The hottest Business Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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The Bear Cave #244

The Bear Cave • 769 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
💼 Business Finance Investing Corporate Governance Market Analysis Regulation
  1. Fuzzy Panda Research raised concerns about Stride Inc, suggesting it might face serious challenges after benefiting from COVID-related funding. They believe the company is going to struggle with competition and internal issues.
  2. Recent executive resignations from companies like CVS Health and The Joint Corp signal potential instability, as these leaders leave amid significant financial downturns for their companies.
  3. A new FTC rule will make it easier for consumers to cancel subscriptions. This change aims to prevent businesses from making it too hard for people to stop payments for services they no longer want.

From $147 to $1.5M Writing Online | Interview with Ayodeji Awosika

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 779 implied HN points • 11 Jun 24
💼 Business Freelancing Writing Entrepreneurship Online Courses Community Building
  1. Writing can be a real career path; look at those who have succeeded and learn from them.
  2. Building a strong community and engaging with followers is crucial for success; it's better to be known and have strong opinions than to be ignored.
  3. Having an email list is key to connecting with your audience and making money; start building yours today!

Google opens another traffic spigot for publishers

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 449 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
💼 Business Media Advertising Publishing Finance Technology
  1. Google Discover is now a major source of traffic for publishers, but it may lead to less meaningful connections with their audiences. Publishers often end up serving low-quality ads to visitors who leave quickly.
  2. Podcasters are looking to change the trend of having the same guests on many shows to make interviews more unique and engaging. Many hosts are tired of recycled content that doesn’t stand out.
  3. Apple is starting to sell ads in Apple News directly, which could mean more revenue for publishers. This shift may help Apple balance its user privacy principles with the need to generate advertising income.

Fund Raiser! Please buy a subscription.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 18 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
💼 Business Finance Fundraising Subscriptions Economics Entrepreneurship
  1. Money is tight, and it's important to be mindful of our spending. Choosing the cheapest options can help during tough financial times.
  2. Supporting creators and writers through subscriptions can ensure they continue providing content. Your support can make a big difference!
  3. Weather can impact activities like busking, so it's okay to take a break when conditions aren't favorable. Staying safe is a priority.

I Am The Friend Who Will Tell You To Get Paid.

Burnt Toast by Virginia Sole-Smith • 2712 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
💼 Business Money Self-promotion Art Publishing Gender bias
  1. The myth that true artists don't sell their work leads many women and marginalized writers to fear being seen as sell-outs, resulting in lower sales.
  2. Scarcity mindset conditions creatives to accept low pay and resist self-promotion, inhibiting them from knowing and declaring their worth.
  3. Shaming creatives for valuing self-promotion implies it's wrong to recognize and assert your own value.
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How to Spot a Star

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 2859 implied HN points • 06 Oct 24
💼 Business Talent Management Human Resources Staffing Economic Trends
  1. It's important to look beyond just education to spot talent. People can be talented even within the same educational background, and practice and perseverance often matter more than where you went to school.
  2. Personality traits, like conscientiousness, play a big role in success. Those who work hard and stay focused are more likely to succeed, especially in lower-skilled jobs.
  3. Asking unique questions in interviews can help identify true talent. For example, finding out what someone reads for fun can reveal their interests and drive more than traditional job history.

A Winning Strategy

Points And Figures • 932 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
💼 Business Leadership Entrepreneurship Marketing Authenticity Culture
  1. Being authentic is key for leaders. When leaders show their true selves, it helps build trust and culture in their organizations.
  2. Not every leader is suited for every situation. Finding the right fit where authenticity shines can lead to greater success.
  3. People today appreciate genuine leadership. With so much fake behavior around, being authentic stands out and resonates with others.

ACX Grants Results 2024

Astral Codex Ten • 9429 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
💼 Business Grants Advocacy Global Development Bioengineering Political Change
  1. The ACX Grants Results for 2024 announced several innovative projects that received funding, ranging from lead-acid battery recycling in Nigeria to lobbying for changes in kidney donation laws.
  2. The grantees included projects like developing anti-mosquito drones, creating germicidal UV lightbulbs, and advocating for a specialized pandemic response team at the FDA.
  3. The ACX Grants covered a diverse range of causes, including animal welfare, educational attainment, political change, and innovative medical research like artificial kidney creation and phage therapy.

