You're trying to network in product management. What's the biggest mistake you could make?

Never be keen on building network of identical product managers. Interact with product managers where you have not ventured yet. Like enterprise product manager can learn from growth product manager and vice versa. Looking for clones is the best mistake to avoid when networking with product managers.

If you are looking to network just to close the deal, then you won't get to far and don't expect repeat business to come your way. The single most important thing to do, is build a genuine relationship where you are not only looking to close a deal, but are actually invested in the partnership and building trust. Once you have trust then , everything else falls into place. Trust is absolutely everything. This is one thing I have always placed importance on to build when I am networking and looking to establish business relationships. It doesn't matter what your position is or how well you come across, if you can't establish trust, then you won't get an invite to that next networking event. 😉

Remember that time you started chatting with someone in a social setting and within 30 seconds of introducing yourself, you noticed their eyes started scanning the room to see if someone more [attractive, successful, important.... fill in the blank here] was available to talk to and they abruptly ditched you? One of the biggest mistakes I see when networking in product management (or quite frankly any professional field) is when people are too focused on their self-interests. Don't be "that person" who is always scanning the room. Treat every person you meet as if they are the most important person in the room and you'll be amazed at the quality of the network you build over time.

Whether Product Management or any other profession, if you are transactional and expect favors then it is a big mistake. A long time back I learnt about the concept of bank deposits in relationships. You can withdraw only if you deposit and once you have a great relationship, you can end up overdrawing as well. In a nutshell being transactional in any relationship, profession or life in general is not a good idea. Invest in relationships and they will give you big returns and guess what there are no market risks involved 🤪

This is a stupid question. There's no such thing as 'networking in product management'. With all the no-code tools, ChatGPT, and other resources out there, there's no excuse not to build something yourself. Show you can build products, then relevant people will find you.

The first product conference I went to I realized I did one thing really well and another one I do not recommend for anyone to be doing. 1. DO NOT: hand your resumes to people you just met 2. Live Tweeting Talks: Live tweet any talks and then go and talk to the speaker about it. Great way to make notes and contribute to their social profile. I have experienced that once you have established initial repo with a fellow PM, we tend to be a bunch that are interested in exploring use cases of new technologies. Great way to stir up deeper conversations.

J’applique ce principe en entreprise car je pense que face aux difficultés qui arriveront un jour ou l’autre, avoir tendu la main sans en attendre un retour particulier, peut amener les collègues à faire l effort discrétionnaire qui fait la différence entre le succès et l’échec. Dans le commerce, l’intention est louable mais toujours sujette à interprétation quand l’opportunité de la transaction se présentera.

The process of networking must be honest and straightforward. 1. Always pay attention to what your audience is telling you. Do not impose your Point of View. 2. Keep in touch with an honest approach. Network is not build in a transactional way. So, invite the person to have a meal, send them a message in a respectful manner and keep in touch, respecting your audience time. 3. Be yourself and do not oversell. People don’t like “chit chat” .

Be humble. Remember to really listen to the person, trying to understand his/her views and problem. Every situation is unique, so take the opportunity to learn and (possibly) help out based on your experiences. But don't assume you sit with the answers, pushing your solutions onto their problem. Everyone is an expert in their narrow field.

Remember that when trying to network (connect) with others working in product that you are connecting with *builders*. The best way to connect with them is to create value for *them* and the best way to do that is to understand what they are building and who they are building it for. Yes, this approach doesn't scale -- but it's better to solve for high quality than high quantity.

It’s important for the product managers to understand the requirement before developing any new product. Without understanding the problems faced by the users and connecting with all the stakeholders, it’s a massive wrong move to get into roadmap directly without running the homework on own.

Product managers are typically obsessed with the products they work on (for obvious reasons). Mostly, they are pretty proud of them. So if you want to network with PMs, make sure you have a basic understanding of the product they manage. It's a great conversation starter and shows your interest in what the PM does. Want to do even better? Use the product if you can to experience the 'user' side and initiate a discussion with the PM from that perspective. You'll hook them!

