50 Tips for a Remote Product Manager Working From Home

The goal of an ambitious product manager is to make significant, lasting changes in structure, culture or focus of the organization through the products that he or she builds. Through your efforts you can generate global impact and organizational success. But how does this work when your design, engineering, and sales teams sit far away? 

More importantly, how do you get customer or market feedback when working from home? How can you demonstrate value and deliver long-term strategic initiatives or valuable investments when you work alone?

There are some unique challenges that come with working from a home office especially within the realm of building products.

If you have aspirations of being a great product manager (or building anything in life to help others), there are necessary traits that you need to excel in designing, building, and launching products from your home office.

We’ve outlined 50 tips below that will help make your remote job a little bit easier. Check them out below!

Man looking over product development specs

What are the responsibilities of a product manager?

Defining the product vision

A product manager is responsible for defining the product vision and strategy, and ensuring that the product meets the needs of the target market. Additionally, a product manager is responsible for managing the product development lifecycle, from conception to launch to post-launch analysis. A product manager also works with cross-functional teams to bring a product to market.

Creating the product strategy

The product manager is responsible for creating the product strategy, which is the long-term vision for the product. The product strategy activities including setting the direction for the product, defining the features and roadmap, and aligning the team around the product vision.

The product manager also works with stakeholders to understand their needs and requirements, and translates them into product requirements. Good stakeholder communication is essential to make sure the product meets the stakeholder’s needs. They also work with the development team during the product development cycle to ensure that the product is being built according to the product strategy.

Additionally, the product manager is responsible for launching the product and ensuring that it is successful in the market. They track metrics and user feedback to assess the product’s performance and identify areas for improvement.

Managing the product backlog

A product manager is responsible for managing the product backlog. This includes identifying, prioritizing, and estimating the effort required to implement new features and capabilities. The product manager also works with stakeholders to ensure that the product backlog is aligned with the organization’s strategic objectives.

Prioritizing features

As the product manager, it is your responsibility to prioritize features. You must consider the impact of each feature on the product roadmap, as well as the resources required to develop and implement it. You also need to take into account customer feedback and input from the sales and marketing teams.

Coordinating with multiple teams

A product manager’s responsibilities vary depending on the company, but usually involve coordinating with multiple teams, such as marketing, sales, and engineering. The product manager is responsible for the product vision and strategy and works with the development team to ensure that the product is built to specification. They also work with the marketing team to ensure that the product is positioned correctly and that there is a go-to-market strategy in place. Lastly, the product manager works with the sales team to ensure that the product is selling well and that the sales process is smooth.

Launching new products

As a product manager, one of your key responsibilities is to launch new products. This involves working with cross-functional teams to ensure that the product is designed, developed, and launched according to plan. In addition to launch responsibilities, product managers also oversee the product roadmap, product strategy, and product lifecycle.

Analyzing product performance

One of the key responsibilities of a product manager is to analyze the performance of a product. This includes understanding how well the product is doing in the market, what customer feedback is saying, and whether there are any areas where the product could be improved.

To do this, product managers need to have a strong understanding of data and analytics. They need to be able to understand complex data sets and identify trends. They also need to be able to communicate their findings to others in a clear and concise way.

Conducting user research

As a product manager, one of your key responsibilities is to conduct user research. This involves understanding the needs and wants of your target users, and then using that information to inform your product decisions. User research can take many forms, but some common methods include interviews, surveys, and focus groups.

Creating product documentation

As the product manager, it is your responsibility to create product documentation. This includes the product requirements document (PRD), product roadmap, product launch plan, and product backlog. Your documentation must be clear, concise, and easy to understand. It should also be updated regularly to reflect changes in the product.

Book on product development lifecycle

What makes a great product manager?

The ability to wear many hats

A product manager is often responsible for a wide variety of tasks, from product strategy and planning to execution and delivery. They need to be able to wear many hats and juggle multiple priorities.

