If you were the PM for the Windows phone, how would you make it successful?

Certainly, I'll provide a detailed, strategic answer to the question about making the Windows phone successful, using the structure and guidelines you've outlined. I'll approach this from the perspective of a seasoned VP of Product addressing an interviewer.

Introduction

The strategic challenge at hand is to develop a comprehensive plan to make the Windows phone successful in a highly competitive smartphone market. Our key business objectives will be to increase market share, drive user adoption, and create a sustainable ecosystem that can compete with established players like iOS and Android.

To address this challenge, I'll outline a strategic approach that includes:

1. Clarifying our strategic goals
2. Conducting a thorough market and competitive analysis
3. Defining our product vision and roadmap
4. Prioritizing key initiatives
5. Developing an execution plan
6. Establishing metrics and KPIs
7. Implementing risk management strategies

Let's begin by aligning on our strategic goals.

Step 1

Clarify the Strategic Goals (3-4 minutes)

• Based on the current smartphone market dynamics, I'm sensing that Windows phone might be in a growth or revitalization stage, aiming to capture market share from established players. Could you help me understand where we are in the product lifecycle and how that aligns with Microsoft's broader mobile strategy?

Why it matters: This determines whether we focus on rapid expansion or building a sustainable niche. Expected answer: Growth stage, focusing on market expansion and ecosystem development. Impact on approach: Would prioritize user acquisition and platform partnerships.

• Considering the diverse global smartphone market, I'm curious about our target audience. Are we focusing on specific segments like enterprise users, where Microsoft has a strong presence, or are we aiming for a broader consumer market?

Why it matters: Defines our core value proposition and feature prioritization. Expected answer: Dual focus on enterprise and consumer markets, leveraging Microsoft's strengths. Impact on approach: Would tailor features and marketing strategies to address both segments.

• Given Microsoft's strong software ecosystem, I'm wondering about the level of integration we're aiming for between Windows phone and other Microsoft products. How critical is this integration to our overall strategy?

Why it matters: Influences our differentiation strategy and ecosystem development. Expected answer: High integration is a key strategic priority. Impact on approach: Would focus on creating a seamless experience across Microsoft products.

• Considering the competitive landscape, I'm interested in understanding our approach to hardware. Are we planning to manufacture devices in-house, partner with OEMs, or pursue a hybrid strategy?

Why it matters: Affects our supply chain, pricing strategy, and go-to-market approach. Expected answer: Hybrid strategy with both first-party and OEM devices. Impact on approach: Would develop strategies to balance in-house innovation with partner ecosystem growth.

Based on these assumptions, our strategy will focus on leveraging Microsoft's strengths in software and enterprise to create a differentiated mobile experience, while also appealing to the broader consumer market through strategic partnerships and ecosystem integration.