It’s always important that you do your homework and you do it very well, before attending any networking event. More so, if the network is all about a particular product, or about a particular technology or, for a line of products. For the very obvious reason that a majority of the people attending such events are SMEs (subject matter experts) ,DEs (Domain Experts), who would talk in a certain language, which unless and until one is familiar with, will leave that person a bit out of the place. Also, the very object of every networking event is to let people network / mingle, and learn from each other. If one feels out of place, then this exercise of attending a networking event is not going to be any value creation for that person.

The biggest problem here is that PMs, especially in larger companies like to build products for themselves and don't listen well enough to their own sales teams, target customers and forget to look at technology and market trends. Being too long in this position also brings the risk of developing products in a linear way without any innovation. PMs should be brave enough and kind of opportunistic to embrace new opportunities that could transform their companies which often is needed after a long time.

The biggest mistake in networking is the idea of “what’s in it for me”. Networking should be based on the ideology of giving first. Most people don’t understand the concept that if everyone gave there would need to be others to receive. Give first!!

Uno de los motivos por los que bloqueo o elimino el contacto con una persona es precisamente por este motivo: no han hecho los deberes. Me contactan, me envían un mensaje claramente copiado y pegado porque: - No han cambiado el nombre, y me están llamando de otra forma - Me dicen que tienen en común algo conmigo que no existe (ejemplo: los dos somos diseñadores... Eh... Hasta luego) - Me dicen que me ofrecen trabajo porque soy experta en ese campo (ejemplo: me ofrecen trabajo de product owner en salesforce commerce cloud, cuando solamente trabajé 1 año y pico, y de eso hace ya 5 años o más, y nunca más volví a trabajar de esto) Si no quieres ser bloqueado, haz los deberes!

Coming from a property industry our due diligence is paramount to our success and if not done correctly could prove very costly. Make sure you can prove that you can add some value to whatever you do!

I partly disagree on this. Connecting because you "do not know" much about the other party's business is a great reason to connect & get to know them better. Admitting that you know very little about their business/product but are curious & would love to connect to look for synergies and collaboration opportunities is a solid approach to network.

A major misstep would be acting like a know-it-all, especially when engaging with frontline staff who often have valuable firsthand insights. By not listening to their experiences and reasons, you risk coming across as preachy and missing out on crucial real world knowledge. Effective networking involves humility and the willingness to learn from others, recognizing that insights from different levels are vital for a well-rounded understanding of product management challenges and opportunities.

To sum up this one - “stop copy pasting introduction messages without even proofreading what you have written :)”. Authenticity and a genuine want to network ONLY shows up when there is actual effort put in :)

Some of the usual mistakes in networking for any kind of role also apply to product management - making it too transactional, not being authentic, and focusing more on what you can get from others rather than showing genuineness in building and maintaining connections. Specifically for product management though, given that the role emphases cross-functional perspectives and collaboration, it would be a mistake to not seek out connections across a variety of disciplines such as Engineering, Sales, Marketing, Customer Success. Focusing solely on other product professionals will provide one with an echo chamber which may not help one grow.

Successful networking is a two-way street. Be sure to offer value to others, whether it's through sharing insights, making introductions, or providing assistance. It's not just about what you can gain but also what you can contribute. You should always add value.

Be sure to check in with yourself around your "why". Why are you reaching out? Why are you wanting to network with someone? If you are just doing it to grow your network, and not because there is a genuine desire to connect with them, skip it! Think of networking a bit like gardening... If you just throw every kind of seed out into the garden, you won't know how to care, feed or tend to it, much less give the crops a chance to grow. If you are careful and selective, and know exactly what you are wanting to cultivate, your success will grow and grow and become a sustainable garden of networks.

