Product Launch Manager: 3 Things to Have Ready Before You Hire One

A common expectation (and misconception) is that your hired manager will create your entire launch campaign from scratch. Before you hire someone to work with you, there are a number of important fundamentals you should already have in place. Think of the person you hire as a pottery artist who will mold a sculpture from the clay you provide. The more (and better) the clay you give him, the more impressive the results will be. Do your best to execute on the following tasks before you hire a product launch manager.

Refine your product. Obviously, there cannot be a product launch without a product to sell. It is not always necessary to have your product complete, because it is common to make revisions as the launch process unfolds. Still it is important that you create a working prototype. This is true whether your product is audio, video, written, or a live event. The more “put-together” your product is, the faster we can bring it to market.

Build your email list. A high quality list is a responsive list built from your own efforts. Your list reflects a group of prospects with a similar problem and see you as their solution provider. At the same time, this is a group that knows, likes, and trusts you. A huge list is not nearly as important as a high quality list. Purchased lists or lists acquired through spamming techniques are useless in a high quality launch campaign.

Set your budget. A typical arrangement for a product launch manager is to work on a retainer plus commission basis. That means that you will pay a certain amount upfront to secure services and then share a portion of the revenue after the launch is completed. The exact costs can vary depending on the your unique business situation and precise scope of work being done by your hired manager.

It is much easier for your hired manager to deliver at a high level for you once you have these fundamentals in place. Remember that the artistry of the person you hire is limited by the quality and amount of the clay you provide. The more organized you are prior to contacting a product launch manager the more outstanding your results will be.