How do people not working on product directly show visibility?

Date : September 4, 2024
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How Do People Not Working on Product Directly Show Visibility?

In the fast-paced world of product development, visibility is often associated with those who are directly involved in the creation and management of a product. However, many individuals and teams contribute to the success of a product from different angles, even if they’re not directly tied to its development. In this blog post, we’ll explore how these individuals can showcase their impact and visibility, adding value to the overall product strategy.

Understanding Visibility in Product Development

Visibility in product development refers to the awareness and recognition of contributions made towards the product’s lifecycle, from ideation to launch and beyond. While product managers, developers, and designers often receive the spotlight, many other roles, such as marketing, sales, customer support, and even finance, play crucial roles in the product’s success.

1. Cross-Functional Collaboration

One of the most effective ways for non-product team members to demonstrate visibility is through cross-functional collaboration. Engaging with product teams to share insights, customer feedback, and market research can significantly influence product direction.

Example: A marketing team can provide data on customer behavior and preferences, which can help shape product features or enhancements. Regular check-ins and collaborative workshops can foster a culture of inclusivity and shared goals.

Data-driven decision-making is essential in product development. Individuals not directly involved in product work can gather and analyze relevant data to identify trends, user feedback, and other insights that can inform product strategy.

Example: A customer support representative can compile common user queries and issues, presenting this data in a way that highlights potential areas for product improvement. This proactive approach not only showcases their value but also helps the product team prioritize fixes and enhancements.

3. Building a Personal Brand

Establishing a personal brand within an organization can enhance visibility. This can be achieved by actively participating in meetings, sharing knowledge, and contributing to discussions about the product.

Tips:
- Become a Subject Matter Expert: Specialize in a particular area related to the product, whether it’s market trends, user experience, or technology.
- Engage on Internal Platforms: Use company forums, newsletters, or social media to share insights, tips, and success stories related to the product.

4. Advocating for the Customer

Non-product team members often have direct contact with customers and can serve as their advocates within the organization. By voicing customer needs and concerns, they can help keep the product team aligned with the end-user’s perspective.

Example: A sales executive can relay customer feedback during product meetings, ensuring that the product team understands the market’s pulse. This advocacy can lead to more user-centric product decisions.

5. Participating in Product Reviews and Demos

Engaging in product reviews and demos allows non-product team members to offer their perspectives on the product’s features and functionality. Their feedback can provide fresh insights that the product team may not have considered.

Example: A QA tester from a different department might notice usability issues that could enhance the product’s user experience. Their input can be invaluable for refining the product before launch.

6. Celebrating Wins and Recognizing Contributions

Visibility is also about celebrating successes, both big and small. By acknowledging the contributions of those not directly involved in product work, organizations can foster a culture of recognition and appreciation.

Example: Highlighting a marketing campaign that successfully drove product awareness can motivate teams across the organization. Sharing these successes in company meetings or newsletters ensures that everyone’s contributions are recognized.

Conclusion

Visibility in product development is not solely the domain of those directly working on the product. Individuals from various functions can demonstrate their impact through collaboration, data sharing, customer advocacy, and recognition of successes. By fostering a culture that values diverse contributions, organizations can create a more cohesive and innovative product development environment.

In the end, whether you’re in marketing, sales, or customer support, remember that your insights and efforts matter. Embrace opportunities to engage with product teams and share your unique perspective—your visibility can make a significant difference in the success of the product.

Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! How have you or your colleagues showcased visibility in product development?

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