Beyond Prediction: Shaping Your Work Story in an Uncertain World

Workforce Futurist by Andy Spence • 488 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.

Stop blaming rising egg prices on market power

Economic Forces • 11 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
💼 Business Market Theory Supply Chain Competition
  1. Rising egg prices don't always mean companies are taking advantage of their market power. Sometimes, they can be explained by supply issues, like avian flu affecting chicken populations.
  2. When there are fewer eggs available due to supply disruptions, prices can rise a lot even if demand doesn’t change much. This is because people still need eggs for cooking and baking.
  3. Just because prices are high doesn't mean there’s unfair competition. It’s important to look at the whole supply chain and how supply changes can affect prices in a competitive market.

Lessons from Cybersyn

Magis • 227 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
💼 Business Startups Data Economics Innovation Market Trends
  1. Starting a data company can be really challenging because it takes a lot of time and money to create useful products. It’s hard to find customers who are ready to pay for insights quickly.
  2. Big companies have valuable data but making deals can be tough. You often have to convince them to sell data at a good price while also showing them the benefits of monetizing it.
  3. The shift in the market towards valuing profits over growth made it harder to raise funds for data startups. Sometimes, it might be smarter to shut down a project to save capital instead of pushing forward with uncertain outcomes.

My Newsletter Just Became a Substack Bestseller (Although I Was Hesitant to Get Paid First)

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 1858 implied HN points • 22 Mar 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Marketing Online Writing Content creation Freelancing
  1. Building a subscriber base takes time and effort; it's not an overnight success. You have to be patient and keep working hard to grow your audience.
  2. Going paid from the beginning can be beneficial. It’s important to trust your content enough to ask for support early on.
  3. Understanding the difference between followers and subscribers is key. Subscribers want your content directly in their inbox, which is more valuable than just having followers.

Junk Bond Trader

Where's Your Ed At • 13056 implied HN points • 26 Oct 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Finance Marketing Management Investing
  1. Elon Musk is perceived as a modern-day hustler, skilled at manipulating media and markets without creating tangible value.
  2. Musk's success lies in picking companies and products that promise eternal growth, even if the reality doesn't align with the hype.
  3. The acquisitions of SolarCity, Twitter, and the Cybertruck showcase Musk playing outside the odds, relying on emotion, and making risky bets.

The 10 Essential Slides You Need in Your Pitch Deck 📝

The VC Corner • 559 implied HN points • 28 Jun 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Investment Startups Pitching Finance
  1. Every startup needs a strong pitch deck to impress investors. It's not just about showing what you've done, but telling a compelling story about what you can achieve.
  2. Following a clear structure for your pitch deck helps you address investors' concerns. You need to present your vision and strengths in a way that resonates.
  3. These ten essential slides can make your pitch memorable. They help highlight your potential and build a narrative that investors can connect with.

TBM 334: The Capacity Allocation Illusion

The Beautiful Mess • 1031 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
💼 Business Management Operations Finance Strategy Innovation
  1. Capacity in software development isn't just about how many hours people work. It's more complicated and depends on past investments and the overall work environment.
  2. Oversimplifying capacity can lead to poor decisions. You need to consider many factors, like team dynamics and the quality of work, rather than just time spent on tasks.
  3. When asked about spending, it's better to focus on how investments improve future capacity instead of just breaking down hours. Understanding the bigger picture is key.

Top Links 585 Mexico's laborious economy. VW exits Xinjiang. Bibles are booming. Joan Robinson on time & history.

Chartbook • 271 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
💼 Business Economics Labor Trade Globalization Industry
  1. Mexico works a lot, making it the second biggest economy in the OECD by total hours worked, surpassing countries like Germany.
  2. Volkswagen has decided to leave Xinjiang, reflecting changing business strategies in sensitive regions.
  3. There is a rising interest in Bibles, indicating a shift or demand in religious materials.

