Early in my profession, I observed my authorized recommendation typically stalled out. It wasn’t as a result of it was fallacious however as a result of it didn’t resonate. I spotted the problem: I couldn’t counsel successfully on one thing I didn’t actually perceive. That second modified my method as a product counsel.
Right here’s how I earned my product workforce’s belief by studying the product inside out — and how one can, too.
Begin With Curiosity
It’s straightforward to skim a product spec or watch a demo and name it a day. However that solely scratches the floor.
Once I began working with a SaaS workforce, I insisted on utilizing the product myself. I clicked each button, broke options deliberately, and requested why sure selections have been made. Then I shadowed buyer assist to listen to what customers complained about.
This wasn’t only a technical train—it was emotional. I discovered what pissed off customers, why sure options have been important, and the way authorized may assist the workforce ship a greater expertise.
Takeaway: Spend time utilizing the product and listening to its customers. The insights you acquire will make your recommendation sharper and extra related.
Study Simply Sufficient tech To Converse Their Language
Once I first heard the phrase “API” in a gathering, I nodded alongside and Googled it later. However as a substitute of stopping there, I requested the engineers to elucidate it in plain language. That opened the door to studying about coding fundamentals, knowledge flows, and the way the product’s backend labored.
I’m not a developer, however understanding the basics helps me give sensible recommendation. I can counsel possible options and keep away from asking for adjustments that will derail the workforce’s efforts.
Takeaway: You don’t must code, however studying the fundamentals of your product’s tech earns credibility and improves collaboration.
Stroll In The Consumer’s Sneakers
Authorized dangers don’t exist in a vacuum — they’re a part of the person expertise. One among my Most worthy workout routines was mapping out the client journey for a fintech app. Once I observed our phrases have been buried in advantageous print, I flagged it as each a compliance problem and a poor person expertise.
We redesigned the move to make the phrases accessible and simple to know. The consequence? Happier prospects and lowered authorized threat.
Takeaway: Seeing the product via the person’s eyes helps you tackle dangers in ways in which profit everybody — prospects, groups, and the enterprise.
Perceive The ‘Why’
Authorized isn’t nearly options; it’s about technique. Once I labored on a well being care instrument designed for worldwide markets, I wanted to know the corporate’s imaginative and prescient for growth. Realizing their targets helped me deal with cross-border knowledge compliance and worldwide agreements somewhat than much less important points.
Takeaway: Align your recommendation with the product’s bigger targets. It exhibits you’re invested within the enterprise, not simply the dangers.
Keep Forward Of The Roadmap
I as soon as missed a key characteristic in growth as a result of I wasn’t looped in early sufficient. By the point I noticed it, it was too late to deal with a compliance problem with out pricey adjustments.
Now, I make it some extent to attend roadmap conferences and have casual chats with product managers. This helps me flag dangers earlier than they snowball into issues.
Takeaway: Construct relationships so the workforce naturally includes you early. Proactive recommendation is simpler than reactive fixes.
Translate Authorized Converse Into Motion
Generic recommendation like “be conscious of privateness legal guidelines” doesn’t assist anybody. As a substitute, I break issues down. For instance, I would say, “Let’s replace the consent move to fulfill GDPR necessities,” and embrace annotated screenshots to make it clear.
Takeaway: The simpler you make your recommendation to behave on, the extra your workforce will belief and depend on you.
Advocate For The Staff
While you perceive the product, you could be greater than a authorized advisor — you could be an advocate. I’ve defended design decisions to executives, defined technical particulars to regulators, and celebrated product wins.
These moments construct belief and present the workforce you’re invested of their success.
Takeaway: Advocacy strengthens relationships and positions you as a real companion.
Maintain Studying
