In this episode, Leah and Marilyn discuss the tension between building for customers and building things that matter for a business. They explore why product managers often prioritize customer needs over business goals and the importance of understanding the customer. They also discuss the concept of minimal viable products (MVPs) and the need to focus on solving real customer problems rather than building shiny, pretty products. The conversation highlights the importance of aligning customer needs with business goals and finding the overlap between the two.

Takeaways

• Product managers often prioritize customer needs over business goals, but it's important to find a balance between the two.
• Understanding the customer is crucial for building products that solve real problems and generate revenue.
• Minimal viable products (MVPs) should focus on testing a thesis and learning from customer feedback, rather than being maximal or trying to delight customers.
• Product managers should have a clear path forward for their products, considering both deep and wide expansion and economic viability.
• Aligning customer needs with business goals and finding the overlap between the two is essential for building successful products.

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