Career Transition from Product Management to Business Development: Insights and Examples

Have you ever considered making the jump from product management (PM) to business development (BD)? Transitioning between these two roles can be both exciting and challenging, but with the right mindset and approach, it’s entirely possible. In this article, we will explore the unique experiences and insights of an individual who made this transition successfully.

Understanding the Transition

The author of this article has deep experience in product management, having served as a Senior Lead PM at Microsoft. However, over the past couple of years, they have also worked closely in the realm of business development, which has been both enlightening and fulfilling. Their journey began with a fascination for business development, sparked by their involvement in tech evangelism at a company called Dash Navigation, which produced connected GPS devices.

Exploring Leadership and Interdepartmental Collaboration

At Microsoft, the author engaged with product management and marketing, which introduced them to the concept of developer evangelists. For the author, this role at Microsoft brought them closer to business development than they initially realized. Their interest in business development deepened when they worked in tech evangelism at Dash Navigation, where they collaborated closely with the head of business development. Many engagements in tech evangelism often bordered on business development, leading to opportunities that expanded the company's offerings or generated more revenue.

First Steps in Business Development

The author's career in business development truly took off when they were recruited by a startup to take on a role in business development. They faced challenges in finding their footing but gained valuable experience. It was at Waze as the Director of Business Development where they truly thrived. At Waze, they could run programs in a way that suited their vision and achieved significant success.

Key Insights and Skills

The transition from product management to business development is not as daunting as one might think. The author underscores that you don’t need to have the title of business development to engage in external partnerships. For B2B products, this transition can help you develop the necessary skills for business development without fully stepping away from product management.

Some key insights and skills that made the transition easier for the author include:

Understanding the intersection of product and business objectives Building strong relationships with external partners Developing negotiation and communication skills Strategizing and running programs to achieve business goals

Conclusion and Further Exploration

Overall, the transition from product management to business development is a rewarding journey that can open up new opportunities and challenges. The author is eager to address any additional questions or provide further insights via comments. If you are considering this transition, remember that your current role and experiences can serve as a solid foundation for a successful career in business development.

For more information on career transitions and the intersection of product and business development, consider exploring relevant resources and networking with professionals in both fields.