They must have a deep understanding of the product, the market, and the competitive landscape. They need to be able to articulate the vision for the product and rally the team around it. They also need to be able to work with other stakeholders, such as sales, marketing, and support, to ensure that the product is successful.

Great product managers are also excellent communicators, problem-solvers, and collaborators. They are able to work with a wide range of people, both inside and outside of the organization. They are able to influence others and get things done in a matrixed organization.

The ability to juggle multiple projects

A great product manager is able to juggle multiple projects at the same time. They need to be able to prioritize and manage their own time effectively in order to get the most important things done. They also need to be able to communicate clearly with other members of the team and stakeholders.

The ability to think outside the box

A great product manager is able to think outside the box. They are always looking for new and innovative ways to improve their product. They are also able to think critically and solve problems quickly. Additionally, they have a strong understanding of their customer base and are always working to improve the customer experience.

The ability to work well under pressure

Product managers are responsible for a lot, from developing product strategy to managing budgets and timelines. They need to be able to wear many hats and work well under pressure.

Other important qualities of a great product manager include being able to think creatively, being organized and detail-oriented, and being able to communicate effectively.

The ability to get along with others

Great product managers are not only technically savvy, but they also have the ability to get along with others. They understand that product development is a team sport, and they know how to motivate and work with others to get the best results.

Product manager talking to development team over Zoom

How can you be an effective product manager working remotely?

Establish and maintain regular communication

There are a few key things you can do to be an effective product manager working remotely.

  • Keep the team organized. This means having a clear vision for the product and communicating it to the team. It also means setting clear goals and deadlines. This can be accomplished by sharing documents, specs, and any other relevant information in a shared space.
  • Stay in close communication with the team. This means having regular meetings (virtual or in person) and being available to answer questions. Encourage your team to ask questions and share ideas freely. This can be done through video conferencing, phone calls, or even just messaging.
  • Build strong relationships with the team. This means getting to know each other personally and building trust. Be available and responsive to your team’s questions and concerns.

Handle conflict effectively

Product managers are often tasked with handling conflict within their team. This can be especially challenging when working remotely. Here are a few tips to help you be an effective product manager when handling conflict remotely:

  • Make sure to schedule regular check-ins with your team. This will help you stay up-to-date on what is going on and will give you a chance to address any issues that may arise.
  • Encourage open communication among team members. If there is an issue, encourage the team members to come to you so that you can help resolve it.
  • Be clear and concise in your communication. When communicating with team members, make sure to be clear and concise in your communication so that there is no misunderstanding.
  • Be fair and objective. When resolving conflict, be fair and objective so that team members feel like they are being heard and that the resolution is fair.

Encourage collaboration

Product managers are responsible for ensuring that the products they oversee are successful. This means that they need to be able to effectively collaborate with their team, even if they are working remotely. There are a few things that you can do to encourage collaboration, even when you’re not in the same physical space:

  • Use video conferencing for team meetings: This will help everyone feel more connected and make it easier to communicate non-verbal cues.
  • Make use of collaborative tools: There are many online tools that can help remote teams work together effectively, such as Google Docs and Trello.
  • Encourage informal communication: It’s important to create opportunities for informal communication, such as virtual coffee breaks or water cooler chat. This will help build relationships and trust between team members.

Be available when needed

As a product manager, it’s important to be available when needed, even if you’re working remotely. You should be able to respond to questions and concerns from your team in a timely manner. Additionally, you need to be able to collaborate effectively with other members of your team, even if you’re not in the same location. There are a few things you can do to make sure you’re being an effective product manager working remotely, such as:

  • Make sure you have regular check-ins with your team
  • Use collaboration tools to stay in touch with your team
  • Be responsive to questions and concerns
  • Make sure you’re available when needed
Woman working on computer with dual monitors

What are some challenges you may face as a product manager working remotely?

