My conversation with a Product Manager
Welcome to the first edition of our “Conversation With” series, in which we unlock business potential through candid conversations, real-life stories, and valuable insights. Today, we are excited to introduce you to George Adowei, Klynox Technologies’ dynamic Product Manager. George is an innovator in blockchain technology, ERP and CRM management solutions, gaming, and app development. George’s journey from network marketing to leading tech projects is nothing short of inspiring, thanks to a diverse set of experiences and a passion for innovation.
In this conversation, George shares his unique perspective on the power of networking for business growth. He delves into his early entrepreneurial ventures, the pivotal moments that shaped his career, and how strategic connections have elevated his professional journey. Prepare to gain actionable insights and learn how you can use networking to propel your business or career to new heights.
About George
George Adowei is a seasoned product manager and entrepreneur with extensive experience in blockchain technology (Web 3), ERP and CRM management solutions, gaming, and application development. His career path, which combines innovation and resilience, demonstrates his commitment to using technology to create effective solutions.
George’s interest in business and building began at the university, sparked by a network marketing program that taught him about teamwork and sales. This early experience fueled his entrepreneurial spirit, inspiring him to launch custom t-shirts and other businesses, where his first mentor taught him valuable lessons in team management and business success.
His foray into technology began with the creation of Campus Hub, a mobile app he co-created with a friend, which launched him into Nigeria’s burgeoning tech and startup scene. This experience sparked his interest in technology, fueled by the prospect of providing effective customer service with a small, dedicated team.
George’s interest in cryptocurrencies and online gambling inspired the development of Oddstacker, a sports betting system, between 2017 and 2018. This project required a steep learning curve but provided invaluable insights into product marketing and investor relations. Despite the initial challenges, it laid the groundwork for his future career in tech product management.
Since 2019, George has worked on notable products and brands including faadoil.com, ezyswap.co, loozr.io, and hiroek.io His contributions to Ezyswap and the ongoing Oddstacker projects are noteworthy.
George is proud of the innovative solutions he created for Ezyswap, as well as his ongoing work with Oddstacker, which demonstrates his dedication to pushing the limits of technology and user engagement.
Degrees and certifications
- BSc in Geology, University of Port Harcourt.
- Product Management Certification from Eko Innovation School
Personal Motivations:
George is driven by the desire to create products that become an essential part of people’s daily lives, and the impact of his work keeps him going.
Hobbies:
George enjoys reading, playing video games, and spending quality time with his children.
Contact:
George is most active on Twitter, where he shares his knowledge and interacts with the tech community.
The Conversation
Business Doctor: Talk to us briefly about your journey as a product manager and how networking has affected your career.
George: It was an interesting and unexpected journey for me. I got into product management unintentionally. I recall starting my journey as someone looking for more out of life in 2013–2014. I was focused on starting my own business at the time, which is when I discovered networking.
My first venture into business was as a network marketer. This was around the time when platforms like Trevo and GNLD were gaining popularity. I was introduced to Syntec Global, the company that makes Xtreme Fuel Treatment, which piqued my interest at the time. I was bored with schoolwork and eager to start a business, so I joined Syntec Global to sell the product, earning my first N64,000, which was a reasonable amount for signing up four people.
Network marketing taught me invaluable skills. I learned how to build a team and sell. It was a fantastic learning experience. Network marketing whetted my appetite for entrepreneurship.
Following that, I looked into various business opportunities, including Redwood Clothing (bespoke t-shirt design). I realized I was more business-oriented, which attracted like-minded individuals looking to advance, and more opportunities arose. I met you, and you introduced me to ENACTUS, and it has been an incredible journey thus far.
My interest in technology grew when one of my friends, David, approached me about developing an app called Campus Hub, and I became drawn to product management. I never saw myself as a traditional product manager, but my business and technology background led me to this position.
I started helping friends with their projects, leveraging my knowledge and experience. Eventually, I found myself in product management, particularly in the technology and cryptocurrency industries.
This journey has been quite unexpected, but it has allowed me to use my skills to assist others while navigating the ever-changing world of technology and business.
Business Doctor: At the point when you realised that you had become a product manager, what were the initial challenges you faced?
George: All right. So, I believe the first major challenge was dealing with imposter syndrome, as the term “product management” was still new to me. I remember a friend of mine posting a course about it, and it spoke to me and what I was already doing. That is how I joined the Eko Innovation School’s product management cohort. That is how I met other product managers who were also struggling to understand the concept of product management. It was relatively simple for me to understand because I was already doing it for free without realizing it. So the first major challenge was dealing with the feeling of being a poser, which faded as I gained more experience. Another challenge was figuring out where to get information and how to improve, but thanks to Emeka Ehinze, who provided me with invaluable information, I could always turn to him for assistance. Meeting him was my first networking experience that shaped my career as a product manager.
Business Doctor: How do you approach someone new in a networking setting?
