The future of social is Bringing People Together. At the beginning, social media tools were rudimentary, and the builders were naively optimistic that a more open and connected world would lead to a better world since everyone had a voice. However, as time went on, we found ourselves living in a world where likes and follows dominate our perception of ourselves. Instead of sharing our true selves, social interactions have become warped into social competitions.

The future of social is Bringing People Together. At the beginning, social media tools were rudimentary, and the builders were naively optimistic that a more open and connected world would lead to a better world since everyone had a voice. However, as time went on, we found ourselves living in a world where likes and follows dominate our perception of ourselves. Instead of sharing our true selves, social interactions have become warped into social competitions.

Facebook, one of the biggest social media platforms, is repositioning its efforts around more private communications. It has been observed that people express more of their true selves and share more in private conversations than they do on their feeds or "media channels". This shift is driven by the understanding that true connection and authentic sharing happen in private, personal spaces rather than on public platforms.

It is important to note that the main revenue driver for top social companies today is advertising. These companies rely on users spending more time on their apps to generate revenue. However, revenue models built on time spent are zero-sum business models. They create a vicious cycle where users spend more and more time on these platforms, often at the expense of real-life experiences and connections.

Real experiences are what truly matter in our lives. Going to a concert together, eating dinner, or simply hanging out at someone's apartment are the moments that create the best memories. Connection and inclusion are crucial elements of these experiences. As we move forward, the next wave of social products will focus on facilitating these real-life experiences rather than solely on media consumption.

In the world of product management, there are valuable lessons to be learned from years of experience. One of the key lessons is to always separate the problem from the solution. It is essential to understand the underlying problem before jumping to a solution. This approach allows for a more thorough and effective product development process.

Another important lesson is the realization that most people do not understand what a product manager's job entails. This lack of understanding can lead to misunderstandings and miscommunication. As a product manager, it is crucial to educate and inform stakeholders about the role and responsibilities to ensure smooth collaboration.

Adaptability is also a vital skill for product managers. Real-life situations often differ from what is taught in frameworks and theories. While studying and experimenting with frameworks is important, it is equally important to be flexible and adapt to the unique circumstances of each project.

Building a successful product is heavily reliant on the team. Technical competencies are important, but communication skills and culture fit are even more crucial. A cohesive and collaborative team is the key to success. Curiosity, quick learning abilities, and kindness towards others are qualities to look for in team members.

Learning and improvement should be a continuous process for product managers. Every person and every situation can offer valuable lessons and insights. Embracing a mindset of continuous learning and improvement will contribute to professional growth and success.

Effective communication is a skill that every product manager should strive to improve. It is important to remember that only a fraction of what we intend to convey in a conversation is actually understood by the other person. Being mindful of this gap and working on improving communication skills can enhance collaboration and avoid misunderstandings.

While being passionate about one's product is often idealized, it is not always feasible. Finding joy in the job and being excited about the product can be more realistic goals. This mindset can still drive positive outcomes without the pressure of constantly being passionate.

Consistency is key in product management. Often, there are tasks or meetings that we know we should be doing regularly but struggle to find the time for them. Scheduling recurring tasks or meetings can help ensure that important actions are not neglected.

Lastly, it is important to avoid the trap of perfectionism. Striving for perfection can lead to delays and inefficiencies. Instead, it is more effective to focus on delivering value and iterating on improvements.

In conclusion, the future of social lies in bringing people together through real experiences. The shift towards private communications reflects the understanding that authentic connections happen in personal spaces. As we navigate the world of product management, it is crucial to separate problems from solutions, educate others about the role, adapt to real-life situations, prioritize team dynamics, embrace continuous learning, improve communication skills, find joy in the job, prioritize consistency over intensity, and avoid perfectionism. These actionable pieces of advice will contribute to success in both social and product management realms.