How to learn Product
People sometimes ask me: What’s the best way to become a great Product Manager? I say: Start by doing before you dive into theory.
1. Do: Build Your Own Product
If you're new to product management, the best way to learn is by getting your hands dirty. Start by creating a product—any product. It doesn't have to be perfect nor big; it just needs to exist. This real-world experience will teach you more about product development, user needs, and market fit than any book or course can. The practical lessons you'll gain from this process are invaluable. On Product Hunt (www.producthunt.com) you find thousands of small and bigger great new products for inspiration, daily.
2. Community: Connect, Learn, and Grow
Product management can be a challenging journey, but you don't have to walk it alone. Join communities of like-minded professionals on LinkedIn, engage with other PMs, ask questions, share your experiences, and seek mentorship. I've been fortunate to mentor many aspiring PMs, helping them navigate their careers. Also, consider joining the Product Academy in Switzerland which is a fantastic resource for both new and experienced product people. Being part of a community accelerates your learning curve.
3. Product Thinking: Expand Your Knowledge
While practical experience is crucial, balancing it with theoretical knowledge will round out your skills. Here are books I highly recommend:
"Inspired" by Marty Cagan – A foundational book on how to create products customers love. https://amzn.to/4dHNUol
"Escape the Build Trap" by Melissa Perri – A powerful guide on how to build the right product, not just ship features. https://amzn.to/4drjG9q
"The Mom Test" by Rob Fitzpatrick – Teaches how to talk to customers and get valuable insights without being misled. https://amzn.to/3ApWH09
And some really good newsletters and podcasts:
Lenny Rachitsky‘s Content and Podcast on Product is super valuable: https://lnkd.in/efUXmmgT
The beautiful Mess by John Cutler: https://lnkd.in/eCeY-MjC
Please leave a comment in case you would like to share the ressources that helped you learning product.
Until next time,
Cyril