Build a Fan-Club

One of the secrets to fast-tracking to leadership in the world of product management is to build a fan club.  In other words, a group of colleagues, stakeholders, and leaders who see you as an amazing product manager and will support your growth.

Here is the reality, most decisions that are made which impact your career do not involve you.  For example:

• Who will get the new innovation product
• Promotion Decisions
• Strategy
• Who gets the large bonus
• Who gets put on the strategic, visible cross-department project
• Who will represent the product group on critical cross-team initiatives

To work on the innovative products that will land you that promotion, you must have a group of other leaders who will advocate for you when key decisions are being made.

How do you do this?

First, make your work visible.  Anytime there is something to celebrate, then talk about it...a new release, a new strategic customer success story, and even your innovation ideas.  

Second, show your strategic skills. You need to have demonstrated to them that you have the right skills to move into leadership.  It must be more than your direct Manager and VP. You need to have brought in other key leaders to advocate for you. Understand how your product ties into the broader company strategy. Use strategic terms when talking to leaders (eg revenue, customer churn).

When leaders believe in you, your skills, and your ability to lead, they will advocate for you when those critical decisions are being made.

Branding is not a one-time event. You need to be continually branding yourself inside and outside your organization. 

If you are ready to get unstuck and accelerate your career, then take the first step and watch my free training at training-lynnelevy.com

I promise it will give you the insights you need to get that promoted and love innovating again.