The hottest Business Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

Strange and Dazzling Things Are Happening Right Now

The Honest Broker • 18484 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
💼 Business Startups Media Finance Technology Entrepreneurship
  1. Elon Musk tried to buy Substack, but the CEO chose to reject the offer, showing loyalty to independent writers.
  2. Substack's subscription numbers are growing, with many creators earning significant income, but the platform still isn't profitable yet.
  3. There are concerns about some tech companies, like Nvidia, using risky accounting practices that can create a false sense of success.

There Are No Safe Havens

Freddie deBoer • 6126 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
💼 Business Labor Market Tech industry Career development
  1. The job market for entry-level programmers has drastically declined, with job postings dropping significantly. It's harder than ever for new coders to find work right now.
  2. While skilled and experienced programmers still have good job prospects, the narrative around learning to code often ignores that not everyone can secure those top jobs.
  3. The promise of tech jobs being a guaranteed path to success is misleading, especially for beginners who face tough competition in a shrinking market.

The Big Nonprofits Post

Don't Worry About the Vase • 1254 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
💼 Business Nonprofits Charity Philanthropy Funding AI risks
  1. There are many excellent charities to donate to right now, especially those focused on AI safety and existential risks. It can be hard to find good places to give money, but they are out there.
  2. When deciding where to donate, it's important to trust your own judgment and knowledge about what matters. Choose organizations that align with your values and how you believe change can be made.
  3. Consider giving unconditional support to individuals doing valuable work, as this can help them focus on their projects without the stress of constantly needing to prove their worth for funding.

TBM 325: Skeptoptimism – Thinking Slow, Acting Fast

The Beautiful Mess • 833 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
💼 Business Team Dynamics Planning Execution Leadership Risk management
  1. Thinking slowly helps in planning well and reducing risks. It's not sitting idle; it's about being active and experimenting with ideas.
  2. Being a skeptoptimist means balancing a belief in teams with a realistic view of challenges. It's important to express confidence in the team's ability to succeed while addressing risks.
  3. It's key to involve others in 'slow thinking' to ensure they understand and support the process. Sharing your thoughts can help bridge the gap between deep exploration and action.

Why Streaming Subscription Prices Will Continue to Rise

The Honest Broker • 25300 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
💼 Business Media Entertainment Pricing Strategy Consumer behavior
  1. Streaming subscription prices are increasing because companies are focusing on making more profit from fewer customers. They believe it's better to charge loyal users more instead of trying to attract new ones.
  2. The entertainment industry is cutting back on creating new content, which means we might see fewer movies and shows. This reduction is part of a strategy to maintain profits even as customer numbers decline.
  3. While big companies may struggle, this situation could open doors for indie creators. As larger companies shrink, new opportunities for creativity and innovation might arise for others.
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Why We Make the Exeter Hammer

The American Peasant • 2715 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
💼 Business Product Development Entrepreneurship Manufacturing Marketing Sales
  1. The Exeter Hammer was developed over three years to create a lightweight, balanced tool ideal for furniture makers. It combines good design and functionality to improve woodworking tasks.
  2. The hammer's design process involved scrapping an earlier project that felt too similar to common hammers on the market. This led to creating a unique hammer that meets specific needs of woodworkers.
  3. The first 400 hammers sold quickly, showing a strong demand and approval from users. This success suggests that thoughtful design can resonate well with the target audience.

Join me for a conversation with Brett Berson, Partner at First Round Capital

Thinking in Bets • 138 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Investment strategy Decision-making Startups
  1. Learn how a top venture capital firm has changed its investment processes. They focus on being more organized and efficient.
  2. Discover how to make better investment choices using data. A data-driven approach helps in making smarter decisions.
  3. Find out how to improve feedback loops in finance. Creating quicker feedback can help in long-term decision-making.

The definitive product positioning framework

Kyle Poyar’s Growth Unhinged • 520 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
💼 Business Marketing Startups Strategy Sales Product
  1. Choosing the right customer segment is crucial for your product's success. Different segments have different needs, and you need to focus your strategy accordingly.
  2. Positioning isn't something you can just test quickly with A/B tests. It's more of a strategic choice you make at a higher level, affecting how you market and present your product.
  3. Your homepage is the best place to show your product's positioning. It should be clear and accessible, so everyone inside and outside the company understands it.

