How do you connect with product managers outside your discipline?

LinkedIn can be one of the richest sources for networking, connecting, and even acquiring knowledge,,, Since most of the creators on other platforms have LinkedIn profiles, they'll share snippets or links for the other platforms,,, Plus, connecting with product managers on LinkedIn can be extremely helpful especially when you are curious, you can find product managers in numerous fields (health care, gaming, staffing, educational, supply chain, etc), with various backgrounds (tech, design, QA, engineering, etc). And that can be one of the richest places to acquire knowledge and have a significant network,,,

Product Managers must be open minded and flexible to comment with peers outside of their comfort zone. Some of the ways include: 1. City wise catch ups 2. PM communities 3. Become a mentor 4. Online forums 5. Whatsapp, telegram groups 6. Twitter, LinkedIn or thread groups 7. Write blogs and meet up other bloggers 8. Have 1:1s with product leaders 9. Share ideas with Tech, product and domain leaders and seek feedback 10. Finally nothing beats LinkedIn Go out of your way to learn new things. Be expressive and open minded to learn and experiment. #ProductManagement #KPKR

You can connect by respecting the discipline in which you are not that well versed, ask honest questions, and be straightforward as to what you know and what you don't, so you can share knowledge and grow together from the experience of collaborating.

I have found it useful to have a problem statement in mind and then connecting with best product people in my 1st , 2nd or 3rd degree connections on LinkedIn. Even it draws minimal conversion in connecting with them , it will be much fruitful and insightful discussion. Also , from that connection, you will find more people to connect (??Network effect works). Communities like Product School are great to learn directly from FAANG/MAANG PMs about your doubts of any level in their AMA sessions. In any case , what you need to do is to find what is your need and even before that , break out of the bubble and just start connecting and talking with Product People , those are really amazing personalities???

To ensure that the input is both diverse and inclusive, I recommend seeking out groups that amplify less-represented voices, such as Women in Product and Women in Tech, which can be found on Facebook and LinkedIn. While less formal and moderated, WhatsApp groups also offer access to a wide array of discussions and networking opportunities. Engaging with content meaningfully by contributing your own perspective and inviting further connection can be quite effective. Also, joining a book club focused on product management, or starting one if none exist, allows for in-depth discussions and learning from various domain experts. This approach not only broadens one's understanding but also creates meaningful professional relationships.

1. Attend industry specific events , conferences, where all the PMs gather. Also, try to find out events that facilitate to a broad range of disciplines to increase the likelihood of meeting those outside of your field 2. You can also join networking platforms like LinkedIn and participate in relevant groups or communities. Get yourself engaged in discussions, share your expertise, and connect with PMs from different backgrounds 3. One can also start by participating in cross - functional meetings with in your organisation. It could include project kick off meetings, sprint reviews, or any forum where different teams interact . Eventually, take the right opportunity to introduce yourself to PMs from other domains.

One of the things that I have discovered about product management is that there really is little agreement about exactly what this function is supposed to do. I got into PM long before software/technical product management existed, and I learned to focus on the product business rather than on the technical merits or features of my products. I'm well aware that most of the LI community works in software where the technology is the key to success, but I've always been of the opinion that if the product business case is weak, then the technology doesn't matter much. And I would ask my many friends in SW product management: if you are only managing the backlog and checking code, are you a product or an engineering manager?

The workshops are a wonderful way of learning from others. You get a chance to share and experience something different through their stories and anecdotes and incorporate that knowledge into your playbook.

Join a consulting company focusing on Product Management like I did. Endless pool of opportunities for coaching, networking events, conferences, trainings and, for the introverts among us, social media engagement.

Apart from online community,i also frequently attend events, workshops and conferences, this is the best place to gain knowledge on cross functional domain, industry trends, competition, opportunity

I'm a big fan of leveraging small groups to get help from (and provide it). In a small group, you develop relationships you cannot have by definition in an online community of thousands. Whenever I was in such a community, I'd find myself still talking to a handful of people at most or even organising something local and small. And as you run a mastermind group, a key to keeping it helpful is having a structure for the sessions. Lean Coffee is one example where the group gives everyone a chance to raise a topic, get a bunch of inputs immediately and then continue a conversation offline to go deeper. I've personally benefitted a lot from this while also walking away feeling I had helped others.