Communication

As a product manager, one of the challenges you may face working remotely is communication. It can be difficult to stay in touch with stakeholders and keep them updated on the progress of your product. You may also find it difficult to get feedback from stakeholders and team members who are not in the same physical space as you. Another challenge you may face is maintaining a work/life balance, as it can be easy to work longer hours when you are not in an office setting.

Time management

As a product manager, you may face some challenges when working remotely, such as time management. It can be difficult to stay focused and on task when you’re not in an office environment. You may also find it difficult to stay in touch with your team and keep them updated on your progress.

Productivity

Product managers may face some challenges when working remotely, such as:

  • They may feel isolated from the team.
  • They may have difficulty staying focused.
  • They may miss out on important office politics.
  • They may find it difficult to establish trust with their team.

How can you overcome these challenges?

There are a few challenges you may face as a product manager working remotely, such as:

  • You may feel isolated from your team.
  • You may have difficulty building trust with your team.
  • You may find it difficult to stay motivated.
  • Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to overcome these challenges. For example, you can:
  • Stay in touch with your team by scheduling regular video calls or meetings.
  • Make an effort to build trust by being open and honest with your team.
  • Set goals for yourself and celebrate your accomplishments.
Laptop with notepad and coffee cup

What are some best practices for product managers working remotely?

Define the goals and objectives of the product

As a product manager, it is important to:

  • Define the goals and objectives of the product. This will help you prioritize your work and ensure that everyone on your team is aligned with the company’s goals. Additionally, you should:
  • Create a product roadmap that outlines the timeline for each goal.
  • Work with your team to create user stories that describe how the product will be used.
  • Make sure to communicate with stakeholders on a regular basis to ensure that they are aware of your progress.

Define the target market for the product

As a product manager, it is important to understand who the target market is for your product. This will help you determine what features to include in the product and how to position it in the market. Once you have defined the target market, you can begin to develop a marketing plan and go-to-market strategy.

In addition to defining the target market, there are a few other best practices to keep in mind when working remotely:

  1. Stay organized and keep track of deadlines.
  2. Communicate regularly with your team.
  3. Use project management tools to stay on track.
  4. Take advantage of *virtual team meetings* and the tools you can use to enhance them.
  5. Make time for breaks and stay healthy.

Research the competition

As a product manager, one of your primary responsibilities is to research the competition. This is especially important if you are working remotely, as you may not have the same opportunities to interact with competitors in person. There are a few best practices you can follow to ensure you are effectively researching the competition:

  1. Make use of online resources: There are a wealth of online resources available that can help you research competitors. Utilize online search engines, social media, and industry-specific websites to learn as much as you can about your competitors.
  2. Set up Google Alerts: Google Alerts is a free service that allows you to receive notifications whenever new content is published online about a specific topic. This is a valuable tool for keeping track of your competitors, as you can be alerted as soon as they release new products or make announcements.
  3. Attend industry events: If possible, attend industry events and trade shows where your competitors will be present. This is an excellent opportunity to see their products in person and to speak with them directly.
  4. Speak with customers: Customer feedback can be extremely helpful in understanding how your competitors are perceived in the market. Speak with current and potential customers to get their insights on the competition.

Develop a product roadmap

As a product manager, it is important to develop a product roadmap that will guide your product development. The roadmap should be a living document that is updated as the product evolves. It should be shared with all stakeholders so that everyone is on the same page.

Some best practices for developing a product roadmap include:

  • Defining the product vision and strategy
  • Conducting customer research
  • Identifying user needs
  • Prioritizing features
  • Creating a timeline

Sharing the product roadmap with all stakeholders will ensure that everyone is on the same page and working towards the same goal.

Create a product launch plan

If you’re a product manager working remotely, one of the best things you can do is create a product launch plan. This will help you keep track of all the moving parts and ensure that everything is on track.

