Product Managers work on Strategy and value (among other things). Most PMs are judged by the impact of their products. If they are so good or pivotal, how come most PMs can’t/don’t work on side projects that make them a lot of money to eventually quit their day job? What can’t they make a product that creates value to their personal finances?
Same argument can be made about engineers, if you are so good why can’t you just build an Instagram and get rich?
Many engineers can build the same v1 of many top tech companies e.g. Instagram, Facebook, Netflix, etc. The value of most products is not the engineering.It’s the part that has to do with marketing, sales, dealing with customers. That’s not to say engineering is not important. You absolutely need to build stuff but customers don’t buy products because the it’s the best engineered products.
So you just answered your own question
A lot of product managers do go on to start their own companies or track to CEO positions so I have no clue what you’re babbling on about 😭😂
Loool. What is a lot? Of all the PMs you’ve worked with, how many of them have tried (not even tried and failed) to build their own products? Even at top companies, it’s less than 5% even at the top companies.
Dumbest thread award for today
Product managers are the only people who believe that product managers are needed
Report back when you’re successfully running a business.
Would you say PMs are the ones successfully running any business?
Never
Product Managers are needed! They often start their own firms after building enough wealth and experience. As with most things, it all comes down to money!
A couple of reasons. I’m extremely expensive and most of my independent opportunities are from people I know. I don’t feel comfortable charging them what I’m worth and I don’t like working below my pay grade. And I don’t want to run a business. Health insurance and office rent are expensive and those are just two bits of overhead. I don’t want to be responsible for the behavior of all of the people in my small business. Some talented folks are toxic and can compartmentalize that shit. Let someone else’s HR and reputation be on the line for that. Just no. I have an entrepreneurial mindset, but am also practical and don’t want the accompanying pain.
Risk appetite with one’s own money is also a factor.
Indeed
Money money money
If they can make money for the company, why can’t they make more money for themselves?
Same with any profession