You’re a Product Manager who wants to work freelance. What challenges should you prepare for?

When doing freelancing as a product manager it’s important to set the following expectations: 1. Results take time, we’re not miracle workers 2. We need full buy in from engineering, data, marketing etc to achieve results 3. Give me time to do discovery, I’m not here to just deliver whatever features you think are good 4. Be honest, even if it’s the difficult truth. Pretending everything is okay just to get paid will not help you build sustainable relationships

Transitioning to freelance Product Management brings exciting opportunities but also unique challenges. Managing time and multitasking efficiently becomes crucial, requiring a solid framework to prioritize tasks effectively. Establishing clear workload rules is essential to enjoy the flexibility of freelancing without sacrificing work-life balance. While working from home offers convenience, investing in a conducive workspace is vital. Good technology and ergonomics are a must, but occasional shifts to coffee shops or coworking spaces can refresh perspective and foster connections. By proactively addressing these challenges, freelance Product Managers can thrive in the dynamic world of independent work.

Lack of customers and lack of their trust in you is your main trouble, so BEFOTRE you start freelance career, take care of your reputation, recognition of your expertise and first references

Establishing credibility in your work and gaining clients' trust to entrust major decisions can be quite challenging. Therefore, I recommend specializing in a niche and cultivating a robust portfolio within that realm to initially attract clients. Once you've secured a client, it's imperative to align yourself closely with their objectives and ensure clarity in expectations. Consistent communication and the ability to persuade clients with data-driven insights are necessary. Deep research and a strong grasp of the domain is definitely an added advantage.

Step 0- check your moonlighting policy :) though many product companies allow moon lighting however it is always better to read the fineprint before you take a plunge

Freelancing often involves juggling multiple projects simultaneously, each with its own deadlines and requirements. Effective project management skills are essential for prioritizing tasks, allocating time efficiently, and ensuring timely delivery while maintaining quality standards.

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance can be challenging as a freelance Product Manager, especially when working on demanding projects with variable schedules. Setting boundaries, establishing routines, and prioritizing self-care are crucial for avoiding burnout and sustaining long-term productivity.

This is a high-cost item in every #freelancing job. #freelancers need to invest in self-development with, time, money and effort. Best way to demonstrate the up-to-date skills is to present a portfolio of multiple projects that allow #productmanager to learn and develop. In fact, it is the #freelance #consultancy advantage to be able to work on diverse projects. Facilitated right, a #freelance #productmanager can gain faster insights in new trends, acquire latest skills and technology knowledge compared to an employed #productmanager working on a limited number of products.

#freelancers and #freelance #productmanagement #consultants need to be ready to face with a strong negative bias from some stakeholders. #freelance #productmanager is sometimes perceived as outsider charging per hour in return of no value. To overcome this challenge, one needs to build a good reputation by: 1- Acknowledging there are such cases in market but they do not represent the whole, 2- Demonstrating expertise in #productmanagement by work, actions and results, 3- Building and leaving a working process. Clients will be more satisfied knowing that they need to call you for advanced consultancy. If required, do not be shy to brag in eight amount and at right moments about what you bring on table.

Freelancing offers autonomy and flexibility, but it also requires self-motivation and determination to pursue your passion and vision amidst various challenges. Staying connected to your professional purpose, setting meaningful goals, and finding fulfillment in your work are vital for sustaining motivation and satisfaction as a freelance Product Manager.

Freelancing entails additional considerations such as financial management, legal obligations, and professional development. Familiarize yourself with tax implications, contract negotiation strategies, and opportunities for networking and skill enhancement relevant to freelance product management. Additionally, building a support network of fellow freelancers or mentors can provide valuable guidance and camaraderie along your freelance journey.