Some tips for creating a successful product launch plan:

  1. Define your objectives. What are you trying to achieve with this launch?
  2. Identify your target audience. Who are you launching this product for?
  3. Create a timeline. When do you want to launch the product? What are the milestones leading up to the launch?
  4. Identify the resources you need. Do you need to hire additional staff? Do you need to order marketing materials?
  5. Create a budget. How much are you willing to spend on this launch?
  6. Write down everything you need to do. This includes tasks like creating marketing collateral, setting up a website, and conducting user research.
  7. Delegate tasks to your team. Make sure everyone knows what they need to do and when they need to do it.
  8. Test, test, test. Before you launch the product, make sure you test it thoroughly.
  9. Launch the product. Once everything is in place, it’s time to launch the product!
  10. Evaluate the launch. After the product is launched, take some time to evaluate the launch and see what went well and what could be improved.

Manage product development

There are a few best practices product managers can follow to manage product development when working remotely:

  1. Set clear expectations with your team from the start. Make sure everyone is on the same page in terms of deadlines, goals, and objectives.
  2. Stay organized and keep track of all the moving parts. Use project management tools to your advantage to keep everyone organized and on track.
  3. Over-communicate. When working remotely, it’s important to over-communicate to avoid miscommunications. Use video conferencing, chat, and email to stay in touch with your team.
  4. Be flexible. Things will inevitably come up that you can’t control. Be flexible and adjust your plans as needed.
  5. Take breaks. Working remotely can be isolating. Make sure to take breaks and stay connected to your team to avoid burnout.

Manage product marketing

There are some best practices for product managers working remotely, such as:

  1. Manage product marketing: One of the most important aspects of product management is marketing. In order to be successful, product managers need to be able to market their products effectively. This includes understanding the target market, creating marketing plans, and executing on those plans.
  2. Stay organized: Another important best practice for product managers working remotely is to stay organized. This means creating and maintaining a system that works for you in order to keep track of all of the different aspects of your job. This can include using project management software, keeping a detailed to-do list, and setting regular reminders.
  3. Stay in communication: Another best practice for product managers working remotely is to stay in communication with their team. This means setting up regular check-ins, whether that be through video conferencing, phone calls, or emails. It’s also important to keep communication lines open in case there are any problems or questions that need to be addressed.

Evaluate product success

There are a few best practices that product managers can follow to evaluate the success of their product, even when working remotely:

  1. Define what success looks like: Without a clear definition of what success looks like, it will be difficult to measure whether or not the product is successful.
  2. Set measurable goals: Once the definition of success is clear, product managers should set measurable goals that can be used to track progress.
  3. Collect feedback from customers: Customer feedback is essential in understanding whether or not the product is meeting their needs. Many companies have customer success teams that work with the product management teams to ensure happy customers.
  4. Analyze data: Data can be used to track various metrics related to the product, such as engagement, retention, and conversion rates.
  5. Take action: Based on the analysis of data and feedback from customers, product managers should take action to improve the product.
Team in conference room talking on video call with product manager

How can you stay connected with your team while working remotely?

Communication tools

There are a few things you can do to stay connected with your team while working remotely. First, make sure you have the right communication tools in place. This might include a video conferencing tool like Zoom, or a project management tool like Trello. Secondly, set up regular check-ins with your team. This can be done via video conference, phone call, or even just a quick email exchange. Finally, make an effort to socialize with your team outside of work. This can be done by joining a virtual happy hour or book club, or simply by keeping in touch via social media. By following these tips, you can stay connected with your team no matter where you are.

Video conferencing

There are a few key things you can do to stay connected with your team while working remotely. First, consider using video conferencing for your team meetings. This will help everyone feel more connected, as you’ll be able to see each other’s faces and body language. You can also use video conferencing for more informal check-ins, such as coffee chats or lunch breaks.

Another way to stay connected is to use a chat tool like Slack or Microsoft Teams. These tools allow you to have quick conversations with your team members, and can be a great way to stay in touch throughout the day. You can also use these tools to share files and collaborate on projects.

