Navigating off-strategy requests is a common challenge in product marketing. I’ve found that the key is balancing empathy for stakeholder needs with a firm focus on long-term goals. Remember to 1. Remind stakeholders of the agreed-upon vision and how these features might detract from it. 2. Show metrics or user insights to highlight why the current strategy works. 3. Suggest tweaks that align better with both stakeholder desires and your roadmap. No app, no AI solution, nothing can beat clear communication.

Explain how those shiny new features pull time and resources away from the main goal. Show them data: "Focusing on X delivers Y results, which helps us reach our target of Z." Offer a compromise: "We can test that feature later, after we've launched the core product." If they're really insistent, suggest a smaller, quicker experiment to test their idea without derailing everything. Sometimes, a little proof is all it takes to show them why sticking to the plan is best.

I usually approach it by revisiting our core objectives with the stakeholders: Start by acknowledging the request and understanding the underlying need or problem they’re trying to solve. Sometimes, the feature doesn't necessarily make sense to achieve broader goals. I then discuss how the request fits (or doesn’t) with our broader product vision and goals. If it aligns, great. If not, I highlight why sticking to the strategy ensures we focus on high-impact areas for growth. Finally, I back it up with data—this helps ground the discussion in facts, not opinions. You have to find common ground. If the feature still feels urgent, we can explore it later at the cost of giving something back in the roadmap.

I would suggest the following way to deal with stakeholders requesting off-strategy features in order to manage this roadmap dilemma: First, give careful thought to understanding the point of view and goals of the stakeholder. With these feature requests, are they attempting to address any particular issues or opportunities? Even in cases when the suggested remedy is not well-thought-out, there might be legitimate underlying needs. Describe the consequences of pursuing off-strategy characteristics, including possible market confusion, delayed strategic objectives, and resource diversion. Stakeholder support for the main strategy is also more likely to be maintained if you adopt a cooperative, data-driven strategy.

To navigate the dilemma of a stakeholder pushing for off-strategy features, start by acknowledging their perspective and understanding their motivations. Engage in a collaborative discussion to explore the potential impact of these features on the overall product vision and strategic goals. Use data and user feedback to highlight the importance of staying focused on core priorities. If possible, propose a compromise, such as a phased approach or a pilot project, to test the feature’s viability without derailing the roadmap. This way, you maintain alignment with strategic objectives while addressing stakeholder concerns.