Last December I attended the course “ Improving Your Product Sense” by Shreyas Doshi. I gained a deeper understanding of the importance of a clear, concise product strategy. I was already high on strategy, but the course showed me that it’s even more significant.
The course also changed the way I think about learning. With the new tools I learned and the mindset of being able to teach myself better, I’ve semi-committed to improve my product strategy skills this year.
You may be wondering - why is product strategy crucial right now? And why am I interested in it?
First, I’d ask if startups are still relevant.
I don’t care how you define startups based on vanity metrics or growth rates. For me, startups are about uncertainty (cc Jerry Neumann’s uncertainty framework):
Traditionally, startups thrive where established companies fear to tread. Where technology or markets are too unclear, risky for the incumbents.
But where is this uncertainty now?
Last week, we saw that LLMs or foundational models have no moat. In the “Great Next Frontier”,” even good AI is becoming commoditized.
Moreover, the playbook for (product) success has been established since the 2010 startup era, and uncertainty has evaporated. After ChatGPT’s breakthrough, it only took a few months for every major tech player to launch a competitor.
The real business frontiers lie elsewhere.
In early 2024, I wrote that a product designer should get into existing products. Find out where AI can reshape workflows. Not building new AI companies, but transforming existing ones.
Despite visible plateaus, I’m sure that there will be striking breakthroughs. I don’t know where they’ll come from.
For my part, I’m convinced that strategic positioning is essential in stagnating markets in order to avoid price competition and capture lasting value. When technology becomes a commodity, strategy is key.
That’s why I wanted to dig deep into strategic thinking and positioning while understanding how technology is changing competitive dynamics.
I wasn’t planning to share this publicly, but recent events made something click. And I remember why I keep this website—writing about what I’ve learned make these insights even clearer.
Now I’m rereading Hamilton Helmer’s “7 Powers” and going through the course materials.