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The Difference Between Product Management and Project Management

It never ceases to amaze me how few people in the software industry understand what a product manager does.

So many times when we open up for a product manager, of the resumes we have submitted, around 80% will be for a project manager position, not for product management.

Project management is very important, but it is not product management.

Tracks points crossing

The role of a product manager can be described using the analogy of a railroad. The product manager is responsible for laying the tracks. They navigate the landscape and determine where the train will go. It is their responsibility to avoid the obstacles and make sure the train is successful at arriving at its destination.

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What’s on My Phone: Uber

In the Quick Hits series “What’s on My Phone,” I share tidbits regarding the apps, music, and other treasures that are on my phone.  Together, these items keep me productive, motivated, and on top of my game.

Uber is an app the provides on demand access to “Black Cars.”

uber

It’s a taxi alternative, and I find it to be especially useful (and price competitive) in cities that are not “taxi rich” (cities other than New York, Boston, Chicago and DC) or when I’m in the suburbs.

With the single push of a button, I can order a town car (or SUV if I’m traveling with others).  The car will typically show up in 15 minutes or less. It tends to be a much more pleasurable experience than your typical taxi.

Uber automatically pays and tips the driver through one of your pre-registered credit cards, so, as soon as you arrive, you’re on your way.

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7 Hiring Strategies: Weighing The Devil You Know Vs. the Devil You Don’t

Human resources concept

I recently hired an executive who I had a history with. In fact, several years ago, I worked for him.

Hiring someone you know can be both a wise move and a big mistake. Over the years, I’ve learned how to make sure I only make the hire if I’m confident that it will be a big win. Here are seven hiring strategies I use to make sure I make the right decision.

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A Case Study in the Integrated Life: Work Life Balance While Traveling

One of the greatest challenges for any leader is to live an integrated life when their responsibilities require travel.

I was recently faced with this challenge.

Generally, I try to limit my travel to every other week. My goal is to be gone no more than three days (two nights), unless, I am traveling overseas. I almost never travel on weekends.

Last week broke all of those rules. A commitment I have as CEO collided with a commitment I have to one of the charities I support. The first half of the week I needed to be in LA for a conference. The weekend required me to be present for a board meeting and the committee meetings that preceded it.  I was on the road from Tuesday night through Monday afternoon.

Father and Son Play Catch

On Thursday I received a one sentence email from my 11-year-old son:

“Hi Daddy I am super nervous is about tryouts I want you to be here for them”

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Make Your Travel Time Count

At the end of last year my travel schedule exploded. All of a sudden I was gone for five weeks out of every six. I had several things come up: it was a busy conference season and I had to visit prospects, clients, and overseas employees.

beautiful of shanghai night scene

One of the things I had to learn to do was optimize my travel schedule: I had to learn to make my travel time count. I started to realize that even though I’ve always had this philosophy of getting in and getting out, I wasn’t really doing a good job of picking when and where I needed to be.

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6 Reasons I’m Taking My Online Presence to the Next Level (and Why You Should, Too)

Why I'm Taking My Online Presence to the Next Level - David DeWolf

Several months ago I committed to taking my online presence to the next level.  This was a deliberate decision and one that I didn’t take likely.  Investing in building a platform requires a commitment of personal capital and time.  It also requires an emotional investment and a willingness to put yourself out there.

So why am I doing it?  Because to be an effective leader in today’s business world, it’s required. Here are 6 reasons why I’m convinced developing a strong online presence is the right thing for my business — and I’ll bet most of them apply to you as well.

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What’s on My Phone: Carolina

In the Quick Hits series “What’s on My Phone,” I share tidbits regarding the apps, music, and other treasures that are on my phone.  Together, these items keep me productive, motivated, and on top of my game.

When I’m traveling, the song “Carolina,” by Parmalee, brings me home.  Nothing better than closing your eyes on the plane and rocking out to a song that reminds you of the beautiful wife you left back at home.  This happens to be one of my favorite songs right now.

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2 Life-Changing Mastermind Takeaways

Have you ever had really a powerful experience?  Not an emotional experience, but a powerful experience, the kind of experience that as you look back, just might, be a turning point?

Last week I had the opportunity to participate in a mastermind session.  If you aren’t aware of what a mastermind is, I’d encourage you to look it up.  This was my first mastermind experience and I found it to be a powerful accelerator in my own personal and professional development.

2 Life-Changing Mastermind Takeaways

A “mastermind” is a small group of like minded people who dedicate themselves to helping each other succeed in a specific goal.

This particular mastermind session was hosted by Michael Hyatt, Stu McLaren, and Amy Porterfield.  It was a one-day event that these three “Platform Masterminds” generously donated in order to help five of us take our personal platforms to the next level.  As I have reviewed my notes and contemplated my key takeaways, I have discovered three key things I learned that I believe just might impact the rest of my life.

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Why Being Frugal Might Cost You More than You Save

Eighteen months ago Teresa and I moved into our new home.  With five acres and a rather long driveway, I knew that there was no possible way for me to shovel out of any significant Virginia snow.

I decided to buy a John Deere Gator and a snow blade.  Considering the size of our property, I thought it would be prudent to spend the money on a utility vehicle that I could use to maintain the yard in the warm months and double as a plow when needed.

gator 2

In hindsight, this was probably a pretty good strategy.  I’ve gotten plenty of usage out of my gator during the spring, summer, and fall months, and a snow blade is definitely the right tool for my driveway — a blower can cost just as much money and be less productive for a large drive like mine.

Unfortunately, my execution was poor.