Aug 8: Why Become a product Manager w/Erika Andersen

Transcript from Aug 8/9, 2011:
Why would a Lawyer want to be a Product Manager?
Global Product Management Talk with Erika L. Andersen
http://www.prodmgmttalk Subscribe: http://bit.ly/ouZN8J FB: http://on.fb.me/ncKUD8
Listen to speaker & co-hosts! http://www.blogtalkradio.com/prodmgmttalk

Today's scheduled speaker, Tim C. Johnson, had a medical emergency. We are pleased to welcome Erika L.
Andersen who is jumping in at the last moment to lead our discussion and get her questions answered!

We asked her, “Why would a Lawyer want to be a Product Manager?”

“Lawyers have to specialize in order to survive, and I’m a generalist, I like to do it all. When I was a lawyer, I
was involved in a case that required someone who understood markets, technology, accounting and could
translate details between various people. I had to figure out the technology, which I did talking to Product
Managers and then translate it for the lawyers, accountants, economists and others involved in the $1
billion case. That was the perfect entry into looking at Product Management as a perfect fit for my skill set.”

Erika asks us, “Why become a Product Manager?” Today's questions are at http://on.fb.me/mZBWF6

Q1 Why did you decide to be or want to be a product manager?

Q2 What are the key attributes of successful product managers?

Q3 What are the key skills of successful product managers?

Q4 How did you break into product management? Internal promotion, deliberate change, etc.

Q5 When you’re interviewing for PM job, what questions should you ask to determine what the job really
entails and requires?

Q6 What do you do once you’re in the role: first steps, tools, actions?

ProdMgmtTalk We are recording the discussion between co-hosts, Cindy F. Solomon and Adrienne Tan
with our speaker, Erika L. Andersen. Listen to today’s episode: http://bit.ly/qVnzmz All episodes
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/prodmgmttalk

ProdMgmtTalk Never participated in a twitter chat? FAQs - http://bit.ly/i88OuC Join us!
How to participate in Global Prod Mgmt Talk http://bit.ly/i3f5Q7

ProdMgmtTalk Get ready! Join us at http://tweetchat.com/room/prodmgmttalk automatically appends
hashtag #prodmgmttalk (log into your twitter account)

ProdMgmtTalk Discussion questions from each talk http://on.fb.me/fFRi7b Links to Background
blogs/readings: http://bit.ly/o8Ad5D

Sponsor us http://bit.ly/gF0Tt3 and visit our sponsor link below!

1

Centercode = Better Beta Tests


ErikaLAndersen I'm leading my first TweetChat: #prodmgmttalk. "Breaking into Product Management".
Great for everyone. -12:45 PM Aug 8th, 2011

nickcoster Waiting in a Sydney bus queue. Looking forward to#prodmgmttalk at 9am (Sydney time) -3:20
PM Aug 8th, 2011

jidoctor getting ready for #prodmgmttalk w/ @ErikaLAndersen"breaking into #prodmgmt" in 20 min (7 pm
ET, 6 CT, 4 PT) -3:38 PM Aug 8th, 2011

brainmates @JohnsonTC @cindyfsolomon Very sad to hear that Tim can't join us today. Hope you feel
better #prodmgmttalk -3:48 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ProdMgmtTalk @cindyfsolomon just spoke to @JohnsonTC he's out of surgery for a detached retina and is
fine! Please send him well wishes! #prodmgmttalk -3:51 PM Aug 8th, 2011

lmckeogh RT @jidoctor: getting ready for #prodmgmttalk w/@ErikaLAndersen "breaking into #prodmgmt"
in 20 min (7 pm ET, 6 CT, 4 PT) -3:54 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ProdMgmtTalk Today's event questions and intro @ErikaLAndersenhttp://bit.ly/pw6uFB #prodmgmttalk -
3:54 PM Aug 8th, 2011

lmckeogh I'll be contributing shortly. RT @ProdMgmtTalk: Today's event questions and
intro @ErikaLAndersen http://bit.ly/pw6uFB#prodmgmttalk -3:55 PM Aug 8th, 2011

chattalks Never participated in a twitter chat? FAQs -http://bit.ly/i88OuC Join us! #prodmgmttalk -3:59 PM
Aug 8th, 2011

chattalks How to participate in Global Prod Mgmt Talk?http://bit.ly/i3f5Q7 #prodmgmttalk -3:59 PM Aug
8th, 2011

chattalks Have a product management related announcement, event, resource? Please direct
message @cindyfsolomon & tweet at end #prodmgmttalk -4:00 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ErikaLAndersen Hi, glad to be here talking about Breaking into Product Management #prodmgmttalk -4:00
PM Aug 8th, 2011

ProdMgmtTalk Welcome today's speaker @ErikaLAndersensuccessfully won $1 billion law case against the
IRS!#prodmgmttalk -4:00 PM Aug 8th, 2011


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maldyj Yay Erika! I'm there! “@ErikaLAndersen: I'm leading my 1st TweetChat: #prodmgmttalk "Breaking
into Product Management". Great for everyone.” -4:00 PM Aug 8th, 2011

chattalks Want to reach target audience of Product Management people? Sponsor Global Product
Management Talk!http://bit.ly/gF0Tt3 #prodmgmttalk -4:00 PM Aug 8th, 2011

MacMyDay http://t.co/4EmiDN4 RT @ErikaLAndersen leading my first TweetChat: #prodmgmttalk.
"Breaking into Product Management". Great for everyone. -4:01 PM Aug 8th, 2011

brainmates Hello Everyone. Its Adrienne in Sydney. Looking forward to
hearing @ErikaLAndersen speak. #prodmgmttalk -4:01 PM Aug 8th, 2011

maldyj woo hoo! :-) “@ProdMgmtTalk: Welcome today's speaker@ErikaLAndersen successfully won $1
billion law case against the IRS! #prodmgmttalk” -4:01 PM Aug 8th, 2011

chattalks Join us at http://tweetchat.com/room/prodmgmttalkautomatically appends
hashtag #prodmgmttalk -4:01 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ProdMgmtTalk Background for today's talk: Aug 8: Why become a product manager (if you're a
lawyer) http://bit.ly/pw6uFB#prodmgmttalk -4:01 PM Aug 8th, 2011

maldyj RT @chattalks: Never participated in a twitter chat? FAQs -http://bit.ly/i88OuC Join
us! #prodmgmttalk -4:01 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ErikaLAndersen @maldyj @ErikaLAndersen Welcome to @maldjywho I met I LegalTech
West. #prodmgmttalk -4:01 PM Aug 8th, 2011

chattalks Discussion questions from each talkhttp://on.fb.me/fFRi7b #prodmgmttalk -4:01 PM Aug 8th,
2011

chattalks Please introduce yourself: where you're tweeting from, your involvement w/product
management when you come in!#prodmgmttalk -4:02 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ProdMgmtTalk Welcome @maldyj @macmyday @chattalks@lmckeogh #prodmgmttalk -4:02 PM Aug 8th,
2011

chattalks This is Joy, your producer, tweeting from the SF bay area! #prodmgmttalk -4:02 PM Aug 8th, 2011


