When it comes to learning about product management, there are plenty of well-known books that get recommended time and time again. From “Inspired” to “Hooked,” these bestsellers have helped countless product managers hone their craft and build successful products.
However, there are also plenty of hidden treasures out there – books that aren’t as well-known but offer valuable insights and advice.
In this post, I’m highlighting three lesser-known books on product management that all product people should read.
- “The Art of Product Management: Lessons from a Silicon Valley Innovator” by Rich Mironov
Rich Mironov has been working in product management for over 30 years, and he’s worked with some of the biggest names in tech, including Netflix and eBay. In “The Art of Product Management,” he shares his insights on what it takes to be a successful product manager in the fast-paced world of Silicon Valley.
What sets this book apart is Mironov’s focus on the “art” of product management – the human skills that are often overlooked in favor of technical expertise. He covers topics like communication, leadership, and team management, and offers practical advice on how to navigate the complex dynamics of a product organization.
- “The Lean Product Playbook: How to Innovate with Minimum Viable Products and Rapid Customer Feedback” by Dan Olsen
If you’re looking for a practical guide to building successful products, “The Lean Product Playbook” is a must-read. Dan Olsen, a product management consultant and former product manager at Intuit and Friendster, provides a step-by-step framework for creating and testing MVPs, identifying customer needs, and iterating quickly.
What sets this book apart is Olsen’s emphasis on the importance of getting feedback from customers early and often. He provides concrete examples of how to do this effectively, and offers advice on how to incorporate customer feedback into your product development process.
- “Building Products for the Enterprise: Product Management in Enterprise Software” by Blair Reeves and Benjamin Gaines
Product management in the enterprise software space comes with its own set of challenges, and “Building Products for the Enterprise” is a valuable resource for anyone working in this field. Blair Reeves and Benjamin Gaines draw on their experience working at companies like Salesforce and Atlassian to provide practical advice on topics like customer discovery, stakeholder management, and pricing strategy.
What sets this book apart is the depth of expertise the authors bring to the table. They provide detailed case studies and interviews with product managers from a variety of enterprise software companies, making this book an invaluable resource for anyone looking to build successful products in this space.
In conclusion, while there are plenty of well-known books on product management that are worth reading, there are also plenty of hidden treasures out there. These three books – “The Art of Product Management,” “The Lean Product Playbook,” and “Building Products for the Enterprise” – are all worth checking out if you’re looking to expand your knowledge and hone your skills as a product manager.
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