The Stone Soup Theory of Billionaires

Altered States of Monetary Consciousness • 1218 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
💼 Business Economics Wealth Entrepreneurship Capitalism Industry
  1. Billionaires aren't the only ones who create big companies; they often stand out as focal points, while many workers and contributors help build the actual business. It's like the Stone Soup story, where one person starts a project, but it takes many others to make it successful.
  2. The economy works as a collective where everyone contributes and receives based on their input. Just like making soup, if you bring ingredients, you get to enjoy the final product, and if many people pitch in, the result is better for everyone.
  3. Billionaires often claim credit for creating jobs, but in reality, their wealth relies on the hard work of countless others. The billionaire benefits from workers who do the real labor, much like the Stone Souper who needs villagers to make the soup.

Earlywood: Take My Advice, I’m Not Using It

The American Peasant • 2555 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Networking Marketing Finance Self-employment
  1. Keep your day job until you are financially secure. It’s smart to build your business while you still have a steady income.
  2. Network with other creative people. Making friends in your field can lead to new opportunities and support when you need it.
  3. Learn a bit of everything. Knowing skills like photography and website design can save you money and help your business thrive.

Avoiding Career Irrelevance.

The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past • 42 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
💼 Business Career development Future of work Skill acquisition Freelancing Technology influence
  1. We will likely have longer careers, so we need to plan for working into our 70s or beyond. Preparing for this means thinking ahead about our skills and growth.
  2. It's important to keep learning throughout our careers. No one can rely on their past education, so we should invest in continuous learning to stay relevant.
  3. Jobs will change from fixed roles to dynamic tasks. We need to be flexible and adaptable, working like gig workers even within traditional firms.

Beyond Prediction: Shaping Your Work Story in an Uncertain World

Workforce Futurist by Andy Spence • 293 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
💼 Business Workforce Technology Management Education Economics
  1. There are seven main stories shaping how we think about the future of work. Each one explores different trends and possibilities, like technology, job loss, and education.
  2. We can't predict exactly what will happen, but we can choose which narrative we want to believe in. Our choices can shape our future work experiences.
  3. Lifelong learning and adaptation are becoming essential. As technology changes, we need to keep learning to stay relevant in our jobs.

The Anarchist’s Compass No. 1

The American Peasant • 2535 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
💼 Business Publishing Finance Entrepreneurship Acquisitions Venture Capital
  1. A businessman shared a wild story about buying a small publishing company. He revealed that the owner didn't know he was supposed to keep the cash in the company, and the buyer ended up getting the business almost for free.
  2. The room erupted in laughter when he shared how the situation turned out. It showed how sometimes, deals can have unexpected and surprising outcomes.
  3. This story highlights how important it is to understand business transactions and financial details. Misunderstandings can lead to big surprises for both buyers and sellers.

What is next for collaborations?

The Sociology of Business • 737 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
💼 Business Marketing Branding Collaborations Consumer behavior
  1. Brands are now combining different areas like food, art, and fashion to create unique experiences for customers. This helps them stand out and attract more attention.
  2. Collaborations allow brands to show their taste and connect with customers in a deeper way, almost like building a community around their identity.
  3. Creative directors play an important role in making brands culturally relevant by exploring new collaborations outside their core market, which helps them grow and stay appealing.

The Viral Yard Cleanup Edition

Why is this interesting? • 844 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
💼 Business Marketing YouTube Entrepreneurship Content creation Social media
  1. YouTube can be a platform where people showcase unique services, like yard cleanup videos. This combines marketing, good deeds, and entertainment all in one.
  2. Some lawn care businesses gain popularity by documenting their free work on overgrown properties. This not only helps others but also helps them grow their online presence.
  3. Creating content that viewers enjoy is essential in modern marketing. It's better to show entertaining ideas rather than strictly promoting services.

A guide to gift subscriptions and special offers

Substack Blog • 175 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
💼 Business Marketing Subscriptions E-commerce Sales Customer Engagement
  1. Gift subscriptions are a great way for your current subscribers to share your work with friends and family during the holidays. It's not just a gift for them, but also helps promote your content.
  2. Special offers and discounts can make subscriptions more appealing for new subscribers. Timing these offers around holidays or relevant events can boost conversions and attract new readers.
  3. Using the holiday season to engage with your audience creatively fosters a sense of community. Celebrating together can help grow your subscriber base and strengthen relationships with existing ones.

