Writing user stories is a frequent activity for many PMs, and knowing how to write them well makes a difference in your team's deliveries! In this article, we introduce a principle to guide you in writing better user stories for your team: INVEST! Who hasn't struggled to explain why a certain activity delivers value? Or heard in a daily stand-up that a developer is blocked due to another task? Had no idea when the story would end because the team couldn't estimate? Saw a story drag on for days because it was too large? Or found that something was ready but couldn't be tested? The INVEST principle helps you avoid all these scenarios. Created by Bill Wake in an article about Extreme Programming (XP), it can be applied to agile methodologies as a whole. The acronym stands for: I - Independent: Each user story should be independent, allowing the team to develop them in parallel without dependencies. N - Negotiable: Stories should be negotiable and open to changes during refinement with the team, balancing value and complexity. V - Valuable: Each story should add direct value to the customer or end-user. If not, it shouldn’t be developed. The value must be clear in the story and to the team. E - Estimable: Stories should be well-understood enough for the team to estimate the effort required to implement them. Even if the estimate isn't exact, it's important to have a general idea of the time needed. S - Small: Each story should be small enough to be completed in a short time, typically within a single sprint. If a story takes longer, it's a sign it should be divided. T - Testable: Stories should be testable, with clear acceptance criteria that allow the team to determine when the story is fully implemented, avoiding rework due to quality issues. Remember, you might not always be able to fully apply the INVEST principle. Your way of working, including writing stories, will depend on the team's maturity in agile methodologies. If you're far from achieving INVEST, it doesn't mean your stories are bad, but using this principle will help you continuously improve the quality of your deliveries and the impact they create. Stay tuned to our blog for more insights on product management and agile practices!

As Product Managers, our mission is to generate the greatest impact for our businesses within the scope of our work, and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are the keys to achieving this goal. We've previously discussed how to create an effective product plan, and one of the crucial steps is a thorough analysis of key KPIs. Whether in the planning phase or any other stage of product development, KPIs help us not only generate more impact - by enabling us to make better decisions - but also to clearly communicate the impact of our work (after all, we know that at the end of the day, we need to demonstrate results to advance our careers). Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use KPIs to your advantage in this mission! 1. Analyze the Most Relevant KPIs for Your Company and Area Start by understanding the key KPIs for your company and the area you work in, as they indicate what is most relevant to the business. Analyze the connection of these KPIs to your scope, as it is essential that the KPIs you will use on a daily basis are among the most relevant or directly connected to them. 2. Define KPIs and Goals for Each Indicator From the indicators you have analyzed, choose which ones you will use in your scope. Prioritize those with the greatest influence on overall results and achieving strategic goals. Then, set specific and measurable goals for each KPI based on internal and external benchmarks. This will help you track progress and identify areas for improvement over time. 3. Implement Monitoring and Reporting Systems Develop ways to track and report on the chosen KPIs, using systems and tools to collect relevant data and continuously monitor indicator performance. This may involve implementing business intelligence software, dashboards, automated reports, or seeking assistance from a data team member. 4. Utilize KPIs in Decision-Making Whether in product planning, defining the key opportunities to be explored over the quarter or semester, or on a daily basis with the team, always refer to KPIs when making decisions. They will give you the confidence to make the best decision and help you show others that it is the best way forward. 5. Perform Periodic Analysis and Report Progress Conduct regular analysis of the collected data or as needed (after launching a new feature, for example). Compare current performance against established goals. Based on these analyses, adjust strategies and tactics as needed to optimize performance and achieve goals. Use this data to communicate to key stakeholders and the team how the executed initiatives have generated an impact on the company. Stay tuned for more in-depth discussions on these and other important topics for success in our product careers in future content. Keep following us, it will be great to have you on this journey!

Do you ever feel like the clock is ticking and a new quarter is upon you before you've even begun to think about your [placeholder for target keyword]? Many product managers (PMs) find themselves scrambling at the last minute to create a product plan that meets stakeholder expectations. But it doesn't have to be that way! This comprehensive guide will equip you with a step-by-step approach to product planning in 2024. Learn how to develop a strategic plan that aligns with your company's goals, addresses customer needs, and sets your team up for success. Here's how to break it down into manageable steps: Align with Company Strategy Ensure your product initiatives are directly tied to the company's overall growth plan. Start by understanding the company's strategic pillars and the key areas that drive long-term success. Empower Your Team Collaboration is key! Actively listen to your team to understand their needs and challenges and identify potential risks. Their insights can reveal crucial information about architecture improvements, resource limitations, or unclear priorities. Uncover Customer Pain Points While "customer first" is a common mantra, understanding the company's strategy and your team's perspective first helps to avoid bias. Then, delve into your customer's world. What are their challenges, frustrations, and aspirations? Use qualitative and quantitative data (interviews, surveys, data analysis) to gain a deeper understanding of their needs. Leverage KPIs Identify the key performance indicators (KPIs) that connect directly to the company's desired outcomes. Understanding these metrics is essential for setting clear and measurable goals for your product. Analyze Market Landscape Don't operate in a vacuum! Take time to analyze your target audience and the broader market context. Consider market trends, competitor movements, and even macroeconomic factors that could impact your product. Assemble the Perfect Plan Now it's time to put the pieces together! With all the gathered information, you can define clear and achievable goals, considering your company's objectives, customer needs, and team capabilities. Develop a realistic plan with efficient resource allocation. Bonus Tips for Product Planning Embrace Collaboration:  Involve team members from across disciplines – engineering, design, data, marketing – to ensure a well-rounded plan. Stay Flexible:  The planning process is an ongoing cycle. Be prepared to adapt your plan as new information emerges and circumstances change. Conquer Uncertainty: Starting a plan can feel daunting, especially with unforeseen challenges. But with a calm approach, careful analysis, and a structured methodology, you'll be well on your way to developing a winning product plan. Ready to Master Product Planning? By following these steps and incorporating these valuable tips, you'll be equipped to create a strategic product plan that sets your team and your product up for success in 2024. Want to learn more about identifying key performance indicators (KPIs)? Stay tuned for our next blog post, where we'll explore them further! Keywords: product planning, product management, product roadmap, strategic planning, KPIs, market analysis, customer needs, team collaboration