Wednesday, 2 December 2015

Transition from Business Analyst to Product Manager

I have decided to write this blog to document the journey of product manager to see how much I have progressed in future.

The role of Product Manager (PM) is totally different as a Business Analyst (BA).
As a business analyst previously, my objective is to use my cash management knowledge to advise and implement a product based on requirements and tweaks to the requirements to ensure it works correctly. It's so straight forward.

Now taking on as PM, the mindset of a BA is no longer applicable to this role. Why? Because a PM has to make it happen, start something. Below are some of the traits I found.

1) You are wearing multiple hats at the same time.
Previously as mentioned, I'm only responsible for gathering requirements and make sure the end product is working and correct. As a product guy, its more than that. Sometimes I have to take on as a designer, project manager and business analyst roles. 

Different situations required a different method of handling and as an owner of the product, I realised that the decisions I made previously will impact the outcome of how the product becomes and the performance it will bring in future. And you have to manage it throughout the lifecycle.


2) You have to be a self-starter
Not everyone will agree with you. Not everyone will want to spend time with you to meet your objectives. Mindset is extremely important. Even I encountered problems along the way, I still need to pick myself up to keep things going. A product guy has to make it happen really. No one will give instructions.

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