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maldyj Oddly we met IRL first! :-) “@ErikaLAndersen: Welcome to@maldjy who I met I LegalTech
West. #prodmgmttalk” -4:03 PM Aug 8th, 2011

chattalks If you're NOT showing up in twitter search, follow these instructions
http://bit.ly/kn5C #prodmgmttalk -4:03 PM Aug 8th, 2011

maldyj thanx! “@ProdMgmtTalk: Welcome @maldyj @macmyday @chattalks @lmckeogh
#prodmgmttalk” -4:03 PM Aug 8th, 2011

chattalks Please follow @ErikaLAndersen @prodmgmttalk@cindyfsolomon @brainmates and use
hashtag #prodmgmttalk#prodmgmttalk -4:04 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ProdMgmtTalk Intro @ErikaLAndersen Her education BS Accounting Brigham Young U, JD UMichigan Law
School, LL.M from Georgetown U Law Center #prodmgmttalk -4:04 PM Aug 8th, 2011

jidoctor #prodmgmttalk : jennifer here, in beautiful Mpls (and giving up time watching the red sox for this
Erika!) -4:04 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ProdMgmtTalk Intro @ErikaLAndersen Breadth and depth in multiple fields, including business,
engineering, design, law, and accounting #prodmgmttalk -4:04 PM Aug 8th, 2011

maldyj #PRODMGMTTALK intro: Tweeting from sunny SoCal, I'm a LexisNexis Customer Experience
Manager, I interface w/Product Mgmt often to bring VOC! -4:05 PM Aug 8th, 2011

sjohnson717 Steve Johnson, checking in from Virginia USA#prodmgmttalk -4:05 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ErikaLAndersen What's the score? RT @jidoctor: #prodmgmttalk : jennifer here, in beautiful Mpls (giving up
watching the red sox)#prodmgmttalk -4:05 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ProdMgmtTalk Intro @ErikaLAndersen Helped Fortune 500 company save over $1 billion through work as a
multidisciplinary hub#prodmgmttalk -4:05 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ProdMgmtTalk Here we go! Q1 Why did you decide to be or want to be a product
manager? #prodmgmttalk -4:06 PM Aug 8th, 2011

robpipe Joining from Albany NY outside at football practice!#prodmgmttalk -4:06 PM Aug 8th, 2011


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jidoctor @erikalandersen - game just starting....you're safe (for now); hey! we're honored to
have @sjohnson717 here today#prodmgmttalk -4:07 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ErikaLAndersen Question for everyone. I'd like to know! RT@ProdMgmtTalk: Here we go! Q1 Why did you
decide to be a product manager? #prodmgmttalk -4:07 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ProdMgmtTalk This is a question from @ErikaLAndersen for everyone! Please answer A1 (for me the title
defined what I was already doing) #prodmgmttalk -4:07 PM Aug 8th, 2011

bdoctor Barry from Minneapolis is joining instead of watching Twins v Redsox #prodmgmttalk -4:07 PM Aug
8th, 2011

jidoctor did anyone actually "select" to go into #prodmgmt? didn't we all just "fall into it"? #prodmgmttalk -
4:07 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ProdMgmtTalk Today we have doctors and lawyers in the house!#prodmgmttalk -4:08 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ErikaLAndersen How did you fall into it?RT @jidoctor: did anyone actually "select" to go
into #prodmgmt? #prodmgmttalk -4:08 PM Aug 8th, 2011

lmckeogh A1: Early on as an eng. had a "product marketer" that was talking to customers. That looked cool
to me & jumped at the chance #prodmgmttalk -4:08 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ProdMgmtTalk Welcome @jidoctor and @bdoctor both at the same time! #prodmgmttalk -4:09 PM Aug
8th, 2011

brainmates A1: I chose to go into #prodmgmt. Loved working on the BigPond product many years ago that I
decided #prodmgmtwas for me #prodmgmttalk -4:09 PM Aug 8th, 2011

lmckeogh A1: took 5 years to get the opportunity to make the switch #prodmgmttalk -4:09 PM Aug 8th,
2011

ErikaLAndersen So you actively went for it? RT @lmckeogh: A1: took 5 years to get the opportunity to make
the switch#prodmgmttalk -4:10 PM Aug 8th, 2011

MacMyDay @ProdMgmtTalk I second that. Although not a lawyer, but they're our
customers... #prodmgmttalk -4:10 PM Aug 8th, 2011


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jidoctor (something about the family that eats together - on diff computers - during #prodmgmttalk stays
together...)#prodmgmttalk -4:10 PM Aug 8th, 2011

robpipe A1: because someone had to take responsibility for the problems we had at the
time! #prodmgmttalk -4:10 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ProdMgmtTalk @sjohnson717 & everyone! please schedule to
present http://bit.ly/gQh7Vr Ask @jidoctor how much fun it is!#prodmgmttalk -4:10 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ErikaLAndersen Hee! RT @jidoctor: (something about the family that eats together on diff computers
during #prodmgmttalk stays together...) #prodmgmttalk -4:11 PM Aug 8th, 2011

lmckeogh @ErikaLAndersen : Yes, engineering was interesting, but wanted to influence more of prod. dev
and direction#prodmgmttalk -4:11 PM Aug 8th, 2011

nickcoster trying to follow the #prodmgmttalk from my iPad. Laptop battery has failed. -4:11 PM Aug 8th,
2011

MacMyDay A1 A product manager is probably an accidental position. Nobody decides really on becoming
one, but you slip into it. #prodmgmttalk -4:11 PM Aug 8th, 2011

bdoctor A1: I was mktg generalist & 1day had to mediate tween sales & dev. Kind of created the role at that
little co#prodmgmttalk -4:11 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ErikaLAndersen It looks like some of us stepped up to fill a void#prodmgmttalk -4:11 PM Aug 8th, 2011

christopherhanf RT @maldyj - #PRODMGMTTALK intro: Tweeting from sunny SoCal, I'm a LexisNexis
Customer Experience Manager, I interface w/Product Mgmt... -4:11 PM Aug 8th, 2011

saeedwkhan I got into #prodmgmt intentionally. got tired of watching people screw up products. Went
after and got a PM job and got it #prodmgmttalk -4:12 PM Aug 8th, 2011

brainmates RT @MacMyDay: A product manager is probably accidental position. Nobody decides really on
becoming one, but you slip into it. #prodmgmttalk -4:12 PM Aug 8th, 2011

jidoctor Q1 so, most of us appeared to do it cus no one else was (except @lmckeogh) - seems like an
"excuse" not a reason#prodmgmttalk -4:12 PM Aug 8th, 2011


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sjohnson717 Indeed. Nature abhors a vacuum. RT@ErikaLAndersen: It looks like some of us stepped up to
fill a void#prodmgmttalk -4:12 PM Aug 8th, 2011

maldyj A1: My role's not "true" Product Mgmt, but Cust Exp Mgmt interfacing heavily w/Products-I also fell
into it due to unmet needs #prodmgmttalk -4:12 PM Aug 8th, 2011

MacMyDay Makes sense if u know products already RT@sjohnson717 I was a programmer, then joined the
sales org. Started doing #prodmgmt #prodmgmttalk -4:13 PM Aug 8th, 2011

brainmates RT @saeedwkhan: I got into #prodmgmt intentionally. got tired of watching people screw up
products. #prodmgmttalk -4:13 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ProdMgmtTalk I started entrepreneur, sold hardware, had couple small biz, computerized a marketing firm,
worked for trademark lawyers... #prodmgmttalk -4:13 PM Aug 8th, 2011

nickcoster A1) it wasn't called #prodmgmt when I started doing it.#prodmgmttalk I called it product
improvement manager. A made up title. -4:13 PM Aug 8th, 2011

saeedwkhan Had done pretty much everything else tho. developer, customer support, technical writing
etc. #prodmgmttalk -4:13 PM Aug 8th, 2011

brainmates No! I made clear decision to move into it as well RT@ErikaLAndersen: I decided to deliberately
move into #prodmgmt. Insane? #prodmgmttalk -4:13 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ProdMgmtTalk Welcome @saeedwkhan @christopherhanf@nickcoster #prodmgmttalk -4:14 PM Aug 8th,
2011

ErikaLAndersen Is this common? RT @saeedwkhan: Had done pretty much everything else tho. developer,
customer support, technical writing etc. #prodmgmttalk -4:15 PM Aug 8th, 2011

lmckeogh @nickcoster : suppose I made up my title(s) too. Regardless, basic function was what interested
me.#prodmgmttalk -4:15 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ErikaLAndersen I made a deliberate choice to move into#prodmgmt. Insane? #prodmgmttalk -4:15 PM Aug
8th, 2011

nickcoster @ErikaLAndersen Yes. But you need to be a little crazy to agree to do everything expected of the
'role' #prodmgmttalk -4:15 PM Aug 8th, 2011


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ProdMgmtTalk @cindyfsolomon long road to recognizing that everything I had done fell under umbrella of
pm - esp. customer focus & user ease #prodmgmttalk -4:15 PM Aug 8th, 2011

sjohnson717 It seems to me that most product managers have broad experience first. Usually tech rather
than sales and marketing. #prodmgmttalk -4:16 PM Aug 8th, 2011

