The Power of Building Community and the Role of an Associate Product Manager

The Power of Building Community and the Role of an Associate Product Manager

In today's competitive business landscape, organizations are realizing the importance of capturing talent early on. However, finding qualified product managers can be a challenge. To address this, companies are increasingly turning to the role of an associate product manager. This position allows them to bring in junior talent and train them to become future product managers. Additionally, hiring an associate product manager can be a cost-effective solution when existing product managers lack the bandwidth for additional responsibilities. Some companies even promote their associate product managers based on tenure, providing them with a clear growth path within the organization.

While capturing talent is crucial, building a community around a product is equally important. In fact, it can be considered the most important skill of the year. This realization came to light when a Reddit employee discovered that moderators were an essential customer segment. To engage and involve these moderators, the employee embarked on a journey of community-led product development. By creating a community specifically for Reddit moderators, they were able to foster open dialogue and gather valuable feedback. This approach transformed the moderators into an extension of the product team, contributing to its success.

The power of building a customer community extends beyond just product development. It can also be a valuable tool for personal growth and professional success. The Reddit employee, for example, experienced the privilege of working directly with customers and witnessed the positive impact it had on their own audience growth. By providing useful advice and engaging in light-hearted interactions, they were able to grow their Twitter followers and newsletter subscribers significantly.

Reflecting on this experience, a few actionable advice emerge for anyone looking to build a community:

• 1. Have a clear mission: A community thrives when its members share a common purpose. Clearly define the mission of your community and communicate it effectively to attract individuals who align with your goals.

• 2. It's a lonely road early: Building a community from scratch can be a daunting task, especially in the early stages. Be prepared for the challenges and embrace the journey, knowing that the hard work will pay off in the end.

• 3. Make onboarding a priority: Welcoming new members and providing them with a smooth onboarding experience is crucial. Show them the different channels available and guide them through the process to ensure they feel welcomed and supported.

Furthermore, it is essential to focus on activating core contributors within the community. Rather than solely focusing on the number of members, identify individuals who are competent and genuinely care about the mission. Support and empower these core contributors, whether by expressing gratitude, amplifying their contributions, or involving them as co-owners. It is these dedicated individuals who will drive the community's success.

Finally, it is vital to recognize that building a community requires commitment and effort. However, it is a skill that can lead to incredible achievements, especially in today's digital age where internet friends can come together to create something great. By embracing the power of community-building and combining it with the role of an associate product manager, organizations can foster innovation, engagement, and long-term success.

In conclusion, the role of an associate product manager serves as a valuable entry point for junior talent within an organization. Simultaneously, developing the skill of building a community can have a transformative effect on personal and professional growth. By connecting these two concepts, we can create a powerful synergy that drives innovation, collaboration, and success in the modern business world.