Product Chats Podcast

By Pragmatic InstituteBusiness Marketing Management

Product Chats Podcast episodes

June 21, 2024 Customer-Centric Marketing Strategies for Business Growth with Mark Donnigan
Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNJI2Tv2yxOLBI02nyJoprA
Learn more about us: https://www.pragmaticinstitute.com/
Start your Product Manager or Product Marketer certification here

"In Marketing, our job is to keep our ear very close to the ground, understand the process, listen to the buyers, listen to the customer, and always be thinking about what drives the customer."
-Mark Donnigan, Startup Marketing Consultant
In this episode of Product Chats, we are joined by marketing superhero Mark Donnigan. With a focus on growth-stage marketing, Mark has carved a niche in the tech industry as a consultant who helps B2B companies, particularly startups and those in the growth phase, to craft and execute successful go-to-market strategies.
His approach is deeply rooted in the belief that marketing is an integral component of business strategy, inseparable from product development and sales.

Key Takeaways:
Consistently Listen and Engage with Customers: The significance of staying attuned to the customers' needs and the market dynamics cannot be overstated. Engaging with customers regularly and genuinely understanding their business can unveil invaluable insights for product development and marketing.
Guide Your Buyers to Purchase: There is a five-step framework that guides B2B purchases. This process includes identifying problems, exploring solutions, building requirements, selecting vendors, and undergoing a validation process. Mark advocates for creating valuable, educational content tailored to each step of the customer's buying journey. This approach is vital for engaging potential buyers early and establishing your brand as a trusted advisor.
Leverage an Iterative Marketing Approach: Embrace a highly iterative marketing framework that focuses on executing in small chunks, measuring results, and refining strategies based on market feedback. This process ensures that marketing efforts are aligned with customer needs and market trends.
Understanding the Buying Process is Vital: Recognize the critical milestones in the customer's buying journey and ensure that your marketing materials and strategies support and facilitate this process, helping to guide the customer from problem identification to solution validation.

