2011
VFigatelix Q5: in retrospection I'd have love to have more patience and selective about "good idea" to develop
cindyfsolomon RT @rcauvin: @cindyfsolomon Definitions of types of learning: http://t.co/YKN16c1r #prodmgmt
VFigatelix @brainmates I see that ProdMgers don't have a good #prodmgmt framework to help guide decisions -
SO SO TRUE #prodmgmttalk -4:42 PM Oct 10th, 2011
saeedwkhan A5 - Gaps? Or formal data collection or analysis techniques? Sales techniques (to sell ideas, convince
others etc.)? #prodmgmttalk -4:42 PM Oct 10th, 2011

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StefanieM I'd add sense of direction/a clear roadmap RT @saeedwkhan: A5 - Gaps? #prodmgmttalk -4:42 PM Oct
10th, 2011
VFigatelix @cindyfsolomon I'd have to vote for engineers - and just from my experience #prodmgmttalk -4:43 PM
Oct 10th, 2011
saeedwkhan @brainmates -- A5 - problem is there are 2 many frameworks... all kind of look similar. :-)
brainmates Find one that works for ur biz. RT @saeedwkhan: Problem is there are 2 many frameworks... all kind of
look similar. :-) #prodmgmttalk -4:44 PM Oct 10th, 2011
cindyfsolomon re: frameworks all focussed on different aspects of the whole picture -4:44 PM Oct 10th, 2011
rcauvin @cindyfsolomon No. Accretion is sitting around absorbing information. Not what distinguishes great
#prodmgmt. #prodmgmttalk -4:44 PM Oct 10th, 2011
saeedwkhan @stefanieM --clear direction is not a skill though -- it's a symptom of a larger problem. #prodmgmttalk -
4:44 PM Oct 10th, 2011
cindyfsolomon Thanks @rcauvin Added to list of resources http://t.co/aM0gueiz -4:44 PM Oct 10th, 2011
baltomel I'd say Engineers with great communication skills.@cindyfsolomon -4:45 PM Oct 10th, 2011
VFigatelix @saeedwkhan But aren't there basic variables to help decided that cross many frameworks: Strategic,
Complexity, Earnings...? #prodmgmttalk -4:45 PM Oct 10th, 2011
rcauvin @cindyfsolomon Acquisition is pro-active, resourceful, and self-motivated immersion. #prodmgmt
VFigatelix RT @baltomel: Id say Engineers with great communication skills #prodmgmttalk #prodmgmttalk -4:46 PM
Oct 10th, 2011
saeedwkhan @rcauvin PMs need 2 learn in many kinds of ways as people communicate in many kinds of ways. i.e.
all forms are important #prodmgmttalk -4:46 PM Oct 10th, 2011
cindyfsolomon @baltomel Yes, engineers w/great communication skills - but do they have biz/financial ability?
brainmates Depends on the person & desire to know & satisfy customer RT @cindyfsolomon: Do MBAs/Engineers
make better product managers? #prodmgmttalk -4:46 PM Oct 10th, 2011
saeedwkhan @rcauvin but seeing patterns and connecting the dots and then evangelizing that is most important
carlymicallef @cindyfsolomon Engineers with passion and common sense! Or even better computer scientists which
is the degree I have #prodmgmttalk -4:47 PM Oct 10th, 2011
joshuatanjh @cindyfsolomon thanks. just listening in. new to #prdmgmt. definitely agree domain knowledge is
essential. #prodmgmttalk -4:47 PM Oct 10th, 2011
cindyfsolomon @saeedwkhan says education is necessary- but can't generalize which degree -4:47 PM Oct 10th,
2011
rcauvin @saeedwkhan Connecting the dots & creating new knowledge from the connections is emergent learning.
cindyfsolomon NEW QUESTION: What would your ideal Product Management Course of study include if you were
teacher? -4:48 PM Oct 10th, 2011
JohnsonTC A:New Question - 1) building a business case, 2)aspects of effective frameworks, 3) listening
techniques -4:50 PM Oct 10th, 2011

