As a product manager, especially one looking into or new into the field, you may be carrying a range of knowledge from online courses, hackathons, self-guided projects, or maybe none at all (and that’s okay!). As helpful having such experience can be, a technical skill set is only part of the equation.
A large part of product management is relationship management, which implicitly means networking is a key skill to have and exercise. Said another way, networking is a significant factor in both landing a product management role or succeeding in one. So, the question now is how can you leverage networking opportunities to build connections that bring you value over time?
Why Networking is Crucial for Aspiring Product Managers
Unlocking Hidden Opportunities
It’s no secret that many job openings never make it to the public domain. Networking can provide you with the inside track on these hidden opportunities, giving you a notable advantage.
Mentorship and Guidance
Landing the right mentor can be a huge win for your career. A mentor can provide insights that are difficult to gain, if at times impossible, to gain from books or courses alone. They may also offer invaluable advice tailored to your personal career goals.
Building Your Personal Brand
Networking is not just about getting; it’s also about giving. Offering your skills and insights in relevant settings can help establish you as a thought leader, making you more attractive to potential employers.
Collaborations and Partnerships
The relationships you build can lead to partnerships that will benefit you in the long run, from co-founding a startup to collaborating on an industry-changing product.
Where to Network: Virtual and Physical Spaces
Online Platforms
- LinkedIn: The quintessential professional networking platform. Following industry leaders, joining PM-focused groups, and actively participating can elevate your networking game.
- Twitter: Follow industry experts and engage in meaningful discussions. Twitter threads can be a goldmine of insights.
- Reddit and Online Forums: Subreddits like r/ProductManagement or specialized PM forums can be places where you not only learn but also network with peers and industry veterans.
Physical Spaces
- Tech Meetups and Conferences: Given your interest in tech meetups, make it a point to attend these regularly. They are ideal places for serendipitous encounters with potential mentors or employers.
- University Campuses: Alumni events, guest lectures, and career fairs are all solid opportunities for networking.
- Co-working Spaces: These are burgeoning hubs for tech-savvy individuals. Many co-working spaces host events, workshops, and social hours specifically designed for networking.
How to Network: Strategies and Best Practices
Start With a Goal
What do you hope to achieve through networking? Whether it’s landing a job, seeking mentorship, or gaining insights into an APM application process, having a clear goal will guide your networking efforts.
Elevator Pitch
Prepare a succinct, 30-second elevator pitch. This short spiel should capture who you are, what you’re passionate about, and what you’re looking to achieve in your career.
Be Authentic
The best connections are made when you’re genuine. Authenticity creates trust, the foundation of any strong professional relationship.
Listen Actively
Networking isn’t all about talking; it’s equally about listening. Active listening can provide you with valuable insights into industry trends, pain points, and opportunities that you might otherwise miss.
Follow-Up
Met someone interesting? Don’t forget to follow up. A simple LinkedIn message or email thanking them for the conversation can go a long way in solidifying your professional relationship.
Offer Value
Can you offer some expertise in data analysis? Do you have insights into user experience design? Offering something of value not only cements existing relationships but also attracts new connections.
Networking Faux Pas to Avoid
- Over-aggressiveness: Nobody likes someone who is too pushy. It’s okay to be enthusiastic, but avoid coming off as desperate or overly aggressive. A general rule of thumb is that if you have to force it, you may be coming in too hot.
- Ignoring the ‘Personal’ in Personal Connection: If all you talk about is work, you’re missing out on forming a genuine connection. Many fruitful relationships are born from connecting on fronts beyond work.
- Neglecting to Follow-Up: Meeting someone once and forgetting to follow up is a wasted opportunity.
- Using People: Networking is a two-way street. Don’t look at it as merely a means to an end. Offer value and nurture the relationship.
Conclusion
Networking, when done right, is more than just shaking hands and exchanging business cards. It’s about fostering meaningful relationships that can supercharge your career in product management. Remember, the connections you form today can be the collaborations, job opportunities, or mentorships of tomorrow. Networking doesn’t just open doors; it builds entire hallways to new career possibilities.