MacMyDay @ErikaLAndersen @saeedwkhan Probably to a degree. I've been down the dev path that
required some helping out with support #prodmgmttalk -4:16 PM Aug 8th, 2011

maldyj yesiree “@sjohnson717: Indeed. Nature abhors a vacuum. RT @ErikaLAndersen: It looks like some
of us stepped up to fill a void #prodmgmttalk” -4:16 PM Aug 8th, 2011

sjohnson717 But that's the fun part. RT @nickcoster: you need to be a little crazy to agree to do everything
expected of the role#prodmgmttalk -4:16 PM Aug 8th, 2011

lmckeogh @nickcoster : ignorance is bliss. #prodmgmttalk -4:16 PM Aug 8th, 2011

maldyj Ha! :-) “@brainmates: RT @saeedwkhan: I got into#prodmgmt intentionally. got tired of watching
people screw up products. #prodmgmttalk” -4:16 PM Aug 8th, 2011

StewartRogers @ProdMgmtTalk A1 - was asked to join PM team out of QA department. Still not sure why.
Haven' #prodmgmttalk -4:17 PM Aug 8th, 2011

brainmates My experience before #prodmgmt was in Billing, Internet Fraud, Credit & Collections. So no
engineering for me#prodmgmttalk -4:17 PM Aug 8th, 2011

StewartRogers @ProdMgmtTalk A1 - was asked to join PM team out of QA department. Still not sure why.
Haven' t looked back.#prodmgmttalk -4:17 PM Aug 8th, 2011

jidoctor agree w/ @cindyfsolomon-had many roles before i realized it was all under
the #prodmgmt umbrella & then i saw that i liked it #prodmgmttalk -4:17 PM Aug 8th, 2011

MacMyDay @ProdMgmtTalk @cindyfsolomon Yep. Nobody tells you.#prodmgmttalk -4:17 PM Aug 8th,
2011

ProdMgmtTalk @StewartRogers Welcome! please schedule to speak
here! http://bit.ly/gQh7Vr #prodmgmttalk -4:17 PM Aug 8th, 2011


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sjohnson717 I see a lot of designers doing #prodmgmt even tho' not their title. Probably true of many
titles. #prodmgmttalk -4:17 PM Aug 8th, 2011

nickcoster @lmckeogh one of our little challenges is that to some extent #prodmgmt is a made up role that
aggregates other biz tasks #prodmgmttalk -4:18 PM Aug 8th, 2011

lmckeogh Cracking up at the back channel commentary. Keep it up ladies #prodmgmttalk -4:18 PM Aug 8th,
2011

robpipe It was a deliberate choice for me as well. I saw the opportunity & started to fill the void this was
noticed & I got the job #prodmgmttalk -4:18 PM Aug 8th, 2011

maldyj No! We need more intentional cust-centric PMs! :-) “@ErikaLAndersen: I made deliberate choice to
move into#prodmgmt. Insane? #prodmgmttalk” -4:18 PM Aug 8th, 2011

brainmates Should be a little #prodmgmt in all of us RT@sjohnson717: See lot of designers
doing #prodmgmt.Probably true of many titles. #prodmgmttalk -4:18 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ProdMgmtTalk We'll come back to Q2. We're going to skip to Q3: What are the key skills of successful
product managers?#prodmgmttalk -4:18 PM Aug 8th, 2011

jidoctor what backchatter @Lmckeogh? the fact that the redsox didn't score in the top of the 1st
inning? #prodmgmttalk -4:19 PM Aug 8th, 2011

hillbillyToad RT @sjohnson717: But that's the fun part. RT@nickcoster: you need to be a little crazy to
agree to do everything expected of the role #prodmgmttalk -4:19 PM Aug 8th, 2011

lmckeogh @nickcoster : we're probably a bunch of over achievers that cannot be satisfied with 1 role. Think
its a form of ADD?#prodmgmttalk -4:19 PM Aug 8th, 2011

maldyj RT @brainmates: Should be a little #prodmgmt in all of us RT @sjohnson717: See lot of designers
doing #prodmgmt.Probably true of many titles. #prodmgmttalk -4:19 PM Aug 8th, 2011

nickcoster RT @sjohnson717: Indeed. Nature abhors a vacuum. RT@ErikaLAndersen: It looks like some of
us stepped up to fill a void#prodmgmttalk -4:19 PM Aug 8th, 2011

jidoctor #1 skill for #prodmgmt, imho, listening! #prodmgmttalk -4:19 PM Aug 8th, 2011


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ErikaLAndersen Happy to please. RT @lmckeogh: Cracking up at the back channel commentary. Keep it up
ladies #prodmgmttalk -4:19 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ProdMgmtTalk We're broadcasting live on the air! Listen in now to speaker & co-
hosts http://tobtr.com/s/2178023 #BlogTalkRadio#prodmgmttalk -4:20 PM Aug 8th, 2011

bdoctor Seems a lot of the work was getting done but in disparate parts of org. Makes it harder for us to
corral our responsibilities#prodmgmttalk -4:20 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ErikaLAndersen Q3: Skills: Does having a background in design help? tech? sales/mktg? #prodmgmttalk -
4:20 PM Aug 8th, 2011

sjohnson717 Key skills: technical enough to understand development; intuitive to hear what the customers'
are really saying. #prodmgmttalk -4:20 PM Aug 8th, 2011

StewartRogers @sjohnson717 (good) designers seem to have a natural customer inquisitiveness about
them #prodmgmttalk -4:20 PM Aug 8th, 2011

jidoctor q3: i think u need to have exp "w/ the market" in some form, not sure one area is more important
than another before#prodmgmt #prodmgmttalk -4:21 PM Aug 8th, 2011

saeedwkhan A lot of people do "a little" #prodmgmt. They don't realize it. That's part of the overall
problem though.#prodmgmttalk -4:21 PM Aug 8th, 2011

nickcoster “@sjohnson717: Indeed. Nature abhors a vaccuum" - May be why it sucks to be
the #prodmanager sometimes.#prodmgmttalk -4:21 PM Aug 8th, 2011

bdoctor RT @lmckeogh: @nickcoster : ADD? Us? Wait, what is that...? #prodmgmttalk -4:21 PM Aug 8th,
2011

sjohnson717 Q3. I think a design background may hurt. PM job is to define problems; designer does
solution. Easy to get confused.#prodmgmttalk -4:21 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ErikaLAndersen @lmckeogh I've heard IDEO looks for people with professional ADD. #prodmgmttalk -4:21
PM Aug 8th, 2011


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maldyj yes! “@sjohnson717: Key skills: technical enough 2 understand development; intuitive 2 hear what
customers are really saying. #prodmgmttalk” -4:21 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ProdMgmtTalk Q3: skills= multi-tasking; i.e. type, read, tweet, listen, talk, breath, welcome peop, notate,
respond, contribute, facilitate #prodmgmttalk -4:21 PM Aug 8th, 2011

lmckeogh A3: Just did a survey on this last week. Top quality was business acumen. Would also include
initiative #prodmgmttalk -4:21 PM Aug 8th, 2011

brainmates A3: #Prodmgmt skills = Leader, Financial Acumen, Writing, Presentation, Listening, Peace
Maker #prodmgmttalk -4:21 PM Aug 8th, 2011

jidoctor shiny objects falling from the sky! look over there! no, over here! no, over there! #prodmgmttalk -
4:22 PM Aug 8th, 2011

MacMyDay @ProdMgmtTalk Listening, communicating, schmoozing, influencing, ... #prodmgmttalk -4:22
PM Aug 8th, 2011

bdoctor biz acumen and ability to multi task could be mistaken for ADD #prodmgmttalk -4:22 PM Aug 8th,
2011

sjohnson717 SKills: willing to let facts determine opinions.#prodmgmttalk -4:22 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ErikaLAndersen Perfect for T-shaped people. Lot of breadth but with depth in one key
area? #prodmgmttalk -4:23 PM Aug 8th, 2011

nickcoster RT @sjohnson717: Key skills: technical enough to understand development; intuitive to hear
what the customers' are really saying. #prodmgmttalk -4:23 PM Aug 8th, 2011

brainmates Why? RT @saeedwkhan: A lot of people do "a little"#prodmgmt. They dont realize it. Thats part
of the overall problem though. #prodmgmttalk -4:23 PM Aug 8th, 2011

jidoctor (for an important break - no score after 1) what ADD?#prodmgmttalk -4:23 PM Aug 8th, 2011

nickcoster RT @saeedwkhan: A lot of people do "a little"#prodmgmt. They don't realize it. That's part of the
overall problem though. #prodmgmttalk -4:23 PM Aug 8th, 2011


