Positioning: the conscious act of choosing to be something to somebody

Derek Osgood discusses the critical role of positioning in product marketing, emphasizing that it is often confused with messaging. He explains that effective positioning defines a brand's place in customers' minds and is essential for driving business value, as demonstrated by the contrasting fates of PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4. Osgood highlights the importance of customer research and collaboration across teams to ensure alignment with customer perceptions. He also notes that positioning should be an iterative process, requiring a scientific approach to gather data and refine strategies. Ultimately, he stresses that successful positioning can significantly impact a company's culture and market success. Derek Osgood, Former Director Product Marketing, Rippling