Product Management Checklist

Scrolling fast through my Google Reader on the 'How to be a Good Product Manager' Blog. Only reading the post titles. Smiling. There's some good advice here.

• Define the problem before solving it
• Decide go / no-go before buy vs. build
• Differentiate to avoid being a “me too”
• Reinforce your product-related communication
• Reconsider your Jack of All Trades strategy
• Consider all details of add-on features
• Lack of complaints does not equal success
• Adapt your product management practice
• Technology is not better if it does not add value
• Choose your strategic alliances carefully
• Take a cautious approach to problem-solving
• Measure the impact of product changes
• Deliver customer value, not product features
• Stop gathering requirements
• Delegate tactical responsibilities
• Be comfortable being uncomfortable
• Plan for the present and likely future
• Work effectively with sales

How many of these could be applied to upgrading your marketing/PM approach?

Best Advice I Ever Got...from Tiger

Just reading Fortune's 'Best Advice I Ever Got' (July 6, 2009 issue).

Overall, the advice seems pretty mundane - work hard, follow your dreams, perception is reality.

I like Tiger's story the best:

When I was young, maybe 6 or 7 years old, I'd play on the Navy golf course with my pop. My dad would say, "Okay, where do you want to hit the ball?" I'd pick a spot and say I want to hit it there. He'd shrug and say, "Fine, then figure out how to do it." He didn't position my arm, adjust my feet, or change my thinking. He just said go ahead and hit the darn ball. My dad's advice to me was to simplify. He knew that at my age I couldn't digest all of golf's intricacies. He kept it simple: If you want to hit the ball to a particular spot, figure out a way to do it. Even today, when I'm struggling with my game, I can still hear him say, "Pick a spot and just hit it."

Have a goal. Keep it simple. Think it through. Execute.