[Lewis C. Lin books] Talented marketing director recommends The Marketing Interview book /  by Lewis Lin

I’m honored to have Kayla, a talented marketing director at a Dow Jones company, recommend my book to marketing students from Southern Methodist University.

To those interested in diving into the world of marketing or preparing for interviews, check out The Marketing Interview. I’ve crafted this book to offer practical strategies and real-world scenarios that all marketers can benefit from.

[Lewis C. Lin Book] Elevate Your Job Prospects with Interview Math and Beyond /  by Lewis Lin

A couple months ago, I got an email from a sharp business school student who loved Interview Math to prepare for market sizing, estimation, and other analytical questions.

But wait, there's more to this than meets the eye. Estimation skills aren't just handy in interviews. It’s a lifelong skill you’ll need on the job too.

Unlocking Career Success: How Lewis C. Lin's Books Catapulted an MBA to Uber and Wharton /  by Lewis Lin

Ah, the fall workshop 🍁🍂🎃 season has arrived, and there's a thrill in having MBA students who've found their way through my writings.

I recently crossed paths with a product manager, who, with the aid of my books, successfully navigated his way into a product role at Uber and has now set anchor at Wharton.

To all of you who'll be joining my forthcoming workshops, please don't hesitate to drop a quick "hello." I'm eager to connect with you.

Enhancing Product Design Education: How CIRCLES™ Inspires University Students /  by Lewis Lin

Students from the University at Buffalo and SUNY have graciously embraced my CIRCLES™ method to deepen their grasp of product analysis and design. I'm truly honored to witness my approach being put into practice.

CIRCLES™, known for its holistic approach, has guided these students in reimagining and refining product design. It's humbling to see the method resonate with these bright young minds, and I'm excited for its contribution to their education in product design and innovation.

Decode and Conquer: A Non-Fiction Book That Tickles Your Funny Bone 🦴 /  by Lewis Lin

I was pleasantly surprised when I received a testimonial from a reader of Decode and Conquer. They expressed their appreciation for the humor in my book, stating that it made the reading experience effortless.

To be honest, I never expected that a non-fiction self-improvement book would be considered humorous! It just goes to show that sometimes, life's lessons are best learned with sprinkled with a pinch of laughter. 🧁🧁

How a Non-Technical Candidate Used Lewis C. Lin's Book to Master System Design /  by Lewis Lin

In their pursuit of the Google Product Manager role, a candidate faced a technical challenge due to their non-technical background. They discovered my system design book, which proved crucial.

My system design book's structured approach helped the candidate tackle complex problems methodically. It provided clear explanations for basic system design, establishing their foundational knowledge.

The book's explanations of scaling strategies, like vertical and horizontal scaling, boosted the candidate's confidence for handling increased loads.

How to Use ChatGPT to Prepare for a System Design Interview /  by Lewis Lin

Check out this ChatGPT prompt a candidate created to simulate system design interviews. I thought it was particularly thoughtful and detailed.

PS Looking for more system design prep resources? Check out the PEDALS Method™ and my system design book.

ChatGPT Prompt to Simulate System Design Interviews

Interview setup

I want you to conduct a system design interview. I will be the candidate, and you will be the interviewer. There are a few rules for the system we are designing:

  • It should scale based on load.

  • It should include concepts such as load-balancing, database sharding, message queues, replication, CDNs, etc.

  • Do not outright say these terms unless they are brought up by me during our interview.

Interviewer responsibilities

There are a few rules for you as the interviewer:

  • You should have an idea of what a good design will look like.

  • You should be able to answer clarifying questions I ask, but never outright give me an answer.

  • You should grade me on a scale of 0 to 100 based on how well I convey my understanding of system design.

  • My rating will improve if I ask questions that help lead to your idea of an optimal design.

Evaluation criteria

My rating will not improve or go down if:

  • I say something you believe is false.

  • I start venturing away from your optimal design. Note that you should not outright state that I'm doing this.

  • I outright ask for help.

  • You should give me the rating of the interview once I say "end interview."

You should keep track of the following by the end of the interview:

  • Where I gained points.

  • Where I lost points.

  • Why I lost points.

  • What you believe an optimal answer would have been where I lost points.

  • What your ideal system design architecture looks like.

Starting the interview simulation

Please begin by providing me with a high-level overview of the system we are designing. This should include the following sections:

  • - Problem Statement

  • - Functional Requirements

  • - Non-functional Requirements

Resolving Slack Invite Issues for the Lewis Lin Community? Here's a Quick Solution /  by Lewis Lin

Fixing Missing Slack Invites for the Lewis C. Lin Slack Community

If you've diligently followed our signup guide, but the Slack invite does not appear in your email inbox, a common reason might be closer than you think.

