Are you a "full-stack" PM?

I’ve recently been seeing a strong increase in hiring “full-stack” professionals to keep headcount to a minimum.

One of the most common examples is that companies hire end-to-end PMs instead of hiring both a Product-Marketing Manager and a Product Manager.

But it isn’t just PMs who can cover the responsibilities of other roles -

• I recently helped a Marketing Designer at a successful public company to conduct user interviews, analyze user jobs, pain, and gains, and implement that into designing a landing page.

  The company didn’t have a PMM to allocate for the task, so she bravely went beyond her job description and has received much praise for her work.

• At least 3 times a week, peers and clients request introductions to PMM, Growth, and PM professionals in my network. Before connecting, I always make sure to dig deeper and understand the company's expectations for the roles. 99% of the time, the required skills and experience span a broad range of adjacent roles.
  E.g. a Growth Marketer who can run paid campaigns, build landing pages, write messaging, and nurture emails.

“Full-stack” Product Managers stand out in today’s market

They combine a diverse set of skills - product, marketing, data analysis, sales, and even copywriting skills - just like a Swiss Army knife.

They are capable of overseeing an entire project end-to-end, from conceptualization to execution, delivery, and go-to-market. Rinse and repeat.

They can rewire their brain quickly based on the area of focus - e.g. acquisition, activation, retention, monetization, expansion, virality, risk assessment, and the list goes on.

This strategic and versatile PM -

• is an ace at product delivery

• considers the holistic visitor/user journey at every step of the way

• never loses sight of product growth

• conducts research on an ongoing basis

• bases decisions on data

• writes effective messaging and copy

• steers the product by positioning it iteratively

• eagerly steps in for sales responsibilities

3 things you should do to be a “full-stack” PM

Do you want to be a “full-stack” PM and be irresistible in today’s market?

3 things you should do that sound simple, but they ain’t.

I know, I’ve been there -

• Deepen your core skills

• Broaden your skillset

• Muster the courage to try new things

Practical tips on how to get there

• Read books, read blogs, and then read some more

• Work closely with your peers and learn from them

• Jump in, do your best, sometimes fail, and iteratively get better

• Learn on the job by joining an early-stage startup

• Identify and overcome mental barriers

• Connect with professionals, set up working sessions together

• Ask for help, don’t suffer through it alone

• Ask for feedback

• Get a great mentor 🔥🔥

Welcome to the era of “full-stack” professionals.