Have you ever used a product, like WhatsApp or Google Docs, that you really loved and found super useful? 

Well, product managers are the people who make sure that products like these are created and designed to be that useful, valuable, and enjoyable for their users.

Product managers work with lots of people, like designers, engineers, marketers, and customer support teams, to create products that people will really love. They are responsible for figuring out what the product should do, what it should look like, and how it should work.

Let’s take WhatsApp for example. In the case of WhatsApp, product management is about creating and improving the features and functions that make the app useful and engaging for users. The product manager for WhatsApp would work with a team of designers and developers to create features like messaging, voice and video calling, and sharing location information.

To do this, the product manager would need to understand the needs and preferences of the app’s users. They would gather data and feedback to figure out what users want from the app, what features they find most useful, and what changes or improvements they would like to see. Based on this feedback, the product manager would develop a roadmap of new features and improvements to the app.

Once the new features are developed and tested, the product manager would work with the engineering and marketing teams to launch them. They would monitor usage and feedback to see how users are responding to the changes, and make tweaks and improvements based on that feedback.

The goal of product management for an app like WhatsApp is to create an app that people want to use and find valuable. By understanding the needs of users, working with a team to create useful and engaging features, and continuously improving the app based on user feedback, the product manager ensures that WhatsApp remains a popular and valuable tool for communication. 

The importance of product management can not be overstated. Good product management is what separates successful products from unsuccessful ones. It is what enables companies to create products that people actually want to use, and that make a real difference in their lives.

But how do you get started in product management? Here are a few tips:

• Start with the basics

To get started in product management, it is important to have a solid understanding of the fundamentals. This means understanding the product development process, including how to identify customer needs, how to design and develop products, and how to launch and market them. You can take introductory courses on Product School or participate in boot camps to learn the basics.

• Learn from others

One of the best ways to learn about product management is to talk to people who are already doing it. Reach out to product managers in your network, attend product management conferences and events to learn from experts in the field. A community I would recommend is – ProductDive. 

• Build your skills

Product management requires a diverse range of skills, from project management and communication to data analysis and design. To be a successful product manager, it is important to build your skills in all of these areas. You can start with any of these skills. 

• Get hands-on experience

Finally, the best way to learn product management is to get hands-on experience. This might mean working on small projects on your own or getting an internship in product management to learn from more experienced professionals. 

In summary, product management is all about creating products that people want to use and that make a real difference in their lives. Anyone can be a product manager irrespective of your background or skills as long as you are ready to learn. You don’t need to write a single line of code if you want to be a product manager. By understanding the basics, learning from others, building your skills, and getting hands-on experience, you can start your journey towards becoming a successful product manager.

For resources to help you on this journey, you can click this link