Missing Invite Explained

The snag often stems from a previously registered email address. Remember, we send invites just once per address. You can’t use the same email address if you've registered with us before.

Simple Solution

The fix? Register with a fresh email. This adjustment guarantees a prompt Slack invite, giving your access to our community.

Don’t Forget to Abide by Our Community Rules

We abide by and enforce our community rules. The two most common violations are not using real name or real picture. Anonymous users are not allowed. Authenticity fuels trust and meaningful connections.

Violations, especially regarding identity and conduct, will lead to a ban. This mean losing access to messages, connections, and resources.

In sum, to remedy missing invites, switch emails. And stick to community rules for a fulfilling journey with us.

Interview Practice Partner Community by Lewis C. Lin /  by Lewis Lin

The interview Practice Community is a partner matching service that allows you to find an interview practice partner.

Screenshot: Lewis C. Lin’s Interview Practice Community

Screenshot: Lewis C. Lin’s Interview Practice Community

Signups are limited. Request your exclusive invitation to this group.

You've got to train if you want to win the interview.

The best candidates train by doing LOTS of mock interviews, with peers. Here's what one candidate, Florian, had to say:

Thanks to my extensive preparations with approximately 70 mock interviews, I received offers from the two most coveted companies in the industry.

One last note: please do follow our community rules. Trust is important to us. Those who violate the rules will be banned.

13 COMPELLING Cold Sales Email Copywriting Tactics for Success /  by Lewis Lin

Here’s an impactful checklist of 13 tried-and-true tactics to revolutionize your cold sales emails from Ralph Barsi, Senior Director of Global Sales Development at ServiceNow.

Get ready to captivate your prospects.

  1. Write short sentences. Each word must earn its right in the e-mail.

  2. Say what you need to say in five sentences or less.

  3. Include at least one question mark to evoke a response. Otherwise, your e-mail is simply information for the reader.

  4. The subject line should tell the reader what the e-mail is about.

  5. Postscripts are powerful when properly used.

  6. USING ALL CAPS MAKES READERS THINK YOU'RE YELLING AT THEM.

  7. Using only lowercase and shorthand cuz u like 2 makes readers think you're 12.

  8. Before sending, read e-mails aloud to gauge how conversational they are and how much they represent your voice, tone, and intent.

  9. Most people read e-mails on their mobile phones. If they scroll at all, they risk losing their attention (and response). Mind the aesthetics of your e-mails.

  10. Use yes-no questions sparingly. Ask open-ended questions.

  11. Use proper grammar. Not "we should of" but "we should have." Not "your going to like it" but "you're going to like it." Not "one for Deb and I" but "one for Deb and me."

  12. Instead of asking for a 15- or 30-minute call, ask if it's easier to talk on Wednesday morning or Thursday afternoon for just 5 minutes.

  13. Smile when you write. It will come through.

Defining SaaS Pricing Tiers Strategically: Incorporating Feature-Based Approach and the Rule of 40% /  by Lewis Lin

Introduction

Pricing your SaaS product effectively is crucial for attracting customers, maximizing revenue, and staying competitive in the market. One proven approach to pricing tiers is combining a feature-based strategy with insights from the Rule of 40%, as advocated by Patrick Campbell, the CEO of Profitwell. In this blog post, we will explore how to define SaaS pricing tiers using a feature-based approach and leverage the Rule of 40% to optimize your pricing strategy.

Understanding the Feature-Based Approach

The feature-based approach involves creating different pricing tiers based on the features and functionalities offered in each tier. By categorizing features into different tiers, you can offer customers varying levels of value based on their needs and budget. This approach allows for flexibility and customization, targeting specific customer segments effectively.

Analyzing Feature Usage with the Rule of 40%

The Rule of 40%, proposed by Patrick Campbell, helps you identify which features should be included in base tiers and which ones can be turned into add-ons. To implement this rule effectively, follow these steps:

  • List each feature in a spreadsheet: Create a comprehensive list of all the features offered by your SaaS product.

  • Assign a percentage based on usage: Analyze the usage data and assign a percentage to each feature based on the proportion of users who actively use that feature on a monthly basis.

  • Identify features below 40% usage: Focus on features that are used by less than 40% of your customer base. These are potential candidates for add-ons rather than being included in the base tiers.

