insights
What enterprise product managers can steal from software agencies.
insights
Enterprise product management can feel like steering a massive ship. Progress could be faster, weighed down by rigid processes and overly focused on stability. In contrast, software agencies operate like speedboats. They move quickly, adapt to change effortlessly and deliver groundbreaking solutions that set new standards for innovation. So, what happens if enterprise product managers adopt the mindset and strategies of these nimble agencies? They could break free from bureaucracy, embrace agility, and create products that redefine markets that resonate with customers and outperform competitors. This post uncovers software agencies' strategies to create game-changing products and shows how enterprise teams can adopt these practices to transform their work and achieve results.
Many enterprise product managers dismiss startup or software agency practices as too reactive for the complexity of large organizations. But the truth is, these approaches hold the key to delivering faster time-to-market, deeper customer value, and bold innovation. When enterprise teams embrace agility, focus on their customers, and experiment without fear, the results are transformative.
Software agencies measure success differently. It is never about how many tasks get completed or whether deadlines are met. Success is about delivering outcomes that create real impact. Every feature they build serves a purpose, whether that is solving a problem, improving the user experience, or driving business growth.
Enterprise teams often focus on internal metrics like schedules or budgets. These are important, but they should never overshadow the bigger question: Is this solving the customer’s problem? By shifting focus to outcomes like user adoption or long-term value, teams can start delivering products that matter.
Key takeaway:
- Review your current projects and identify at least one meaningful outcome for each feature. Share these with your team and make them your north star for success.
Agencies are masters of testing ideas quickly. They do not wait for perfect plans or flawless prototypes. Instead, they build small experiments to validate assumptions and gather feedback before committing resources.
This culture of experimentation allows them to learn fast and pivot when needed. The faster you test, the quicker you improve. Enterprise teams that embrace this mindset can reduce risks, adapt quickly, and create better products with every iteration. Big results come from the courage to act fast and adjust.
Key takeaway:
- Take one feature or idea your team is debating and run a test today. Create a prototype or gather feedback from a small audience. Prioritize learning over perfection.
Simplicity is one of the biggest strengths of software agencies. They streamline workflows, remove unnecessary steps, and keep decision-making fast. Cross-functional teams play a key role in this success. With fewer people involved, there is less bureaucracy, better communication, and more ownership of the results. Smaller teams move faster and focus sharper, driving better results in less time.
For enterprise teams, the lesson is clear. Empower small, cross-functional groups to own specific projects or features. With fewer handoffs and faster feedback, these teams can deliver impactful results without unnecessary delays.
Key takeaway:
- Assign a small team to your next high-priority project. Give them full decision-making power and observe how this impacts their speed, creativity, and ownership.
Agencies are relentless about understanding their users. They do not rely on assumptions or outdated research. Instead, they engage directly with customers, learning about their frustrations, needs, and goals.
This insight becomes the foundation of everything they build. The closer you are to your customer, the better your product will be. For enterprise teams, this means prioritizing customer interviews, usability testing, and real-time feedback. Products built with real insights solve real problems.
Key takeaway:
- Schedule one customer interview this week. Focus on their biggest challenges and ask open-ended questions to uncover fresh insights.
Failure is inevitable, but agencies view it differently. They see failure as an opportunity to learn and grow. Every mistake provides insights that shape future success.
This mindset creates a culture where innovation can thrive. Enterprise teams that embrace failure as part of the process will build better, faster, and smarter. Failure is not wasted, it is progress in disguise.
Key takeaway:
- After your next project milestone or release, hold a retrospective meeting. Ask the team what did not work as planned and what lessons they can apply to the next phase.
Instead of trying to achieve perfection overnight, this approach focuses on making small, consistent changes every day. Improving by just 1% daily compounds into remarkable growth over time. It is not about grand gestures. It is about showing up, learning, and refining continuously.
Enterprise teams can use this mindset to create sustainable progress. Every experiment, even those that fail, becomes a step toward long-term success. Progress it’s about commitment to small improvements every day.
Key takeaway:
- Identify one small area where your product or process can improve. Focus on refining it today, and commit to making small, daily changes that add up over time.
Agencies succeed because they adapt quickly to changing needs. Their budgets are not locked into rigid projects. Instead, they allocate resources where they will make the greatest impact.
Enterprise teams can benefit from this approach by advocating for flexible funding models tied to outcomes. This ensures that priorities stay aligned with results. It is not about spending more, it is about spending smarter.
Key takeaway:
- Review your current resource allocation and identify areas where flexibility could improve outcomes. Pilot a funding model tied to results, not fixed timelines.
At Twistag, we’ve seen firsthand the incredible impact of collaboration between our software agency teams and enterprise teams. These partnerships are more than just a way to deliver great products, they become opportunities for mutual growth. By working together, we learn from each other’s processes, share fresh perspectives, and create a dynamic environment where innovation thrives.
This exchange of ideas is a powerful catalyst for change. It allows enterprise teams to embrace the speed, simplicity, and creativity that software agencies excel at, while also helping our teams gain insights into the unique challenges enterprises face.
When businesses combine the agility of a software agency with the scale and expertise of an enterprise, the results are extraordinary. Let’s work together to redefine what’s possible and build products that lead markets, inspire customers, and set new standards for innovation.
Whether you need a dedicated team, end-to-end project, or a proof of concept, we're flexible to support your journey.
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