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MacMyDay @ErikaLAndersen A3 Some background that supports PM function definitely
helps. #prodmgmttalk -4:23 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ProdMgmtTalk LOL! RT @jidoctor: (for an important break - no score after 1) what ADD? #prodmgmttalk -
4:23 PM Aug 8th, 2011

sjohnson717 Scott Sehlhorst at Tyner Blain said, "We want customers to inspire our products, not design
them."#prodmgmttalk -4:23 PM Aug 8th, 2011

maldyj RT @ProdMgmtTalk: Q3: skills= multi-tasking; i.e. type, read, tweet, listen, talk, breath, welcome
peop, notate, respond, contribute, facilitate #prodmgmttalk -4:23 PM Aug 8th, 2011

StewartRogers RT @jidoctor: #1 skill for #prodmgmt, listening!#prodmgmttalk +1 - could go on with
leadership, business, etc. but rooted in listening -4:24 PM Aug 8th, 2011

sjohnson717 RT @ErikaLAndersen: Perfect for T-shaped people. Lot of breadth but with depth in one key
area? #prodmgmttalk -4:24 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ErikaLAndersen Learned to do this against IRS, w/ diff version of reality. RT @sjohnson717: willing to let
facts determine opinions.#prodmgmttalk -4:24 PM Aug 8th, 2011

saeedwkhan @brainmates - why? because it confuses ppl about the role of #prodmgmt. I can't just go do a
little coding or QA or sales #prodmgmttalk -4:24 PM Aug 8th, 2011

lmckeogh Agree RT @ErikaLAndersen: Perfect for T-shaped people. Lot of breadth but with depth in one
key area? #prodmgmttalk -4:24 PM Aug 8th, 2011

bdoctor RT @saeedwkhan: why? because it confuses ppl about the role of #prodmgmt. I cant just go do a
litl coding or QA or sls#prodmgmttalk -4:25 PM Aug 8th, 2011

jidoctor but @sjohnson717, doesn't the "willing to let facts determine opinions" start with listening? that's
why i say it's #1skill #prodmgmttalk -4:25 PM Aug 8th, 2011

sjohnson717 Agreed. RT @saeedwkhan: it confuses ppl about the role of #prodmgmt. I cant just go do a
little coding or QA or sales#prodmgmttalk -4:25 PM Aug 8th, 2011

brainmates Because everyone should think about the customer and business objectives in their job. Not
only Product Manager@saeedwkhan: #prodmgmttalk -4:25 PM Aug 8th, 2011


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saeedwkhan Required skills 4 #prodmgmt. Communication, analytic skills, Listening, Sales skills, ability to
"connect the dots".#prodmgmttalk -4:25 PM Aug 8th, 2011

nickcoster gotta go and visit a client. I'll try and keep up on the train. Happy chatting #prodmgmttalk -4:25
PM Aug 8th, 2011

ErikaLAndersen People should be dedicated to #prodmgmt? RT@saeedwkhan: @brainmates - why?
confuses ppl abt role of#prodmgmt. #prodmgmttalk -4:26 PM Aug 8th, 2011

maldyj A3: Be able to talk to & undertand customer needs/present solutions that meet needs most
effectively (not per prescription)#prodmgmttalk -4:26 PM Aug 8th, 2011

sjohnson717 Indeed. RT @jidoctor: but @sjohnson717, start with listening? thats why i say
its #1 skill #prodmgmttalk -4:26 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ProdMgmtTalk Going back to Q2: What are the key attributes of successful product
managers? #prodmgmttalk -4:26 PM Aug 8th, 2011

sjohnson717 RT @saeedwkhan: Req #prodmgmt skills. Communication, analytic skills, Listening, Sales skills,
ability to "connect the dots". #prodmgmttalk -4:27 PM Aug 8th, 2011

lmckeogh @saeedwkhan : I'm not adverse to doing a little of someone else's role. It can be a wake up
call. #prodmgmttalk -4:27 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ErikaLAndersen Does it help to have done some different jobs? Better able to work with sales, tech,
design? #prodmgmttalk -4:27 PM Aug 8th, 2011

bdoctor @ErikaLAndersen People should be dedicated to#prodmgmt? Depends on Co size. Sometimes we
have to wear multi hats #prodmgmttalk -4:27 PM Aug 8th, 2011

jidoctor Q2 same answer as Q# - listening is #1 attribute, #1skill, #1 challenge too #prodmgmttalk -4:27 PM
Aug 8th, 2011

maldyj so true “@sjohnson717: Indeed. RT @jidoctor: but@sjohnson717, start with listening? thats why i
say its #1 skill#prodmgmttalk” -4:27 PM Aug 8th, 2011

sjohnson717 Oh wait. I think we were answering Q2 instead of Q3.#prodmgmttalk -4:27 PM Aug 8th, 2011


13



brainmates Agree there should be a dedicated #prodmgmtresource. But everyone in company should "do"
a little #prodmgmt#prodmgmttalk -4:27 PM Aug 8th, 2011

lmckeogh @saeedwkhan : Of course, neither of us want to do each others job long term #prodmgmttalk -
4:27 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ErikaLAndersen True that. RT @lmckeogh: @saeedwkhan : Im not adverse to doing a little of someone elses
role. It can be a wake up call. #prodmgmttalk -4:27 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ProdMgmtTalk RT @ErikaLAndersen: Does it help to have done some different jobs? Better able to work
with sales, tech, design?#prodmgmttalk -4:28 PM Aug 8th, 2011

StewartRogers RT @jidoctor: but @sjohnson717, .... chicken and egg comment coming ... #prodmgmttalk -
4:28 PM Aug 8th, 2011

sjohnson717 I think so. Empathy is good. RT @ErikaLAndersen: Does it help to have done some different
jobs? #prodmgmttalk -4:28 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ProdMgmtTalk Its all good! RT @sjohnson717: Oh wait. I think we were answering Q2 instead of
Q3. #prodmgmttalk -4:28 PM Aug 8th, 2011

jidoctor @ErikaLAndersen I think you have to be able to speak the other's language, but not "necessarily"
have done their job#prodmgmttalk -4:28 PM Aug 8th, 2011

StewartRogers RT @jidoctor: but @sjohnson717, .... what is listening without thinking -- changing my vote
from listening to thinking ... #prodmgmttalk -4:28 PM Aug 8th, 2011

brainmates #prodmgmt is not just for product managers#prodmgmttalk -4:28 PM Aug 8th, 2011

robpipe Q3. IMHO 1) Biz acumen 2) communication skills (inbound and outbound) 3) market knowledge. 4)
technical/domain expertise#prodmgmttalk -4:28 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ErikaLAndersen Now we're on Q2. What are key attributes? Think@saeedwkhan has discussed
this. #prodmgmttalk -4:28 PM Aug 8th, 2011

MacMyDay Defi'ly. Doesn't help if ppl mis-conceive the role @ErikaLAndersen @saeedwkhan
@brainmates Ppl should b dedicated 2 #prodmgmt? #prodmgmttalk -4:29 PM Aug 8th, 2011


14



bdoctor Sometimes an outsider w/good listening skills & no prev. Co exp can open some eyes of what
customer wants vs dev wants#prodmgmttalk -4:29 PM Aug 8th, 2011