Finally, make sure to schedule regular check-ins with your manager or supervisor. This will give you a chance to touch base on your progress and discuss any challenges you’re facing. It’s also a good opportunity to ask for feedback and get guidance on your work.

Collaboration tools

There are a few different ways to stay connected with your team while working remotely. You can use collaboration tools, such as:

Slack: Slack is a messaging app that allows you to communicate with your team in real-time. You can create different channels for different topics and use @ mentions to get someone’s attention.

Zoom: Zoom is a video conferencing app that allows you to have video or audio call with your team. You can also share your screen with other participants.

Google Docs: Google Docs is a word processing app that allows you to create and edit documents online. You can also share your documents with other people and add comments.

Cloud storage

There are many ways to stay connected with your team while working remotely. One way is to use cloud storage. This way, you can access your files from anywhere and share them with your team easily. Another way is to use video conferencing. This way, you can have face-to-face meetings with your team and stay up-to-date on projects.

VPN

If you’re working remotely, you can stay connected to your team by using a VPN. A VPN, or virtual private network, is a secure way to access your company’s network from anywhere. By using a VPN, you can connect to your company’s network from home, a coffee shop, or anywhere else.

A VPN is a private network that uses a public network (like the internet) to connect remote sites or users together. VPNs use a variety of security protocols to encrypt data and ensure that it is not intercepted by unauthorized users.

If you’re working remotely and need to access your company’s network, a VPN is the best way to do it. VPNs are secure and easy to use, and they can keep you connected to your team no matter where you are.

Woman showing product description on laptop

How can you stay organized while working remotely?

Utilize a planner

There’s no doubt that working remotely can be a challenge when it comes to staying organized. After all, there are a million and one distractions at home that can quickly derail your productivity. So, how can you stay on track?

One of the best ways to stay organized while working remotely is to utilize a planner. This can be a physical planner that you keep on your desk, or it can be a digital planner that you use on your computer or phone. Either way, having a place to track your tasks, deadlines, and appointments can be a lifesaver.

Another tip is to set aside specific times for certain tasks. For example, you might want to dedicate the first hour of your workday to answering emails, and then the next two hours to working on a project. Having a set schedule like this can help you stay focused and avoid getting sidetracked.

Finally, make sure to take breaks throughout the day. Working from home can be taxing, both mentally and physically. So, it’s important to step away from your desk and take a few minutes to yourself every once in a while. Maybe go for a walk, take a quick nap, or just step outside to get some fresh air. Taking breaks will help you stay refreshed and focused so that you can be productive all day long.

Set a daily routine

One of the best ways to stay organized while working remotely is to set a daily routine. This can include setting specific times for starting and ending work, taking breaks, and scheduling time for tasks like checking email, returning phone calls, and completing project work. By setting a daily routine, you can help keep yourself on track and avoid getting overwhelmed by the work that needs to be done.

Create a dedicated work space

If you’re working from home, it’s important to create a dedicated work space. This will help you stay organized and focused on your work. Having a dedicated work space will also allow you to take breaks when you need to and not feel like you’re always working.

Some tips for creating a dedicated work space:

  • Choose a quiet and comfortable location in your home.
  • Make sure you have enough space to spread out your work.
  • Invest in a comfortable chair and desk.
  • Make sure you have good lighting.
  • Consider adding some personal touches to your space, like photos or plants.

Take breaks

Working remotely can be a great way to stay organized and productive. However, it can also be easy to get overwhelmed and bogged down by your work. One way to combat this is to take breaks throughout the day. Get up and walk around, take a few deep breaths, or step outside for some fresh air. Taking breaks will help you clear your head and come back to your work refreshed and ready to tackle whatever comes your way.

Avoid distractions

When you work remotely, it’s important to stay organized and avoid distractions. Here are some tips:

  • Create a daily schedule and stick to it.
  • Make a list of tasks to complete each day and check them off as you finish them.
  • Take breaks throughout the day to stay refreshed and focused.
  • Avoid working in bed or in front of the TV.
  • Set up a dedicated workspace in your home.
  • Invest in a good pair of headphones to block out distractions.
  • Let your family and friends know when you’re working and when you’re available to chat.
Computer with car on screen

What are some things you should keep in mind while working remotely as a product manager?

