Top 10: Creative Consulting Ideas for Product Managers

Product management has become one of the most dynamic and in-demand roles in modern business. Product managers are responsible for defining product vision, strategy, and overseeing the development lifecycle to ensure that products align with customer needs and business objectives.

Given the breadth of their expertise, many product managers are well-positioned to transition into consulting roles, offering services that help organizations build, refine, and launch successful products.

Whether full-time or as a side hustle, consulting allows product managers to extend their influence, help companies overcome product challenges, and build sustainable business models.

In this article, we’ll explore ten creative consulting service ideas for product managers looking to leverage their skills and experience.

Product Strategy Development

One of the foundational services a product manager can offer as a consultant is Product Strategy Development. This service involves helping organizations define a long-term vision for their product, aligning that vision with business goals, and creating a roadmap to achieve it. A well-defined product strategy includes market analysis, competitive positioning, customer segmentation, and a feature roadmap. Many companies, especially startups, struggle with identifying the right strategy to build scalable products that meet market demands.

Consultants specializing in product strategy can conduct workshops with key stakeholders to develop a strategy that is data-driven and aligned with business objectives.

A typical Product Strategy Workshop might span over 1 to 2 weeks, where the product manager works closely with executives to identify market opportunities and assess the competition. The deliverables could include a high-level product roadmap, a competitive landscape analysis, and a clear go-to-market strategy. For instance, Amazon’s success in launching Alexa was a result of its early investments in a strategic roadmap that identified the growing potential of voice technology and integrated it into the company’s broader ecosystem.

The benefit of this service is immense: it enables companies to make informed decisions about what products to build, when to launch them, and how to position them in the market.

For product managers, offering product strategy consulting creates a long-term value proposition for businesses looking to innovate while reducing risks associated with product failure.

Product Ideation Consulting

Product Ideation is one of the most critical phases in product management. It involves laying the groundwork for the entire product development lifecycle by understanding the customer, defining their needs, and determining how the product will address those needs.

Product managers can offer Product Ideation Consulting services to help businesses build a strong foundation before moving forward with product development. This service includes key elements such as user journey mapping, storyboarding, persona development, and Ideal Client Profile (ICP) development, all of which ensure that the product is designed and developed with the target audience in mind.

At the heart of product initiation is user journey mapping, where the product manager helps businesses visualize the steps a user takes to interact with the product. This process identifies pain points, moments of delight, and potential areas for improvement in the user experience. For example, a product manager consulting with an e-commerce company might map the user’s journey from discovering the product on social media to completing a purchase on the website. This detailed mapping allows the business to design seamless experiences, optimize customer touchpoints, and increase conversions.

Similarly, storyboarding takes this a step further by creating a visual narrative that illustrates the user’s interactions with the product over time. This tool helps development teams better understand how the product fits into the user’s daily life, providing context for design decisions and feature prioritization.

Persona development is another critical aspect of the product initiation phase. In this service, product managers work with businesses to develop detailed user personas that represent the ideal customers for the product. Personas include demographic information, behaviors, motivations, and goals. For instance, when Netflix developed its personalization algorithm, the company used user personas to segment its audience and deliver relevant content to different types of users. By building out personas, businesses can ensure that they are designing products that truly resonate with their target audience.

Product managers also facilitate the development of Ideal Client Profiles (ICPs), particularly in B2B contexts. ICPs define the type of companies that would benefit the most from a product, helping sales and marketing teams focus their efforts on high-value leads.

Consultants offering Product Initiation Services typically engage with clients over a 4 to 6-week period, with fees ranging from $8,000 to $20,000 depending on the complexity and scope of the project. The deliverables include detailed user journey maps, storyboards, personas, and ICPs. By focusing on these foundational elements, businesses can ensure they build products that are user-centric, address real pain points, and are positioned for success in the market.

For product managers, offering product initiation consulting allows them to create value at the most strategic level, guiding companies to make informed decisions that impact the entire product lifecycle.

 Product Roadmapping

A product roadmap is essential for guiding the development of a product from concept to launch. It lays out the timeline, key milestones, and features that need to be developed at various stages. However, many companies lack the expertise to create a well-structured roadmap that balances both short-term and long-term goals, leading to delays or misalignment among stakeholders. This is where product managers can offer valuable Product Roadmapping Consulting services.

This is where product managers can offer valuable Product Roadmapping Consulting services

Product managers can help organizations create clear, actionable roadmaps that take into account market needs, technical feasibility, and business priorities. For example, a consultant could work with a software company to develop a roadmap for an upcoming product release, ensuring that features are prioritized based on customer feedback and business goals.

The service would typically involve gathering requirements from stakeholders, working with development teams to assess technical feasibility, and defining key deliverables at each stage of the roadmap. Over a 2-week period, a consultant might charge between $3,000 and $6,000 for a comprehensive roadmap that provides a timeline for development and release, as well as a feature prioritization matrix.

