The Power of Curating and Defining Your Product Strategy

The Power of Curating and Defining Your Product Strategy

Introduction:
In today's fast-paced business landscape, crisp execution and high-cadence experimentation are crucial for success. However, to truly supercharge your efforts, it is essential to have a clear product strategy. Strategic thinking allows you to think ahead, skip quarters, and build enduring value. This article explores the parallels between curating and defining a product strategy, highlighting their significance in creating meaningful experiences and driving business growth.

1. The DHM Model: From Curiosity to Strategy
   The DHM Model, derived from the Latin word "curare" meaning "to take care of," emphasizes the importance of curiosity in both curating and product strategy. Curiosity fuels the desire to know and connect knowledge, just as strategic thinking enables you to explore new possibilities and make informed decisions. By shifting focus from customer satisfaction to customer delight, you can align your product strategy with the needs and desires of your target audience.

2. The Strategy/Metric/Tactic Lock-Up: Crafting a Meaningful Narrative
   Similar to how curators create exhibitions with a signature that reflects their ideology, a product strategy should tell a compelling story. The Strategy/Metric/Tactic Lock-Up framework helps you align your strategic goals, metrics, and tactics to create a cohesive narrative. By carefully curating the elements of your product strategy, you can ensure that each component contributes to the overall vision and meaning of your offering.

3. Proxy Metrics: Measuring Meaningful Impact
   Just as curators seek reassurance that their curated selection holds meaning, product managers must measure the impact of their strategies. Proxy metrics, which provide indirect indicators of success, play a crucial role in evaluating the effectiveness of your product strategy. By identifying and tracking meaningful proxy metrics, you can gain insights into the value your product brings to customers and make data-driven decisions to enhance their experience.

4. Working Bottom-up: Collaborative Curation and Strategy
   Curators often act as catalysts, generators, and motivators, collaborating closely with artists to bring their vision to life. Similarly, a bottom-up approach in product strategy involves involving cross-functional teams and stakeholders in the decision-making process. By encouraging collaboration and leveraging the diverse expertise within your organization, you can curate a product strategy that caters to various perspectives and ensures a well-rounded offering.