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saeedwkhan @rcauvin -- course probably would teach how to be a therapist. -4:50 PM Oct 10th, 2011
rcauvin Ideal #prodmgmt so we're in violent agreement :-) #prodmgmttalk -4:50 PM Oct 10th, 2011
saeedwkhan @johnstonTC can you explain 2) aspects of effective frameworks. #prodmgmttalk -4:51 PM Oct 10th,
2011
JohnsonTC A: New Question: 4) separating fly specks from black pepper - getting to what is important in all situs -
4:51 PM Oct 10th, 2011
cindyfsolomon Agree @rcauvin - PMs need therapeutic skills of listening, empathizing, reinforcing, reflecting -4:51
PM Oct 10th, 2011
VFigatelix A6: I would teach about what are we accountable for... about tools to select ideas, to calculate the size of
the opportunity #prodmgmttalk -4:51 PM Oct 10th, 2011
JohnsonTC @saeedwkhan which bits work, which are optional, which bits don't work -4:51 PM Oct 10th, 2011
StefanieM @saeedwkhan Good point (clear direction is part of a larger problem) #prodmgmttalk -4:52 PM Oct 10th,
2011
rcauvin @cindyfsolomon And getting to the root of problems!#prodmgmt #prodmgmttalk -4:52 PM Oct 10th, 2011
VFigatelix A6: learning how to use buyer and user personas, about segmenting ur market, about the interpersonal
skills needed #prodmgmttalk -4:52 PM Oct 10th, 2011
brainmates 1) Innovation principles & techniques 2) Clue hunting-how to find out what customers want 3) Getting
insights from financials #prodmgmttalk -4:52 PM Oct 10th, 2011
saeedwkhan @JohnsonTC Sorry - which bits of what?#prodmgmttalk -- sorry if I'm being a bit obtuse on this one. -
4:53 PM Oct 10th, 2011
carlymicallef @cindyfsolomon I would teach the 5 whys, helps PMs get to the bottom of what customers really
want. #prodmgmttalk http://t.co/L9CAfEhX -4:54 PM Oct 10th, 2011
rcauvin @saeedwkhan Not easy/likely to teach someone to be empathetic. But can teach therapy techniques.
JohnsonTC @saeedwkahn bits of the most popular/common frameworks that a PM can use -4:54 PM Oct 10th,
2011
ProdMgmtTalk RT @carlymicallef: teach 5 whys, help PMs get to the bottom of what customers really want.
#prodmgmttalk http://t.co/hfDLUIKG #prodmgmttalk -4:54 PM
baltomel Add in some human factors knowledge. Understanding how users are interacting w/ product.
ProdMgmtTalk @carymicallef 5 W's? who, what, where, when and why? #prodmgmttalk -4:55 PM Oct 10th, 2011
saeedwkhan @baltomel - what aspects of human factors would you add? #prodmgmttalk -4:56 PM Oct 10th, 2011
saeedwkhan @rcauvin after they learn therapy techniques, and apply them...then what? #prodmgmttalk
#prodmgmt -4:56 PM Oct 10th, 2011
rcauvin Ideal #prodmgmt course would also teach Ries & Trout's "immutable laws of marketing". #prodmgmt
cindyfsolomon Here's a mindmap of various University courses I discovered - please add to it! http://bit.ly/qB9txw -
4:56 PM Oct 10th, 2011
carlymicallef @cindyfsolomon you start with why you want this, then why again, repeat 5 times, often what they
think they want isnt true #prodmgmttalk -4:57 PM Oct 10th, 2011

_______________________________________________________________________________________________




anton_chuvakin RT @rcauvin: Ideal #prodmgmt course probably would teach how to be a therapist. -4:57 PM Oct
10th, 2011 @JohnsonTC Let's just create a new framework that works! :-) #prodmgmttalk #prodmgmt -4:57 PM
saeedwkhan
Oct 10th, 2011
cindyfsolomon Here's the link if it didn't work: http://bit.ly/qB9txw -4:57 PM Oct 10th, 2011
cindyfsolomon Welcome @anton_chuvakin ! -4:58 PM Oct 10th, 2011
brainmates That would be great! RT @saeedwkhan: @JohnsonTC Lets just create a new framework that works!
rcauvin @saeedwkhan An acquisitive/emergent learner applying therapy will result in an onslaught of market
insights. #prodmgmt #prodmgmttalk -4:59 PM Oct 10th, 2011
rcauvin @saeedwkhan Then need to apply the principles of marketing I mentioned (Ries & Trout). #prodmgmt
cindyfsolomon Ah - probing @carlymicallef Police detectives & lawyers use that method...! -5:00 PM Oct 10th,
2011
VFigatelix A6: teach the importance of the P in the Marketing Mix #prodmgmttalk -5:00 PM Oct 10th, 2011
saeedwkhan @rcauvin And then what? i.e when markets, technologies, economies etc. change? R&T don't help
there. #prodmgmttalk -5:00 PM Oct 10th, 2011
VFigatelix A6: teach the importance of the P in the Marketing Mix, I meant P=Product #prodmgmttalk -5:00 PM Oct
10th, 2011
cindyfsolomon Wow! we can keep talking as long as people want to stay! -5:00 PM Oct 10th, 2011
cindyfsolomon @saeedwkhan suggests "good pm/bad pm" when visiting customers... -5:01 PM Oct 10th, 2011
saeedwkhan Any other thoughts on this topic? i.e. what people need to learn? Surprised not much mention of
leadership. #prodmgmttalk -5:02 PM Oct 10th, 2011
rcauvin @saeedwkhan Are you kidding :-) Ries & Trout's MARKETING WARFARE is all about changing markets,
technologies, and economies. #prodmgmttalk -5:02 PM Oct 10th, 2011
ProdMgmtTalk Thank you @saeedwkhan for joining us today! The unedited transcript immediately available here:
http://t.co/2qtDBshN #prodmgmttalk -5:02 PM Oct 10th, 2011
ProdMgmtTalk @brainmates said "what about leadership?"#prodmgmttalk -5:02 PM Oct 10th, 2011
rcauvin RT @saeedwkhan: Any other thoughts on this topic? i.e. what people need to learn? Surprised not much
mention of leadership. #prodmgmttalk -5:03 PM Oct 10th, 2011
ProdMgmtTalk @saeedwkhan says "so many things beyond the product - managing across org & depts, managing
up & down - beyond product" #prodmgmttalk -5:03 PM Oct 10th, 2011
ProdMgmtTalk Please blog about your insights to today's talk to be reposted at http://t.co/89nt0ATG
ProdMgmtTalk Listen to Product Camp Radio http://t.co/8Cioislo Like us on facebook http://t.co/qVF86JIc
ProdMgmtTalk Contribute to the Global Product Management Talk blog http://t.co/yNqC2Ksu #prodmgmttalk -5:04
PM Oct 10th, 2011
brainmates Acc 2 @saeedwkhan #productmanager role is most cross functional role in any business.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________




