The Perfect Pencil: A SaaS Product Management Masterclass

Bernhard Hecker
3 min readApr 29, 2023

Introduction

We might not give a second thought to the Faber Castell Perfect Pencil we used in school, but this seemingly ordinary tool is much more than it appears. It’s a pencil, an eraser, a sharpener, and an extender all rolled into one! Now, you’re probably asking, “What’s the connection between a pencil and SaaS product management?” Well, the connection is more profound than you might think. Let’s get into it.

The Perfect Pencil

Cracking Open the Perfect Pencil

The Perfect Pencil is a marvel of versatility and functionality. It’s not merely a pencil; it’s an elegant fusion of an extender, a sharpener, an eraser, and a pencil. Each component has a specific role, yet together, they form a comprehensive tool catering to a plethora of writing or sketching needs.

In the same vein, as product managers, we strive to create features that individually address distinct customer requirements, yet collectively shape a comprehensive solution. An exceptional product, like the Perfect Pencil, is a harmonious blend of various features designed to work together towards the same objectives and goals. However, unlike the Perfect Pencil, sold as a complete product that can’t be improved post-sale, SaaS products are ever-evolving, offering the unique advantage of refining…

--

--

Bernhard Hecker
Bernhard Hecker

Written by Bernhard Hecker

seasoned product mgmt executive, startup mentor, blockchain enthusiast, digital strategist, speaker, traveller, father of two, always curious and learning

No responses yet