Nine quick ways to get your act together for fall

It's August and hopefully your product team is in "vacation mode." Summer's slow pace makes it a perfect time to get organized for the inevitable fall flurry of activity. Here are some of the things we do at this time of year. They're organized by estimated time required -- pick one or two right now that you can fit into your schedule this week.

Update Competitive Research

30 minutes: Look for new blogs or LinkedIn groups related to your industry. It's a good way to monitor competitor activity.

1 hour: Look for new white papers or announcements from analysts in your industry. Scan the abstracts and download the top two to read this month. Also update your listserv participation - remove yourself from unproductive industry lists and add yourself to one or two new ones.

2 hours: SWOT Analysis update. This month could be your best opportunity to refresh the competitive SWOT analysis for your products. First look at the existing document and identify the biggest gaps. Then review your primary competitors' websites for new content. Other options: Listen to public webinars, and look for new hiring activity, to gain insights about possible new strategies. If your competitors are public companies, review their quarterly and annual reports.

Organize Your Information and Workgroups

30 minutes: Make updates to your favorite product planning templates so they're ready for the next time you need them.

1 hour: Take a look at your product team. Identify any members who can be rotated out of the next couple of months' activity. Identify new or inactive members who need to be included. Connect with team members in person (ideally) or via phone or email (if necessary) to make sure they are clear on the level of participation you need from them. Update the product team meeting agenda as needed.

2 hours: Reorganize your shared workspaces. Archive files that are no longer needed, and create new directories or workspaces that better reflect the current or upcoming flow of work.

Refresh Your Professional Network

30 minutes: Pick one new extracurricular event/activity to participate in September - a social media club, product management association, or local industry organization. Register now and add it to your calendar.

1 hour: Identify new connections via social media. Better yet, find a way to offer new information or support to a valued colleague. For example, share an article of mutual interest or offer to be a sounding board for their latest product challenge.

2+ hours: Volunteer time to a professional organization. This is the time of year when most organizations are planning their next season's activities, and they welcome new volunteers. If you show up and add value, this may land you your next big career opportunity.

For even more tips on organizing yourself for fall, take our 30-second "Hot Button" survey and get our complimentary handout. And for a career-improving learning experience, consider enrolling in a fall session of the Product Management Intensive™.