Connecting with product managers outside your discipline can be a valuable way to broaden your perspective and learn from different experiences. Networking Events LinkedIn and Social Media Mentorship Programs

Volunteer for open source projects in ways that leverage your skills but also overlap different disciplines. Work on tasks that push your boundaries, not ones you already do on a daily basis. Learn the ins and outs of the different disciplines. Walking a mile in another person's shoes will make you understand and appreciate what a colleagues in different but parallel disciplines must contend with and will make you a better engineer, technician, designer, leader, and person in general.

In my experience, finding a mentor or a coach is one challenge, but it's often followed by the next one: how do you leverage this relationship—what do you do exactly when you meet? I've seen some people (and tried myself) just chatting about things that are top of mind. It helps in the moment but doesn't quite push you to grow with intent and momentum. I recommend picking a skill you want to boost and then sharing the journey with your mentor. Show them results, ask for feedback on specific things and discuss what to try next. This will add continuity and intent to your sessions as well as one more reason to have them more regularly.

Starting my career I struggled to find mentors, I was shy, and didn't want to bother anyone with my questions. Then I decided to change my philosophy and get out of my own way. I started asking questions and letting others tell me no, instead of sabotaging myself by not asking in the first place. To my surprise, 8/10 people respond with their insights and experience, I have found incredible mentors that have pushed me forward years in my career with their experience and some have even become friends after some time. Ask questions, ask people you admire and see what happens, and take chances to connect, the worst thing they can do is say no or ignore you, but you never know who may respond and take you under their wing.

Mentorship and coaching are invaluable, yet many product managers struggle to find mentors outside their domain. I recommend asking leaders within your organization to introduce you to potential mentors. This approach not only broadens your network but also shows your superiors that you're resourceful and committed to learning and growth in product management

Be humble, it does not matter if you are the SR. VP of the top. Remember that we all start somewhere and that the starting point may be different for everyone. Share what you have learned and pass on the knowledge to the next generation, you learn as much as a mentor as you do as a mentee. Stay grounded in what you know and even more important, what you ignore. There is a whole world out there and you can learn something new from every single person you meet. From a gelato recipe to a life-changing idea. Give to the universe and the universe gives back.

An underrated way of connecting with other product managers is to offer value. You can start a blog, podcast or newsletter so as to share your insights with other product managers. If you offer value, you get to connect with other talented PMs who share similar beliefs.

Product Management is an evolving role & it varies from industry to industry with respect to responsibilities. And yeah lets say you move from fintech to real state then never refrain or shy to seek help from engineers, sales or existing PM. They would be knowing more about the industry & would be more than happy to share the stories of target audience. So as a new PM or SPM or VP or CPO be it any position as a PM one needs to keep aside ego & title. And the only purpose of yours should be to help your end users & maximise the value of the product. If that takes you to take help from juniors or whatever you need to do that to build a winning product.

It is tough i admit, but this is how i have been managing the differences in my work. To foster connections with product managers beyond my discipline, I believe it's crucial to communicate openly. I usually share insights using phrases like "in my opinion" or "from my experience," creating a collaborative atmosphere. Actively listening to their perspectives, acknowledging diverse viewpoints, and finding common ground are essential. By aligning on common goals and demonstrating a willingness to learn, we can create a more cohesive and effective cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Engage in online product communities, sharing real-life examples on LinkedIn to spark discussions. Provide constructive feedback by reviewing product professionals' portfolios for valuable exchanges. Stay updated on recent strategies, encouraging discussions. Create an online forum for open project discussions, publish articles for diverse perspectives, and seek mentorships for collaboration. Conduct informational interviews and join cross-functional projects with PMs from different disciplines. This active involvement ensures continuous knowledge exchange and professional growth in the product management community.