Why Product Managers Should Have Side Projects
As a product manager, you’re likely no stranger to the concept of side projects. But have you ever stopped to think about why they’re so important? After 10 years of working in product management, I decided to take a break and explore the world of freelancing. It was during this time that I discovered the value of side projects and how they can help you grow both personally and professionally.
The Benefits of Side Projects
So, why should you have a side project? For starters, they can provide an extra source of income, which is always a good thing, especially during uncertain economic times. But that’s not all – side projects can also help you develop your personal brand, improve your skills, and even lead to new networking opportunities.
Types of Side Projects
So, what kind of side projects can you work on? The possibilities are endless, but here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Websites or Apps: If you have coding skills, you can create a full-fledged website or app to solve a customer problem. And with the rise of no-code/low-code tools like Bubble, Carrd, Webflow, and Zapier, you don’t even need to be a skilled coder to get started.
- Newsletters: If writing is your thing, consider starting a newsletter. With platforms like Substack, LinkedIn Newsletter, Mailchimp, and MailerLite, it’s easier than ever to create and distribute a newsletter.
- Videos: If you’re comfortable in front of a camera, consider creating videos to share your knowledge and expertise. YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok are all great platforms to get started on.
- Courses: If you have expertise in a particular area, consider creating a course to teach others. Platforms like Kajabi, Gumroad, Udemy, and Skillshare make it easy to create and distribute courses.
- Podcasts: If you enjoy talking and sharing your ideas, consider starting a podcast. With minimal effort, you can create a podcast that can be listened to by users on the go.
How to Find and Start a Side Project
So, how do you find and start a side project that’s right for you? Here are a few tips:
- Find your expertise: Identify what you’re good at and what you enjoy doing. This should be the starting point for your side project.
- Find a problem worth solving: Look for problems in your life or in the lives of others that need solving. This could be anything from finding a way to stay organized to creating a platform for people to connect with each other.
- Understand the magnitude of the problem: Do your research and figure out how many people are affected by the problem you’re trying to solve.
- Talk to users: Once you have an idea, talk to the people who will be using your product or service. Get feedback and iterate accordingly.
- Build an MVP: Create a minimum viable product (MVP) that solves the user’s problem. Don’t invest too much time or money at this stage – just focus on getting something out there.
My Experience with Side Projects
I’ve been a fan of side projects for a while now, and they’ve helped me in ways I never thought possible. When I was looking for a freelance product management gig, I started a build-in-public project to build four micro products in four weeks. I wrote about my experience on Medium and LinkedIn, and it ended up getting me in touch with the founder of my current employer. I’ve been working with them happily for the last four months as a freelance product manager.
Final Thoughts
Side projects can be a game-changer for product managers. They can help you develop new skills, build your personal brand, and even lead to new opportunities. So, if you have an idea in your mind, I highly recommend bringing it to life. The worst-case scenario is that you’ll learn something new, and the best-case scenario is that you’ll create something that can sustain you financially.