StewartRogers Someone wasn't listening. :) RT @sjohnson717: Oh wait. I think we were answering Q2
instead of Q3. #prodmgmttalk-4:29 PM Aug 8th, 2011

maldyj RT @robpipe: Q3. IMHO 1) Biz acumen 2) communication skills (inbound and outbound) 3) market
knowledge. 4) technical/domain expertise #prodmgmttalk -4:29 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ProdMgmtTalk RT @robpipe: Q3. IMHO 1) Biz acumen 2) communication skills (inbound and outbound) 3)
market knowledge. 4) tech/domain expert #prodmgmttalk -4:29 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ErikaLAndersen This in order of importance? RT @robpipe: Q3. IMHO 1) Biz acumen 2) communication
skills (inbound and outbound)... #prodmgmttalk -4:29 PM Aug 8th, 2011

saeedwkhan @brainmates disagree. Everyone shld not do "a little"#prodmgmt. Everyone should do their
jobs well. #prodmgmttalk -4:29 PM Aug 8th, 2011

brainmates @saeedwkhan Ahhh we will have to agree to disagree.#prodmgmttalk -4:30 PM Aug 8th, 2011

bdoctor RT @brainmates: #prodmgmt is not just for product managers (but PM should coord or
quarterbacking efforts)#prodmgmttalk -4:30 PM Aug 8th, 2011

sjohnson717 @saeedwkhan Yes, don't you wish everyone would do their own damn jobs for a week?
Maybe we'd get something done.#prodmgmttalk -4:30 PM Aug 8th, 2011

brainmates Agree RT @bdoctor: RT @brainmates: #prodmgmt is not just for product managers (but PM
should coord or quarterbacking efforts) #prodmgmttalk -4:30 PM Aug 8th, 2011

MacMyDay A2: Be a people person, but also be visionary and have attention to detail #prodmgmttalk -4:31
PM Aug 8th, 2011

robpipe @ErikaLAndersen for me yes #prodmgmttalk -4:31 PM Aug 8th, 2011

saeedwkhan @brainmates those jobs may include aspects of sales or marketing etc. but that's not their
focus #prodmgmttalk -4:31 PM Aug 8th, 2011


15



ErikaLAndersen Always wondered: are product managers made or born? #prodmgmttalk -4:31 PM Aug 8th,
2011

ProdMgmtTalk RT @sjohnson717: @saeedwkhan Yes, dont you wish everyone would do their own jobs for
a week? Maybe wed get something done. #prodmgmttalk -4:31 PM Aug 8th, 2011

bdoctor @brainmates still depends on size of company - start ups can get away with this, big cos not so
much #prodmgmttalk -4:31 PM Aug 8th, 2011

lmckeogh Top 6 from survey: Biz Acumen, Exec Communication, Req Definition, Domain Knowledge, Prod
Analytics ,Prod Lifecycle Mgmt #prodmgmttalk -4:32 PM Aug 8th, 2011

brainmates Made. RT @ErikaLAndersen: Always wondered: are product managers made or
born? #prodmgmttalk -4:32 PM Aug 8th, 2011

sjohnson717 Great product managers see patterns. Is that learned or innate? #prodmgmttalk -4:32 PM Aug
8th, 2011

MacMyDay Second that RT @jidoctor @ErikaLAndersen Be able to speak the other's language, but not
"necessarily" have done their job #prodmgmttalk -4:32 PM Aug 8th, 2011

jidoctor @ErikaLAndersen i think they are "born" but then refined & "made" better #prodmgmttalk - some
skills u just can't teach. you just have them -4:32 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ErikaLAndersen True that roduct managers are mess of contradictions? Big picture & detailed. Strategy &
tactics...#prodmgmttalk -4:32 PM Aug 8th, 2011

saeedwkhan @brainmates @bdoctor aren't you exacerbating the problem we want to eliminate? i.e.
confusion over #prodmgmt?#prodmgmttalk -4:32 PM Aug 8th, 2011

lmckeogh @sjohnson717 : believe it is innate unfortunately.#prodmgmttalk -4:32 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ProdMgmtTalk RT @ErikaLAndersen: True that Product managers are mess of contradictions? Big picture &
detailed. Strategy & tactics... #prodmgmttalk -4:33 PM Aug 8th, 2011

brainmates I think it helps! Maybe everyone will have an appreciation
for #prodmgmt RT @saeedwkhan @bdoctor#prodmgmttalk -4:33 PM Aug 8th, 2011


16



jidoctor #prodmgmttalk ADD interruption: red sox score the 1st run! (Papi from second on Scutaro's
single) -4:33 PM Aug 8th, 2011

bdoctor @saeedwkhan @brainmates start ups often don't have the luxury of dedicated resources for much
beyond a leader and a CFO#prodmgmttalk -4:33 PM Aug 8th, 2011

brainmates Nice RT @ErikaLAndersen: True that Product managers are mess of contradictions? Big picture
& detailed. Strategy & tactics... #prodmgmttalk -4:33 PM Aug 8th, 2011

sjohnson717 We need to be clear about what is (and is not)#prodmgmt before we can convince
others. #prodmgmttalk -4:34 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ProdMgmtTalk Both the challenge & obstacles: @ErikaLAndersen: True that Product managers are mess of
contradictions?#prodmgmttalk -4:34 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ErikaLAndersen Yes! RT @jidoctor: #prodmgmttalk ADD interruption: red sox score the 1st run! (Papi from
second on Scutaros single) #prodmgmttalk -4:34 PM Aug 8th, 2011

bdoctor RT @sjohnson717: Great product managers see patterns. Is that learned or innate? I didn't learn
this at school, 4 shur#prodmgmttalk -4:34 PM Aug 8th, 2011

brainmates We talk about it often RT @sjohnson717: We need to be clear about what is (& is
not) #prodmgmt before we can convince others #prodmgmttalk -4:34 PM Aug 8th, 2011

maldyj 3rd! “@MacMyDay: 2nd that RT @jidoctor @ErikaLAndersenBe able 2 speak other's language, but
not "necessarily" done their job #prodmgmttalk” -4:35 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ProdMgmtTalk Some already answered: Q4 How did you break into product management? Internal
promotion, deliberate change, etc.#prodmgmttalk -4:35 PM Aug 8th, 2011

MacMyDay Can be learnt @sjohnson717 Great product managers see patterns. Is that learned or
innate? #prodmgmttalk -4:36 PM Aug 8th, 2011

bdoctor RT Agree. @sjohnson717: We need to be clear about what is (and is not) #prodmgmt before we
can convince others.#prodmgmttalk -4:36 PM Aug 8th, 2011

jidoctor @sjohnson717 #prodmktg has same prob as #prodmgmt - not a clear, unified def so we end up
"arguing w/ selves" & wasting energy #prodmgmttalk -4:36 PM Aug 8th, 2011


17



ProdMgmtTalk We're laughing about how "Product Management is a great community!" Yeah! (we need
each other to survive the battles we face) #prodmgmttalk -4:36 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ErikaLAndersen What sort of patterns? @sjohnson717: Great product managers see patterns. Is that
learned or innate? didnt learn at school #prodmgmttalk -4:36 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ProdMgmtTalk Easier if innate! RT @MacMyDay: Can be learnt@sjohnson717 Great product managers see
patterns. Is that learned or innate? #prodmgmttalk -4:37 PM Aug 8th, 2011

lmckeogh @ProdMgmtTalk : I see dead people. I didn't learn that in school #prodmgmttalk -4:37 PM Aug
8th, 2011

sjohnson717 4 customers have asked for 4 diff things. Or have they? RT @ErikaLAndersen: What sort of
patterns? #prodmgmttalk-4:38 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ErikaLAndersen Awesome. RT @lmckeogh: @ProdMgmtTalk : I see dead people. I didnt learn that in
school #prodmgmttalk -4:38 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ProdMgmtTalk Audio discussion: we always argue over what PM is and isn't - always tension around title
definition & responsibilities#prodmgmttalk -4:38 PM Aug 8th, 2011

bdoctor LOL RT @lmckeogh: @ProdMgmtTalk : I see dead people. I didnt learn that in
school #prodmgmttalk -4:38 PM Aug 8th, 2011

sjohnson717 Patterns like themes, segments, good/bad customers. #prodmgmttalk -4:38 PM Aug 8th, 2011

saeedwkhan @brainmates - just curious. which part of #prodmgmtwould you have others do to get an
appreciation of it? :-)#prodmgmttalk -4:38 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ProdMgmtTalk Bringing up: Q5. When you’re interviewing, what questions should you ask to determine
what PM job really entails & requires? #prodmgmttalk -4:39 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ErikaLAndersen Seeing the commonality RT @sjohnson717: 4 customers have asked for 4 diff things. Or
have they?#prodmgmttalk -4:39 PM Aug 8th, 2011

maldyj Ha! This is way more fun than I expected! “@lmckeogh:@ProdMgmtTalk : I see dead people. I didn't
learn that in school#prodmgmttalk” -4:39 PM Aug 8th, 2011


