Think beyond the product management books

I was fortunate enough to be taught and spend time with Bill Aulet while attending MIT Sloan. The energy Bill exudes when speaking just makes you want to build something! His book, "Disciplined Entrepreneurship", may be meant for the aspiring entrepreneurs, offering a clear roadmap for navigating the complex journey of launching and growing a successful venture, but I find it to be perfect for a product builder.

Aulet, drawing upon his wealth of experience as both an entrepreneur and an educator at MIT SL, presents a disciplined approach to entrepreneurship that is both comprehensive and actionable. From identifying promising opportunities to crafting a viable business model, each chapter is packed with invaluable insights and practical exercises designed to help readers transform their ideas into thriving businesses. Products need to be built with the use and business model behind them this book rounds out product thinking.

One of the book's greatest strengths lies in its structured framework, which breaks down the entrepreneurial process into 24 manageable steps. By guiding readers through each stage of venture creation – from understanding customers and building a product to defining a scalable business model and securing funding – Aulet covers the core concepts of product build to launch.

Moreover, "Disciplined Entrepreneurship” is grounded in real-world examples and case studies, illustrating key concepts with stories of successful entrepreneurs who have applied these principles to achieve remarkable results. This blend of theory and practice not only makes the book engaging and relatable but also instills confidence in readers as they embark on their own entrepreneurial and product building endeavors.

What sets this book apart from others in the genre is its emphasis on discipline. Aulet underscores the importance of rigorous analysis, strategic planning, and relentless execution – qualities that are often overlooked in the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship and necessity of product building.

Talk a turn from reading specific product management books and check out “Disciplined Entrepreneurship” by Bill Aulet. You will be glad you did!