My Journey to Product Manager: From Sales Top Performer to PM

As of this week, I’ve officially accepted a role and started a new chapter as a Product Manager - and I’m super excited. The journey to this pivotal moment was nothing short of exhilarating, marked by challenges, growth, and a whole lot (I really mean a lot) of learning. Today, I’m thrilled to unveil the story of how I made the leap from a SaaS sales background to a Product Role - no filter, just pure insights.

Embracing "No" as a Catalyst for Innovation:

Hearing "no" can be as important as hearing "yes" in product development - and that rings true to landing a role in Product. This is an uber challenging role to get, given it has so many facets and transferable skills are abundant. “NO” challenges us to rethink, refine, and innovate. It encourages us to focus on what truly matters and prioritize effectively - and that’s how I managed my application pipeline. Every no was an opportunity to iterate on my strategy & resume. It was akin to a check-in, a 1:1, albeit slightly demoralizing at times.

Mastering the Art of Technical Skills:

One of the most pivotal aspects of my transformation was delving deep into the technical realm. SQL, Python, and JavaScript became my trusted companions. With SQL, I could dissect complex datasets, unraveling patterns that guided our product strategies. Python empowered me to automate tasks, freeing up valuable time for strategic thinking. JavaScript, on the other hand, allowed me to create interactive prototypes, bringing ideas to life in a tangible way. These skills weren’t just tools; they were keys that unlocked doors to innovative product development.

The Power of User-Centric Thinking:

Remember when I mentioned transferable skills? Being deeply rooted in the world of sales had its advantages. Initially, I thought my skills and my goals were poles apart. It turns out that through sales, I understood our users’ pain points intimately, empathizing with their challenges. This empathy became the cornerstone of my product management philosophy. I delved into the intricacies of user research, conducting in-depth interviews and usability tests. These interactions weren’t mere data points; they were stories that painted a vivid picture of our users’ experiences. Armed with this profound understanding, I could craft products that not only met but exceeded our users’ expectations.

Hustling with Side Projects:

Here’s a Gen Z secret: We thrive on side hustles. I took my passion projects seriously. Whether it was redesigning a clunky app interface or brainstorming a new e-commerce feature, these side gigs showcased my creativity and problem-solving skills. I took on product development at my sales job; I built out two bilingual markets in two vastly different B2B platforms. Put yourself out there and position yourself as a subject matter expert, EVEN if your title does not encompass that job function.

Get Real with User Research:

Sure, we've all heard about user research, but let’s talk real talk. I didn’t just stop at surveys and focus groups. I immersed myself in the world of users - which was easier due to working in sales. I went where they went, talked like they talked, and felt what they felt. This deep dive into their lives gave me insights that no amount of data crunching could provide. Product Management is all about understanding human behavior, and this unconventional approach got me noticed.

Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Product Managers:

To my fellow Gen Zers aspiring to make a mark in the world of product management, I offer you this advice: embrace the unknown with open arms. Every unfamiliar territory is a chance to learn something new. Invest time in mastering technical skills; they are your ticket to decoding the language of technology. But don’t forget that the heart of product management lies in understanding people. Dive deep into the psyche of your users, empathize with their struggles, and celebrate their victories. Let their stories fuel your innovation.

Surround yourself with a supportive community of like-minded individuals. Seek mentorship, ask questions, and never shy away from admitting what you don’t know. The product management landscape is vast, but with curiosity as your guide and resilience as your armor, you can navigate its intricacies with finesse.