Here's how you can transfer your previous experience to transition into Product Marketing.

During my histology research, I joined a commercial company selling histological equipment. Starting as an applications specialist, I assisted clients with new equipment and later transitioned to a product manager role, focusing on positioning and promoting our products. My success stemmed from a deep understanding of client needs and problems, providing precise solutions. Constant interaction with various departments allowed me to apply my knowledge effectively. Transitioning from an academic background, I seamlessly moved into product marketing, leveraging skills developed in histological research to excel in my career.

Once, when I was working as a Regional Business Development Manager I was leading a team of sales representatives. I sent them to service training so that they knew how analyzers work and could quickly fix it themselves, so as not to wait for a service engineer to arrive. Thanks to these skills of my employees, sales doubled. Sales representatives were able to clearly explain to the clients why our analyser are better technically comparing to competitors. And they also created additional value for clients by demonstrating their personal responsibility for the product they were selling and assuring them of prompt resolution of problems.

The ability to "know product" pointed me toward becoming a PMM earlier in my career. Any time I heard about a cool new product or saw it getting mentioned in my newsfeed, I would almost always sign up for a free trial to learn more. Leaning into this mindset compounded over time, and now there isn't a product I'm afraid to dive into and learn more about. Whether it's the product your company is building or you're performing due diligence to purchase a product from a vendor, this experience will play a major role in your growth as a PMM.

Analytics has always been my strength and has proven invaluable on numerous occasions. I conducted research on the biochemical research market and discovered that our company held a 20% share. Consequently, I now inform all clients that one in every five analyzers in the country employs our reagents. This assertion significantly instills confidence and reinforces the quality of our product. Furthermore, by analyzing client types, segmenting them, quantifying their numbers, describing their needs, and creating User Story and Customer Journey maps, I successfully positioned the company’s products in various ways, emphasizing specific advantages

Leveraging the power of storytelling, we transformed dry tech specs into compelling narratives using AI-driven content creation tools like Jasper. For instance, by embedding the product's complex functionalities within everyday success stories, we painted a vivid image of 'a day in the life' with our product, driving engagement and understanding. This approach not only humanized our tech but also increased user connection, proving that behind every great product is a story that resonates on a personal level.

Strategic planning is my favorite part of being a product manager. This is the quintessence of all the knowledge and skills of a product manager in product marketing. Strategic planning consists of 2 parts: analysis of the current situation (point A) and description of the goal (point B) and the way to get there. In analyzing the current situation, you need to assess the market, describe the target audience, evaluate your product market fit, estimate your competitors. Based on all this draw conclusions. Next, you should formulate a strategic goal for 3-5 or more years. The goal must be SMART and ambitious. Then describe the tasks that are necessary to achieve this goal. Each task should follow from the conclusions drawn in the first part.

Commit to continuous learning to stay updated with the latest trends and best practices in product marketing. Attend industry conferences, participate in webinars, and read relevant blogs and publications. Consider obtaining certifications or taking courses in product marketing to enhance your knowledge and skills. Continuous learning ensures you remain competitive and effective in your new role.

Effective product marketing involves drawing inspiration from diverse sources. For instance, observing laboratory technicians wrapping keyboards in waterproof cases led us to produce silicone keyboards branded with our logo. Similarly, emulating the strategy of supermarkets placing small items near the cash register, we offered free coffee at an exhibition, prompting attendees to engage with our promotional materials while waiting in line. Valuable ideas can emerge from various contexts, including movies, competitor actions, and everyday situations. Cultivate your broad visual perspective enables innovative marketing approaches