If you are a developer, UX designer, product manager, or just passionate about technology and startups, being surrounded by knowledge, opportunities, and growth is invaluable.

Joining online communities can be the key to having all of these elements right at your fingertips. Product and tech communities bring together like-minded individuals so they can share best practices, learn from one another, and grow by association. Not just that but the inspiration and testimonials found in them can help you massively- from honing your role to building better products, and staying up to date on the latest industry news.

So, for those looking for the best communities to network and learn from, this list breaks down a range of multi-platforms to join. Including memberships, podcasts, blogs, or Slack communities you can access to boost your career and stay informed.

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The best product management communities to join in 2023

Product School

For staying informed of the most current developments in product management, making meaningful connections with colleagues, or even discovering job openings, there is no better place than this platform. In addition to their blog, newsletter, podcast, and frequent events, they also provide an excellent Slack group. It features regular ‘Ask Me Anything’ sessions with industry-leading product managers; discussion channels on relevant topics; daily postings of job openings; and regional channels to link up with product professionals in your locality.

Joining - Invitation based. Free.

https://productschool.com/slack-community/

Product Manager HQ

Designed to help individuals build their knowledge base and expand their professional networks through courses, newsletters, and events. Its Slack product community has thousands of members from all over the globe and is the home of conversations in channels such as #pminterviews, #pmjobs, #pmresources, and over 50 more. Participants receive exclusive access and discounts to product-related events, jobs, and resources, plus a free 140+ page guide to cracking into product management when they sign up for a lifetime membership.

Joining - Invitation based. Lifetime access $25.

https://producthq.org/join-the-community/

Product Coalition

One of Medium's foremost publications in the PM space, Product Coalition is also a podcast and Slack network of 5,000 people. Discussing the most current trends in product management, it is an inclusive and stimulating educational group. For those passionate about product management, product design, and product delivery.

Joining - Invitation based. Free.

https://productcoalition.slack.com/

Lenny's Newsletter

One of the most celebrated product newsletters currently available online. Lenny Rachitsky's incredible articles answer readers' questions regarding product, growth, and career development. Additionally, Lenny offers a paid subscription that gives you access to a Slack community for subscribers only. There, you can discover an exclusive directory of resources, discounts, product coaches, recruiters, and more.

The annual cost for the subscription is $150. (Tip: several readers may be able to get reimbursement through their learning and development budget.)

https://lennysnewsletter.slack.com/

Product Makers

Productboard hosts a Slack group of 7000 members that provide PMs with the opportunity to hone their product-building skills, benefit from each other's knowledge, and discover efficient strategies. Benefits include access to book clubs, events, programs and educational content. Plus many helpful resources to improve product management results.

Joining - Free.

https://www.productmakers.com/

Product Hive

An entirely volunteer-led initiative dedicated to providing opportunities to learn, contribute and connect. Spanning multiple chapters across the United States, its hub is located in Utah. It features a mentor program, jobs board and Slack community for Product Managers, Strategists, Designers and Leaders. And comes packed with lectures, workshops and other events. Ideal for those in the product management, strategy and design industries. Hosted for free or at a minimal cost.

Joining - Free.

https://product-hive.slack.com/

Continuous Discovery Habits

Created by Teresa Torres, this community comes off the back of the Continuous Discovery Habits curriculum. For $1499, you receive 12 months of access to the same training and techniques that Teresa has perfected over the past six years of consulting with product teams from across the globe. The content covers her structured and sustainable approach to discovery, as well as various activities to help apply it in the real world.

The membership includes access to a Slack group with teams which have adopted the same practices you will be taught, as well as others who are undergoing the program. Subscribers are also granted monthly Q&A calls where they can have their queries addressed by Teresa and other community members.

https://discoveryhabits.slack.com/

Product Tribes

An invite-only community comprised of over 10,000 skilled designers, developers, and project managers.  On this platform, you can connect with product teams at renowned organizations such as IBM, PayPal, PwC, and Hewlett-Packard. Giving you a great opportunity to discuss topics related to leadership, job opportunities, lean-agile, PM, and front-end-development with field pioneers.

Joining- Invitation based. Free

https://product-tribes.slack.com/

Rands Leadership

Connect with 20,000 people and participate in an array of thought-provoking discussions on this Slack group. Designed to educate both new and experienced leaders with over 600 public channels from #jobs to #hiring-and-interviews, #compensation, and more. In addition, you can find regional meetup channels available for various regions like Boston, Chicago, New York, and San Francisco.

Joining- Invitation based. Free

https://rands-leadership.slack.com/

Product Collective

The perfect space to learn the latest methods, tools, and frameworks used to build, launch and scale world-class software products. Benefits of joining include a slack group; weekly bulletin full of unique articles on Product Management; a hand-picked array of helpful materials from other web sources; and a job board. Plus, access to their INDUSTRY Conference, semi-monthly INDUSTRY Interviews, and live video Q&A sessions.

Joining- Invitation based. Free

https://productcollective.slack.com/

Product Led Growth

A platform for learning and growth, comprised of a podcast, blog, and training/coaching space. Along with a vibrant, 11,500-member Slack Community for product-led professionals and aficionados. Here, novices and veterans alike can discover industry-standard procedures; seek and answer queries from fellow members; learn about technology tools and toolsets; uncover job openings; and connect with upcoming industry events.

Joining- Invitation based. Free

https://productledgrowth.slack.com/

Product-Led Alliance

Dedicated to producing constant streams of fresh material. This platform allows its members to tap into each other's knowledge, as well as share their own proficiency. Their Slack communication channels offer a chance to search for the perfect career option; bring high-skilled people into your team; access great conventions, online seminars, and active engagements; and make meaningful product connections all over the world.

Joining- Free

https://productled.slack.com/

Product Buds

One of the best platforms to access opportunities, build your network and feel like you’re part of a product community. Focused on connecting aspiring PMs to the best industry mentors and resources to help them transition into the field of product management. Offering a 6,500+ slack community, as well as fellowships, book clubs and other events.

Joining- Free

https://productbuds.slack.com/

Last thoughts

Whether you’re looking to stay informed or make real connections with Product and Tech colleagues, there is an array of communities in this sector you can be a part of.

We hope this guide has provided you with a sense of direction and understanding of what you can gain from some of our favourite platforms. And that it has spurred you to explore the most significant and valuable networks and resources to support your professional growth.

Did we miss any key product platforms or forums? We would love to hear your feedback! Share them with us at hello@theproductrefinery.com

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