Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur | Start and Grow Your Own Business 1107: How this former CNN product manager is growing a BUSINESS and a TEAM (and targeting non-traditional sectors!) w/ Narain Bala
In this episode, we dive into the world of product management, entrepreneurship, and strategic execution with Narain Bala, founder of Product On Point. With a background spanning major companies like CNN and WebMD, Narain brings a unique blend of corporate experience and entrepreneurial agility to the table.
From managing complex digital ecosystems to launching his own product development studio, Narain shares his journey of transitioning from a product manager in big tech to an entrepreneur solving real-world problems for businesses that lack technical expertise. If you’re looking for insights on strategic product development, business growth, and the mindset needed to succeed, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.
💡 What You'll Take Away For YOUR Business
🚀 How product managers think like entrepreneurs—and why it’s a powerful skill set
💡 The fundamentals of product management that most businesses overlook
🔄 How Narain transitioned from corporate product management to launching Product On Point
💰 Why understanding market gaps is key to building a sustainable business
🎯 How he helps non-tech businesses (like law firms & fire departments) implement digital solutions
📈 The importance of iterating your business model until you find the right fit
⚡ The role of AI and automation in optimizing sales and business development
📝 About Narain Bala
Narain Bala is the Founder of Product On Point, a cutting-edge Product Development Studio specializing in Websites, Apps, and SaaS solutions. With extensive experience spanning diverse industries, Narain is a seasoned product manager known for his expertise in start-up leadership, user experience optimization, and software product management. He holds an MBA from the Georgia Institute of Technology, complemented by master's degrees in Computer Science from The University of Texas at Arlington.
🎯 Narain’s BEST Piece of Advice for Wantrepreneurs & Entrepreneurs
"You don’t have all the answers, but if you believe in yourself and take action, you’ll figure it out along the way."
💡 Key Takeaways from Narain’s Advice:
✔ Back yourself—even if you don’t have all the answers right away
✔ Embrace uncertainty—great product managers and entrepreneurs thrive in ambiguity
✔ Keep learning & iterating—your business model will evolve as you grow
📢 Memorable Quotes
🗣️ "Product managers are entrepreneurs at heart—we build solutions and drive innovation." – Narain Bala
🗣️ "If you just keep doing the right things and stay patient, success will follow." – Narain Bala
🗣️ "Your first business model won’t be your final one. Keep evolving." – Narain Bala
💡 Actionable Takeaways
✅ Identify inefficiencies in your industry—opportunities exist where people are frustrated with outdated systems
✅ Think like a product manager—take ownership of problems, not just tasks
✅ Start with the fundamentals—even small improvements can create massive impact
✅ Leverage AI tools for efficiency—but don’t rely on automation to replace human creativity
🔗 Links & Resources