ABOUT OUR GUEST:
Mark Donnigan is a Virtual CMO and GTM consultant that designs and executes go-to-market and marketing programs that produce real business results for technology startup companies.
Dive deeper into Mark's insights and strategies by checking out his Minibook, "First Principles in Marketing for Startup Founders and CEOs." This guide is a treasure trove of knowledge, offering a fresh perspective on marketing by breaking down problems to their core and building innovative solutions that meet and redefine customer expectations.
ABOUT PRAGMATIC INSTITUTE:
Since 1993, we’ve provided training and professional development for product, design, and data professionals to accelerate innovation, increase customer satisfaction, and bolster revenue. Through our comprehensive methods and propriety Pragmatic Framework, we train professionals with the skills needed to accelerate their product management and product marketing careers, increase team efficiency, and boost revenue.
Our online, in-person, and on-demand courses are taught by industry experts with decades of experience at top companies like Microsoft, Cisco, Dell, Hallmark, Quaker Oats, and Dun & Bradstreet. We offer individual course training in product, design and data, and certification tracks for Product Management Certifications, Product Marketing Certifications, and the Pragmatic Product Master Certification. All attendees gain access to the Pragmatic Alumni Community, a network of over 30,000 alumni worldwide.
If you’re looking for product management or product marketing training or are pursuing a product marketing certification or product management certification, browse our certification paths at https://www.pragmaticinstitute.com/product/. Courses are available online, in-person, or on-demand to fit your schedule.
Want to learn more about becoming a Pragmatic Certified Product Manager? Learn more here.
#ProductManagement #ProductManager #ProductManagementCertification #ProductManagementStrategy #PragmaticInstitute
59 min
June 14, 2024 GrandPad's AI-Powered Approach to Senior Tech with Isaac Lien, Co-founder and Chief AI & Innovation Officer at GrandPad
Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNJI2Tv2yxOLBI02nyJoprA
Learn more about us: https://www.pragmaticinstitute.com/
Start your Product Manager or Product Marketer certification here
“The first thing I would recommend everyone to do who has an interest in the AI space, and I think lots of people have an interest in this space, is you should be using generative AI tools in your life every day as much as you can, and really remind yourself how much of a difference it can make.”
- Isaac Lien, Co-Founder and Chief Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Officer at Grandpad
In this enlightening episode, we dive deep with Isaac Lien, Co-founder and Chief AI and Innovation Officer at GrandPad, exploring the company's strategic incorporation of generative AI to enhance their offerings for the senior market. Lien shares the journey of testing and integrating AI technologies within their product, GrandPad, highlighting how a user-directed approach has fundamentally shaped both the development and marketing strategies.
Isaac Lien, Co-founder of Grandpad, initially developed a math flashcards app for iPhone inspired by Steve Jobs. Motivated by communication challenges with his grandparents, he created Grandpad, facilitating video calls for the elderly. Recognizing the power of technology to improve lives, Grandpad later introduced "Grandie," which use AI to help seniors engage in seamless conversations, find inspiration, and discover new interests in an intuitive and user-friendly manner. The team focuses on effective communication and user engagement, incorporating popular games and news topics into Grandpad's offerings.
Looking ahead, Isaac anticipates evolving generative AI technologies, and emphasizes the importance of user feedback to guide feature enhancements. By staying informed and exploring new tools, it’s possible to capitalize on industry advancements.
Key Takeaways:
1. User Feedback is King: User feedback plays a critical role in Grandpad's product development. They have a group of users who actively advise them on what to build, ensuring that the product continuously evolves to meet the needs of their customers.
2. Market Solutions, Not Features: Marketing for Grandpad's AI-powered features is centered around Simon Sinek's "Start with Why" approach. They focus on explaining why the product is important and beneficial for their users, before diving into the technical details of how it works. The solution is what users really care about.
3. Know Your Audience Intimately: Grandpad emphasized the importance of deeply understanding their target audience and creating a product that specifically caters to their needs. In their case, they focused on older adults and designed a user-friendly product that addresses their unique challenges with technology.
ABOUT OUR GUEST:
As the Co-Founder and Chief Artificial Intelligence and Innovation Officer at Grandpad, Isaac Lien brings a deep understanding of technology and a passion for making it accessible to older adults. With a background in computer science, he has been instrumental in the development of Grandpad's user-friendly tablet solutions designed specifically for the unique needs of this demographic.
Isaac's expertise in artificial intelligence and his dedication to incorporating user feedback have been key drivers in Grandpad's success. He has consistently leveraged advanced technologies, such as generative AI, to enhance the user experience and provide personalized, human-like interactions. Through his leadership, Grandpad has become a pioneer in utilizing AI to create more intuitive and engaging experiences for its users.
At the core of Isaac's work is a commitment to making technology accessible and inclusive for all users, particularly older adults. He has dedicated his career to developing solutions that empower and enrich the lives of users, ensuring they can seamlessly connect with their loved ones, access information, and enjoy a wide range of digital experiences.
You can learn more about Grandie at Grandie.AI and more about Grandpad at Grandpad.net.
ABOUT PRAGMATIC INSTITUTE:
Since 1993, we’ve provided training and professional development for product, design, and data professionals to accelerate innovation, increase customer satisfaction, and bolster revenue. Through our comprehensive methods and proprietary Pragmatic Framework, we train professionals with the skills needed to accelerate their product management and product marketing careers, increase team efficiency, and boost revenue.
Our online, in-person, and on-demand courses are taught by industry experts with decades of experience at top companies like Microsoft, Cisco, Dell, Hallmark, Quaker Oats, and Dun & Bradstreet. We offer individual course training in product, design and data, and certification tracks for Product Management Certifications, Product Marketing Certifications, and the Pragmatic Product Master Certification. All attendees gain access to the Pragmatic Alumni Community, a network of over 30,000 alumni worldwide.
If you’re looking for product management or product marketing training or are pursuing a product marketing certification or product management certification, browse our certification paths at https://www.pragmaticinstitute.com/product/.
Courses are available online, in-person, or on-demand to fit your schedule.
Want to learn more about becoming a Pragmatic Certified Product Manager? Learn more here.
#ProductManagement #ProductManager #ProductManagementCertification #ProductManagementStrategy #PragmaticInstitute
28 min
June 07, 2024 Mastering Market Segmentation and Value-Based Pricing I Mark Stiving

