I jumped straight into user segments and kind of skipped the 'should they even do this' part, which I think hurt me.
Start by clarifying the goal of the expansion and the target customer segment, then evaluate strategic fit with OpenTable's core business and Gusto's ecosystem. Use a structured framework to assess market opportunity, competitive landscape, and required capabilities, and conclude with a clear recommendation and success metrics.
Pro tip: Acknowledge that this is a hypothetical scenario for a PM interview and focus on demonstrating your thought process rather than getting the 'right' answer. Show awareness of OpenTable's parent company (Booking Holdings) and how desk booking might align with broader workplace trends.
Ask clarifying questions to understand the motivation behind the expansion, such as whether it's for revenue diversification, customer retention, or entering a new market. Define what 'desks and office spaces' entails (e.g., coworking, corporate offices, individual desks).
Evaluate how well this expansion aligns with OpenTable's core competencies in reservations and its existing customer base. Consider synergies with Gusto's HR and payroll platform, and whether it serves a similar or new customer segment.
Size the market for desk and office space reservations, identify key trends (e.g., hybrid work, flexible offices), and assess competitive landscape (e.g., existing players like Deskpass, Breather, or corporate solutions).
Determine what new capabilities would be required (e.g., different inventory management, B2B sales, integrations) and potential risks (e.g., brand dilution, operational complexity). Consider build vs. buy vs. partner options.
Synthesize findings into a clear recommendation (go/no-go, or phased approach) and outline success metrics (e.g., adoption rate, revenue, customer acquisition cost) and next steps for validation.
AI-generated suggestions, not part of the candidate's original notes. May be inaccurate — verify before relying on them.