18



jidoctor Q5: i always "listen" if they use word "customer" or "market" - it "tells" a lot! #prodmgmttalk -4:39
PM Aug 8th, 2011

MacMyDay @ProdMgmtTalk Listening in to it:) Can we listen to the full recording later? #prodmgmttalk -
4:39 PM Aug 8th, 2011

bdoctor RT @ErikaLAndersen: What sort of patterns? U find patterns by reviewing the data. Some of us can
find commonalities among it #prodmgmttalk -4:40 PM Aug 8th, 2011

sjohnson717 @ErikaLAndersen When hiring or being hired?#prodmgmttalk -4:40 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ProdMgmtTalk RT @maldyj: Ha! This is way more fun than I expected! @lmckeogh I see dead people. I
didnt learn that in school #prodmgmttalk -4:40 PM Aug 8th, 2011

brainmates @saeedwkhan Know of & consider customer in their decisions. Understand business financials
& levers #prodmgmttalk-4:40 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ErikaLAndersen Q5: Seems like PM position very dependent on company. How do you figure out the job at
that company?#prodmgmttalk -4:40 PM Aug 8th, 2011

robpipe Q5. Understand decision rights. If the PM doesn't have them run a mile. #prodmgmttalk -4:40 PM
Aug 8th, 2011

jidoctor @ErikaLAndersen btw CPAs don't see pattersn, only number sequences. patterns are too "grey" ;-
) #prodmgmttalk -4:40 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ErikaLAndersen When you're interviewing for a job. RT@sjohnson717: @ErikaLAndersen When hiring or
being hired?#prodmgmttalk -4:41 PM Aug 8th, 2011

maldyj A5: Erika, definitely ask @ the culture, do PMs talk to custs directly? I know u favor user-centric
design & you'll want a fit#prodmgmttalk -4:41 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ProdMgmtTalk @sjohnson717 @ErikaLAndersen's question was from the point of view of wanting to be
hired #prodmgmttalk -4:41 PM Aug 8th, 2011

sjohnson717 I've always hated it but I wonder the merit of seeing writing skills: a short req document,
positioning, maybe a prez?#prodmgmttalk -4:41 PM Aug 8th, 2011


19



bdoctor RT @jidoctor: @ErikaLAndersen btw CPAs dont see pattersn, only number sequences. patterns are
too "grey" ;-) And lawyers b/w.. #prodmgmttalk -4:41 PM Aug 8th, 2011

maldyj love this idea! “@jidoctor: Q5: i always "listen" if they use word "customer" or "market" - it "tells" a
lot! #prodmgmttalk” -4:41 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ErikaLAndersen Funny cause true. RT @jidoctor: @ErikaLAndersenbtw CPAs dont see pattersn, only
number sequences. patterns are too "grey" ;-) #prodmgmttalk -4:41 PM Aug 8th, 2011

lmckeogh @sjohnson717 : hate it as well, but when hiring, should see more concrete examples. Anyone can
BS through interview#prodmgmttalk -4:42 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ErikaLAndersen Good point. RT @maldyj: A5: Erika, definitely ask @ the culture, PMs talk to custs directly?
Know u favor user-centric design #prodmgmttalk -4:42 PM Aug 8th, 2011

sjohnson717 @maldyj Good one! Can I visit customers and can I do without a sales droid? #prodmgmttalk -
4:43 PM Aug 8th, 2011

jidoctor q5 company's commitment to role is also in budget: $ for visits? $ learning? #prodmgmttalk -4:43
PM Aug 8th, 2011

sjohnson717 Agreed. RT @lmckeogh: @sjohnson717 : hate it as well, but when hiring, should see more
concrete examples.#prodmgmttalk -4:43 PM Aug 8th, 2011

brainmates Q5: Which department you report into. If engineering, tech driven, if marketing, comms driven.
If product, there is hope#prodmgmttalk -4:43 PM Aug 8th, 2011

bdoctor RT @sjohnson717: @maldyj Good one! Can I visit customers and can I do without a sales
droid? #prodmgmttalk -4:43 PM Aug 8th, 2011

jidoctor Q5: i ask where role reports, if under eng /dev - i'm w/@robpipe and would run a mile
out #prodmgmttalk -4:43 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ErikaLAndersen Subtle but important point RT @jidoctor: Q5: i always "listen" if they use "customer" or
"market" - it "tells" a lot!#prodmgmttalk -4:43 PM Aug 8th, 2011

sjohnson717 "Explain the approval process." (for anything: positioning, biz case, roadmap,
reqs...) #prodmgmttalk -4:44 PM Aug 8th, 2011


20



MacMyDay A5: Ask how much this company is a product oriented org. Is the PM req'd to do all PMO
work? #prodmgmttalk -4:44 PM Aug 8th, 2011

maldyj sage advice 4 any role “@jidoctor: Q5: i ask where role reports, if under eng /dev - i'm
w/ @robpipe and would run a mile out #prodmgmttalk” -4:44 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ProdMgmtTalk RT @MacMyDay: A5: Ask how much this company is a product oriented org. Is the PM reqd
to do all PMO work?#prodmgmttalk -4:44 PM Aug 8th, 2011

MacMyDay PMO = Program Mgmt Office, sometimes Project Mgmt Office #prodmgmttalk -4:45 PM Aug
8th, 2011

sjohnson717 @MacMyDay PMO = ProJECT management?#prodmgmttalk -4:45 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ErikaLAndersen Is agile vs scrum vs waterfall important? or only if you report to tech? #prodmgmttalk -4:45
PM Aug 8th, 2011

bdoctor Start simple - ask where new product ideas come from - sales, customers, engineers, CEO, etc...
will tell if prod oriented org #prodmgmttalk -4:45 PM Aug 8th, 2011

sjohnson717 #prodmgmt != #projmgmt #prodmgmttalk -4:45 PM Aug 8th, 2011

saeedwkhan ask where #prodmgmt sits vs #prodmktg. If they are not in the same org (e.g. eng vs. mktg
resp.) then there's problems #prodmgmttalk -4:46 PM Aug 8th, 2011

maldyj A5: Ask: How often do you deploy improvements? How fluid is your roadmap? If often changed,
how are cust expectations managed? #prodmgmttalk -4:46 PM Aug 8th, 2011

sjohnson717 RT @bdoctor: Start simple - ask where new product ideas come from - sales, customers,
engineers, CEO, etc...#prodmgmttalk -4:46 PM Aug 8th, 2011

jidoctor imho dev s/w lifecycle is not imp as long as you can talk their language & understand the
differences #prodmgmttalk -4:46 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ErikaLAndersen Important point. RT @sjohnson717: #prodmgmt !=#projmgmt #prodmgmttalk -4:46 PM
Aug 8th, 2011

brainmates Ohhh YEAH! RT @sjohnson717: #prodmgmt !=#projmgmt #prodmgmttalk -4:46 PM Aug 8th,
2011


21



MacMyDay Of course RT @sjohnson717 #prodmgmt != #projmgmt#prodmgmttalk -4:46 PM Aug 8th, 2011

bdoctor RT @saeedwkhan: ask where #prodmgmt sits vs#prodmktg. If they not in same org (e.g. eng vs.
mktg resp.) then theres problems #prodmgmttalk -4:47 PM Aug 8th, 2011

maldyj yes “@sjohnson717: RT @bdoctor: Start simple-ask where new product ideas come from - sales,
customers, engineers, CEO, etc... #prodmgmttalk” -4:47 PM Aug 8th, 2011

robpipe #prodmgmt <> #projmgmt #prodmgmttalk -4:47 PM Aug 8th, 2011

sjohnson717 Yes! RT @saeedwkhan: #prodmgmt & #prodmktg. If they are not in the same org (e.g. eng vs.
mktg resp.) then theres problems #prodmgmttalk -4:47 PM Aug 8th, 2011

jidoctor recurring problem, confusion of proDUCT vs proJECT management...goes back to clear definition
problems#prodmgmttalk -4:47 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ProdMgmtTalk Moving on: Q6. What do you do once you’re in the role: first steps, tools,
actions? #prodmgmttalk -4:47 PM Aug 8th, 2011