ProdMgmtTalk Global Product Management Talk Speaker Schedule http://t.co/RrgV9wRq Subscribe to our
newsletter http://t.co/3bSifQnj #prodmgmttalk -5:05 PMRadiohttp://t.co/8Cioislo Like us on facebook
baltomel RT @ProdMgmtTalk: Listen to Product Camp Oct 10th, 2011
http://t.co/qVF86JIc #prodmgmttalk -5:05 PM Oct 10th, 2011
brainmates RT @ProdMgmtTalk: Global Product Management Talk Speaker Schedule http://t.co/x0X7lZCj
ProdMgmtTalk Resources from today's talk: http://t.co/hV2zrS6O Watch for edited transcript on slideshare and
recap on blog! #prodmgmttalk -5:06 PM Oct 10th, 2011
VFigatelix Thanks for the Talk! see you soon! #prodmgmttalk -5:06 PM Oct 10th, 2011
ProdMgmtTalk Thanks Saeed! @saeedwkhan @onpm @brainmates @cindyfsolomon and all participants!
saeedwkhan Thx everyone for participating today on skills needed for effective #prodmgmt. Great comments and
feedback. #prodmgmttalk -5:07 PM Oct 10th, 2011
ProdMgmtTalk Join us next week for Project Management vs. Product Management (vs Program Management?!)
brainmates RT @ProdMgmtTalk: Join us next week for Project Management vs. Product Management (vs Program
Management?!) #prodmgmttalk -5:09 PM Oct 10th, 2011
ProdMgmtTalk Join us next week: Distinctions between "Product" and "Project" Management with Robert Kelly
@rkelly976 @kellysolutions #prodmgmttalk -5:09 PM Oct 10th, 2011
brainmates RT @ProdMgmtTalk: Join us next week for Project Management vs. Product Management (vs Program
Management?!) #prodmgmttalk -5:09 PM Oct 10th, 2011
ProdMgmtTalk Join us next week: Distinctions between "Product" and "Project" Management with Robert Kelly
@rkelly976 @kellysolutions #prodmgmttalk -5:09 PM Oct 10th, 2011
ProdMgmtTalk Today's statistics: 274 tweets generated 300,868 impressions, reaching an audience of 27,496
saeedwkhan @rcauvin A debate for another day: military strategy is a bad fit for business strategy. Need a new way
of thinking. #prodmgmttalk -5:11 PM Oct 10th, 2011
rkelly976 Excited! @ProdMgmtTalk: Join us next week: Distinctions between "Product" & "Project" Management
w/ @rkelly976 @kellysolutions #prodmgmttalk -5:14 PM Oct 10th, 2011
carlymicallef Anyone wanting to learn about a/b testing I have a blog talking about setting it up and the results here
http://t.co/8wt0BRGp #prodmgmttalk -5:15 PM Oct 10th, 2011
ProdMgmtTalk Bravo! @saeedwkhan @cindyfsolomon @brainmates@rcauvin @lmckeogh @joshua_d @brioneja
@vfigatelix @mhowell @carlymicallef #prodmgmttalk -5:16 PM Oct 10th, 2011
ProdMgmtTalk RT @carlymicallef Anyone wanting to learn about a/b testing: I have blog about setting it up & results
http://t.co/kaa0le8f #prodmgmttalk -5:17 PM Oct 10th, 2011
ProdMgmtTalk Ovation! @johnsontc @joshuatanjh @baltomel@StefanieM @joshuatanjh @lizrice @anton_chuvaki
n@derrekcooper @annanthem @hi1arion #prodmgmttalk -5:20 PM Oct 10th, 2011
StefanieM Thanks! Good Talk RT @ProdMgmtTalk: Today's stats: 274 tweets generated 300,868 impressions,
reaching an audience of 27,496 #prodmgmttalk -5:22 PM Oct 10th, 2011
ProdMgmtTalk Excellent! @PmDude @rkelly976 @scharnell #prodmgmttalk -5:22 PM Oct 10th, 2011
Visit our website blog http://bit.ly/eOFmB6 for more information about weekly speakers, talk focus, & resources : http://www.prodmgmttalk.com

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Oct10: Essential Education, Knowledge and Skills for Product Management Success w/Saeed Khan

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Oct10: Essential Education, Knowledge and Skills for Product Management Success w/Saeed Khan