How can you network with Product Development professionals outside your company?

Another effective approach is to attend webinars, workshops, and virtual conferences focused on Product Development. These events often provide opportunities for networking, allowing you to connect with experts and peers in the field. Additionally, consider following and interacting with Product Development influencers and thought leaders on social media, as this can also open doors to new connections and learning opportunities!!

LinkedIn communities are one of the most effective ways to stay tuned to the product management catch up , this seems to be effective both ways community connect n job opportunities killing , two bird with one stone.

I am writing from a retail banking perspective, I worked there in the beginning years in my career. Senior Product Managers (SPMs) in Retail Banking can benefit significantly from joining online communities where they can engage with Product Development professionals. These communities foster knowledge exchange, industry trends discussions, and networking opportunities. Example: Joining a community like FinTech Forum, which gathers professionals from the financial industry, allows SPMs to discuss emerging technologies, regulatory changes, and customer expectations in Retail Banking. Actively participating in discussions and sharing insights can lead to valuable connections. Even consider joining some of the closed LinkedIN groups.

As you grow in your career you should look to contribute in participating in as many events as possible and conduct more than X webinars (?X > no of years of experience you have )

Try registering for and attending LinkedIn events. More functionality unlocks after you register. For example, after registering attendees are segmented by geography.

Attending events and webinars provides SPMs with the chance to learn from industry experts, stay updated on the latest trends, and network with professionals outside their organization. Example: Participating in a Retail Banking Innovation Summit can expose SPMs to cutting-edge technologies and solutions. Networking during virtual or in-person events can lead to connections with Product Development professionals from different companies, facilitating knowledge exchange and potential collaborations. I just attended a UX craft / in-house training , and that was so thought provoking . It not only got me thinking , but it opened my mind to new avenues of improving the solution to the end clients.

Creating and sharing content is important but if you are sharing some on LinkedIn remember: It should be less related to your current work as the moment you would share it on LinkedIn work significance of it will reduce people would think it was done to share with a broader audience. It should be more relevant to the group and community you are sharing info with. Share an experience of the past rather than theoretical knowledge that helps in retention of Whats shared.

Take advantage of different avenues / channels that are available in this day and age. Sharing is a two way street, you not only teach but you also learn. And that's what I learn about it. Example: Creating a blog series on the impact of digital transformation on Retail Banking products and sharing it on professional platforms like LinkedIn can attract Product Development professionals interested in similar topics. This can initiate conversations and potentially lead to collaborations on innovative projects.

Start with your contacts, colleagues, and friends. Ask which Slack groups or professional communities they belong to, follow, or seek advice and trends from regularly. Once you have the list, prioritize 1 or 2 groups that align with your needs. Join the groups. Search the groups and read content about a challenge you are facing or a problem you are trying to solve. Ask your contacts for an intro once you identify others with similar challenges or problems. Always consider asking your 1st degrees as a starting point. If that is not feasible then search for and ask your 2nd degree contacts. You can use LinkedIn's advanced filtering to target specific segments in your network (1st/2nd, connections of, titles, etc).

Engaging in volunteer work or mentoring programs is not only a way to give back but also an excellent avenue for SPMs to connect with Product Development professionals who share similar values or interests. Example: Volunteering to speak at industry-related events or mentoring junior professionals in a FinTech accelerator program can create opportunities for SPMs to interact with Product Development experts. Collaborating on mentorship or volunteer projects can foster meaningful connections.

I started volunteering with MEPI some years back. One of the best decisions I have ever made. 1) I get to give back to young minorities like myself looking to break into STEM. 2) I get to network with engineers and leaders in ALL types of industries. 3) I get to help young professionals achieve their goals in their careers and personal lives MEPI helped me grow professionally and personally. I will always be thankful I was introduced to such a great organization.