The Best of 2024: 10 Articles That Shaped Our Thinking About the Future of Work

Workforce Futurist by Andy Spence • 244 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
💼 Business Workplace Technology AI Future of work Digital economy
  1. The traditional CV might become outdated as AI changes how candidates are matched with jobs. Instead, more creative and personalized profiles may take their place.
  2. Imagine a future where jobs aren't the focus anymore. Instead, people might find new ways to create value and purpose without the traditional job structure.
  3. AI will allow people to build their own digital workforce. This could change productivity and how we think about work by using AI to assist in tasks.

Breakdown: Monday.com's AI Credit Model

Good Better Best • 3 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
💼 Business SaaS Pricing AI Project management Automation
  1. Monday.com has introduced an AI credit model that charges users based on successful tasks completed by AI. This encourages teams to try out AI features without fear of wasting credits.
  2. The AI features include automations, dynamic data processors, templates, and specialized assistant apps, all aimed at making workflows more efficient and productive.
  3. This credit-based pricing model allows for flexibility and predictability in costs, but can also add complexity that companies must manage.

How I Identify Clients From Hell

VERY GOOD PRODUCTIZED GUIDES • 159 implied HN points • 19 Aug 24
💼 Business Client Management Freelancing Pricing Strategy Service Industry Marketing
  1. Choosing clients based on shared values and respect makes work more enjoyable. It's important to list what matters most to you in a client relationship.
  2. Your portfolio should showcase work that you are proud of and leads to future opportunities. Focus on clients who will help enhance your portfolio, rather than just any client.
  3. Pricing should reflect the value of your work and your beliefs. Be firm on your rates, but consider flexibility if a client aligns with your values and can enhance your portfolio.

How we could return to the productivity growth of the 1990s

Noahpinion • 4705 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
💼 Business Productivity Economic Policy Investment Labor Market Monetary Policy
  1. Productivity growth is crucial for controlling inflation, maintaining a stable economy, and improving living standards.
  2. To boost productivity growth, a combination of macroeconomic factors like full employment, investment incentives, and stable supply-side conditions is essential.
  3. Three key factors that fostered productivity growth in the 1990s were full employment, high fixed investment, and stable supply with low inflation; replicating these conditions today would require strategic policy interventions.

The Bear Cave #246

The Bear Cave • 559 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
💼 Business Finance Management Investing Corporate Governance Market Analysis
  1. Blue Orca Capital reported that Baldwin Insurance Group has been using some tricky financial practices to make their profits look better than they actually are. They claim the company has serious profitability issues.
  2. Recent leadership changes show a lot of turnover among company executives, with several CFOs and CEOs resigning or being let go. This could indicate bigger problems within those companies.
  3. There are also activist reports about Byrna Technologies, suggesting they might be exaggerating their business success. The reports claim many of their dealers don’t really exist or aren't effective.

Where New Engineering Managers Fail

Diary of an Engineering Manager • 179 implied HN points • 15 Aug 24
💼 Business Management Leadership Human Resources Career development Workplace culture
  1. New engineering managers often struggle with accepting their new role. It's important to embrace this change or else it confuses the team and weakens your leadership.
  2. Many new managers make the mistake of telling their team too much instead of listening. Encouraging team members to share their ideas leads to better solutions and shows that you value their input.
  3. It's common to hold on to tasks instead of delegating them. Letting your team handle their own work not only helps them learn but also frees you up to focus on management responsibilities.

How To Start A Business With No Money

VERY GOOD PRODUCTIZED GUIDES • 339 implied HN points • 22 Jul 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Freelancing Personal Finance Marketing Networking
  1. Finding your unique skills and what people need can guide you to success. Ask yourself what you enjoy and what others are looking for.
  2. Starting with offering free services is a smart way to build trust and gain clients. It helps you showcase your skills and connect with potential customers.
  3. Visualizing your goals and where you want to be in the future can keep you motivated. Focus on what you can achieve step by step, rather than stressing about big leaps.

Top Links 566 Power prices. How will migrants and smugglers respond to the Trump shock? Prisons of power and Keynes on fairy dust.

Chartbook • 429 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
💼 Business Economics Energy Labor Trade Policy
  1. Cheap electricity is making US companies more competitive compared to businesses from other countries.
  2. There are interesting questions about how migrants and smugglers will react to recent changes in politics.
  3. Keynes' ideas are still being discussed today, especially regarding economic concepts like 'fairy dust.'