Real-world examples of successful product roadmapping include Slack, which used a clear roadmap to pivot from an internal communication tool to a fully-fledged collaboration platform. By aligning their product features with market demand, Slack was able to quickly adapt and grow its user base. Offering roadmap planning services as a consultant ensures that businesses have a structured plan to guide product development and manage stakeholder expectations effectively.

Market Research & Product Validation

Market research is crucial for ensuring that a product idea is viable and that there is sufficient demand to justify investment in development. Product managers can offer Market Research & Product Validation as a consulting service, where they help companies conduct research to validate product concepts before they commit significant resources.

This service helps businesses avoid costly mistakes by identifying market trends, assessing customer needs, and determining the competitive landscape.

A product manager could, for example, help a health-tech startup conduct a market feasibility study for a new telemedicine platform. This would involve interviewing potential users, analyzing competitors, and testing the product’s unique value proposition. The service would include generating detailed reports that provide insights into customer preferences, potential market size, and product-market fit. Consultants typically charge $5,000 to $10,000 for comprehensive market research and validation over a 3 to 4-week timeline.

By offering market research and validation services, product managers can help companies de-risk their investments and make data-driven decisions about whether to proceed with product development.

A real-world example of the value of market validation is Dropbox’s “minimal viable product” (MVP) strategy. Before launching the full product, Dropbox tested its concept through a simple demo video, which helped validate demand and gather user feedback before investing heavily in development. Product validation services allow companies to pivot early, saving both time and resources.

Competitive Analysis & Positioning

In a crowded marketplace, understanding the competition is critical for a product’s success. Product managers can offer competitive analysis & positioning consulting, helping businesses analyze their competitors and identify ways to differentiate their product offerings.

In a crowded marketplace, understanding the competition is critical for a product’s success. Product managers can offer Competitive Analysis & Positioning Consulting, helping businesses analyze their competitors and identify ways to differentiate their product offerings.

A consultant offering this service would conduct a comprehensive competitive audit, analyze market trends, and work with the company to create a unique value proposition. For instance, when Slack first launched, its competitive analysis helped it carve out a niche in the crowded team communication market by positioning itself as a tool that was more user-friendly and integrated with multiple third-party applications. Consultants can help businesses similarly differentiate their products to stand out from the competition.

A Competitive Analysis Consulting Service could take 2 to 4 weeks, with a fee of $5,000 to $12,000. The deliverables would include a competitive landscape analysis, product differentiation strategies, and recommendations for improving market positioning. By offering this service, product managers help businesses stay ahead of the competition and make informed decisions about product development and marketing strategies.

User Experience (UX) Consulting

One of the most critical aspects of product development is ensuring a seamless User Experience (UX). A well-designed product that solves user pain points will lead to higher customer satisfaction, retention, and ultimately, success. Product managers can provide UX Consulting services by guiding businesses on how to create intuitive, user-friendly interfaces and improving customer interactions with the product.

In a consulting engagement, product managers can help businesses conduct user research, develop user personas, map customer journeys, and refine the product’s UX based on feedback. For example, Airbnb invested heavily in UX design to ensure its platform was easy to navigate for both hosts and travelers, leading to its massive global growth. As a UX consultant, a product manager would oversee usability testing, refine wireframes, and work with designers to implement changes that enhance user engagement.

A typical UX Consulting Service might be offered over a 4 to 6-week timeline for a fee of $8,000 to $20,000, depending on the scope of the project. The deliverables would include user research reports, usability test results, wireframes, and user journey maps. For product managers, offering UX consulting is a way to ensure that businesses create products that not only meet functional requirements but also provide an exceptional user experience.

Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy Consulting

Launching a product without a robust Go-to-Market (GTM) strategy can result in poor market penetration, missed opportunities, and failed launches. Product managers are well-suited to offer GTM Strategy Consulting services, helping businesses create comprehensive plans for bringing products to market. This includes identifying target customers, developing marketing messages, selecting distribution channels, and coordinating sales efforts.

For example, when Zoom was initially launched, its success was partly due to a clear GTM strategy that targeted businesses with remote work needs, capitalizing on the growing demand for virtual communication. As a consultant, a product manager could assist a client by defining target personas, establishing pricing strategies, and planning launch activities. The consultant would also work with sales and marketing teams to ensure alignment and coordination throughout the launch phase.

A typical GTM Consulting Service could be delivered over a 6 to 8-week timeline at a cost of $10,000 to $25,000. The deliverables would include a detailed GTM strategy, marketing messaging, sales enablement materials, and performance metrics to track launch success. This service enables companies to enter new markets or launch new products with confidence, ensuring that all aspects of the launch are synchronized and targeted toward the right audience.

 Agile Product Development Consulting

As businesses aim to become more adaptive and responsive to changing market conditions, Agile methodologies have become increasingly popular in product development. Agile allows teams to work iteratively, releasing new features or improvements in shorter cycles. Product managers can offer Agile Product Development Consulting, helping businesses implement Agile frameworks such as Scrum or Kanban in their product teams to increase efficiency and flexibility.

