Questions to ask as a new PM

Posted on 4/28/2023, 5:29:00 PM

Congratulations on your new role as a product manager! As a product manager, you are responsible for leading the development and launch of new products that meet customer needs, solve their problems, and drive business growth. One of the most critical steps in this process is getting up to speed on your organization, its products, and its customers. To help you do this, we've put together a list of questions to ask as a new product manager at your organization.

What are the company's key business goals?

Understanding the company's goals is critical to identifying how your product can contribute to the organization's growth. By asking this question, you can get a clear understanding of what the company is trying to achieve, what success looks like, and how your product can support those goals.

What are the company's core values?

Every company has a set of core values that guide its decision-making and culture. Understanding these values can help you align your product strategy and vision with the company's broader mission.

Who are our target customers?

Identifying your target customers is crucial to developing a product that meets their needs and solves their problems. By asking this question, you can get a better understanding of who your customers are, what they care about, and what motivates them.

What are the key features and benefits of our products?

Knowing the features and benefits of your organization's existing products can help you identify gaps in the market and opportunities to innovate. Additionally, understanding your product's unique selling points can help you differentiate it from competitors and communicate its value to customers.

How does our product fit into the competitive landscape?

Understanding the competitive landscape is critical to developing a product that stands out in the market. By asking this question, you can identify your competitors' strengths and weaknesses, what sets your product apart, and where there are opportunities for growth and innovation.

What is the current state of the product development process?

Understanding the current state of the product development process can help you identify areas for improvement and streamline processes. Additionally, it can help you identify any bottlenecks or obstacles that may be preventing the development and launch of new products.

How is the product marketed and sold?

Understanding how the product is marketed and sold can help you identify opportunities to improve messaging, target new customer segments, and optimize sales processes.

What data is available to inform product decisions?

Data is critical to making informed product decisions. By asking this question, you can identify what data is available, how it's collected and analyzed, and how it can be used to guide product development and marketing decisions.

What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for the product?

Knowing the KPIs for the product can help you track progress, identify areas for improvement, and measure the impact of new features and initiatives.

What are the biggest challenges facing the product and the organization?

Identifying the biggest challenges facing the product and the organization can help you prioritize initiatives, allocate resources, and develop strategies to overcome obstacles.

Need career advice? Book a call with a mentor at mentordial.com.

In conclusion, asking these questions as a new product manager can help you gain a better understanding of your organization, its products, and its customers. By taking the time to learn about the company's goals, values, customers, products, competition, and data, you can develop a product strategy that aligns with the organization's mission and drives business growth.