Building AI-Powered Products

Chapter 5. Strategic Thinking in AI

In my classes and seminars, I often hear questions like: How should I introduce AI into my product strategy? What can AI do to add value to users and grow my organization and company? Should I build in-house or buy off-the-shelf?

This chapter focuses on thinking strategically as an AI product leader and on the important decisions you might need to make.

Your Business Strategy: Evaluating AI As a Solution

Traditionally, only product leadership (group PMs, VPs, directors) would be involved in discussions on the strategic direction of a product area. However, what I have been observing nowadays with AI is that some strategic decisions are taking place even at the lowest level of a product manager’s career, and it is crucial for all PMs, regardless of level, to involve leadership and seek feedback and input from them regularly while adopting AI. This company-wide conversation is even more vital when you’re considering, for example, whether to build your AI capabilities in-house or outsource the job to external vendors. I will cover the build-versus-buy debate later in this chapter, but for now, know that having a cohesive AI strategy that permeates your company’s culture is very important.

Let’s assume for a second that you work for a company that already has an existing product offering with little to no AI, and you’re confident that the organization does need AI. Your first step should be to research and answer the following questions:

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