Creating Pricing Tiers

Now that you have a clear understanding of feature usage, it’s time to create your pricing tiers. Here’s how to approach it:

  • Base Tier: Build a base tier with essential features that cater to the needs of the majority of your customer base. This tier should offer a compelling value proposition as a standalone product.

  • Advanced Tiers: Design higher-priced tiers that include additional features and functionalities beyond the base tier. These tiers should provide increased value for customers who require more advanced capabilities.

  • Add-Ons: Take the features identified below the 40% usage threshold and convert them into add-ons. These can be offered as supplementary features at an additional cost to customers who need them.

Pricing Structure and Value Proposition

When determining the pricing structure for your tiers, consider the value proposition and differentiation each tier offers. Higher-priced tiers should provide substantial value and demonstrate a clear return on investment for customers. Ensure that the pricing for each tier is aligned with the perceived value delivered.

Continuous Iteration and Customer Feedback

Pricing is not a one-time decision. Regularly monitor customer feedback, usage patterns, and market trends to refine your pricing tiers. Use A/B testing and gather insights from your customer base to optimize your pricing structure over time.

Conclusion

Defining effective SaaS pricing tiers requires a strategic approach that aligns with customer needs and maximizes value for both your customers and your business. By incorporating a feature-based approach and leveraging insights from the Rule of 40%, you can create well-structured pricing tiers that cater to different customer segments. Remember, continuous iteration and a focus on customer feedback are key to refining and optimizing your pricing strategy for long-term success in the competitive SaaS landscape.

20 Tips for Getting Promoted Quickly as a Product Manager /  by Lewis Lin

Are you in awe of those product managers who seem to get promoted every year? Do you wonder what their secret is? We’ve gathered insights from experienced product managers who shared their tips for climbing the career ladder at an impressive pace.

Check out these 20 tips to help you get promoted every year as a product manager:

Be flexible and adapt to requests from management

  • Occasionally, consider deviating from your usual approach to accommodate management requests.

  • Be strategic in your decision-making while maintaining your authenticity.

Build strong relationships with technical counterparts

  • Cultivate positive relationships with engineering and design leaders.

  • Gain their support and endorsement, as their opinion can influence your promotion.

Communicate your career goals and intentions clearly

  • Be proactive in expressing your ambitions to your superiors.

  • Make it known that you’re eager for growth and advancement.

Have touchpoints and visibility with high-level managers

  • Seek opportunities to interact with managers at higher levels of the organization.

  • Build relationships and make yourself known to decision-makers.

Get things done and be known for it

  • Consistently deliver results and meet or exceed expectations.

  • Develop a reputation for being a reliable and effective product manager.

Be reliable and deliver on commitments

  • Honor your commitments and deliver work on time.

  • Build trust by consistently meeting deadlines.

Estimate cautiously and deliver ahead of plan

  • Provide conservative estimates for your projects to manage expectations.

  • Aim to complete tasks ahead of schedule and impress your superiors.

Foster strong relationships with your team

  • Cultivate positive working relationships with your colleagues.

  • Collaborate effectively and build a cohesive and high-performing team.

Have a supportive manager who wants you to succeed

  • Seek a manager who believes in your potential and supports your growth.

  • A supportive manager can advocate for your promotion within the organization.

Go the extra mile and put in extra effort

  • Demonstrate your commitment and dedication by going above and beyond.

  • Be willing to invest additional time and effort to achieve exceptional results.

Volunteer for additional responsibilities and opportunities

  • Take on tasks outside of your core responsibilities when opportunities arise.

  • Show your willingness to contribute to the success of the company.

Create a Community of Practice for knowledge sharing

  • Proactively initiate knowledge-sharing initiatives within your organization.

  • Foster a culture of collaboration and continuous learning.

Identify opportunities for cost-saving and pursue them

  • Look for ways to save costs through synergies and efficiency improvements.

  • Take the initiative to pursue these opportunities and demonstrate their value.

Stay authentic and be known for your reliability

  • Remain true to yourself and consistently demonstrate your dependability.

  • Build a reputation as a trustworthy and predictable professional.

Stay calm and problem-focused under pressure

  • Maintain composure in high-pressure situations and focus on finding solutions.

  • Demonstrate resilience and leadership during challenging times.

Document and showcase your achievements

  • Keep a record of your accomplishments and successes throughout the year.

  • Use these records to support your case for promotion during performance evaluations.

Push for modernization and bring in new PM methods

  • Advocate for the adoption of new product management methodologies.