Time is more valuable these days than generic network connections and discussions. Hence understanding the usecases and then have a productive discussion around synergies is important

Some of the products are built to solve a specific problem. Some are built to address few of the issues of different customers. So the exact requirement or problem for each customer will be different. So, sending generic messages will have lower probability of hitting the right button of customers. Understand your type of customer, their needs and problems . Then modifying your message will have a greater impact. This is true especially your product has multiple features and it addresses different needs for different customers. As a product manager, always customer problem solving should be priority rather than anything. For customer, his needs and problems are top priority and also loves personal touch

You can’t understand someone’s experiences from surface details alone. If for example, you were following an English club page for opportunities for social connection rather than language lessons, and someone came to you asking to be study partners to learn English together - you might not be interested because you were seeking a social experience rather than a learning one. Take time to inquire more deeply before making recommendations to others or appearing overly general. Rather than reacting with judgment when someone's behavior mismatches our quick assumptions, we can respond with empathy, openness and genuine listening.

We are all flooded with connection requests and generic communications. And it's getting worse with AI bots and automated outreach. The key to rising above the clutter is to personalize your message and be your authentic self.

When composing cold emails to potential contacts, my strategy is to ensure the right emotion is conveyed first. Begin with identifying the emotional tone you want to convey, and then structure the email around it. After having drafted the email, put yourself in the shoes of the recipient to see if the emotion is landing appropriately. Moreover, steer clear of copy-and-paste tactics. People are increasingly adept at recognizing standard message templates. So, avoid using generic approaches, including those from AI tools like ChatGPT. I would suggest not relying on algorithmic assistance, and instead, spending more time injecting a personal touch to these messages.

Focusing on the product vision can be a highly effective and specific conversation starter. This question cuts through generic interactions, prompting a discussion that delves into the core of their professional passions and expertise. For me, it's essential to move from broad, meta-level topics to detailed, practical aspects, as this demonstrates genuine interest and engagement, fostering more meaningful and productive connections.

If you don’t follow up, then the conversation never happened. Especially for students, following up is an essential step in not only building a network, but also laying the groundwork for a successful career in product management. I put reminders to follow up on my calendar because you never know what your follow up can lead to. In my experience, following up with a personalized thank you note after coffee chats, interviews, meet ups have led to: - long-term mentor-mentee relationships - finding job and internship opportunities early on - referrals/recs for these opportunities - at the least, a reinforcement of my personal brand and a channel to continue the conversation And it only takes a few moments, so don’t forget to follow up!

Following up isn't just etiquette, it's an investment in your network and your reputation. As you say, it builds trust, clarifies expectations, and smooths collaboration. Here are a few tips I've found effective: Set expectations upfront: Clearly communicate deadlines and milestones when taking on a task. Proactive updates: Don't wait for a crisis - share progress even if it's not news you want to hear. Ask questions, offer solutions, and show genuine interest in their needs. Acknowledge roadblocks: Transparency prevents frustration and opens doors for creative problem-solving. Keeping the lines of communication open, helps build deeper connections and unlock the full potential of teamwork.

Following up is an art in itself and requires practice. The hardest part, in my experience, is adding value. Here are 5 ways I’ve added value to my follow-ups: 1. Provide strategic insights from any new articles, knowledge gathered, or data acquired in relation to your initial conversation 2. Provide updates on your personal career or learning journey as it pertains to particular advice or tips received during previous conversations 3. Connecting PMs with other valuable and appropriate resources/connections within your network 4. Sharing my experiences on how I’ve used their input to navigate ambiguity in my career, workplace, or product-related initiatives 5. Celebrating key events in their lives (birthdays, marriage, kids, etc.)

I think follow up is the key thing to keep the prospect engaged. It keeps you on top of the mind & gets the preference when there is a scope.

Not following up is one of the easiest mistakes to make — especially as we’re often so busy that other things will immediately take place and precedence. In fact, expect that others will likely not follow through. This means that you will stand out as someone who is reliable, genuine and trustworthy. Trust is a foundation to creating a strong network where you can be supportive and get support from.

Well, I was unnoticed many a times. I know I am not in the top 100 for someone to just accept my invite. But I do specialize in somethings that I do. And it can eventually be of help to my connection. So if my message is unnoticed, it is my responsibility to constantly, yet ethically follow-up. At the end of day, if the intention to connect is for mutual benefits, trying a few times to get connected is worth the time. The famous proverb says 'the crying baby gets the milk'. Let's cry intelligently!