Part 3: Our Collective Order-Keeping Fictions

Holly’s Newsletter • 972 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
💼 Business Corporate culture Workplace Diversity Leadership Employee Experience Human Resources
  1. DEI programs aim to attract and keep diverse workers, which can be helpful in the workplace. It’s important to think about hiring people from different backgrounds when it makes sense for the job.
  2. Diverse teams can bring new ideas and better problem-solving. Different perspectives help clarify issues and lead to smart solutions.
  3. While DEI programs have good intentions, they can sometimes lead to silly situations and waste time. It's important to focus on what truly helps in the workplace.

Don't hunt, set traps

Startup Real Talk • 194 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Sales Marketing Customer Acquisition Growth Strategies
  1. It's better to set up systems for getting customers rather than just trying to close individual sales. This way, you can get more customers efficiently over time.
  2. Once your product fits the market, focus on creating repeatable ways to attract customers. This is more valuable than closing one deal at a time.
  3. Like setting traps for hunting, having a continuous lead system helps your business succeed without relying on just one person for sales.

Will the China Cycle Come for Airbus and Boeing?

Construction Physics • 33196 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
💼 Business Aerospace Manufacturing Technology Economics International Trade
  1. China has been trying to develop its own commercial aircraft industry for decades but faces many challenges. From technology theft concerns to complex manufacturing processes, it hasn't succeeded like in other industries.
  2. The C919 jet is China's latest attempt to compete with Boeing and Airbus. While it's secured a good number of orders, issues with performance and certification limits its appeal in the global market.
  3. Airbus has been more successful in China due to establishing local assembly lines. This made them more competitive compared to Boeing, which hesitated to set up operations in China.

Building in public, IPO watch, and what to do about Europe

Alex's Personal Blog • 65 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
💼 Business Startups Public Companies Investing Market Trends Technology
  1. Building in public means sharing both the successes and struggles of a startup. It's refreshing to see companies like Roam be transparent about their challenges.
  2. ServiceTitan is planning to go public soon, which could be a significant event in the IPO space. Their recent financial growth shows they are doing well, even if profits have slightly decreased.
  3. Europe's startup scene is not evolving as rapidly as expected. Despite some successful companies, the overall impact on the market has been limited.

Always. Be. Blogging.

Silver Bulletin • 1013 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Marketing Content creation Digital Media Subscription Models
  1. Blog regularly to grow your audience. Consistent posting keeps your readers engaged and helps you establish a routine.
  2. Make your content stand out with catchy headlines and good structure. A strong opening and good promotion can lead to more readers and subscribers.
  3. Think about your unique insights and be ready to share them when relevant news happens. Timeliness and originality can help your writing hit home runs.

What happened in marketing: FTC working overtime, LinkedIn becoming home of AI slop and Bluesky

The Social Juice • 7 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
💼 Business Marketing Advertising Technology E-commerce Consumer behavior
  1. The FTC is actively investigating companies like Google and Microsoft for potential monopolistic practices in the ad tech industry. This could lead to changes in how these companies operate.
  2. LinkedIn is seeing an increase in AI-generated content, which some users find less authentic and engaging. It's becoming more common to encounter bot-generated posts.
  3. Bluesky is gaining popularity among journalists, as it's reportedly driving more referral traffic than Twitter. This shift might indicate a growing preference for alternative social media platforms.

Putting the I in Team

In My Tribe • 349 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
💼 Business Management Workplace Teamwork Employee Relations Organizational Behavior
  1. Teamwork relies on everyone doing their part. If some people don't contribute, it can hurt the whole team's chances of success.
  2. Hiring people who are responsible and committed can help encourage teamwork. When employees feel connected to their mission or colleagues, they're less likely to slack off.
  3. Measuring how well employees cooperate can improve teamwork. Giving clear examples of what good teamwork looks like can help everyone understand how to contribute.