JustinFenwick @bdoctor So you ask where product ideas come from...what's the right answer to determine
if they are product oriented? #prodmgmttalk -4:47 PM Aug 8th, 2011

sjohnson717 In short, I'd follow a product from idea to sunset, asking about process and
approvals. #prodmgmttalk -4:48 PM Aug 8th, 2011

lmckeogh @jidoctor : That is part of it, the other part is people's lazi listening skills. The two sound similar
to the uninitiated#prodmgmttalk -4:48 PM Aug 8th, 2011

MacMyDay @sjohnson717 Depends on the org, how they define it. Some orgs
mingle #prodmgmt with #projmgmt #prodmgmttalk -4:48 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ProdMgmtTalk Q6. @cindyfsolomon 10 Steps to Prepare for A New Product Management
Position http://bit.ly/ltxIUS #prodmgmttalk -4:48 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ProdMgmtTalk Welcome @JustinFenwick #prodmgmttalk -4:48 PM Aug 8th, 2011

saeedwkhan Ask what the career path is for #prodmgmt &#prodmktg. i.e. where are previous prod leaders
now?#prodmgmttalk -4:48 PM Aug 8th, 2011


22



bdoctor @JustinFenwick if ideas come from engineering or CEO run away. If from custs, ur job is to
determine if mkt size > 1 #prodmgmttalk -4:48 PM Aug 8th, 2011

StewartRogers Good question. RT @jidoctor: q5 company's commitment to role is also in budget: $ for
visits? $ learning?#prodmgmttalk -4:48 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ProdMgmtTalk Q6. New to product management?http://slidesha.re/imORbs from Adrienne Tan
of @brainmates#prodmgmttalk -4:48 PM Aug 8th, 2011

jidoctor (ADD interruption: aarrrgggh! after 2, twins lead redsox 3-1. Yes, knuckleballer Wakefield is
pitching) #prodmgmttalk -4:49 PM Aug 8th, 2011

maldyj A6: W/my Cx bias, I say try to use the product/service as a new customer would, intuitively, w/o any
help a cust wouldn't have#prodmgmttalk -4:49 PM Aug 8th, 2011

sjohnson717 Q6. Triage. How well developed is 1) sales tools, 2) marketing plan, 3) requirements and
roadmap, and 4) market def.#prodmgmttalk -4:49 PM Aug 8th, 2011

MacMyDay A6 Make yourself known to the org. Let them know it's you who's looking after the
product. #prodmgmttalk -4:49 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ErikaLAndersen Q6: You got job. What now?!? #prodmgmttalk -4:49 PM Aug 8th, 2011

sjohnson717 Q6 Triage. In short, work backwards from the ops to the ideation. #prodmgmttalk -4:49 PM
Aug 8th, 2011

ProdMgmtTalk Q6. Transitioning from Services into Product Management: http://bit.ly/kQMsy4 from
Pragmatic Marketing#prodmgmttalk -4:49 PM Aug 8th, 2011

StewartRogers Good one. RT @sjohnson717: "Explain the approval process." (for anything: positioning, biz
case, roadmap, reqs...)#prodmgmttalk -4:49 PM Aug 8th, 2011

jidoctor Q6 take a vacation! you won't be able to for years!#prodmgmttalk -4:49 PM Aug 8th, 2011

StewartRogers Good one. RT @bdoctor: Start simple - ask where new product ideas come from - sales,
customers, engineers, CEO, etc... #prodmgmttalk -4:50 PM Aug 8th, 2011

saeedwkhan A6: once you're in the role, it's too late to ask about tools etc. You'll have to live with what you
got! :-( #prodmgmttalk-4:50 PM Aug 8th, 2011


23



ErikaLAndersen Good advice RT @jidoctor: Q6 take a vacation! you wont be able to for
years! #prodmgmttalk -4:50 PM Aug 8th, 2011

StewartRogers Yep. RT @saeedwkhan: ask where #prodmgmt sits vs #prodmktg. If they are not in the same
org then there's problems #prodmgmttalk -4:50 PM Aug 8th, 2011

maldyj Ha! :-) “@jidoctor: Q6 take a vacation! you won't be able to for years! #prodmgmttalk” -4:50 PM
Aug 8th, 2011

brainmates A6: Get to know the people in the organisation. You're going to need them ... #prodmgmttalk -
4:50 PM Aug 8th, 2011

sjohnson717 Q6. Oh shoot, I shoulda said, start backwards from customer. #prodmgmttalk -4:50 PM Aug
8th, 2011

MacMyDay A6 Look at existing docos for roadmap and requirements. Build on that #prodmgmttalk -4:50
PM Aug 8th, 2011

sjohnson717 Or see also http://www.pragmaticmarketing.com/publications/topics/01/0102sj/
#prodmgmttalk -4:50 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ProdMgmtTalk Please tweet @JohnsonTC to wish him well (emergency retina surgery) he was going to talk
about using a scalpel! #prodmgmttalk -4:51 PM Aug 8th, 2011

MacMyDay Haha, you're so right! @jidoctor Q6 take a vacation! you won't be able to for
years! #prodmgmttalk -4:51 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ErikaLAndersen What if first task is to create brand new product for company? #prodmgmttalk -4:51 PM
Aug 8th, 2011

jidoctor disagree @StewartRogers @saeedwkhan #prodmgmt &#prodmktg don't have 2b in same org, but
must b compliment levels of influence #prodmgmttalk -4:51 PM Aug 8th, 2011

sjohnson717 Irony alert. RT @ProdMgmtTalk: Please tweet@JohnsonTC re emergency retina surgery he
was to talk about using a scalpel! #prodmgmttalk -4:52 PM Aug 8th, 2011

MacMyDay A6 Find out who your customers are and talk to them.#prodmgmttalk -4:52 PM Aug 8th, 2011


24



maldyj may actually be a blessing in disguise! “@ErikaLAndersen: What if first task is to create brand new
product for company?#prodmgmttalk” -4:52 PM Aug 8th, 2011

brainmates Determine customers RT @ErikaLAndersen: What if first task is to create brand new product for
company?#prodmgmttalk -4:53 PM Aug 8th, 2011

MacMyDay A6 Find out existing Go-To-Market plans to find out more about the target
market/customers. #prodmgmttalk -4:53 PM Aug 8th, 2011

sjohnson717 Start with key customers. @ErikaLAndersen: What if first task is to create brand new product
for company?#prodmgmttalk #prodmgmttalk -4:53 PM Aug 8th, 2011

chattalks Unedited transcript available soon scroll to bottom & read up #prodmgmttalk -4:54 PM Aug 8th,
2011

ProdMgmtTalk The fastest hour online! Only 6 minutes left - time for your announcements, promotions,
job offers, job seekers, networking #prodmgmttalk -4:54 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ProdMgmtTalk Unedited transcript available soon athttp://bit.ly/pEjkTs scroll to bottom & read
up #prodmgmttalk -4:54 PM Aug 8th, 2011

chattalks Please blog about your insights to today's talk to be reposted at http://www.prodmgmttalk.com

ErikaLAndersen or personas if consumer prod? RT @sjohnson717: Start with key customers.
@ErikaLAndersen: What if first task to create.. #prodmgmttalk -4:55 PM Aug 8th, 2011

MacMyDay @ErikaLAndersen What's the product's value propostion? #prodmgmttalk -4:55 PM Aug 8th,
2011

chattalks Happy to announce #PCampUtah on Sept 10, 2011 http://pcamputah.org #prodmgmttalk -4:55
PM Aug 8th, 2011

chattalks Like us on facebook http://on.fb.me/ncKUD8#prodmgmttalk -4:55 PM Aug 8th, 2011

maldyj @ErikaLAnderson Re: 1st job being new product, u don't have 2 wonder how/why what's there is
there if insuf. records: all new! #prodmgmttalk -4:55 PM Aug 8th, 2011


