Product Champions in Product Management

Introduction to Product Champions

Have you ever wondered who really drives a product’s success inside a company? That’s often the product champion. They are passionate advocates who push the product forward at every stage. In product management, these champions play a key role in turning ideas into reality.

Understanding what product champions do can help you build stronger teams and create better products. Let’s explore who they are, why they matter, and how you can identify or become one yourself.

What Is a Product Champion?

A product champion is someone who passionately supports and promotes a product within an organization. They believe in the product’s value and work hard to overcome obstacles that might slow down its progress.

Unlike a product manager who oversees the entire product lifecycle, a product champion focuses on advocacy and influence. They often:

• Drive enthusiasm among stakeholders
• Secure resources and support
• Help solve problems creatively
• Keep the team motivated during challenges

For example, in no-code platforms like Bubble or Glide, a product champion might be the person who convinces the team to adopt a new feature or integration that improves user experience.

Why Are Product Champions Important?

Product champions are vital because they help products gain momentum inside companies. Without their support, even great ideas can stall due to lack of attention or resources.

Here are key reasons why product champions matter:

• Drive Innovation: They push teams to try new approaches and technologies.
• Build Alignment: They connect different departments around a shared vision.
• Overcome Resistance: They address doubts and objections with facts and passion.
• Accelerate Delivery: They help remove blockers that slow down progress.

For instance, a product champion using Make or Zapier might automate workflows that save time and convince leadership to invest more in product development.

How to Identify a Product Champion in Your Team

Spotting a product champion is easier when you know what to look for. These individuals often show certain behaviors and attitudes:

• Passion: They genuinely care about the product’s success.
• Proactivity: They take initiative without waiting for instructions.
• Communication: They clearly explain the product’s benefits to others.
• Problem-Solving: They find creative solutions to challenges.
• Influence: They can rally support from different teams.

In no-code projects, a champion might be the team member who experiments with FlutterFlow to prototype faster and shares results enthusiastically.

How to Become a Product Champion

If you want to be a product champion, focus on building trust and demonstrating value. Here are steps you can take:

• Learn Deeply: Understand your product and market thoroughly.
• Communicate Clearly: Share your vision and updates regularly.
• Build Relationships: Connect with stakeholders across departments.
• Take Initiative: Volunteer to solve problems and lead small projects.
• Show Results: Use data and user feedback to prove your points.

For example, you might use Zapier to create reports that highlight user engagement, helping your team see the product’s impact clearly.

Examples of Product Champions in Action

Many successful products have benefited from strong champions. Here are a few examples:

• Bubble’s Early Advocates: Users who shared their no-code apps and inspired others to try the platform.
• Glide’s Community Leaders: Members who helped new users build apps and spread enthusiasm.
• Internal Champions at Companies: Employees who pushed for adopting FlutterFlow to speed up mobile app development.

These champions helped create momentum and fostered communities that supported product growth.

Challenges Product Champions Face

Being a product champion isn’t always easy. Common challenges include:

• Resistance to Change: Some teams may be skeptical or slow to adopt new ideas.
• Limited Resources: Champions often need to do more with less support.
• Balancing Roles: They must manage their regular duties alongside championing efforts.
• Maintaining Motivation: Keeping enthusiasm high during setbacks can be tough.

Successful champions stay patient and persistent, using clear communication and data to win support.

How Product Champions Enhance No-Code and Low-Code Development

No-code and low-code tools thrive when product champions push their adoption. These champions help teams:

• Identify the best tools like Glide or FlutterFlow for specific needs.
• Train colleagues to use platforms effectively.
• Automate workflows with Make or Zapier to save time.
• Prototype ideas quickly to get early feedback.

By championing these tools, they accelerate product development and reduce reliance on traditional coding.

Conclusion

Product champions are the unsung heroes in product management. Their passion, influence, and problem-solving skills help products succeed in competitive markets. Whether you’re a product manager or team member, recognizing and supporting champions can boost your product’s chances of success.

By understanding what product champions do and how to become one, you can help your team innovate faster and deliver better products. Embrace the champion mindset and watch your product thrive.