Absolutely! Neglecting to follow up or express gratitude after receiving assistance or insights from someone in your network. Failing to acknowledge their support can be perceived as a lack of appreciation and may impact the willingness of others to help you in the future. Regularly expressing gratitude and keeping the lines of communication open is vital for maintaining strong and reciprocal professional connections. Imagine attending a product management conference and meeting a seasoned professional who shares valuable advice. If you don't send a follow-up email expressing your appreciation for their insights and the impact it had on your understanding, it might convey a lack of courtesy and diminish the chances of a lasting relationship

I agree with the importance of consistent follow-up in networking, as highlighted in the advice. Failing to follow up after the initial contact can convey a lack of commitment and interest. Regular follow-ups, coupled with providing value, asking for feedback, and updating on your progress, contribute to building and maintaining strong professional relationships. It demonstrates reliability and appreciation for the connections you've established, ultimately enhancing your reputation within the product management community.

Networking is not a one time act. People sometimes don’t follow up because they : -Don’t want to come across as too desperate. On the contrary followup done right often shows tenacity -Don’t really know what to do after that first conversation: This happens when you send out those “informational interview” requests without actually thinking about why you want to connect with someone. -Get disheartened if the person doesn’t respond in a timely fashion. You need to understand that people are busy and can sometimes miss that email! A small nudge in the form of a followup is almost always needed It’s important to do all the things that are under your control. And following up is just one of them!

Crear una serie de pasos para hacer seguimiento del primer contacto. Acá traigo a colación lo momentos de verdad , así como los clientes en un retail tienen momentos de verdad así mismo lo tienen los contactos . Siempre estar presente identificando cuales son esos momentos de verdad y estar presente con una idea o una comunicación generara valor para el contacto en términos de confianza y fortalecimiento de la relación. Por ejemplo: fecha de asignación de presupuestos , fecha de entrega de informes, emails o presencia en redes sociales compartiendo información de valor. Los contactos también tienen un viaje para comprar la confianza del PM.

Networking for the sake of it without being self-aware of what you bring to the table may not bear fruit. On the other hand, openly sharing your PM experiences, instances that have shaped your thinking as a PM, and your recent learnings that might be relatable and useful to others - are all examples of what could help you make a mark and be remembered by the people you interact with. Being a little vulnerable and sharing any hiccups that you recently faced and learning from it, will help personally connect with others and build a stronger bond beyond just knowing each other's names and organizations.

I feel that succesful networking only works if you are willing to give before expecting any return. When networking around product management this could for instance mean that you are willing to share honest learnings, that you listen to what others seek help with, that you are willing to help others connect or that you are willing to create environments for exchange (for instance by hosting a meetup at your company‘s office).

To be a great networker in product management, consider giving your time to a local or regional product groups to share your expertise and grow the community as a speaker or a participant, some great communitiesI enjoy include Women in Product, Product Tank, Product School or the Creative Product Managers community on LinkedIn.

The objective should be to exchange experience to improve the best practices of both parties, if this is not the objective, there is something wrong with this equation

You're networking to grow your circle of influence, to give people a reason to remember and resonate with you, and increase the touch-points needed to establish genuine relationships. Being in sell mode in any form is the fastest way to give people a reason to forget and avoid you. Much better is to find a way to be a net giver - genuinely. It provides a point of commonality, a reason to reconnect and be remembered by a specific contact, but also generate word of mouth through their extended network. The network effect is the critical element here - there is a low probability that you will ever need anything from the individual you just helped, but MUCH higher chance that their network will one day prove useful. Reciprocation is powerful!

effective networking involves the development of authentic and mutually advantageous relationships. Eschewing a self-focused approach and emphasizing empathetic, value-oriented engagement are critical for successful professional networking.

Fostering mutually beneficial outcomes is crucial in product management. Amidst our individual responsibilities, it's essential to prioritize community engagement.