The Bear Cave #250

The Bear Cave • 606 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
💼 Business Finance Investing Corporate Governance Market Analysis Activism
  1. The Bear Cave focuses on finding problems in companies that are often ignored by the mainstream. This helps identify potential short selling opportunities.
  2. The publication has tracked executive resignations and has shown that many companies with leadership changes tend to underperform in the market.
  3. Over the past few years, the companies highlighted by The Bear Cave have consistently lagged behind the S&P 500, hinting at serious issues that investors should consider.

Searching for insight

benn.substack • 1073 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
💼 Business Economics Analytics Media Marketing Publishing Data
  1. Many jobs in areas like think tanks or journalism are more about creating a background or illusion rather than producing real change or value. They serve as props for the more influential figures.
  2. There's a concern that as AI becomes capable of producing content, it might not be because it’s better, but because the original jobs might not have mattered as much as once thought.
  3. In analytics, there's a question of whether the insights businesses claim to offer are real or just part of the narrative they tell to appear competent and important.

Mullet Capitalists

The Generalist • 560 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Investing Strategies Market Analysis
  1. Mullet Capitalism is a new trend in venture capital where firms combine a traditional business with venture investments. This means they can use their existing business to identify promising startups and invest in them.
  2. Many emerging managers in the venture space are facing tough times, and Mullet Capitalism offers a fresh approach for them to adapt and thrive. It highlights the importance of blending stable income with the potential for high returns in investments.
  3. Examples of Mullet Capitalists include recruiting firms and media companies that also invest in startups. These firms leverage their industry connections and insights to make informed investment decisions while providing valuable services.

Evolution: A Sign of Resilience

The Wolf of Harcourt Street • 779 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
💼 Business Finance Market Analysis Investment Strategies
  1. Evolution's revenue grew by 15% for the second quarter in a row, showing strong demand in its Live segment. This is great news as most of their money comes from this area.
  2. Despite facing challenges like labor issues and cyber-attacks, Evolution has been able to keep its business model scalable. They managed to serve more players with fewer staff, which helps with costs.
  3. The company is expanding globally, opening new studios in places like Colombia and the Czech Republic. They plan to keep growing, aiming to tap into more markets like Brazil and the Philippines.

Downstream Problems

The Breaking Point • 199 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
💼 Business Sales Marketing Leadership Decision-making Growth
  1. Focus on solving the root problem, not just the surface issues. Fixing the wrong thing will only lead to more problems.
  2. Quality leads are crucial for a successful sales process. Even a flawed process can succeed if the leads are strong and motivated.
  3. Looking upstream for solutions can help fix multiple problems at once. If you improve one area, other issues may also resolve.

End of year work-related reflections

Mehdeeka • 2 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
💼 Business Self-reflection Team Building Work-life balance Personal Development
  1. Reflecting on your career can help you understand your strengths and weaknesses. It's good to know what you need to improve and where you shine.
  2. Setting personal goals is important, not just work ones. Think about what you want out of life, and make a plan to get there.
  3. Don't forget to do small tasks you've been putting off. Simple things like updating your resume or reaching out to a friend can make a big difference.

Thoughts on the Survival and Flourishing Fund 2024 Round

Don't Worry About the Vase • 1075 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
💼 Business Philanthropy Social Impact
  1. There are many good charities to support right now, and the quality of applications has improved a lot since the last round. This makes it a great time for charitable giving.
  2. The process for evaluating charities has changed, including a new requirement for them to first receive speculation grants to be considered for funding. This has helped raise the overall quality of the applications.
  3. Time is tight when deciding which charities to fund, making it crucial to quickly assess the most promising options. It's important to focus on those organizations that show strong potential and trustworthy signals.

Far From Grüven

Doomberg • 7157 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
💼 Business Economics Industry Energy Manufacturing Labor
  1. Germany's automotive industry is struggling due to poor energy policies and reliance on expensive energy sources. This could lead to factory closures and job losses.
  2. China is effectively using its energy resources to boost its production and economic strength, while European countries are facing the consequences of their energy choices.
  3. Volkswagen's recent financial troubles highlight the bigger issues facing Germany's heavy industry, and there are urgent changes needed to avoid further decline.

The age of SUPERCONTENT

The Sociology of Business • 957 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
💼 Business Marketing Branding Content creation Digital Media Consumer behavior
  1. Brands are becoming content creators to engage a wider audience, not just their customers. They create fun and informative content to attract fans and observers.
  2. Today's successful content is often found in show business style, blending storytelling and entertainment across various platforms. This means brands are constantly producing engaging material that keeps their audience interested.
  3. Content is vital for a brand's success, often affecting how products are viewed and sold. Good content can help a brand stand out and become more discoverable, especially in a crowded market.

