In a newsletter I received, there was a reminder of a video I’ve seen from Naval Ravikant.
The video suggests you “productize yourself.”
Essentially, suggesting personal branding.
However, the words make us think differently.
If we were a product, how would we sell that product to others?
What are the unique features?
What are the benefits?
What problem is solved?
Defining our personal brand can sometimes feel daunting.
The beauty of the questions above is that they take us outside of ourselves.
Instead of saying “what is your unique difference,” we can ask about our “unique features.”
The shift makes the question more accessible.
It’s a bit easier to answer.
“Just figure out what you naturally do that the world might want, that you can scale up and turn into a product, and it will eventually be effortless for you.” – Naval Ravikant
From Abstract to Actionable
When we shift to “productized” offers we can also start to define what people can buy from us.
For those not looking to be a full-time employee at a company, this can help package offers.
However, the concept goes beyond consulting or freelance work.
Even if you’re in a employee role, thinking like a product clarifies your value inside the company.
What specifically do you deliver?
What’s the problem you solve for your team, your clients, your organization?
When you can name it, you can communicate it.
And when you can communicate it clearly, opportunities follow.
Why This Matters
The product lens removes the ego from personal branding.
You’re not bragging about yourself.
You’re defining what you offer.
It’s the difference between “I’m a great project manager” and “I help teams deliver complex projects on time by creating clarity around deliverables and timelines.”
The first is a claim. The second is a promise.
The product framing also makes it easier to market yourself without feeling like you’re selling.
You’re simply telling people what you do and who benefits from it.
Your Turn
If you were a product, what would your unique features be?
What problem do you solve better than most? Who would benefit most from what you offer?
What could you package and sell whether that’s your time, your expertise, or your way of working?