How can product managers blend pricing strategy, market segmentation, and portfolio?
Mark Stiving, Pragmatic Institute Instructor and pricing expert, offers practical advice to help product professionals elevate their pricing strategies and deliver value for customers. In this interview, Mark shares his extensive knowledge and unique perspective on how companies can leverage pricing as a powerful tool for business growth.
For detailed takeaways, show notes, and more, visit www.pragmaticinstitute.com/resources/podcasts
#ProductManagement #ProductPricing
Pragmatic Institute is the global leader in Product, Data, and Design training and certification programs for working professionals. Learn more at www.pragmaticinstitute.com
31 min
May 31, 2024 From Physician to Serial Tech Entrepreneur: What It Takes to Lead with Dr. Jonathan Baktari
“When you truly grasp the impact of your words, actions, and behavior, that awareness fundamentally transforms your approach to everything.”– Dr. Jonathan Baktari, Healthcare CEO, Entrepreneur, Speaker
In this episode of the Pragmatic Product Chats series, host Rebecca Kalogeris engages in an insightful discussion with Dr. Jonathan Baktari, a seasoned physician, entrepreneur, and leader with over 20 years of experience. Dr. Baktari owns and operates several businesses, including multiple health clinics and a software service used in over 20,000 locations.
As a business leader, he relies on technology, data, and his trusted team to reach more people than ever before. He shares his extensive knowledge and unique perspective on the intersection of leadership, technology, and employee development.
Join us for an engaging conversation that blends healthcare, technology, and leadership, offering practical advice for product managers, marketers, and leaders looking to elevate their teams and organizations.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Leadership Dilemma: Dr. Baktari delves into the Peter Principle, which suggests that individuals are promoted based on their current role competence rather than their potential in higher roles. This often leads to leaders who excelled in previous positions but struggle with leadership duties. Great CEOs can make the critical distinction between someone who is proficient at a job and those that would make an effective leader.
2. Micro Mentoring: Dr. Baktari introduces the concept of "micro mentoring" as a superior alternative to micromanaging. By instilling the organization's philosophy and goals in employees, leaders can empower their teams to make independent decisions that align with the company's vision. This approach fosters a sense of autonomy and encourages proactive problem-solving.
3. Invest in Company Culture: The importance of investing in employee growth and fostering a supportive culture is often underestimated. Dr.Baktari emphasizes creating an environment that encourages continuous improvement and development. By prioritizing employee development, companies can build a robust and motivated workforce dedicated to achieving long-term success.
ABOUT OUR GUEST:
Dr. Jonathan Baktari is a distinguished physician with over two decades of experience in clinical practice, medical administration, and entrepreneurship. He has served as clinical faculty for several prestigious medical schools and has transitioned successfully into leading technology companies. Dr. Baktari is also the host of the Baktari MD podcast, where he shares his expertise on leadership, technology, and healthcare.
Listeners can follow Dr. Jonathan Baktari's insights and content on his podcast, Baktari MD, available on YouTube, Spotify, and other major platforms. Additional resources, including links to his podcasts and national interviews, can be found on his website, https://jonathanbaktarimd.com
ABOUT PRAGMATIC INSTITUTE:
Since 1993, we’ve provided training and professional development for product, design, and data professionals to accelerate innovation, increase customer satisfaction, and bolster revenue. Through our comprehensive methods and proprietary Pragmatic Framework, we train professionals with the skills needed to accelerate their product management and product marketing careers, increase team efficiency, and boost revenue.
Our online, in-person, and on-demand courses are taught by industry experts with decades of experience at top companies like Microsoft, Cisco, Dell, Hallmark, Quaker Oats, and Dun & Bradstreet. We offer individual course training in product, design and data, and certification tracks for Product Management Certifications, Product Marketing Certifications, and the Pragmatic Product Master Certification. All attendees gain access to the Pragmatic Alumni Community, a network of over 30,000 alumni worldwide.
If you’re looking for product management or product marketing training or are pursuing a product marketing certification or product management certification, browse our certification paths at https://www.pragmaticinstitute.com/product/.
Courses are available online, in-person, or on-demand to fit your schedule.Want to learn more about becoming a Pragmatic Certified Product Manager? Learn more here.
#ProductManagement #ProductManager #ProductManagementCertification #ProductManagementStrategy #PragmaticInstitute
38 min
May 24, 2024Mastering Recurring Revenue with Amanda Northcutt, CEO of Level Up Creator
“If you’re potential customers aren’t aware that they have a problem and you have a solution, your sales cycle is so much longer and so much more painful."
Amanda Northcutt, CEO of Level Up Creators
Join us for an insightful conversation with Amanda Northcutt, CEO of Level Up Creators, as she dives deep into the world of recurring revenue and subscription-based businesses. Amanda shares her expert knowledge on optimizing customer journeys, reducing churn rates, and leveraging revenue opportunities to ensure sustained business growth.