In this consulting service, product managers work with companies to transition their development teams to Agile, providing training and guidance on Agile principles, sprint planning, and continuous integration. They also help set up cross-functional teams that collaborate more effectively. For example, Spotify famously adopted the Agile framework to support rapid feature releases and improve team autonomy, which allowed them to remain competitive in the streaming market. Consultants can replicate similar transformations, guiding companies through the shift and addressing challenges such as resistance to change or team alignment.

Consultants typically offer Agile Transformation Services over a 3 to 6-month engagement for $15,000 to $50,000, depending on the size and complexity of the organization. Deliverables include Agile training workshops, sprint planning guides, and tools for monitoring progress such as burn-down charts and performance dashboards. Agile consulting ensures that businesses adopt a more dynamic approach to product development, allowing them to iterate faster and respond to customer feedback more effectively.

 Product Launch Service

Launching a product involves numerous moving parts, from coordinating marketing efforts to ensuring the product meets customer expectations. Many companies, particularly startups, lack the expertise and resources to plan and execute a product launch effectively. Product managers can offer Product Launch Management Consulting services, guiding businesses through the complexities of bringing a product to market successfully

Consultants can assist in developing a launch strategy that includes defining the target audience, creating marketing collateral, coordinating with sales teams, and managing public relations efforts. A product manager working with a client might oversee the entire process, ensuring that each step is aligned with the overall product strategy. For instance, when Tesla launched the Model 3, the company’s product launch strategy was meticulously planned to build excitement, manage pre-orders, and ensure timely delivery. As part of the consulting engagement, the product manager would also ensure that all internal teams, including product development, marketing, and sales, are coordinated and working toward the same goal.

Typically, Product Launch Consulting Services are offered over a 2 to 3-month timeline, with fees ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 depending on the complexity of the launch. Deliverables could include a launch roadmap, marketing and sales coordination plans, and post-launch performance metrics. Offering this service enables companies to mitigate the risks of launch failure while maximizing market impact.

Fractional Product Management Service

As businesses grow and adapt to ever-changing market dynamics, many find themselves needing the expertise of a seasoned product manager without committing to a full-time hire. This is where Fractional Product Management Services come in. Fractional product management allows businesses to engage with an experienced product manager on a part-time or project-based basis. This service is particularly valuable for startups, small to mid-sized companies, or businesses experiencing a temporary gap in product leadership. By offering Fractional Product Management, product managers can provide critical guidance on strategy, product development, and execution while giving businesses flexibility and cost-efficiency.

A Fractional Product Manager (FPM) takes on many of the typical responsibilities of a full-time product manager but on a reduced scale. They help define the product vision, develop the roadmap, and manage the product lifecycle from concept to delivery. They also play a crucial role in stakeholder alignment, ensuring that cross-functional teams—such as development, marketing, and sales—are working toward the same product goals. In addition, FPMs oversee the product backlog, prioritize features based on customer feedback and business needs, and ensure the product aligns with market demands. Other responsibilities include conducting market research, defining key performance indicators (KPIs), and working with design and engineering teams to bring the product to life.

Offering fractional services allows product managers to work with multiple clients simultaneously, providing each with focused attention for a fraction of the cost of hiring a full-time employee. This flexibility benefits businesses that are scaling, in the middle of a major product launch, or going through a transitional period and need temporary leadership to ensure product success. For example, a startup preparing to launch its MVP might need an FPM to oversee product development and work closely with development teams for a few months. Or a mid-sized company might need a product manager to step in during a leadership transition to maintain product momentum and continuity.

Fractional Product Management Services typically involve working with a client for 2 to 3 days per week over a period of 3 to 6 months, with fees ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 per month, depending on the company’s needs and the scope of the role. Deliverables can include a well-defined product strategy, an actionable roadmap, stakeholder management, and guidance for product teams. The advantage for businesses is clear: they gain access to high-level product expertise without the overhead and long-term commitment of a full-time hire. For product managers, offering fractional services enables them to engage in a variety of projects, diversify their experience, and build a portfolio across multiple industries, making it a win-win for both parties.

Conclusion

Product managers have a unique set of skills that can easily translate into valuable consulting services for businesses looking to improve their product management processes. From Product Strategy Development and Product Roadmapping to Go-to-Market Strategy Consulting and Competitive Analysis, the opportunities for product managers to offer consulting services are vast. Each of these services not only helps businesses optimize their product management efforts but also allows product managers to create flexible and lucrative careers.

Whether product managers are looking to start a side hustle or build a full-fledged consulting practice, these creative service offerings provide a roadmap to success. By offering services that address key business needs, product managers can build long-term relationships with clients while helping companies build and launch better products. The demand for product management expertise is growing, and those who seize the opportunity to offer these consulting services will be well-positioned to thrive in a competitive market.