1. Communication is key

There are a few product management skills that are paramount if you are working remotely as a product manager. First and foremost, communication is key. You need to be able to effectively communicate with your product development team, whether that’s through video conferencing, instant messaging, or even just good ol’ fashioned email.

Second, you need to be able to manage your time effectively. Working remotely can be a bit of a double-edged sword in this regard, as you can often find yourself with more free time than you know what to do with. However, it’s important to make sure that you’re still being productive and meeting deadlines.

Finally, you need to be able to stay organized. This is especially important if you’re working on multiple projects at once. Keeping everything organized will help you stay on track and avoid missing any important deadlines.

2. Stay organized

There are a few things you should keep in mind while working remotely as a product manager. First and foremost, staying organized is key. You need to be able to keep track of your team’s progress and deadlines, as well as your own tasks. Having a good system in place will help you stay on top of things.

Another thing to keep in mind is communication. When you’re not in the same physical space as your team, it’s important to make sure you’re communicating effectively. This means being clear and concise in your messages, and making sure everyone is on the same page.

Finally, you need to be able to manage your time well. Working remotely can be a bit of a juggling act, so it’s important to be able to prioritize and manage your time effectively. If you can do these things, you’ll be well on your way to being a successful remote product manager.

3. Keep your team on track

There are a few things to keep in mind while working remotely as a product manager:

  1. Keep your team on track – it’s easy for things to slip through the cracks when you’re not in the office. Make sure you have a system in place to keep everyone on track.
  2. Be available – make sure you’re available to your team when they need you. Set office hours or make yourself available via email or chat.
  3. Stay organized – with so many moving parts, it’s important to stay organized. Use project management tools to keep your projects organized and on track.
  4. Communicate clearly – with everyone working remotely, it’s important to communicate clearly. Over-communicate if necessary to avoid misunderstandings.

4. Be available

There are a few things you should keep in mind while working remotely as a product manager. First, you need to be available. This means being available during the workday to answer questions, provide feedback, and collaborate with your team. You also need to be available to your customers, whether they are internal or external.

Second, you need to be organized. This means having a system for tracking tasks, deadlines, and progress. Finally, you need to be flexible. This means being able to adapt to changes in the product, the team, and the company.

5. Set clear expectations

As a product manager, there are a few things you should keep in mind for successful remote product management:

Set clear expectations with your team. Make sure everyone is on the same page in terms of deadlines, deliverables, and expectations.

Communication is key. Over-communicate with your team to ensure that everyone is up-to-date on the latest developments.

Be flexible. Things change rapidly in the remote work environment, so be prepared to adjust your plans accordingly.

Finally, take some time for yourself. Working remotely can be isolating, so make sure to take breaks and stay connected with friends and family.

6. Be a lifelong learner

Regardless of your office or location, be prepared to learn. Read. Consume content. Reflect. The best product managers ask questions, probe assumptions, and seek to understand the why behind behavior.

Thomas Huxley, a fierce defender of Darwin’s Theory of Evolution surmised: “Try to learn something about everything and everything about something.” Great product managers are always learning, testing parameters, and pushing the boundaries of their knowledge.

When you are working from home and not interacting with people on a daily basis this is particularly important because you will need to probe things and ask questions and find answers by yourself. This takes an extra level of resourcefulness and effort.

7. Show a bias towards action

It is harder to devise and implement a workable answer than to identify a problem. But this is precisely what the most effective product builders do: they devise and craft solutions to the problems they experience.

Great product managers are always building, re-designing, and analyzing content, user-flows, and frameworks. A bias towards action moves products forward, generates new concepts, and more readily solves problems.

