F.A.Q.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A TECHNICAL PROJECT MANAGER AND A PRODUCT MANAGER?
Great question. In larger teams these roles are much more clearly defined - the product manager / owner is responsible for setting the product vision, roadmap, defining functionality and user stories, ensuring product-market fit and communicating these needs to the CTO and team for software/hardware development. The technical project manager is usually tasked with working with the CTO to ensure that the dev team is working on the right things, breaking down the product requirement user stories into development tasks, often the one managing the issues and epics in tools like Jira. In small teams/startups however the role of the product manager can fall loosely between the Founder/CEO/CTO. A small startup may not have the funds needed for a dedicated Product or Technical Project Manager role. This is where the gap is and small startups need part-time assistance in product management and technical project management, and these two areas can get blurred initially as product the needs are being defined and the team is planning to build. And this is where I can help, to wear both hats until you grow and fill these positions.
I'M NOT SURE WE CAN AFFORD THE G2L COACHING PLAN
Definitely understand and sympathize. I am/have been exactly in your shoes and having been a startup founder many times I understand the limit on budget. I hope you can see I have laid out some simple and affordable options. We can always talk and if the opportunity is worth it, I'm also open to equity for cash arrangements too. But one thing I have learned is that if you do not pay for something, especially coaching and consulting, your heart is not really into it, you tend to not be accountable (to yourself) and you often don't take the advice I give seriously. Another way to think about this, especially for my G2L Coaching Plan, is that you are getting an accelerated bootcamp of knowledge and guidance that will take you through what you need to do in a faster pace - that will hopefully actually help you to save money! Some of the things we'll cover might make you fundamentally change your strategy, stop doing unnecessary development, or help you get traction and money incoming faster.
I AM NOT LOCATED IN LOS ANGELES
That's usually not a problem! These days most of our work is remote and we'll conduct our coaching/consulting online. If you are in Los Angeles, all the better and we can meet. I've work with clients all over the world including Sweden, India, Africa and Australia to name a few.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN COACHING CLIENTS
I began my consulting business in 2001 just after graduating from UCLA with my newly minted MBA, and after having spent 10 years in industry. Since then I have mentored, coached and consulted with numerous startups both in Los Angeles and around the world. I am also currently a mentor on the Clean Tech Open Accelerator - focused on helping companies with solutions for climate change and sustainability. I'll be able to bring fresh and current thinking to all areas of your startup.
WHAT IS THE MINIMUM CONSULTING ENGAGEMENT?
For Product and Technical Project Management consulting I am happy to even do by the hour. As an independent consultant I have this freedom. You do actually get 'me' - not my intern! However, for longer engagements we can also work on setting up a founder friendly priced monthly retainer which will be better value for you. This is better if you know you need some interim support to fill in for a colleague for a few months or until you get ready to hire for the position full time.
CONTACT
Let's take things to the next level. Please fill out this form and we'll setup our first, free meeting. Tell me about your needs, goals and expectations regarding potential cooperation.