Key Takeaways:
Understand and Optimize the Customer Journey: Amanda emphasizes the importance of mapping out and understanding the entire customer journey to enhance retention and improve the overall experience.
Data-Driven Decision Making: Tracking customer behavior and using qualitative and quantitative data to inform decisions is crucial for refining products and services.
Consistent Value Addition: Continuously providing value through new features, unique content, and improved offerings keeps customers engaged and reduces churn.
Proactive Churn Management: Identifying and addressing the reasons behind customer churn proactively helps maintain a stable and satisfied customer base.
Effective Revenue Operations: Implementing robust revenue operations practices ensures optimal management and maximization of various revenue streams.
Bonus Discussion: Amanda also delves into the benefits of competition in the market, monetizing personal brands, and why you should be including a category for premium customer experiences.

About Our Guest
Amanda Northcutt is a seasoned expert in the subscription business model and recurring revenue strategies. As the CEO of Level Up Creators, she leverages her deep understanding of customer journeys and retention behaviors to help digital thought leaders optimize their businesses. Amanda's insights on pricing strategies, packaging techniques, and marketing tactics are invaluable for anyone looking to succeed in the subscription economy. You can find more of her resources on LinkedIn or through her websites, https://welevelupcreators.com and levelupcreatorschool.com.

About Pragmatic Institute
Since 1993, Pragmatic Institute has provided training and professional development for product design and data professionals to accelerate innovation, increase customer satisfaction, and bolster revenue. Through our comprehensive methods and proprietary Pragmatic Framework, we train professionals with the skills needed to accelerate their product management and product marketing careers, increase team efficiency, and boost revenue.

Our online, in-person, and on-demand courses are taught by industry experts with decades of experience at top companies like Microsoft, Cisco, Dell, Hallmark, Quaker Oats, and Dun & Bradstreet.

We offer individual course training in product design and data and certification tracks for Product Management Certifications, Product Marketing Certifications, and the Pragmatic Product Master Certification. All attendees gain access to the Pragmatic Alumni Community, a network of over 30,000 alumni worldwide.

If you’re looking for product management or product marketing training or are pursuing a product marketing certification or product management certification, browse our certification paths at Pragmatic Institute. Courses are available online, in-person, or on-demand to fit your schedule. Want to learn more about becoming a Pragmatic Certified Product Manager? Learn more here.

#ProductManagement #ProductManager #ProductManagementCertification #ProductManagementStrategy #PragmaticInstitute
37 min
May 17, 2024Working with Engineers: How Product and Engineering Can Help Each Other with Dan Corbin
“There are certain things that product managers sometimes unintentionally do, or things they don't realize they do, that have really negative cascading impacts for engineers."
Dan Corbin, Product Management Leader and Instructor at Pragmatic Institute
In this episode, we dive deep into the dynamics between product managers and engineering teams with Dan Corbin, an experienced product management professional and instructor at Pragmatic Institute.

Dan shares his recent findings on the behaviors and practices that can either foster collaboration or create friction between these crucial roles.

With extensive experience leading product teams across various industries, Dan provides invaluable insights into building a harmonious and productive team environment.

Key Takeaways:
Misconceptions About Engineer Satisfaction: Simple gestures like bringing donuts aren’t enough; effective collaboration requires more nuanced approaches.
Common PM Pitfalls: PMs often make unintentional mistakes, such as failing to validate customer needs, allowing scope creep, and not prioritizing effectively.
Implementing Effective Changes: Dan emphasizes the importance of servant leadership, continuous learning, and aligning closely with engineering teams.
Maintaining Clear Boundaries: PMs should focus on the "what" and "why," while engineers handle the "how" and "when," ensuring each team can work optimally within their expertise.

About Our Guest
Dan Corbin is a seasoned product management leader dedicated to improving product strategy and operations for companies across diverse sectors. With a rich background in software development, Dan has a comprehensive understanding of both the technical and product side of the business.

Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a strong passion for his work and a dedication to helping others in the product management field. He is particularly interested in the dynamics between product and engineering teams and is committed to fostering effective communication and alignment within these roles. Dan's approach to product management emphasizes the importance of servant leadership, gratitude, and continual learning.

Dan is also the founder of The Product League and a regular speaker for Agile Austin, initiatives that further his mission of fostering effective product management practices. Always ready for a conversation, Dan Corbin is a regular guest on podcasts and a valuable contributor to discussions on product management best practices.

About Pragmatic Institute
Since 1993, Pragmatic Institute has provided training and professional development for product design and data professionals to accelerate innovation, increase customer satisfaction, and bolster revenue. Through our comprehensive methods and proprietary Pragmatic Framework, we train professionals with the skills needed to accelerate their product management and product marketing careers, increase team efficiency, and boost revenue.

Our online, in-person, and on-demand courses are taught by industry experts with decades of experience at top companies like Microsoft, Cisco, Dell, Hallmark, Quaker Oats, and Dun & Bradstreet.

We offer individual course training in product design and data and certification tracks for Product Management Certifications, Product Marketing Certifications, and the Pragmatic Product Master Certification. All attendees gain access to the Pragmatic Alumni Community, a network of over 30,000 alumni worldwide.

If you’re looking for product management or product marketing training or are pursuing a product marketing certification or product management certification, browse our certification paths at Pragmatic Institute. Courses are available online, in-person, or on-demand to fit your schedule. Want to learn more about becoming a Pragmatic Certified Product Manager? Learn more here.

#ProductManagement #ProductManager #ProductManagementCertification #ProductManagementStrategy #PragmaticInstitute
33 min
May 10, 2024 Inside the Quality Engineering Hub at Mattel with Tim Trapp, Director of Quality Engineering at Mattel, Inc.
“Consumers are our most valuable treasure trove of information, along with online reviews and some other data sets.”
-Tim Trapp, Director of Quality Engineering at Mattel, Inc.

In this episode, Tim shares all about product quality, specifically what can be learned from Mattel regarding the implementation of key product quality measures. Discussion topics include understanding customer feedback, the balance between cost, schedule, and quality, and the importance of monitoring both customer feedback and competitor performance. Don't miss your chance to gain insights from one of the most recognized names in the industry.

Key Takeaways:
1. User Testing for Competitive Advantage: Testing products with real users to identify potential issues and improve design is a significant strategy at Mattel. This includes formative testing, which is done early and often to shape the design of products.

2. Active Post Market Surveillance: Once the products are in the market, the quality team looks at post-market surveillance to understand how the products are performing in real life, which can inform future design and manufacturing decisions.

3. Corrective Actions and Continuous Improvement: A well-defined process for corrective actions ensures that any issues are addressed promptly and do not become repeat mistakes. This involves constant checking of products in the market and making necessary improvements.

4. Quality as Everyone's Responsibility: Tim emphasizes that quality is not just the quality department's problem but everyone's responsibility in the company. Striving for the best consumer experience should be a part of everything a company does.

ABOUT OUR GUEST:
Tim Trapp is a seasoned product executive with extensive experience in managing product quality across a diverse range of products. He has worked with and led multidisciplinary and multinational cross-functional teams, demonstrating his ability to navigate complex global landscapes. His expertise lies in being able to ensure the highest standards of product quality, compliance, and safety.

At Mattel, Tim has been instrumental in driving quality initiatives that have significantly enhanced product performance and customer satisfaction. His approach to quality is holistic, encompassing everything from initial design and user testing to post-market surveillance and continuous improvement. His insights have helped shape Mattel's product portfolio and maintain its reputation for excellence.

ABOUT PRAGMATIC INSTITUTE:
Since 1993, we’ve provided training and professional development for product, design, and data professionals to accelerate innovation, increase customer satisfaction, and bolster revenue. Through our comprehensive methods and propriety Pragmatic Framework, we train professionals with the skills needed to accelerate their product management and product marketing careers, increase team efficiency, and boost revenue.Our online, in-person, and on-demand courses are taught by industry experts with decades of experience at top companies like Microsoft, Cisco, Dell, Hallmark, Quaker Oats, and Dun & Bradstreet. We offer individual course training in product, design and data, and certification tracks for Product Management Certifications, Product Marketing Certifications, and the Pragmatic Product Master Certification. All attendees gain access to the Pragmatic Alumni Community, a network of over 30,000 alumni worldwide.

