One of the important things we do for companies is helping them hire new talent to continue our work. They often ask why we would pick a person that does not have a long history in their specific industry or product type. “Well sure, they have all the skills, but they haven’t done much in our space!” is a question we’ve answered many times.  Hiring someone with great experience but less familiarity with your product can be a strategic advantage for your company. Here’s why:

1. Fresh Perspective and Innovative Ideas

• New insights: An experienced professional with less exposure to your product brings a fresh, unbiased viewpoint. This can lead to creative solutions, new ideas, and out-of-the-box thinking that your current team might not see due to being too close to the product.
• Challenge the status quo: They are not bound by how things have traditionally been done, which can help identify inefficiencies or areas for improvement that existing team members might overlook.

2. Transferable Skills and Versatility

• Cross-industry expertise: Professionals with experience in different industries or products often bring transferable skills that can be applied to your business. For instance, if they’ve excelled in marketing, sales, or product management elsewhere, they can quickly adapt those skills to your product.
• Adaptability: Experienced individuals have likely faced various challenges and learned to adapt, making them better at problem-solving and handling unexpected situations.

3. Faster Learning Curve Due to Experience

• Proven track record: People with substantial experience are generally quick learners. Their extensive background often means they can absorb product knowledge rapidly and begin contributing sooner than someone with less experience.
• Focus on impact: They have a knack for identifying where they can make an impact, which allows them to hit the ground running even if they are new to your product.

4. Strategic Thinking and Leadership

• Holistic approach: Experienced hires often think strategically and can align their work with broader company goals. This is especially valuable if you’re looking to scale or pivot your business.
• Mentorship: They can serve as mentors to less experienced team members, fostering growth within your existing team and helping to build a stronger, more cohesive unit.

5. Reduced Training and Management Time

• Self-sufficiency: Experienced professionals typically require less hand-holding and supervision. This means less time and resources spent on training, freeing up your team to focus on more critical tasks.
• Efficiency: They bring best practices and refined processes from previous roles, which can help optimize workflows in your organization.

6. Focus on Long-term Growth

• Scalability: If your company is in a growth phase, hiring someone with significant experience can help set the foundation for scaling your operations. They know how to navigate the complexities of growth and can bring strategic insight to your scaling efforts.
• Flexibility for future products: Their ability to adapt to a new product shows they can handle future product expansions or shifts in strategy, making them a valuable long-term asset.

7. Cultural Fit Over Product Familiarity

• While familiarity with your product is useful, it can often be taught, whereas core skills, work ethic, and cultural alignment are harder to instill. An experienced individual who fits your company culture can be a better long-term fit than someone with just product knowledge but less experience.

8. Competitive Advantage

• By hiring someone with strong experience in your industry or a related field, you can gain a competitive edge, leveraging their insights and networks to outmaneuver competitors

9. Objectivity in Assessing Current Weaknesses
• Unbiased evaluation: Someone who hasn’t been deeply involved with your specific product type from the start is less likely to be emotionally attached to the current methods being used. This objectivity allows them to critically evaluate your system, spot weaknesses, and suggest improvements without bias.
• Focus on customer needs: Experienced professionals often prioritize user experience over internal biases. This can lead to a more customer-centric approach that better aligns your product with market demands.
10. Stronger Network and Industry Connections
• Leverage their network: Experienced professionals often bring a vast network of contacts from previous roles, including potential clients, partners, or even top-tier talent for future hires. This network can be leveraged to accelerate your business growth.
• Industry best practices: They can also tap into industry connections to bring in cutting-edge practices and insights, which can be especially valuable if your team lacks exposure beyond your niche. 

Hiring an experienced professional who may not be deeply familiar with your product can pay off immensely in the long run. They bring valuable skills, fresh perspectives, and strategic insights that can help your company grow and innovate beyond your current scope. Remember, product knowledge can be taught, but experience, critical thinking, and a strategic mindset are acquired through years of hands-on work.