Couldnt agree more, Giving back is one trait which people usually lack and dont realise its value in any relationship professional or otherwise. It is only human to get too involved into what you want to know or learn and ignore the importance of sharing your experiences and adding value in return. Few tips: - Show interest in knowing current challenges, career goals and well being of your connection in general. - Share your success and failure stories - Lessons learnt from any mistakes you have made in past.

Mutual contribution is key in any relationship, whether professional or personal. Being solely a taker isn't appreciated. Even if you're early in your career and feel you have little to offer an expert, remember that everyone can provide something. One valuable way is to close the loop with your mentor. Share the outcomes of their guidance, such as job success or conflict resolution. This gives a sense of satisfaction to the mentor for being in service. Expressing gratitude through a thank-you note or public LinkedIn post is another way to give back.

Not giving back is one of the big mistakes you can make while trying to build a relationship, and in fact, I would advice to not just give back, but to aim to give forward. This applies to networking amongst the product management community, but also when building relationships with your stakeholders.

I always follow the "give-give-get" model in networking, delivering significant value upfront. It's not just a strategy; it's a commitment to providing 10 times the value to every genuine connection, building trust and fostering mutual benefit. All my alliance partners love to catch-up with me for this sole reason :)

1. Unpreparedness: • Lack of industry and company research. • Ignoring current product management trends. 2. Self-Centered Approach: • Focusing only on personal goals. • Neglecting others’ needs and perspectives. 3. Neglecting Soft Skills: • Poor communication and listening. • Ignoring relationship-building. 4. Transactional Networking: • Seeing connections solely for job gains. • Undervaluing long-term relationships. 5. Lack of Follow-Up: • Forgetting post-networking communication. • Failing to nurture connections over time.

Not asking insightful thought provoking questions. Great questions say more about your thought process and what you find interesting than great answers in my view.

Be genuinely interested in learning from others. Great Product Managers are forever curious. Use that to your advantage with networking. Ask questions (do discovery!), learn about how their world is different from yours (it always is). Being a PM is different every where. We all have so much to learn from each other. You'll build your network as a result but gain more perspective and wisdom through it.

In the digital age, your online persona is often the first impression you make. I thnk it's important to ensure you're online presence is appropriate and updated. Use your personal brand to drive interest!

📝 Taking notes is key for networking success! It’s easy to lose track of connections when networking. I mean, how many LinkedIn messages and coffee chats is one person supposed to keep top of mind!?️ That's why I advise keeping a spreadsheet or journal of your networking conversations. 🗒️ Track details like: ` Date/time ` Name & company ` What you discussed ` Next steps This helps you: ` Remember your connections ` Personalize future chats ` Follow up on promises ` Show your professionalism Stay organized and take your networking game to the next level with a conversation tracker! ⬆️ Set a reminder to take notes after meetings.

One common pitfall for product managers in the realm of networking is failing to go to key networking events because they feel underprepared. While thorough research and homework are undoubtedly essential, the paramount step is to consistently participate. Committing to attending key networking events, without exception, not only motivates you to allocate time for adequate preparation but also underscores the non-negotiable nature of networking. The compounding benefits of networking become evident in the long run, and missing even a handful of opportunities can significantly erode your potential returns over the course of several years.

One more mistake that should never be done is trying to portray yourself as an expert in a subject which you are actually not. This can lead to many chaotic situations where professional recommendations can no longer be trusted. It is fine to admit the limitations in your knowledge areas and rather than bragging, the actual willingness to fill the gaps will inspire the people more that we believe.

I believe the most significant mistake would be disregarding the opinions of all shareholders and stakeholders, along with neglecting customer feedback. Creating a great product requires an open-minded approach—listening to the market, staying attuned to trends, technologies, customer needs, and team dynamics. Employing social listening, quizzes, and customer interviews helps understand what they desire and require. The pivotal error lies in crafting a product solely based on personal preferences or a singular vision. It's crucial to justify the chosen direction with strong reasoning.

Glorifying yourself as a master of product management would be a big mistake. Try to remain a student as much as you can through your journey.