If you’re looking for product management or product marketing training or are pursuing a product marketing certification or product management certification, browse our certification paths at pragmaticinstitute.com/product. Courses are available online, in-person, or on-demand to fit your schedule.

Want to learn more about becoming a Pragmatic Certified Product Manager? Learn more here.

#ProductManagement #ProductManager #ProductManagementCertification #ProductManagementStrategy #PragmaticInstitute
52 min
May 03, 2024 Mastering the Art of Interviewing with Jordan Burton, Professional Interviewer and Executive Trainer
✅ Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNJI2Tv2yxOLBI02nyJoprA
📚 Learn more about us: https://www.pragmaticinstitute.com/
🚀 Start your Product Manager or Product Marketer certification here

“What you notice is that the real nuggets that you get, the parts of the story that really shed light on a candidate's exceptional fit or lack of fit for a role, it's usually the third, fourth, fifth, maybe even more follow up questions deep.”- Jordan Burton, Cofounder of Talgo

Join us for a conversation with Jordan Burton, a professional interviewer and co-founder of the training firm Talgo, a company specializing in helping individuals and businesses attract, evaluate, and hire top talent. In this episode, Jordan shares invaluable insights on how to hire the best talent in today's competitive market.

We dive deep into the world of data-driven hiring, where decisions are made based not on emotional responses, but on concrete information about a candidate's past performance and accomplishments. Jordan elaborates on the importance of clarity in understanding a company's needs and the business results they desire from a new hire.

With a wealth of tips for both interviewers and interviewees, this episode is filled with practical advice that can help companies attract and retain changemakers, and help candidates put their best foot forward in interviews. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of the best minds in the industry.

Key Takeaways:

1. Data-Driven Hiring: Jordan Burton emphasizes the importance of data-driven hiring. This approach prioritizes factual information about a candidate's past performance and achievements over emotional responses, providing a more objective evaluation of potential hires.

2. Clarity in Hiring Needs: Burton highlights the need for clarity in understanding the company's needs and desired business results from a new hire. Rather than focusing on what tasks the candidate will perform, the emphasis should be on what they will achieve or the impact they will make.

3. Value of Follow-Up Questions: One of the key insights from the discussion is the importance of follow-up questions during an interview. These questions allow the interviewer to delve deeper into a candidate's experiences, offering valuable insights that might not surface with surface-level inquiries.

4. Notetaking for Bias Mitigation: Burton strongly recommends notetaking during interviews. Using these notes, rather than relying on memory or emotional responses, can help mitigate bias in the hiring process, leading to more objective and fair hiring decisions.

ABOUT OUR GUEST:

Jordan Burton is a highly experienced executive assessor and interviewing trainer, and co-founder of the training firm Talgo. With over 17 years in the industry, he has honed his skills in training venture capitalists, private equity investors, and high-growth companies on the art of hiring the best talent. He has trained over 3,000 executives and investors on hiring and interviewing skills.

Before venturing into his entrepreneurial journey with Talgo, Jordan was a Partner at the esteemed leadership advisory firm ghSMART, and a consultant at Bain & Company.Jordan's methods are applied not only in the interviewing processes he conducts but also in his training programs, helping companies to improve their hiring processes. His current portfolio at Talgo includes managing relationships with industry giants like Sequoia Capital, TH Lee, and Palantir Technologies.

ABOUT PRAGMATIC INSTITUTE:

Since 1993, we’ve provided training and professional development for product, design, and data professionals to accelerate innovation, increase customer satisfaction, and bolster revenue. Through our comprehensive methods and propriety Pragmatic Framework, we train professionals with the skills needed to accelerate their product management and product marketing careers, increase team efficiency, and boost revenue.

Our online, in-person, and on-demand courses are taught by industry experts with decades of experience at top companies like Microsoft, Cisco, Dell, Hallmark, Quaker Oats, and Dun & Bradstreet. We offer individual course training in product, design and data, and certification tracks for Product Management Certifications, Product Marketing Certifications, and the Pragmatic Product Master Certification. All attendees gain access to the Pragmatic Alumni Community, a network of over 30,000 alumni worldwide.

If you’re looking for product management or product marketing training or are pursuing a product marketing certification or product management certification, browse our certification paths at https://www.pragmaticinstitute.com/product/.