  • Demonstrate how these methods can improve outcomes and deliver better results.

Flag risks to your project deliverables proactively

  • Identify and communicate potential risks to your projects as soon as possible.

  • Offer mitigation strategies and demonstrate your proactive approach to problem-solving.

Communicate project statuses frequently

  • Maintain open and transparent communication about the progress of your projects.

  • Overcommunicate during escalations or when immediate problems arise.

Be a champion of the business and support GTM efforts

  • Understand how your product fits into the larger business picture.

  • Dedicate time to supporting go-to-market activities and contribute to revenue generation.

Remember, while these tips can accelerate your promotions, getting promoted every year might still be a stretch. However, by implementing these strategies, you can increase your chances of climbing the career ladder at a faster pace.

The IOPC™ Problem Solving Framework by Lewis C. Lin /  by Lewis Lin

Introduction

I invented the IOPC™ problem solving framework to solve complex challenges in a simple and effective way.

In this blog post, we'll explore the IOPC framework and its practical applications, focusing on the significance of inspiration, generating multiple options, and evaluating pros and cons. Let's dive in and uncover the potential of IOPC.

What is the IOPC Framework?

The IOPC framework is a problem-solving methodology that provides a systematic approach to tackling complex challenges. It breaks down the problem-solving process into four distinct stages:

I: Inspiration

Gather inspiration from at least three sources to fuel creativity and innovation.

Even the greatest minds, like Van Gogh and Steve Jobs, relied on inspiration to create their masterpieces. To effectively design and innovate, it's essential to gather inspiration from various sources.

O: Options

Generate at least 10 options to increase the likelihood of finding the optimal solution.

Innovation is a volume game. The more options you generate, the higher the likelihood of finding the optimal solution. Embrace the creative process by drawing, sketching, and brainstorming without censoring your ideas or waiting for perfection. All drafts are good drafts, and it's crucial to produce at least 10 options, if not more, to increase your chances of success.

PC: Pros and Cons

Evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of each option to ensure well-rounded and balanced decision-making.

Evaluating the pros and cons of each option is a critical aspect of the IOPC framework. This process encourages critical thinking and ensures that your proposals are well-rounded and not one-sided. Presenting a balanced view of your ideas also helps communicate them more effectively to your audience.

Note: The IOPC acronym focuses on the core stages of Inspiration, Options, and Pros and Cons, but it's worth noting that most practitioners find it obvious to clarify the goal and make a recommendation at the end of the process. This step is essential in ensuring that the final decision aligns with the desired outcome, but it doesn't need to be explicitly included in the acronym to avoid making it longer and more convoluted.

When to Use the IOPC Framework?

The flexibility and adaptability of the IOPC framework make it a valuable tool in both professional and personal contexts including:

Creative Endeavors

Apply the framework to design projects and artistic pursuits.

Complex Business Challenges

Utilize the framework to address organizational problems and identify solutions.

Strategy Development

Implement the framework to create effective strategies for business growth and success.

Personal Goal-Setting

Use the framework to set and achieve personal objectives and milestones.

Comparing the IOPC framework to other problem-solving frameworks

While numerous problem-solving frameworks exist, the IOPC framework offers unique advantages that set it apart:

Simplicity

The IOPC framework's straightforward and intuitive nature makes it accessible to both seasoned professionals and those new to problem-solving methodologies.

Holistic approach

The IOPC framework covers essential aspects of problem-solving, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of the problem space and encouraging balanced decision-making.

Emphasis on creativity

By prioritizing inspiration and generating multiple options, the IOPC framework fosters creativity and divergent thinking, enabling practitioners to explore innovative possibilities.

Conclusion

The IOPC framework offers a structured and holistic approach to problem-solving, empowering individuals and organizations to tackle complex challenges with creativity and rigor. By incorporating the concepts of inspiration, design volume, and evaluation, the IOPC framework becomes an even more robust methodology for finding innovative solutions.

So, the next time you face a challenging problem, remember to harness the power of IOPC and leverage inspiration, multiple design options, and critical evaluation to unlock your problem-solving potential. And, of course, don't forget to clarify your goal and make a well-informed recommendation at the end of the process.

ChatGPT Prompt for an AI Tutor /  by Lewis Lin

Introduction

Recently, Ethan Mollick, a renowned researcher, shared an intriguing tweet offering a link to an AI Tutor powered by GPT-4. In this blog post, we will delve into the implications of this development and explore the possibilities that lie within.

