Product First Leadership

Professional notes building products that customers love
[by Zigmars Rozentals]

Leadership and Management Product Management

4 Reasons Why Your Product Makes NO MONEY

Here are the four major reasons why your product does not make money: 1. There is no problem in the first place; 2. No value for the customer; 3. Too expensive; 4. Too cheap

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June 27th
Product Discovery Product Management

When "Built for Everyone" means "Built for No One"

As product managers, one of our key responsibilities is ensuring that our products resonate deeply with our target audience. However, there's a common pitfall: trying to build a product that serves everyone.

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June 20th
“The Habsburg Way: Seven Rules for Turbulent Times”
Leadership and Management

Decentralise to Succeed: The Subsidiarity Advantage

This time I'm exploring how the principle of subsidiarity, which was a key factor in the success of the Habsburg Empire, can be applied to modern multinational corporations.

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June 10th
Product Discovery

The Art of Asking the Right Questions: How Product Managers Uncover Hidden Customer Needs

Successful product managers leverage the art of asking insightful questions to uncover and address hidden customer needs. In this article I delve into the critical role of empathy, continuous learning, and problem-solving in creating solutions that truly resonate with customers.

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June 4th
Product Management

? The Power of Product Management Over First-Mover Advantage

In this article I explore the critical importance of systematic product management in achieving lasting success. While the allure of being first to market is strong, I demonstrate through historical and modern examples that the real edge comes from effective execution.

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May 21st
Product Discovery

⚠️ Customers don’t need products

In this article I highlight a fundamental truth in product management: the focus should be on the customer and their needs, not the product itself. I am discussing how some product managers become overly attached to their ideas and solutions, neglecting customer feedback.

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May 20th
Product Management

? How To Avoid The "Swiss knife" Product Trap

Features will not sell your product. They often confuse customers and discourage continued use. When product managers focus more on the product than the customer, competitors will eventually create solutions that better address customer needs. This is the focus of my article on the "Swiss knife" product trap, which has ruined many startups, companies, and product managers' careers.

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May 7th
Product Discovery

? Don't use LEAN CANVAS for Product Management if...

I love the Lean Canvas for its simplicity in validating ideas, whether for product creation or improvement. It's an effective "one-page" business plan, but overuse and improper application can be problematic. Here's a warning list to help avoid common pitfalls and ensure your product management efforts remain focused and effective.

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April 10th
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