The Next Phase of Social? Listen Closely: How to Become a Product Manager, Straight From a HubSpot PM

The Next Phase of Social? Listen Closely: How to Become a Product Manager, Straight From a HubSpot PM

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology and social media, there are two emerging trends that have caught the attention of many: the rise of audio apps and the increasing demand for product managers. While these may seem like unrelated topics, they actually share some common points and can provide valuable insights when combined.

The draw of audio apps over other traditional formats is obvious to any podcast or music devotee: the ease. Listening to someone's voice is personal and hearing unedited audio emphasizes a different kind of content that can often feel deeper and more intellectually stimulating. In recent years, podcasts have become more mainstream, with over half the US population having listened to roughly a million shows. The emotion that audio can stoke, such as the swell of a concert or the roar of a stadium crowd, is inherently social.

On the other hand, the role of a product manager is crucial in deciding what to build and ensuring the success of a product. They are responsible for distributing information and ensuring everyone is clear on their objectives. A product manager needs to be a proficient communicator with strong leadership skills, as meeting deadlines and managing a product's life cycle requires strategic thinking and collaboration.

One common theme that emerges from both audio apps and product management is the importance of innovation. In the case of audio apps, there is a potential for innovation in the content format. While podcasts and audio books may have started the trend, there are countless configurations that can lead to new, cohesive products. This could include long-form content focusing on high-quality educational materials or short stories from prominent authors. Innovation in audio formats can lead to the next wave of social companies.

Similarly, product management is constantly evolving, with an emphasis on the evolution of the business model. In an ad-driven world, creators often under-monetize their audiences. However, fans are willing to pay more for content they love. The future of social audio monetization lies in truly native experiences that allow creators to monetize their work and unlock the next generation of social companies. This shift in the business model has the potential to create new product categories and consumer demands, just as previous inventions like the telephone and typewriters did.

Now, let's delve into some actionable advice for those interested in these fields.

For aspiring product managers:

1. Research the role and talk to current product managers. Reach out to current PMs on LinkedIn or watch YouTube videos from product managers. This will give you a better idea of what the role entails and the types of companies that hire product managers.
2. Take a product management certification course. This will provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the field.
3. Start a side project and document it. The best way to showcase your skills as a product manager is to oversee a project from start to finish. Document your problem-solving process, including failures and mistakes, and highlight how you worked with others to bring the project to completion.

For those interested in audio apps:

1. Embrace innovation in content formats. Think outside the box and explore new ways to deliver audio content. Consider focusing on niche areas like high-quality educational materials or partnering with prominent authors for short stories.
2. Explore native social audio monetization. Move beyond sponsored promos and unlock the potential of truly native social audio experiences. Find ways to monetize your content and provide value to both creators and consumers.
3. Leverage the growing ubiquity of audio. With the increasing popularity of podcasts and audio apps, there is a growing demand for audio content. Take advantage of this trend and create content that resonates with your target audience.

In conclusion, the next phase of social is all about listening closely. Whether it's through audio apps or the role of a product manager, there are opportunities for innovation, evolution, and growth. By embracing these trends and taking actionable steps, you can position yourself for success in these exciting fields. So, listen closely, be innovative, and seize the opportunities that lie ahead.