The article emphasizes the importance of having a strong network for product discovery, highlighting LinkedIn as a valuable tool for developing professional relationships.
The author shares four litmus tests to determine the value of the article, focusing on the efficiency gained through having a robust network.
Building relationships can expedite processes like scheduling research calls and obtaining feedback, ultimately accelerating the product discovery phase.
The author's personal experience illustrates how leveraging their network led to effective validation of product hypotheses and informed decision-making.
Maintaining lists of contacts such as customers, partners, and industry leaders can facilitate quick access to diverse perspectives and relevant insights.
Having a network enables swift access to answers, expediting product discovery and guiding teams towards delivering value and solving customer problems efficiently.
Expanding and nurturing networks beyond existing contacts is recommended for obtaining varied opinions and experiences, enhancing the depth of insights gained.
The article suggests establishing indirect networks through customer-facing teams like sales and customer success to broaden connections and access new opportunities.
Practical tips are provided to help product managers build and grow their networks, emphasizing visibility, engagement, and learning from a diverse range of sources.
By adopting influencer-like strategies and consistently expanding their network, product managers can enhance their career and leverage their contacts for research and beyond.
The article underscores the necessity of continuously evolving and refining one's network to gain a broad spectrum of insights and support professional growth.