Product Management Confabulation

Confused about the differences between product plans and release plans? Learn how to use both product plans and release plans to deliver a winning product.

I care about product managers. A lot. This should not be a surprise. If you have been reading this blog for some time, then you know that I once was one. Product managers are special because they sit at the epicenter of everything. They communicate ideas, set strategy, and lead cross-functional teams to create products that delight customers. But there is something else that may be a surprise.

Managing one product is a big job. Managing multiple products? Even bigger. The truth is that, as the size of your product portfolio increases, so too does the complexity. You want to be able to quickly showcase how each product is contributing to the overall goals of the business. We might not be able to magically streamline your product portfolio, but we can give you the visibility you need.

We called him Rodney. It may have been cruel but this guy got no respect at work. Loud and rude and always asking for a special favor or seeking a shortcut to get something he wanted. He made more noise in his cube than a rowdy heckler at a comedy club. You can probably guess where the nickname came from  this former co-worker sounded a lot like late comedian Rodney Dangerfield. 

Woosh. 2017 was intense. So much happened in current events and business and everywhere else. We saw product managers taking on a more critical role within companies than ever before. Yet amid all the topsy-turvy there was one thing that did not waver the power of the written word.

I have a hard time slowing down. A voice in my head always says, Why wait? Keep going. So, I almost never stop. I quickly move forward from finishing one project to starting the next. Always focused on the next big goal, the next big step for our company. It has worked for us so far. Aha! is one of the fastest growing software companies in the U.S. and yet…

Claudia loves that she can make an impact and grow her skills every day. Find out more about Claudia Petren and why she joined Aha!

Are you panicking yet? It is that time of year. Last-minute gift shopping. Maybe you are rushing off to the mall or paying extra for overnight shipping. Or, if you celebrate Hanukah, you are now just late. We get it you want to give the people you care about the absolute perfect gift. Our team at Aha! feels this way all the time. But our gift-giving looks a little different.

Were you an awkward teenager? Not yet an adult but not a kid anymore. I know there were times when I was not quite sure where I fit in and what my role was. This is the beauty of growing up you have time to try and figure it out (only to realize that the answer is never clear).

Angry customers. I have encountered a few. And I bet you have too even if it was just in passing. Have you ever walked into a store and a rage-filled return in progress? Overheard a customer ranting at the waiter about a meal? This reason for this anger is usually not whatever the customer is yelling about. The core issue typically stems from something that happened earlier in the day and not feeling valued. The frustration is simply redirected. Unfortunately.