#8 5 Books every Product Manager Must Read + Bonus for Platforms
A list of some lesser known and famous books for product management + a bonus book.
As a product manager, staying ahead of the curve and continuously improving your skills is crucial to thrive in today's dynamic business landscape. One of the most effective ways to gain insights, broaden your perspective, and enhance your abilities is through reading books written by experienced professionals. Based on my reading, I have listed five must-read books that every technology or digital product manager should have on their shelf. Additionally, a special recommendation is included specifically tailored to platform product management. Let's dive in!
1. “Inspired: How to Create Tech Products Customers Love" by Marty Cagan
Customer-centric product management, ideation, market research, product lifecycle, building high-performing teams
Marty Cagan, a renowned product management expert, provides invaluable insights into the art of creating successful and customer-centric tech products. This book covers the entire product lifecycle, from ideation to launch and beyond, and offers practical advice on conducting market research, validating ideas, and building high-performing product teams. "Inspired" is a go-to resource for product managers looking to build exceptional products that resonate with customers.
2. “The Four Steps to the Epiphany: Successful Strategies for Startups That Win" by Steve Blank
Customer development, validated learning, market feedback, customer discovery, startup strategies
"The Four Steps to the Epiphany" is a seminal work on customer development and validated learning. Steve Blank, a respected entrepreneur and academic, presents a step-by-step guide for building successful startups. Product managers will gain a deep understanding of customer discovery, customer validation, and how to iterate and pivot based on market feedback. This book offers a comprehensive framework for building products that customers truly need and want.
3. “The Lean Product Playbook: How to Innovate with Minimum Viable Products and Rapid Customer Feedback" by Dan Olsen
Lean product management, minimum viable products (MVPs), rapid customer feedback, innovation, customer needs, product development, customer-centric approach
"The Lean Product Playbook" by Dan Olsen is an essential guide for tech product managers looking to develop successful products. Olsen offers a step-by-step approach to applying lean principles, including techniques for identifying customer needs, defining MVPs (Minimum Viable Products), and obtaining rapid customer feedback. This book provides practical strategies for driving innovation and building products that customers truly love.
4. "Value Proposition Design: How to Create Products and Services Customers Want" by Alexander Osterwalder, Yves Pigneur, Gregory Bernarda, and Alan Smith
Value proposition design, customer-centricity, product-market fit, customer segmentation, value creation, customer satisfaction
"Value Proposition Design" is a comprehensive guide for product managers seeking to create compelling products and services that align with customer needs. The book introduces practical tools and methodologies, such as the Value Proposition Canvas, to help you understand customer segments, identify their pain points, and design value propositions that address those needs effectively. With a focus on customer-centricity and value creation, this book equips tech product managers with the essential knowledge and techniques to achieve product-market fit and drive customer satisfaction.
5. "The Innovator's Dilemma: When New Technologies Cause Great Firms to Fail" by Clayton M. Christensen
Disruptive technologies, innovation, competitive advantage, market dynamics, industry disruptions, incumbent firms, sustaining innovation, disruptive innovation, technology adoption, market leadership, organizational change
"The Innovator's Dilemma" is a seminal book for tech product managers. Clayton Christensen explores the challenges faced by established companies when disruptive technologies emerge. This book provides valuable insights into innovation, competitive advantage, and navigating market dynamics. By understanding the principles outlined in this book, tech product managers can better anticipate and respond to industry disruptions, driving successful product strategies in rapidly changing environments.
Bonus : "Platform Revolution: How Networked Markets Are Transforming the Economy and How to Make Them Work for You" by Geoffrey G. Parker, Marshall W. Van Alstyne, and Sangeet Paul Choudary
Platform product management, network effects, multi-sided platforms, ecosystem dynamics, platform-based business models
In the age of platform businesses, understanding the nuances of platform product management is essential. "Platform Revolution" explores the rise of platform-based business models and provides insights into managing multi-sided platforms, network effects, and ecosystem dynamics. This book equips product managers with the knowledge to navigate the unique challenges and opportunities of platform-based products, making it an indispensable resource for anyone working in this