Entries from April 2009 ↓

Delivering products to market in a way that delights customers is an important role of product marketing managers. In this episode Michael talks with Dave Daniels about the key role of product marketing manager. Dave discusses the roles of product manager and product marketing manager and how they can work together effectively to help their products succeed.

Dave and Michael discuss the following important trends for product marketing managers:

• They need to figure out how to sell what they already have
• They demonstrate how their product(s) will help sales people meet their quota
• They refresh/reposition products when necessary.

Dave also gives you what he considers the most important tool for product marketing managers.

You can follow Dave on Twitter and read more about product marketing and product launches on his blog Launch Clinic.

 

 20090423-davedaniels [31:57m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

The ability to make your point, and make it powerfully and effectively is key to being a successful product manager. In this episode Michael talks with Dave Gunby about the importance of solid presentation and communication skills. Dave tells how the first time he gave a public presentation he “failed miserably.” He rebounded from that experience to become a thought leader in business communication.

To improve your ability to present effectively, practice the following:

• Always have speaker notes to which you can refer
• Finish your thought, then repeat it for emphasis
• Move with a purpose; work on a specific and purposeful stance
• Paint the picture with your hands
• Practice, practice, practice.

Dave and Michael also discuss idea mapping, a method of capturing thoughts and ideas in a way that more closely reflects the way our brains remember things. The technique is useful in preparing successful presentations.

To learn more about successful presentation skills check out MINDimensions.com where you will find Dave’s contact information, and where you can sign up for his monthly newsletters.

 

 20090403-davegunby [30:44m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Understanding your market(s) is one of the most important jobs of a product manager. In this episode of the Product Management Pulse Michael talks with Jim Holland, the man bringing sense to Market Sensing. Jim discusses the importance of understanding your markets to do better validation and make better decisions. Both internal and external communication is key for product managers to to succeed.

Jim and Michael discuss the social aspects of product management. New technologies such as Twitter and Facebook give product managers a new reach to customers; it also gives customers and prospects an inbound route to communicate directly with product managers.

Finally, Jim tells a great story about “the name on the building.” Every product manager needs to hear this story.

You can connect with Jim on Twitter to keep up with all the latest in market sensing and product management.

 

 Standard Podcast [30:05m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download