George: As an introvert in a networking setting, such as an event, I create situations that naturally attract people to me. When it is time to contribute or ask questions, I make sure my ideas are thought-provoking and relevant to the discussion. This strategy thrusts me into the spotlight for a brief moment, and people frequently approach me after the event because of my engaging contributions. If there is no room for that, I always look for familiar faces in the crowd. If I do not see an opportunity to use those two strategies, I muster the courage to approach a stranger or someone who has asked questions or contributed to the event. Most of the time, I attend these events to recruit developers and creatives for my project. Another thing I do is look for developers displaying their products for testing. I get to test the product and provide valuable feedback based on my experience as a product manager, and we end up exchanging contacts. The bottom line is to have a goal in mind when attending an event that offers you the opportunity to network.
Business Doctor: What networking strategies have worked best for you as a product manager?
George: I have discovered that genuinely assisting others has been my most successful networking strategy. I have built products for free, and this has opened up opportunities that wouldn’t have come to me otherwise. The kindness I show tends to come back to me, often multiplied. I have been fortunate to meet people who appreciate my approach, and much of my career has been built on referrals because of how I treat people kindly.
Business Doctor: Can you provide an example of a business deal or project directly resulting from networking?
George: One of the first projects that I built in the Web 3 space, Cactus Exchange (the DeFI platform), was directly from networking. Janefrances, our mutual friend, introduced me to someone who wanted to build a platform but had a small budget. I was able to assist him with several product discovery sessions at no cost. He reached out to me after the project to introduce me to the client who was interested in creating the DeFi platform, Cactus Exchange.
Business Doctor: What are your best practices for building and maintaining meaningful professional relationships?
George: Yeah. Firstly, I’ve realized that I may not be as proficient at this compared to the standards I have in mind. However, I believe that showing genuine personal interest in your connections is a good way to start building a professional relationship. For my clients, I make an effort to remember important events like their children’s birthdays or marriage anniversaries, and a simple, heartfelt message can go a long way. Simple and honest gestures can help build and maintain a professional relationship. Secondly, I prioritize the relationships I have with my team (both contract and core team members) more than my clients. People have lives outside of work and face various challenges. Showing genuine interest can make a significant difference.
Business Doctor: How has networking helped you overcome specific business challenges?
George: I believe that one of my strengths is knowing my limitations and the weaknesses of my team. When faced with challenges that are beyond our expertise, I leverage my network to seek assistance. My contacts have been instrumental in filling the gaps in our projects. This has been a result of genuinely caring for their needs when they needed it. For instance, when we were working on a 3D project and needed someone with more experience within our budget, I was able to tap into my network to find the right person willing to help. This happened because of the intentional effort I have put into managing my relationships. I can’t count how many times Emeka has helped me navigate the technical challenges of building a product just by sending me a solution I didn’t know was already available.
Business Doctor: How do you leverage your network to gain insights or feedback on products?
George: It’s essential to build a productive network of friends and colleagues whom you can trust and rely on. Identifying individuals who are honest and supportive is crucial. I seek out people who can offer constructive criticism as well, as it helps me improve and strive for excellence. I also believe in reaching out to those who are more skilled or knowledgeable than me within my existing network. I often ask for feedback on my proposals, documents, and even my resume, and I am open to receiving honest critiques. This approach has been immensely beneficial, as I have received valuable templates and advice that have significantly improved my work. Seeking input from those who are more experienced has been instrumental in my professional growth.
Business Doctor: Are there any common mistakes you see people make when networking?
George: I often see people make a common mistake when networking. They have unclear expectations and a need to be too direct. For example, someone once asked me, “Hey, I want to do what you are doing; can you show me the way?” It’s hard to respond to such a question. Another example is when someone says, “Hey, see what I do; please give me a gig.” They have yet to build a relationship before asking for help. It’s important to build a relationship before seeking help or favours. When building your career, focus on making people want to work with you without directly asking them.
I remember when I first met you, and while I cannot remember exactly what you said to me, I knew I wanted to work with this guy. This is because you allowed me to see your mind without bias or expectation.
Business Doctor: What advice would you give someone starting to build their professional network?
George: I would consider using social media to its full potential if I were to start over. When you’re just beginning, time is your most valuable resource. Sharing your knowledge and experiences on social media can help people get a sense of what you have to offer. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; even if only one person appreciates your content, keep at it because others are seeing it too. No matter how insignificant it may seem, visibility is crucial in today’s world, and there’s always someone out there who can benefit from your expertise. Additionally, always strive to deliver your best work whenever an opportunity presents itself.
Business Doctor: What tools or platforms do you recommend for digital networking?
George: I would say Twitter because it is designed for people to have conversations and critique or make suggestions about your work. LinkedIn stands out for its professionalism.
Business Doctor: What are your top three tips for using networking to drive business growth?
George: Use social media (Medium, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Twitter). You want people to have the right perception when they Google your name. Upload your work on the platforms relevant to your industry (Github for developers). Be patient and build relationships with people you encounter. Your character is slightly more important than your competence.
Business Doctor: How can readers stay connected with you and continue to learn from your experiences?
George: I’m more active on Twitter, A Man from Ado.
This has been an interesting conversation with George Adowei, and I trust you got to learn some tips that are relevant to building your network or the next opportunity to connect with someone. Thank you for sticking to the end, and don’t forget to join the conversation on LinkedIn. Let’s unlock the potential of your business together.
