A frequent challenge to an established roadmap is the request to “slip in” a feature, fix, or one-off version for a “special” customer or a partner. This often will come from sales. “If we can just add this one little thing,” they’ll plead, “we can close this big deal and make the quarter.”
Whenever a request comes in that, if granted, would adjust the roadmap, I recommend asking three questions:
What problem is this request trying to solve?
Does solving that need align with our objectives?
Is it more important than what’s on the roadmap now?
I explore these topics in Chapter 10 of my book, Product Roadmaps Relaunched. How do you say no? Tell me a story.
Elections
Hello, Boston-area product people! Consider helping run the Boston Product Management Association. Their 2020 Board of Director elections are coming up, with nominations due December 4. Here are the open positions. Questions? Ask the current BPMA president.