25



brainmates Australian Product Managers. Come to Product Camp Melbourne #pcampmelb 20
Aug #prodmgmttalk -4:55 PM Aug 8th, 2011

chattalks Follow us on LinkedIn http://linkd.in/pJ8B68 Join LinkedIn group http://linkd.in/jRmwRx

jidoctor kudos to @ErikaLAndersen! for stepping in to lead & tackling the challenge of "breaking
into" #prodmgmt..well done.#prodmgmttalk -4:56 PM Aug 8th, 2011

lmckeogh Considering a road trip w/ some friends RT @chattalks: Happy to announce #PCampUtah on Sept
10, 2011http://pcamputah.org #prodmgmttalk -4:56 PM Aug 8th, 2011

chattalks Need a google+ invite? @cindyfsolomon Join me on Google+ for Global Product Management Talk
Circle#prodmgmttalk -4:56 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ProdMgmtTalk Join us next week! @mhowell Matt Howell, Director of Product Management on
Maintaining a Roadmap #prodmgmttalk-4:56 PM Aug 8th, 2011

brainmates RT @jidoctor: kudos @ErikaLAndersen! for stepping in to lead & tackling the challenge of
"breaking into"#prodmgmt..well done. #prodmgmttalk -4:56 PM Aug 8th, 2011

sjohnson717 Hear hear RT @jidoctor: kudos to @ErikaLAndersen! for stepping in to lead #prodmgmttalk -
4:56 PM Aug 8th, 2011

chattalks Contribute to the Global Product Management Talk bloghttp://bit.ly/eOFmB6 #prodmgmttalk -
4:56 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ErikaLAndersen Plug: @pcamputah coming September 10. Looking for presenters, volunteers, ppl to
come. http://pcamputah.org#prodmgmttalk -4:56 PM Aug 8th, 2011

bdoctor RT @ErikaLAndersen: What if first task is to create brand new product for company? Focus on prod
benefits then#prodmgmttalk -4:56 PM Aug 8th, 2011

chattalks Global Product Management Talk Speaker Schedulehttp://bit.ly/gV5xsM #prodmgmttalk -4:57 PM
Aug 8th, 2011

MacMyDay @brainmates So sorry, Adrienne. Can't make it :(#prodmgmttalk -4:57 PM Aug 8th, 2011


26



ProdMgmtTalk Tweet @cindyfsolomon to schedule "Product Camp Radio" interviews! #prodmgmttalk -4:57
PM Aug 8th, 2011

chattalks Subscribe to our newsletter (coming soon!)http://bit.ly/ouZN8J #prodmgmttalk -4:57 PM Aug 8th,
2011

bdoctor Thx! RT @jidoctor: kudos to @ErikaLAndersen! for stepping in 2 lead & tackling the challenge of
"breaking into" #prodmgmt.#prodmgmttalk -4:57 PM Aug 8th, 2011

StewartRogers @jidoctor @saeedwkhan further apart they are in the org, the bigger the
challenge #prodmgmt #prodmktg#prodmgmttalk -4:57 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ErikaLAndersen Because @ganderson2112 wasn't here to say it: Beer! #prodmgmttalk -4:58 PM Aug 8th,
2011

sjohnson717 TTFN from Virginia. See you next time....#prodmgmttalk -4:58 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ProdMgmtTalk Global Map of all Product Camps (thanks to @saeedwkhan) http://bit.ly/phwTS1

jidoctor (final ADD interruption - at end 3rd, twins still leading 3-1. household not happy) #prodmgmttalk -
4:58 PM Aug 8th, 2011

brainmates @sjohnson717 Thanks for joining. Appreciate your contribution #prodmgmttalk -4:59 PM Aug
8th, 2011

ProdMgmtTalk Thank you @ErikaLAndersen for jumping in to speak today! Everyone's participation
appreciated! #prodmgmttalk -4:59 PM Aug 8th, 2011

brainmates RT @ProdMgmtTalk: Global Map of all Product Camps (thanks to @saeedwkhan)
http://bit.ly/phwTS1 #prodmgmttalk -4:59 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ErikaLAndersen That sucks RT @jidoctor: (final ADD interruption - at end 3rd, twins still leading 3-1.
household not happy)#prodmgmttalk -4:59 PM Aug 8th, 2011

jidoctor @sjohnson717 so glad you could come out & play at tonight's #prodmgmttalk. please come out
again! -4:59 PM Aug 8th, 2011


27



MacMyDay A5 Technology dept. (no product dept unfortunately)#prodmgmttalk -4:59 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ErikaLAndersen This was fun. As always, great conversation.RT@ProdMgmtTalk: Everyones participation
appreciated!#prodmgmttalk -5:00 PM Aug 8th, 2011

JohnsonTC Thanks for stepping in, Erika. RT @sjohnson717: Hear hear RT @jidoctor: kudos
to @ErikaLAndersen! for stepping in to lead #prodmgmttalk -5:00 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ProdMgmtTalk Click on each location on the map for details if its scheduled upcoming PCamp Map of all
Product Campshttp://bit.ly/phwTS1 #prodmgmttalk -5:00 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ProdMgmtTalk RT @JohnsonTC: Thanks for stepping in, Erika. RT@sjohnson717: Hear hear RT @jidoctor:
kudos to@ErikaLAndersen! #prodmgmttalk -5:01 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ErikaLAndersen My pleasure RT @JohnsonTC: Thanks for stepping in, Erika. RT @sjohnson717: Hear
hear #prodmgmttalk -5:01 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ProdMgmtTalk Thank you new participants - feel free to continue tweeting & retweeting! #prodmgmttalk -
5:02 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ProdMgmtTalk Edited audio will be posted within 36 hours (unedited avail
now...cringe)http://www.blogtalkradio.com/prodmgmttalk #prodmgmttalk -5:02 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ProdMgmtTalk Unedited transcript available soon athttp://bit.ly/pEjkTs scroll to bottom & read
up #prodmgmttalk -5:03 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ErikaLAndersen Biggest surprise: There's a #productcamp planned for
Russia. http://bit.ly/phwTS1 #prodmgmttalk -5:03 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ErikaLAndersen I learned a lot. Thank you all! #prodmgmttalk -5:04 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ProdMgmtTalk Please blog your responses to today's talk & let us know additional relevant resources to
enhance the discussion!#prodmgmttalk -5:04 PM Aug 8th, 2011

JohnsonTC Shoulda said laser! RT @sjohnson717: Irony alert.@JohnsonTC re emergency retina surgery he
was to talk about using a scalpel! #prodmgmttalk -5:05 PM Aug 8th, 2011

jidoctor night #prodmgmttalk...thanks all. it was fun (i think) now i have a game to watch! -5:05 PM Aug
8th, 2011


28



ProdMgmtTalk Indeed! RT @JohnsonTC: Shoulda said laser!@sjohnson717: Irony alert. re
emergencysurgery planned to talk about scalpel! #prodmgmttalk -5:06 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ProdMgmtTalk RT @jidoctor: night #prodmgmttalk...thanks all. it was fun (i think) now i have a game to
watch! #prodmgmttalk -5:07 PM Aug 8th, 2011

cindyfsolomon Unedited: Why become Product Manager w/@ErikaLAndersen
http://tobtr.com/s/2178023 trnscrpthttp://bit.ly/pEjkTs #prodmgmttalk -5:10 PM Aug 8th, 2011

leavittm RT @chattalks: Global Product Management Talk Speaker Schedule http://bit.ly/gV5xsM

AdlerLarry RT @ProdMgmtTalk: Q6. New to product management?http://slidesha.re/imORbs from
Adrienne Tan of @brainmates#prodmgmttalk -5:11 PM Aug 8th, 2011

JohnsonTC #prodmgmttalk Thanks everyone for the well wishes. A little spot welding with the laser, some
rest and I'll be right as rain. -5:13 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ProdMgmtTalk @AdlerLarry @leavittm Welcome Join us next for Global Product Management Talk on
Product Road Map w/@mhowell prodmgmttalk.com #prodmgmttalk -5:14 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ProdMgmtTalk Glad to hear! RT @JohnsonTC: Thanks everyone for well wishes. little spot welding w/ laser,
some rest & Ill be right as rain. #prodmgmttalk -5:15 PM Aug 8th, 2011

ProdMgmtTalk Today's stats: 406 tweets generated 382,084 impressions, reaching an audience of 28,928
followers #prodmgmttalk


29


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