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Unlocking the Power of Subject Matter Expertise
As a product manager, being recognized as a subject matter expert can be a game-changer. It’s not just about the ego boost; it’s about having a deep understanding of your product and the market it operates in. This expertise is crucial for success in your role, spanning from the intricacies of product design and architecture to broader market dynamics and customer needs.
So, how do you become a subject matter expert? It’s a daunting task, but with the right approach, it’s achievable. I’ll share six tips to help you build your expertise, drawn from my personal experience as the first product manager at three startups in three different markets.
From Zero to Hero
When I started my first product management role, I was lost. I came from a finance and venture capital background, with no hands-on experience in building products. I remember my first team meeting, where I understood only 20% of what was being discussed. But by the end of my stint, I was able to leverage my expertise to transition into another startup, where I delivered conference talks and meetups.
6 Tips to Become a Subject Matter Expert
If someone with an economics major and no prior experience in databases can become a subject matter expert, you can too. Here are six tips to help you get started:
1. Take Notes and Do Your Research
Don’t be afraid to ask questions, but be strategic about when you ask them. Take notes on anything you don’t understand, and do your research before asking your team for help. This approach shows that you’re willing to put in the effort to understand the concepts before seeking clarification.
2. Learn from Your Customers
Your customers are the ones who live and breathe the problem you’re trying to solve. They’re a wealth of knowledge, and by asking the right questions, you can gain valuable insights into industry trends, challenges, and solutions. Join customer calls, and brainstorm with them to learn more about their needs.
3. Attend Targeted Conferences
Conferences can be a waste of time if you’re not strategic. Choose conferences that map directly to the area you want to become an expert in. Look for hands-on or tactical sessions, and connect with speakers who had interesting talks. These connections can be invaluable in your journey to becoming a subject matter expert.
4. Leverage Online Courses and Textbooks
Online resources can be incredibly helpful in understanding underlying concepts. Textbooks, in particular, can provide a depth of knowledge that’s hard to find elsewhere. Use them to dive deep into specific areas, and skim or read the most relevant chapters.
5. Research Competitors, Including Those That Failed
Understand the competitive space by signing up for product announcements and newsletters from your competitors. Set up alerts on their websites to stay informed about changes in their positioning. Also, research companies that failed in the past, as they can provide valuable insights into what went wrong and what went right.
6. Get Hands-On Experience
Nothing beats hands-on experience. Use your product often, and try other products to compare the experience. Work with customers, shadow your solutions engineering or customer success team, and take on implementation work to gain a deeper understanding of how customers use your product.
The Journey to Becoming a Subject Matter Expert
Becoming a subject matter expert takes time, and it’s okay to ask questions along the way. My rule of thumb is to ask a question once, and then commit the answer to memory. With time and effort, you’ll build a deep knowledge base that will serve you well in your role as a product manager. Good luck!