The Tweet

Ethan Mollick’s tweet provides us with a link to the ChatGPT version of the AI Tutor, urging users to try it out and emphasizing the use of GPT-4. The link directs users to an interactive platform that simulates a conversation with an AI-powered tutor. For those unable to access the link, Mollick suggests pasting the prompt into Bing in Creative Mode, albeit without support for links at the moment.

THE PROMPT

You are an upbeat, encouraging tutor who helps students understand concepts by explaining ideas and asking students questions. Start by introducing yourself to the student as their AI-Tutor who is happy to help them with any questions. Only ask one question at a time. First, ask them what they would like to learn about. Wait for the response. Then ask them about their learning level: Are you a high school student, a college student or a professional? Wait for their response. Then ask them what they know already about the topic they have chosen. Wait for a response. Given this information, help students understand the topic by providing explanations, examples, analogies. These should be tailored to students learning level and prior knowledge or what they already know about the topic. Give students explanations, examples, and analogies about the concept to help them understand. You should guide students in an open-ended way. Do not provide immediate answers or solutions to problems but help students generate their own answers by asking leading questions. Ask students to explain their thinking. If the student is struggling or gets the answer wrong, try asking them to do part of the task or remind the student of their goal and give them a hint. If students improve, then praise them and show excitement. If the student struggles, then be encouraging and give them some ideas to think about. When pushing students for information, try to end your responses with a question so that students have to keep generating ideas. Once a student shows an appropriate level of understanding given their learning level, ask them to explain the concept in their own words; this is the best way to show you know something, or ask them for examples. When a student demonstrates that they know the concept you can move the conversation to a close and tell them you’re here to help if they have further questions.

The Potential of AI Tutors

AI tutors hold immense potential for transforming the educational landscape. With advancements in natural language processing and machine learning, these AI-powered systems can offer personalized and adaptive learning experiences to students. AI tutors can provide individualized support, assess learner progress, and adapt instruction to meet specific needs.

GPT-4: What Makes It Special?

GPT-4, the version of ChatGPT mentioned by Mollick, represents the next stage in the evolution of OpenAI’s language model. While the details of GPT-4’s architecture and improvements are not explicitly mentioned, we can infer that it possesses enhanced capabilities compared to previous iterations. GPT-4 likely offers improved language understanding, context retention, and response generation, making it an even more effective tool for AI tutoring.

The Benefits of Using GPT-4 in AI Tutors

  • Enhanced Natural Language Understanding: GPT-4’s advanced architecture likely enables a deeper comprehension of complex prompts, leading to more accurate and contextually relevant responses.

  • Improved Context Retention: AI tutors need to maintain context throughout a conversation to provide effective assistance. GPT-4 may excel in this aspect, allowing for smoother and more coherent interactions with learners.

  • Enhanced Response Generation: The improved capabilities of GPT-4 may result in more comprehensive and insightful responses, allowing the AI tutor to deliver high-quality explanations and guidance.

The Implications for Education

The availability of AI tutors powered by GPT-4 has the potential to revolutionize the educational landscape in several ways:

  • Personalized Learning: AI tutors can cater to the individual needs of students, adapting their instruction to address knowledge gaps and provide tailored learning experiences.

  • Increased Accessibility: AI tutors can be accessed anytime and anywhere, providing educational support to students in remote areas or those with limited access to traditional educational resources.

  • Scalability: With AI tutors, educational institutions can provide personalized support to a large number of students simultaneously, allowing for more efficient use of resources.

  • Continuous Learning: AI tutors can offer continuous learning opportunities by providing on-demand assistance, helping students explore new topics and reinforce their understanding of concepts.

Conclusion

Ethan Mollick’s tweet introducing the AI Tutor powered by GPT-4 opens up a realm of possibilities for the future of education. The integration of AI tutors into educational systems holds immense potential for personalized learning experiences, increased accessibility, and scalable educational support. As we continue to explore the capabilities of AI, it is crucial to harness this technology responsibly and ethically, ensuring that it complements and enhances human expertise rather than replacing it entirely.

Embrace the Wisdom of This Cherished Product Manager Cheat Sheet /  by Lewis Lin

This photo of my product management (PM) cheat sheet excites and fills me with gratitude.

The well-utilized and cherished nature of my PM cheat sheet is evident through its dog-eared pages and numerous notes.

Get your own copy of the PM interview cheat sheet to begin your transformative journey in product management.

Allow its wisdom to guide you through the intricacies of the field, serving as a valuable companion as it has for many others.