Product management is an ever-evolving field characterized by its dynamic nature, where professionals grapple with a complex landscape and stiff competition. In this domain, we often find that creativity transforms into tangible solutions, and abstract concepts face tough constraints. Success belongs to those who can adapt and steer clear in the challenging waters.

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Personal branding is a critical tool for resilience and success. It acts as a guiding light for individuals in the competitive landscape, and holds equal importance for experienced product managers and newcomers alike, eager to leave their mark. 

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But what does possessing a robust personal brand mean, and how can one leverage such a loose concept into a competitive edge that can help move their career forward?

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By viewing personal branding as the distinct mark of your professional persona. It's an intricate combination of your abilities, principles, experiences, and aspirations. It signifies your inherent value and fosters connections with clients, colleagues, and the industry at large.

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When it comes to product management, personal branding transcends mere self-marketing. It's rooted in authenticity, shows the consistent demonstration of your core values, and aligns your deeds with your principles. It boils down to your contributions, your interactions with others, and how you present yourself to the world. It encapsulates your professional essence in a narrative that is compelling and unified, and resonates with your audience.

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At Criya we pride ourselves on our exceptionally talented and successful customer base, many of whom are product managers. In this article we will explore the journey of Ani Ganti, a prominent Criya user and product leader who has successfully built his personal brand. 

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About Ani Ganti

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Ani is an experienced product leader with a track record of success in startups, scale-ups, and consulting roles within large enterprises. His journey into product management began through his involvement in early stage startups as well as his MBA which led him towards consulting as a PM. 

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Ani’s expertise spans across launching and scaling both consumer and B2B products in various industries. Currently, he serves as Senior Product Manager at Wrapbook and in the past has held product roles leading at companies such as TWG, Slalom, Acerta, and Tract Systems. At Acerta he was the very first product manager and helped launch a major ML SaaS product in the automotive sector. At Tract Systems, he also made meaningful contributions and was instrumental in bringing three SaaS products to market. 

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According to Ani a significant lesson he learnt from his experiences is the importance of being a strong generalist while also being able to dive deep into specific domains when needed. In his spare time Ani also mentors aspiring product managers looking to further build their career in the space. 

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Now let’s explore some of the ways in which Ani has successfully built his brand. 

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Building A Personalized Website

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For anyone looking to build their personal brand, having a website is a must. Your website will serve as the cornerstone of your digital presence, offering a central platform where your story, achievements, and expertise can be showcased on your terms. Unlike social media profiles, which are constrained and have limited functionality, a website offers complete control over how your personal brand is presented. It allows for the creation of a more nuanced and comprehensive portrayal of who you are professionally and personally.

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Ani's website is hosted through Criya and is a great example of an effective personal website. It not only allows visitors to delve into his professional path but also offers multiple ways to engage with him. Through his site, Ani provides various products and services, including one-on-one consultations, guides, and comprehensive packages, primarily geared towards the product management field. His offerings range from resume critiques and mock interviews to specialized resume templates, catering to those interested in advancing their careers in product management.  

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Discover how Criya can help you build your own personalized website at Criya.co 

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Offering Freebies 

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Ani enhances his brand's appeal by offering complimentary resources, including a 30-minute coffee chat and startup advising sessions. These free offerings play a crucial role in broadening his brand's visibility. By making himself approachable and available, Ani creates an inviting, no-risk opportunity for newcomers to familiarize themselves with his work. These initial interactions pave the way for deeper connections, during which he can introduce participants to his additional services. Moreover, by distributing freebies through Criya, Ani can gather email addresses, forming a valuable database for future marketing campaigns to promote his services.

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Maintaining A Substack Blog

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Beyond his website, Ani also engages his audience through a newsletter on his Substack page. Drawing from his extensive experience in product management and technology, he crafts content that spans a wide range of topics. His articles offer insights into becoming a more effective product manager, provide his perspectives on tech companies, delve into developing essential PM skills, and give career guidance for those aspiring to enter the product management field.

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An important aspect of his content is the inclusion of content around his personal life such as parenthood and challenges that come with it. This blend of professional insights and personal stories allows Ani to forge a deeper connection with his readers. It's this combination that not only enriches his content but also serves as a powerful tool in amplifying his personal brand.

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Conclusion

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To conclude Ani Ganti’s journey is great example of how product managers can successfully build a brand that authentically represents their professional and personal lives. His story illustrates that a well-cultivated personal brand is not merely about self-promotion; it is about authenticity, consistent demonstration of core values, and the compelling narrative of one's professional journey that resonates with others.

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To Learn More About Criya Visit Our Site Here- Criya.co 

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