A strong product manager takes into account competing priorities and objectives, is flexible, and makes decisions on which goals should be prioritized. When working from home (with less face time or potentially social camaraderie that you would develop in an office setting) a product manager must know how to independently build an end to end business model and product proposal that leads to approval from relevant stakeholders and partners.

Obtaining buy-in without personal chemistry is challenging. Ideally you can schedule 1:1s to get feedback and organize mock-ups or other designs that inspire people and help them see your vision.

8. Communicate with humans

Hans Hofmann, the abstract expressionist painter, argued that “the ability to simplify means the elimination of the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.” Think about all of the different ways one can communicate, and how often (and why) each method is used: meetings, emails, video-conference, chat, SMS, presentations, apps, etc.

Great product managers know how to use these various mediums to engage with different stakeholders and to speak the language of those present. This is especially true in the Work From Home environment.

The words, narratives, and details that excite, incent, and empower folks across sales, marketing, engineering, and operations are usually different. Great product managers are cognizant of this reality and alter their communications accordingly. This is particularly true when working from home – because you might need to communicate with people less frequently or remotely. As you may have less time to convey your critical product ideas, getting the communication medium right is even more important. 

9. Generate new ideas as often as possible

Creative thinking is really hard. Creating content is hard. It is far easier to watch a show online than it is to brainstorm ideas. If great ideas were easy to come by many more people would have them.

Thomas Edison, one of the great designers and thinkers in human history, famously noted that he had “never failed, but just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” Great product managers are constantly coming up with ideas — to change the status quo, to improve existing tools, to invent a new way of doing things.

The home office is actually a great place to brainstorm. What products do you want to see in the world? What do you need? Where are the gaps in the market? Can you build solutions to these problems? These types of questions are fun to ponder. You can challenge yourself to come up with new ideas each day.

10. Listen to feedback

Take time everyday to speak with users — hear their stories, understand their needs, and discover their aspirations. Ask: why do you need this product? If they don’t, it is likely a good time to re-evaluate what you are working on.

Only by really listening can you build what people want and understand the context in which they operate. Listening is a great way to do proper discovery. Ultimately that is the purpose of a product manager. Doing product discovery from home is different than doing it in person; you won’t necessarily be able to feel what the end user thinks. This will make asking probing questions even more important.

A great product manager – like an artist or musician – creates things. Some of these things are relationships, some are products, or movements. A product manager must strive to establish relationships with both internal and external leaders and to set a vision that augments the needs of users, or clients, and provides a better way of doing things.

Unsuccessful product managers make small or meaningless contributions. Strong product managers build things that have an impact at scale. Certainly the home environment presents some challenges to doing the work of a product manager. But it also represents some new opportunities.

Final thoughts on being a remote Product Manager

At the end of the day, your environment will matter less than your mindset and the clarity of your thinking. You can be a lifelong learner, show a bias towards action, communicate thoughtfully, generate new ideas, and listen to feedback wherever you are in the world. Being a great home product manager requires embracing these behaviors day in and day out without losing sight of your core values and the North Star.

Whether you’re a seasoned product manager new to remote work or are considering transitioning to a remote product management role at a software development organization, the tips in this post should help. For more information on how to make the most of your remote work setup, check out our guide to working remotely. And if you’re still not sure that a remote position is right for you, read about the pros and cons of telecommuting. Thanks for following along!

Pam Wiselogel
Pam Wiselogel

Hi, I'm Pam! A corporate girl turned entrepreneur who has been working from home for over 20 years and loving it. From a corporate IT Director to an online business owner, I found success while working remotely (sometimes in my PJs). I've been able to find balance in life and career and love to share what I've learned with others. With my master's degree in software engineering and a career in technology, my drive is to help others learn how to bypass the hurdles and technology challenges to gain the confidence to build the dream business they've always wanted to reach financial freedom. My work has been quoted on Forbes, Bloomberg, European Business Review, Hive, and Business Partner Magazine to name a few. Click my little head above to read all of my posts!

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