From Brand Marketing to Product Innovation: A Personal Odyssey

Standing at the crossroads of time, I look back on the footsteps of my career journey with a myriad of emotions. Since my graduation in 2018, more than five years have passed, during which I have continuously grown, explored, and faced challenges. Today, I wish to share my experiences with friends interested in the field of product management, hoping to inspire and resonate with those on similar paths.

Unbeknownst to me upon graduation, the field of product management remained a mystery. My first job led me into the realm of brand marketing, where my responsibilities included managing social media platforms, organizing events, and planning advertisements.

However, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 brought about a seismic shift in the global landscape. As the pandemic raged on, consumer behavior underwent significant changes, leading to the rapid rise of the stay-at-home economy. I was working in the marketing team of a foreign clothing brand at the time, and I vividly remember the near-deserted stores, with foot traffic barely enough to be described as "sparse," and the only beings outnumbering customers were the staff.

In such circumstances, we had no choice but to quickly adjust our marketing strategies, shifting our focus from physical stores to online channels. Thus, I began developing the brand's e-commerce platform and became the project lead, marking my first step into the world of product management.

My first product project seemed simple on the surface but proved to be a challenging experience. My desk was covered with colorful sticky notes, each bearing tasks awaiting discussion or completion. However, as time went on, I gradually realized that everything seemed to be not going smoothly, and I felt that I couldn't effectively approach the goal.

So, I began actively seeking help, searching on Google to see if anyone had encountered similar problems. By chance, I came across the term "product management," and I decided to delve deeper into this field. After work, I walked into a bookstore, bought several books, and began my journey into product management.

In my journey into product management, I encountered various challenges and perplexities. I was puzzled by the difference between a product manager and a project manager, and I pondered where the value of a product manager lies. However, it was these challenges and perplexities that allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the essence of product management.

My career has not been smooth sailing, but it is these challenges that have shaped who I am today. Through continuous learning and growth, I gradually realized that the role of a product manager is not just about executing tasks but also about creating and driving the force of products.

Currently, I enjoy the process of creating and managing products. Every new project is an opportunity for me to challenge myself and surpass myself.

In the future, I look forward to having more opportunities to share more content with you all. Let's meet again in the next article :)