Courses are available online, in-person, or on-demand to fit your schedule.
Want to learn more about becoming a Pragmatic Certified Product Manager? Learn more here.

#ProductManagement #ProductManager #ProductManagementCertification #ProductManagementStrategy #PragmaticInstitute
41 min
April 19, 2024 Maximizing Impact: The Power of Strategic Early User Programs with Neil Baron and Rod Griffith
Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNJI2Tv2yxOLBI02nyJoprA
Learn more about us: https://www.pragmaticinstitute.com/
Start your Product Manager or Product Marketer certification here

“It's all about setting up the right expectations with the company or the early user. So, it's not just giving it to them. It’s about being clear about what you expect in return early in the process.”
- Neil Baron, B2B Product Management Consultant, Founder of Baron Strategic Partners
Join us for a critical discussion with Neil Baron and Rod Griffith, following their recent article in the Harvard Business Review (read it here) on extracting the full value of early user programs.
This episode unpacks the nuances of designing early user programs that go beyond mere functionality checks to validate problem-solving, target accuracy, and accelerate market readiness. The conversation delves into the importance of having a dedicated program owner (not a dictator) and the necessity of involving cross-functional teams to capture diverse perspectives.
Neil and Rod outline a five-step process for a successful program, from hypothesis definition and participant selection to setting clear expectations and leveraging feedback for product and go-to-market enhancements. Highlighting the tangible outcomes of well-executed early user programs, Neil and Rod share how these strategies have led to fast revenue times, increased sales confidence, and enhanced media coverage.

Key Takeaways:
1. Importance of Early User Programs: The discussion highlights the significance of early user programs in understanding market problems that a product can solve. It emphasizes that these programs should not be viewed in isolation but as part of a holistic approach to product development and market understanding.
2. Cross-Functional Collaboration: For an effective early user program, there needs to be cross-functional input and it should be considered as a critical step in the process. This requires buy-in from senior management and proper incentivization across the organization.
3. Value Proposition and Feedback: Early user programs are not only about the product, but also about understanding the customer experience, the messaging, and the value proposition. It's vital to set up a give-and-get relationship with early users, ensuring they understand the benefits they will get, and the company gets valuable feedback and data.

ABOUT OUR GUEST:
Neil Baron is the founder of Baron Strategic Partners, a consulting firm that helps B2B companies accelerate growth. He is also involved in running two forums for product executives, the Product Leadership Council in conjunction with Pragmatic, and the Boston Product Executive Forum, which is run in conjunction with the Boston Product Management Association.
With a wealth of experience in product leadership and management, Neil is passionate about helping companies create effective strategies for success.
Rod Griffith is the Chief Client Officer and Co-Founder of MarketReach, inc., a B2B marketing services company that designs and manages marketing programs, campaigns, and sales tools for a variety of technology companies. With a background in computer industry segment management and product management, Rod uses his experience to help companies translate their strategies into practical and successful market-facing activities. He is deeply involved in sharing his insights and learnings through various forums, including the Product Leadership Council and collaborations with Pragmatic.
ABOUT PRAGMATIC INSTITUTE:
Since 1993, we’ve provided training and professional development for product, design, and data professionals to accelerate innovation, increase customer satisfaction, and bolster revenue. Through our comprehensive methods and proprietary Pragmatic Framework, we train professionals with the skills needed to accelerate their product management and product marketing careers, increase team efficiency, and boost revenue.
Our online, in-person, and on-demand courses are taught by industry experts with decades of experience at top companies like Microsoft, Cisco, Dell, Hallmark, Quaker Oats, and Dun & Bradstreet. We offer individual course training in product, design and data, and certification tracks for Product Management Certifications, Product Marketing Certifications, and the Pragmatic Product Master Certification. All attendees gain access to the Pragmatic Alumni Community, a network of over 30,000 alumni worldwide.If you’re looking for product management or product marketing training or are pursuing a product marketing certification or product management certification, browse our certification paths at https://www.pragmaticinstitute.com/product/.
Courses are available online, in-person, or on-demand to fit your schedule.
Want to learn more about becoming a Pragmatic Certified Product Manager? Learn more here.
#ProductManagement #ProductManager #ProductManagementCertification #ProductManagementStrategy #PragmaticInstitute
48 min
March 22, 2024Transforming Your Products with Community Insight with Jake McKee, Community-Driven Product Expert
“Community-driven product development is not just about getting feedback, but about integrating community members and customers into the product development cycle itself.”
Jake McKee, Community Driven Product Management Leader
In this episode of Product Chats, we welcome Jake McKee, pioneer in community-driven product innovation. Jake delves into the transformative approach of weaving community insights into the product development fabric, aiming for products that resonate deeply with users.He outlines a strategy for seamlessly integrating community members into the development journey. At the heart of this integration is transparency around objectives, coupled with the strategic selection of community contributors based on their expertise and engagement levels. Timing, Jake emphasizes, is crucial in bringing these voices into the fold.

