As a technical product manager, staying up-to-date with trends in software technology is crucial for ensuring you make informed decisions and remain relevant in your role. Here are some effective ways to keep yourself informed:
Online Tech Communities
Join online communities and forums dedicated to software development and technology trends. Websites like Reddit (e.g., r/programming, r/technology, r/productmanagement), Stack Overflow, and specialized forums offer discussions on emerging technologies and best practices.
Tech News Websites and News Letters
Follow reputable tech news websites that cover the latest developments in the software industry. Some popular options include The Verge, Wired, and Ars Technica. I really like Friends of Lenny's for product management, TechCrunch for general tech content, and Inside Venture Capital for keeping my finger on the pulse of startup investment. Inside Venture Capital is part of the broader Inside.com property with newsletters on a variety of topics from building in public to wine and spirits.
Blogs and Influencers
Subscribe to blogs and YouTube channels of influential software developers and technology thought leaders. Many industry experts share their insights, experiences, and knowledge through these channels. I really like Aha!'s blog.
Podcasts
Listen to technology-focused podcasts. There are plenty of podcasts that explore software trends, industry news, and interviews with industry experts. The aforementioned Lenny also has a podcast that's great.
Books and eBooks
Books aren't dated or stale. A good book is more evergreen than most blog articles will be. Read books and eBooks written by experts in your field. This provides in-depth knowledge and a structured understanding of the technologies you are interested in. Here's a list of some of my favorite, mostly about business and life skills.
Conferences and Webinars
Attend technical conferences and webinars. Many events focus on emerging technologies and their applications.
Online Courses and Tutorials
Take online courses or tutorials on platforms like Coursera, Udacity, Pluralsight, or LinkedIn Learning. These platforms often have courses on the latest technology trends.
Twitter and LinkedIn
Follow key influencers, thought leaders, and companies on Twitter and LinkedIn. These platforms can be a valuable source of real-time updates and insights. For comic relief, I really like ShitPM on Twitter. I also like The Product Growth Guy.
Vendor Resources
Keep an eye on technology vendors' blogs and documentation. Major tech companies often release whitepapers, case studies, and articles showcasing their latest advancements.
Participate in Meetups and User Groups
Join local tech meetups and user groups related to the technologies you're interested in. Networking with like-minded individuals can provide valuable insights and foster learning.
Industry Reports and Surveys
Keep an eye on industry reports and surveys that highlight emerging trends and adoption rates of various technologies.
Remember that technology trends evolve rapidly, so dedicating regular time to stay informed is essential for a technical product manager. Continuous learning will help you make informed decisions and bring innovative solutions to your products.
If you're a more technical product manager like I am, you might really enjoy Stack Overflow's annual developer survey.