The Secret Sauce of Palantir

Dana Blankenhorn: Facing the Future • 138 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
💼 Business Finance Investments Technology Startups Market Analysis
  1. Palantir focuses on personalized data analysis for each client, using committed engineers to solve specific problems. These Forward Deployed Engineers (FDEs) learn the client's business and adapt solutions to boost productivity.
  2. The combination of FDEs and Product Development teams creates a unique feedback loop, improving software based on real experiences. This teamwork helps build a strong customer relationship that keeps clients engaged with Palantir.
  3. Palantir's success isn't about traditional AI but rather understanding and addressing client needs first. This customer-first approach leads to recurring revenue and a reputation for effective solutions.

✨ 📈 The AI Paradox: When will artificial intelligence boost US economic growth?

Faster, Please! • 913 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
💼 Business Economics Artificial Intelligence Productivity Innovation Growth
  1. Alan Greenspan raised questions about why technological advances in the 1990s didn't seem to improve productivity statistics. He suggested that it might take time for new technologies to show their full effects.
  2. Greenspan believed that traditional methods of measuring productivity might not capture the real progress happening, especially with services. This mismeasurement could lead to bad decisions on economic policies.
  3. The role of artificial intelligence in boosting productivity is still uncertain. There's hope that AI can help workers produce more, but it's unclear when we will see these benefits reflected in economic growth.

The return of Office Hours

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 249 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Marketing Networking Content creation Subscription Models
  1. Office Hours were popular and let paid subscribers ask questions and share ideas with each other. Many enjoyed the experience of chatting, even more than hearing from guest speakers.
  2. The original format created a lot of pressure, making it hard to keep it going. The goal now is to make it more relaxed and simpler for everyone involved.
  3. The new plan is to hold Office Hours about twice a month, focusing on open discussions rather than just featured guests. This change aims to create a fun, networking-like atmosphere.

Under the Influence

Some Unpleasant Arithmetic • 2 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
💼 Business Influencer Marketing Intellectual Property E-commerce
  1. Two influencers, known for the 'clean girl' style, are in a legal battle over copying each other's content. This shows how serious competition can get in the influencer world, especially when their livelihoods are at stake.
  2. The influencer economy is huge, worth about $250 billion, and many people dream of becoming influencers because of the lifestyle it can offer. However, it can be tough and not everyone makes good money.
  3. Financial influencers, or 'finfluencers', have a strong effect on young investors, sometimes leading them to make risky trades. This raises concerns about whether they are giving smart advice or just chasing thrills.

Resisting the Enshittification of Work

Make Work Better • 136 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
💼 Business Work Culture Productivity Leadership Trends
  1. Enshittification is when a service becomes worse over time due to profit-focused changes, just like users notice on platforms like Google and Amazon.
  2. Many workers are feeling burnt out and overwhelmed by constant notifications and meetings, leading to a lack of satisfaction at work.
  3. Leaders need to actively improve workplace culture to combat this decline and make work a source of meaning instead of stress.

Accountability and Authority

In My Tribe • 668 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
💼 Business Management Bureaucracy Leadership Accountability Authority
  1. Clear job descriptions should state the authority and the accountability of a role. This helps everyone know who is responsible for what.
  2. Bureaucracy tends to make it hard to point fingers when something goes wrong. In businesses, leaders try to keep accountability clear, unlike in government.
  3. When people have less authority in their jobs, it's harder to hold them accountable for results. Finding the right balance is crucial for effectiveness.

Why Data Teams Need to Understand Metrics: A Look at Starbucks’ Comparable Store Sales

SeattleDataGuy’s Newsletter • 447 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
💼 Business Metrics Data Analysis Corporate strategy Revenue management
  1. Data teams need to know the main numbers that matter for their business. This helps them understand how the company is performing.
  2. High-level metrics like revenue and expenses can seem too big to grasp. Breaking these down into smaller parts makes them easier to understand.
  3. These smaller, detailed metrics can reveal valuable insights that affect decisions and strategies for the business.