TEI 097: How product managers pitch and sell ideas to managers

Global Product Management Talk is pleased to bring you the next
episode of... The Everyday Innovator with host Chad McAllister,
PhD. The podcast is all about helping people involved in innovation
and managing products become more successful, grow their careers,
and STANDOUT from their peers. About the Episode: The topic of this
episode is another in a series of interviews I’m doing focused on
the four skills that enable a 25% higher income for product
managers and increasing their influence. The 4 skills were
discussed back in episode 073 and include: Pitch
artist – the ability to present and sell your ideas and
conclusions.Exec debater — being the president of the product
and standing up for what is needed and challenging executive
teams.Inspire others — great products are built by great teams
but these aren’t necessarily teams that product managers personally
manage. Instead, product managers need to inspire them and share
the vision of the product.Truth to power – being good at
raising inconvenient truths and not running away from an unpopular
message. This interview focuses on being a pitch artist and my
guest, Chris Westfall, is a world-class pitch artist – having won
the US National Elevator Pitch Championship. He’s coached clients
onto Shark Tank, Shark Tank Australia and Dragon’s Den, and
successfully re-branded products and services around the globe. His
message is simple: use authentic persuasion that’s not pushy,
“sales-y” or fake. In this interview, you’ll learn about: when
pitches are important,why product managers must be good pitch
artists, andhow to give a good pitch.