Jake's guidance for companies includes a careful examination of their product development cycles to identify opportunities for community inclusion. He champions the shift towards relationship-building activities, advocating for a move away from transactional interactions to foster deeper connections with the community. This, he argues, necessitates a reevaluation of risk-averse mindsets, encouraging organizations to balance the potential risks with the significant rewards of community involvement.

Jake advocates for a deliberate approach to community engagement in product development, pinpointing ideation and testing as key phases for involvement. Highlighting the importance of seeing these engagements as opportunities to build relationships, he suggests that companies stand to gain immensely by integrating community perspectives, thereby enriching the product development process.

KEY INSIGHTS
1.  Community Integration in Product Development: Jake shares his blueprint for weaving community and customer insights into the product development cycle. Whether on-site visits or individual interviews, the goal is to embrace the community's viewpoint and ensure their feedback significantly influences the project. Jake underscores the necessity of structured engagement throughout the project's lifespan.

2.  Clear Outcomes and Communication: Jake advises on the importance of clear communication with community members regarding the impact of their involvement. Viewing interactions as relational rather than transactional enriches the development process, fostering a collaborative atmosphere akin to internal brainstorming sessions.

3.  Feedback Management and Engagement Activities: Jake points out the crucial role of efficient feedback management and engagement strategies. Activities should balance functional and emotional aspects to maintain community engagement and a positive rapport. From formal presentations to casual team-building events, the aim is to manage feedback without overwhelming the product team, providing structured feedback channels.

4.  Initiating Integration and Overcoming Risk-averse Thinking: Jake motivates listeners to evaluate their product development processes for community integration opportunities. Starting with a small, familiar group or community leaders can pave the way for meaningful engagement.

ABOUT OUR GUEST:
Jake McKee's background in web development and product design influenced his approach to community-driven product development. It gave him a thorough understanding of the product development process and the factors that can sway the course of a project, including team bias, personal interest, and internal requirements.It also opened his eyes to the power of communities and the potential they hold for product development.

With an impressive career in the community space, he has built communities for renowned brands such as Apple, Lego, and South by Southwest. McKee has spent a significant portion of his career building out community-driven product development and currently runs a consulting practice that works with these methodologies.

His deep understanding of community engagement and product development has led to the creation of his unique approach to integrating community members into the product development process.For more information on Jake McKee and his work, listeners can visit https://jakemckee.com.

ABOUT PRAGMATIC INSTITUTE:
Since 1993, we’ve provided training and professional development for product, design, and data professionals to accelerate innovation, increase customer satisfaction, and bolster revenue. Through our comprehensive methods and propriety Pragmatic Framework, we train professionals with the skills needed to accelerate their product management and product marketing careers, increase team efficiency, and boost revenue.

Our online, in-person, and on-demand courses are taught by industry experts with decades of experience at top companies like Microsoft, Cisco, Dell, Hallmark, Quaker Oats, and Dun & Bradstreet. We offer individual course training in product, design and data, and certification tracks for Product Management Certifications, Product Marketing Certifications, and the Pragmatic Product Master Certification. All attendees gain access to the Pragmatic Alumni Community, a network of over 30,000 alumni worldwide.

If you’re looking for product management or product marketing training or are pursuing a product marketing certification or product management certification, browse our certification paths at https://www.pragmaticinstitute.com/product/. Courses are available online, in-person, or on-demand to fit your schedule.

Want to learn more about becoming a Pragmatic Certified Product Manager? Learn more here.
45 min

About Product Chats Podcast

From the publisher's feed

Pragmatic Live’s Product Chat is a podcast focused on tackling the biggest challenges facing today‘s product management, product marketing, and other market and data-driven professionals with some of…