There’s Now a New Way to Grow Your Substack

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 2877 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
💼 Business Startups Marketing Networking Collaboration Social media
  1. There's a new 'Spreadsheet Directory of Publications' to help writers find collaboration partners. It makes networking easy and fun.
  2. Many creators are looking for ways to work together to grow their subscriber base. Networking can lead to more followers and success.
  3. Creators can also use the new Creator Network by ConvertKit to find others with similar audiences. This can help them reach and engage more subscribers.

One-on-one coaching moment for paid subscribers

Ageling on Agile • 39 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
💼 Business Coaching Management Leadership Agile Product
  1. One-on-one coaching sessions are available for paid subscribers. These sessions allow for personal engagement on topics like Agile, Product Management, and Leadership.
  2. Each subscriber can have six half-hour coaching moments a year. These moments can help clarify work-related issues and provide guidance.
  3. Feedback from subscribers shows that the coaching is valuable. Many find the insights helpful for understanding their challenges and finding solutions.

How Kobe Bryant's $400 Million Investment Win Set The Standard For Athlete Investing

Huddle Up • 55 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
💼 Business Investing Athletes Finance Entrepreneurship Success
  1. Kobe Bryant made a significant investment of $400 million, which shows how athletes can succeed financially after their sports careers. It highlights the importance of smart investing for athletes.
  2. Kobe's dedication and work ethic were key to his success, not just in sports but also in business. This shows that hard work can pay off in multiple fields.
  3. His achievements in investing have set a new standard for how other athletes think about their financial futures. Athletes today can learn from his example.

Disney's ~$4B Acquisition That (Probably) Saved The Company

SatPost by Trung Phan • 79 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
💼 Business Corporate strategy Mergers & Acquisitions Entertainment industry Streaming services Market Trends
  1. Disney made a smart $4 billion purchase of BAMTech to help launch Disney+ and compete with Netflix. This move was key for its success in the streaming market.
  2. BAMTech was originally part of MLB and became a leader in streaming technology, proving essential for Disney's various streaming services like ESPN+ and Hulu.
  3. Disney's pivot to streaming was risky but necessary, as it allowed the company to adapt to changing media trends and focus on digital content, which is now vital for its growth.

Is this the end of SaaS?🤔, Venture debt investments swell in Europe💰, Navigating Corporate Venture Capital💡

The VC Corner • 439 implied HN points • 07 Jul 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Investments Startups Corporate Finance
  1. There are concerns about the future of Software as a Service (SaaS) and whether it might be declining. It's important to think about how technology changes can impact business models.
  2. Venture debt investments are increasing in Europe, showing that companies are looking for alternative ways to raise money. This means more options are available for businesses instead of just traditional equity financing.
  3. Understanding corporate venture capital is crucial for startups. It helps to know how big companies invest in smaller businesses to drive innovation and growth.

Why I've Joined Pattern Ventures as the Firm's Newest GP!

patternventures • 119 implied HN points • 17 Sep 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Investment Finance Startups Entrepreneurship
  1. The venture capital world is changing, with smaller emerging managers expected to yield better returns than larger, established firms. Smaller funds need less total value to achieve strong returns, making them more appealing.
  2. Finding the right emerging managers is really tough. Not all of them will succeed, so it's important to pick those with unique skills and a track record of success.
  3. Emerging VC firms now have a lot of opportunities, especially with many new operators starting their own funds. The early-stage landscape is hot right now, and there's excitement about investing in it.

🔐 TPM Microguide On Interview Preparation - v1.0

Building Rome(s) • 9 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
💼 Business Program Management Interview Prep Technical Skills Career development Professional Growth
  1. Preparation is key for Technical Program Management (TPM) interviews. You should practice personalizing your answers based on your experiences rather than just memorizing them.
  2. Understanding the types of questions you'll face can help a lot. Interviews often include hypothetical scenarios and technical questions, so being ready for these can make you feel more confident.
  3. Having a strong elevator pitch is important. This is your chance to introduce yourself and explain what you bring to the table in a quick and engaging way.

