What do you do if your professional network as an executive in Product Management is weak?

As a product leader, a strong network feels essential. Lately, I've noticed a pang of FOMO (fear of missing out) seeing all these other executives connected on industry forums and at conferences. But instead of dwelling on it, I'm taking action to build my own tribe of product folks. Here's my game plan: Leveraging My Current Ecosystem: Internal champions: Reconnecting with product managers across different departments. We can share challenges, best practices, and maybe even brainstorm cross-functional initiatives. Customers are key: They're the ultimate product stakeholders. Engaging in user interviews and attending customer success events can be a great way to connect and learn from them.

Building a robust professional network is akin to cultivating a garden of opportunities. It requires careful nurturing, strategic planting of seeds, and regular maintenance to flourish. I've come to appreciate the intricate dance of networking that transcends mere connections and delves into the realm of meaningful relationships. Imagine your network as a tapestry woven with threads of expertise, experience, and mutual support. Each thread represents a unique individual, a potential collaborator, mentor, or ally in your professional journey. But building this tapestry requires intentionality and a willingness to step out of your comfort zone.

The first step in your career as a product manager should be identifying your goals for a stronger professional network. Networking, on the other hand, will be purely defined by what you want to achieve through it, whether this means gaining insights into the industry, exploring possible partnership opportunities or seeking mentorship. For example, having clear goals will enable you to look for particular individuals and communities that resonate well with your future work, thus making it possible to have more focused network building efforts.

Connect With Executives. Social Media Presence Speak at Conferences and Events Attend Webinars Interact and Connect With Employees Greet Current and New Employees Be Genuine and Authentic Prepare to Listen Ask Questions

One key strategy is to diversify your network. Cast your net wide to include professionals from different industries, backgrounds, and perspectives. This diversity not only enriches your pool of knowledge but also opens doors to unexpected opportunities and innovative solutions. Another aspect is the art of reciprocity. Networking is not just about what you can gain but also about what you can offer. Share your insights, expertise, and resources generously. Be a source of value and support to others, and you'll find that reciprocity fosters stronger, more enduring connections.

Expanding your network could be started by leveraging the relationships you already have. Even a small, well-connected group can introduce you to a wider circle of professionals. Approach colleagues, both present and former colleagues to get introductions to their contacts. Participate in industry events and online forums where you can connect with peers. Remember, the strength of your network often lies in the quality of relationships, not just the quantity.

My biggest piece of advice is to search within the Alumni tab under your high school and/or university. Search for the keyword "Product Manager." (I recommend searching for cities you want to work in too). Once you refine your search, start connecting and reaching out to people. Who knows, maybe you'll find out your childhood friend is a PM at the company you want to work for. LinkedIn offers several features specifically designed to aid job seekers in their networking efforts. Take advantage of the "Jobs" tab to explore relevant job postings and set up job alerts for product management roles that match your interests and qualifications. Don't forget to enable the "Career Interests" section to specify your job preferences and availability.

I recently got a reach out from a guy who is doing what I do. He wanted to connect, share notes, and benchmark. He opened time on his calendar every day to connect with others who do what he does. He was executing very effective cold networking where he simply explained what he does, the value of connecting & provided an easy method to book with him. Not only did I enjoy the call, I will look out for prospects for him and consult him if I end up working on something in his orbit. Cold networking is an overlooked technique, but here I saw it effectively used with: * like interests * clear message * genuine offer to help * clear reason to stay in touch In our often WFH world, this is clearly a way to expand your universe of connections.

In my own journey, I've seen how investing time and energy into building and nurturing my network has paid dividends. From serendipitous collaborations to valuable mentorships, my network has been a catalyst for growth and professional advancement.

Harness the power of digital platforms like LinkedIn to amplify your networking efforts. Engage in meaningful conversations, join relevant groups, and showcase your expertise through thoughtful content. A well-crafted online presence can serve as a magnet for like-minded professionals and potential collaborators. Lastly, don't underestimate the impact of face-to-face interactions. Attend industry events, conferences, and meetups whenever possible. These real-world encounters provide opportunities for authentic connections and deeper relationship building.

When people hit a professional roadblock, they pop up from their heads down challenge and look around for who might be able to help. LinkedIn is a great place to index all the ways you might be able to help both in your profile and well as the content you can contribute. I'll seen people take a cautious approach to this worried that they might share their secret sauce or be criticized for how they told their story. This is completely the wrong way to think about it. Your ideas take off when others see value in them and utilize them. Expertise shared is a chance to explain to your extended community how you can help. In the vast majority of cases, people rarely just run with a new idea. They'll seek you out to collaborate in some way.

Remember, networking is a continuous journey, not a destination. Cultivate your network with care, stay curious, and embrace the serendipity of meaningful connections. In doing so, you'll not only expand your horizons but also contribute to a vibrant ecosystem of knowledge sharing and collective success.

Regardless of whether you're an exec or in Product. The size of your network does not matter. What matters is the quality of it. Build a network of people that can support what you do today and inspire you towards what you want to do tomorrow. It is important to note that your networking isn't just a connection. It's a relationship - One you must manage in order to maintain. If you're going to create a network, do so with the focus on adding value. Build trust and you'll ultimately gain value in return.

If you feel your professional network as a PM (from executive on down) is weak, I would suggest attending local product meetups to make it stronger. When I first moved to the Silicon Valley, the first thing I did was go on meetup and find relevant groups. In my case, I found SVPMA, Silicon Valley Agile Leadership Network, and a few others. Absolutely wonderful people, very welcoming, insightful discussion topics, and as a happy byproduct, I built a very solid local network. I've found that as long as you're friendly and helpful, your network will grow. And benefits extend far beyond network building. When I started diving into AI, I joined a group that helped me gain traction in the subject and expand my network in the subject area.

Volunteer your time and expertise to mentor aspiring Product Managers or contribute to industry initiatives. Giving back to the community not only fosters goodwill but also expands your network and opens doors to new opportunities and connections.

It is wired into our DNA that people we help want to help us. Being the first to volunteer to do so if this is who you are or can be, puts a credit in your professional & personal bank account of goodwill. Don't think if it as a transaction, however, or an exchange where you have to balance the books. I have found that the goodwill you create in the world does not come back directly from the the people you help or even in the same timeframe, & you should never expect it to. It comes back in surprising ways through loose connections to those you know or those who might have heard about you. Here more than ever, the concept of "your reputation proceeding you" applies. Finding joy in the success of others leads the way to your own joy.