Musings on product strategy

I have an unhealthy obsession with product strategy.

It's the perfect blend of science, art, and vision. That's why I love it. One moment you're collecting data, the next you're envisioning what life will be like 10 years from now.

It's a beautiful thing to think about. To put it together, however, it's a different beast.

Why? Because no one can tell you how to write a product strategy, exactly. 

You'll find templates.

You'll find blog posts, videos, and training courses.

I should know; I consume it all.

But, at the end of the day, a product strategy is highly unique and personal (to the business). You will have to figure it out on your own.

A product strategy heuristic

I've put together & iterated on tens of product strategies. 

While I can't provide a template (see above), I have a pretty good idea of what having a product strategy should feel like.

A product strategy is a filter. 

It's a lens through which everyone at the company (not just PMs/product people) can evaluate challenges and make decisions.

If your product strategy, whatever the format, length, framework, or template, doesn't help you make decisions faster, it's not good enough.

Given this is the goal, what characteristics should a product strategy follow? (Again, this is not a template).

• It should probably be super clear. A vague document about a vague product for a vague audience won't help you make decisions.

• It should probably be communicated to the business. No one will make better decisions if no one knows of the strategy.

• It should probably be reviewed regularly. Technologies, markets, and expectations change. Roman Pichler recommends at least a quarterly review. Sounds about right.

• It should probably align with the business strategy. Decisions, no matter how fast, will only work if they help the business reach its goals.

With this heuristic, I can craft any product strategy I need.