What do you do if your assertiveness and confidence aren't helping you influence others in product marketing?

Winning in marketing isn't about being loud or overly confident; it’s about making strategic, data-driven arguments grounded in relevant theoretical frameworks. Focus discussions on data, aiming to find strategies that resonate with the audience. When faced with criticism, ask for supporting data and remain open to understanding different viewpoints instead of striving to win the debate. With vast resources from tech companies and insights from experts like Byron Sharp, invest time in grasping these materials. This foundation enables you to engage more effectively in discussions, offering well-substantiated, strategic points rather than mere assertions.

Si tu asertividad y confianza no te están ayudando a influir en otros en marketing de productos, es importante trabajar en tus habilidades de comunicación y empatía. Practica escuchar activamente las perspectivas de los demás y adapta tu enfoque para construir relaciones de confianza. Mejora tu capacidad para presentar ideas de manera clara y convincente, respaldadas por datos y argumentos sólidos. Busca oportunidades para recibir retroalimentación y aprende de las experiencias para desarrollar un enfoque más colaborativo y persuasivo en tu comunicación.

In my role as a product marketer, I learned the importance of modulating assertiveness after feedback revealed my strong approach sometimes silenced others. Reflecting on this, I adjusted to encourage more open discussions and actively listened to my team's ideas. This shift not only made our meetings more collaborative but also enriched our projects with diverse insights, enhancing our collective success. Embracing a more inclusive and empathetic communication style proved crucial for fostering a creative and supportive team environment.

Shift from "Tell" to "Collaborate": Listen & Understand: Actively listen to colleagues' concerns and perspectives. Build rapport before presenting your ideas. Focus on "Why" Not Just "What": Clearly articulate the benefits of your suggestions, aligning them with team goals and company Data & Evidence: Back up your ideas with data, market research, or user feedback to build a strong case. Open to Refinement: Be willing to iterate and adapt your ideas based on constructive feedback. Celebrate Team Success: Highlight the team's contribution to successful product marketing initiatives, fostering a sense of shared ownership. Assertiveness is still valuable, but combining it with these collaborative approaches can effectively influence others.

Empathy is essential. While active listening is crucial, it's equally important to understand what to listen for. Here are a few key things you should seek to understand: (1) Identify any beliefs or goals you hold that differ from those of the other party. Are they disagreeing with the end goal or how to achieve it? Identifying these differences helps pinpoint potential bottlenecks. (2) If you both agree on the goals and methods, evaluate your delivery and make necessary adjustments. (3) Keep your ego in check. Are you focused on being right or doing the right thing? After listening to the other party, be open to the possibility of being wrong.

To enhance your influence, seek feedback on your assertiveness/confidence and on your overall communication style. This broader perspective can uncover areas where adjustments might be needed, enabling you to refine your approach and better connect with others.

Actively seeking feedback has been transformative for me. By embracing constructive criticism from peers, subordinates, and supervisors, I gained insights into how my assertiveness was perceived. This feedback highlighted areas where my communication could be misinterpreted, prompting me to refine my approach. Instead of diminishing my strengths, I learned to adapt them, ensuring they resonated more effectively with my team and clients. This not only improved my influence but also deepened my professional relationships, demonstrating the power of receptive and adaptive leadership.

Journeying into the world of 'Non-Verbal Communication' added a new dimension to our conversations. By adjusting our body language, tone, and expressions, we Pacificated even the most assertive messages, opening doors to smoother, more receptive discussions. It was like learning a new language, silent but powerfully eloquent.?????? Implementing 'Active Listening Techniques' was another game-changer. By making an effort to understand and reflect the emotions of our counterparts, we turned conversations into collaborations. It was as if we were dancing in sync to the same rhythm, fostering stronger connections.????

In my role as a product marketer, adapting my communication style was key when assertiveness alone didn't suffice. Recognizing the cultural and individual preferences of my audience, I experimented with softer, more collaborative approaches. Techniques like storytelling and using analogies helped make my messages more engaging and relatable. This flexibility not only improved my connections with diverse team members and clients but also enhanced my overall influence. Embracing a variety of communication styles allowed me to effectively reach and resonate with a broader audience, ultimately leading to more successful outcomes.

Understand people's languages of appreciation. One of my co-workers introduced this during a team meeting and it's kinda stuck with me. Some people respond best to words of affirmation, other acts of service, and you can tweak your approach based on their style. When it comes to assertiveness/confidence, I think it needs to be centered around the product/project. By showing the potential customer impact, you can motivate people to do more and be receptive.

Completely agree... Often, in order to get others to follow you and support you... It is best to show how doing so would be "their benefit". Show other stakeholders how your idea, your proposal will add value for them is the simplest and easiest way to get everyone on board. And a simple step of doing this is by highlighting "what's in it for them" (talk benefits, not features). It's about shifting perspective and seeing how it is a win-win-win for everyone.