Clouded Judgement 6.6.25 - How to Spot ERR

Clouded Judgement • 6 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
💼 Business Finance Investing Entrepreneurship SaaS Market Trends
  1. It's important for companies to know the difference between ARR (annual recurring revenue) and ERR (experimental run rate revenue). ARR is more stable while ERR can fluctuate a lot, which can affect business decisions.
  2. Some signs of ERR include using products on a trial basis or having fuzzy ROI expectations. Companies should look out for these signs to understand if their revenue is dependable.
  3. Businesses should pay attention to where budgets come from and how contracts are structured. Knowing these details can help avoid unexpected revenue drops.

❄️ How Deer Valley turns $329 lift tickets into a love letter to skiers and the romance of the West ⛷️

the case for brand 💼 • 58 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
💼 Business Marketing Branding Retail Strategy Hospitality
  1. Deer Valley Ski Resort focuses on providing a luxury experience by offering premium services and a limited number of tickets. This makes their skiing experience feel exclusive.
  2. Their marketing emphasizes storytelling and nostalgia, which helps them connect with their guests on a deeper level. They want visitors to feel like they're part of a special tradition.
  3. Deer Valley stays true to its unique identity by avoiding snowboards and promoting an image of an independent, family-owned resort, even though it's part of a larger corporation.

The CTO’s Consulting Rate Calculator

The CTO Substack • 499 implied HN points • 29 Jun 24
💼 Business Consulting Entrepreneurship Startups Technology Leadership
  1. Determine your consulting rate based on client revenue and C-Suite salaries. This helps set a fair price for your services.
  2. Consider the complexity of the company and its engineering team size. A larger or more complicated organization may require a higher fee due to increased work.
  3. Always get paid before starting the work. This ensures that clients respect your time and commitment right from the beginning.

Sailpoint’s lonely IPO accelerates

Alex's Personal Blog • 32 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
💼 Business Startups Finance Investments Market Trends Technology
  1. SailPoint is moving forward with its IPO and has increased its share price range, suggesting a positive market for tech companies. This shows there is still interest in new technology offerings despite some hesitation from other firms.
  2. Startups are reaching $100 million in annual recurring revenue faster than before, making it easier to attract investors. This shift indicates that the traditional milestones for going public are changing.
  3. Shopify had strong revenue growth, but its future profit expectations worried some investors. This illustrates the challenges companies face in today's tough market, even if they are performing well.

How AI security companies fail

Frankly Speaking • 254 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
💼 Business Startups Market Trends Product Development AI Technology Risk management
  1. AI security companies face both market and product risks. If there's no market for their products, they can't succeed.
  2. Startups often fail due to common issues like poor timing or operations. This is true for AI security startups as well.
  3. Many AI security companies are throwing out new ideas to see what works. This trial-and-error approach leads to uncertainty in the market.

The influencer holy grail

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 249 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
💼 Business Media Marketing Influencers Investment Journalism
  1. Influencers want to create content that mixes cooking, fashion, and home decor. This mix attracts sponsors and gives a chance to sell lots of different products to followers.
  2. Local news is struggling, and a small yearly investment could help fix it. Just a bit of money could ensure every county in the US has a local news journalist.
  3. A newsletter called Sunday Long Read became popular by curating long-form articles. It shows how a focused idea can attract a loyal audience and even expand into new areas like podcasts.

Designers who PM

Anant’s Newsletter • 4 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
💼 Business Product Management Design Engineering Team Dynamics Startup Strategy
  1. Hiring a designer who can also manage products can save engineering teams time and resources. They help avoid building the wrong features right from the start.
  2. A designer with product management skills can make design decisions quickly. This keeps projects moving forward and prevents delays in the engineering process.
  3. Having a designer who understands both design and product management helps create a more cohesive product. They can connect different parts of the product and ensure everything aligns properly.

TBM 330: (Un)common Sense Playbook

The Beautiful Mess • 1163 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
💼 Business Management Leadership Team Dynamics Work Culture Organizational Behavior
  1. Getting to know your team is really important. When managers understand their team members, it helps everyone work better together.
  2. Clear communication about goals and priorities helps keep the team focused. It’s better to do a few things really well than to try and do too much at once.
  3. Sometimes, the environment can hold back good management practices. Creating a supportive atmosphere makes it easier for common sense leadership to succeed.