Product Evangelist

Typically, when you interview for a software product manager position, the hiring manager asks if you’ve ever evangelized products. I’m always a little amused by this question because the hiring authority is usually talking about communication skills that don’t always translate into creating true believers. Sure, you need strong writing and presentation skills if you’re going to proclaim the product’s features and benefits. Still, in many companies, evangelism has become a buzzword, and managers don’t comprehend the deeper meaning and methods of evangelism.

But if you want to extend the evangelize-church metaphor, think about the miracles in Mathew, Mark, Luke, and John. The miracles – the remarkable products – are the proof that created buzz and set tongues in motion. So in addition to writing white papers, you also need to understand how to create customer evangelists.

Because if you can’t create a program that inspires customers to evangelize your products, it’s unlikely you’ll be successful touting them yourself.

Comments

[Mike]

Hi Steve,

Nobody's better than Ben and Jackie on this topic!

Mike

[Steve]

Hi Mike,

I've got to agree with you. Haven't read their latest book, but I'm sure it's also filled with great writing and insights.

Steve