Looking to hire a launch manager?

This episode will give you some getting started advice you need to make sure you hire the right person for your next (or first) launch manager.

If you’ve ever worked on a launch, planned a launch, or struggled to get your products and services out to the world, it’s likely you thought at some point — man, I could use some help here.

And you may have heard people telling you to start by hiring a Project Manager.

And – it may be true. Starting with someone to help you manage all the tasks you do during your normal day and during launches…well, yes, you’ll feel the relief if you can find the right person.

But there’s more to know about hiring a launch manager, about being one, and how to know when you’ve found someone amazing.

Let’s dive in and find out how to hire the right person for this important role on your launch team.

Since I’ve been managing launches for several years online and offline, I thought – why not! I should share the inside scoop on finding a well trained, well-qualified, and perfect-for-you launch manager.

Not only have I been involved with projects ranging from feature films, tv and video games but I’ve spent the past 6 years working as launch manager of some major online product launches.

But I get it when people meltdown…they’re likely wondering:

• How can I afford that?
• Where do I find someone?
• What qualities should I look for?
• What do I even give that person when they start?
• What will I do if all the tasks are handled by someone else?

In today’s podcast, I’ll talk to you about:

• Why it’s so hard to find a good launch manager
• An alternative to hiring a true launch manager
• How to find people with the qualities you’ll need during a launch
• Questions you should ask during the interview and screening process

Okay, let’s get started – make sure you listen along in this week’s episode, take notes, and get ready to start your own search for the perfect person.

#1 Why It’s Hard To Find A Good Launch Manager

The quick answer is this: most people think you just need to hire a project manager and you’re good, but a key element to finding the right launch manager is someone who has marketing and sales knowledge, who understands not just the mechanics of the launch but also the flow, story, and how to be nimble as you go through it!

#2 What you can do to decide if you actually have to hire

Yes, true story, you may not have to hire anyone. They might be hidden on your team in another role, you might be able to manage your own launch with a little bit more time added to the schedule, or you can find a coach/accountability partner to meet with you weekly to stay on track.

If you have any blocks to hiring team members, managing people or just spending the money to hire help, you may want to look for the coach who can be your sounding & planning board.

#3 Qualities to be on the lookout for when you’re searching for a product launch manager

• How many launches have they managed, which type and what specific roles did they play?
• What technology or systems are they able to troubleshoot – they don’t have to be technical per se, but they have to speak the language
• Ask for 2-3 different calls to understand their temperament. A big dealbreaker is a blamer or someone who is evasive. Also – you can tell when someone gets cagey about hours and might not be okay working overtime during a launch.
• Do they confirm the communication you send to them?
• Do they seem proactive or take things to the next step in what they share?

#4 Questions you should ask someone who might be right in this role:

• What type of launches, revenue
• What type of products, services or programs?
• Do they have a part of the launch they really loved
• What’s their most NOT fave part of the launch
• Tell me about a time when you didn’t have knowledge about something but needed to get the answer… what did you do?
• Tell me about a decision you needed to make that was difficult and how you made it
• Tell me about your favorite launch to date and why you loved it
• Do you prefer to work alone or in an office or a bit of both > have you ever worked at home alone
• What’s your biggest strength you bring to this launch
• What’s something you like to learn?

#5 Why I take gigs on launch teams – even if they aren’t in a manager role

• Learning opportunity
• Connection with high performing teams
• Allows me to get better even if it means I’m deeper in the weeds
• I legit love launching

If you enjoyed this post, check out the posts below as your unofficial hiring kit for your launch team…

More Teams Resources:

Ultimate Guide To Hiring An Amazing Virtual Team

The Advanced Guide to Growing A Thriving Virtual Team

Communication, Collaboration and the Importance of Investing In Your Virtual Team

How To Build Your A-Team From Scratch

Looking for the downloadable hiring kit I promised in this episode? Stay tuned – it’ll be here soon! 😉

Ready to invest in your team or learn how to train your team (or yourself) to launch?

Make sure to check out Fearless Launching (one of the bonuses is a launch team training for your team!)