The hottest Business Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

RTO's Dead Cat Bounce

Make Work Better • 98 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
💼 Business Work Culture Management Employee engagement Technology Adoption
  1. Many companies that push for office returns are being seen as out of touch, as employees are leaving in response to strict policies.
  2. New AI tools are emerging to help manage work, making it easier for people to keep up with meetings without attending them all.
  3. Investing in employee training and culture is key for business success, and companies need to adapt to modern work-life demands to thrive.

Lessons from $1/day challenge

Kenny’s Sub • 299 implied HN points • 22 Jul 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Marketing Sales E-commerce Product Development
  1. Haggling often doesn't work well in the long run. It's better to stick to your price and negotiate on other terms if needed.
  2. $1 can feel expensive to some people. They may not see the value in what they are buying or find it too much effort for a small price.
  3. You need to have products ready to sell. Without anything to offer, it's tough to make money. Planning ahead is crucial.

The Magic Loop

Lenny's Newsletter • 4559 implied HN points • 19 Sep 23
💼 Business Career growth Personal Development
  1. The Magic Loop is a framework for rapid career growth with five basic steps.
  2. The core Loop consists of doing your job well, asking your manager how you can help, doing what they ask, asking for work that aligns with your career goals, and repeating the cycle.
  3. Building a cooperative relationship with your manager through the Magic Loop can lead to career advancement and mutual benefits.

This is Math Meets Money

Math Meets Money • 139 implied HN points • 19 Aug 24
💼 Business Finance Operations Strategy Recruitment Consulting
  1. Math Meets Money is a newsletter that helps scientists understand the business world using clear explanations. It's designed for those with scientific backgrounds who want to transition into business roles.
  2. The newsletter addresses common barriers scientists face when entering the business world. These include feeling over-qualified, under-qualified compared to others, and struggling with the specialized language of business.
  3. Readers can expect daily briefings on business terms and concepts, along with deeper dives into case studies and current events on weekends. This is all aimed at empowering scientists to innovate in industry.

The Difference Between Success & Failure: Good Hiring

The Green Techpreneur • 8 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Hiring Management Investment Strategy
  1. Having the right team is crucial for a company's success. It's not just about skills; it's about finding people who fit well together and share a common passion.
  2. Hiring based on experience alone can be misleading. It's more important to look for motivation and energy, as these qualities can drive real success.
  3. Every employee matters, no matter their role. When building a business, listen to everyone's input, as everyone contributes to the company's success.
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LinkedIn

Public Universal Friend • 79 implied HN points • 02 Sep 24
💼 Business Marketing Customer Engagement Data Analysis Growth Strategies
  1. Using a customer engagement platform like Customer.io can help marketers improve their targeting and maximize growth. It offers better data management and less need for technical support.
  2. Spring is a great time for businesses to focus on improving conversions through digital marketing strategies. Real-time data can help companies get more return on their investment.
  3. Personal connections and genuine interactions are valuable, even in business communication. Taking the time to show real interest can make a difference.

The Impact of Founder Personalities on Company Success

The VC Corner • 779 implied HN points • 25 May 24
💼 Business Startups Entrepreneurship Leadership Decision-making Team Dynamics
  1. Founders' personalities really affect how they make decisions. For example, some might be more open to new ideas, helping them find creative solutions, while others may prefer detailed plans to avoid mistakes.
  2. Different types of founders work best together. Having a mix of personalities, like a 'Hipster, Hacker, and Hustler' trio, can boost a startup's chances of success.
  3. A diverse founding team is important. Each member brings unique strengths, which can help the company adapt and grow in challenging situations.

What I learned in year three of Platformer

Platformer • 4461 implied HN points • 19 Sep 23
💼 Business Journalism Tech Platforms AI Advertising Industry
  1. Platformer has experienced significant growth in subscribers over the past year, thanks to various factors like talented staff, impactful stories, and the Substack recommendations engine.
  2. The broader tech media ecosystem is facing challenges with layoffs and diminishing vitality, prompting journalists to consider the challenges and opportunities of transitioning to independent journalism.
  3. Platformer's plans for the future include expanding the team with new hires, experimenting with newsletter ads, and potentially supporting independent journalism through investments or grants.

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.

How To Promote Your Service Business Online For Free

VERY GOOD PRODUCTIZED GUIDES • 239 implied HN points • 29 Jul 24
💼 Business Marketing Customer Acquisition Online presence Entrepreneurship Networking
  1. Identify where your potential customers hang out online and focus your marketing efforts there. Using platforms like Email and LinkedIn can really help you connect with the right people.
  2. List your business on free directories to improve your visibility. Even just a couple of free listings can significantly boost your website traffic and bring in more potential clients.
  3. Create attractive offers to draw in new clients and build trust. Giving something away for free can spark interest and lead to potential future business deals.

How VCs Build Soft Power

The Generalist • 780 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Personal Branding Soft Power Investment Strategies Entrepreneurship
  1. Soft power is important for venture capitalists because it helps them stand out in a competitive market. It’s not just about money but also reputation and influence.
  2. Building soft power takes time, but new VCs can start quickly by finding their unique voice and using online platforms to share their ideas.
  3. Learning from experienced investors can help avoid common pitfalls. They share their mistakes and successes to help others grow their soft power effectively.

AI Eats Equity Research

Net Interest • 13 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
💼 Business Equity Research Artificial Intelligence Financial Analysis Investment Trends Technology impact
  1. AI tools like OpenAI's Deep Research can now quickly gather and analyze financial information, making research much faster than before. This is changing how equity analysts do their jobs.
  2. Instead of relying on research assistants, analysts can use AI to find critical insights in real-time during meetings. This allows them to ask smarter questions based on the latest data.
  3. As AI technology improves, it could take over more of the research tasks that analysts do. This raises questions about the future roles of these analysts in the finance industry.

The Shift to Account-Driven GTM

MKT1 Newsletter • 4 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
💼 Business Marketing Sales Strategy Startups Data
  1. Companies need to switch to an account-driven approach for marketing and sales. This means focusing on specific accounts instead of just waiting for leads to come in.
  2. New tools now let marketers understand their entire audience better. They can gather more data on accounts, allowing for more tailored outreach and personalized content.
  3. This shift requires teamwork across departments like marketing, sales, and customer success. Everyone has to work together to effectively target and engage with chosen accounts.

Movers, Shakers, & Money Makers (10/14)

Human Capitalist • 19 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
💼 Business Employment Management Finance Marketing Job Changes
  1. Several key job changes happened recently, showing interesting shifts in various industries. People are moving to new roles that might change their companies significantly.
  2. Big tech alumni are finding new opportunities in different fields, indicating a trend of high talent being reused across industries. This could lead to innovation in sectors outside big tech.
  3. Monitoring job changes can be valuable for investors, recruiters, or anyone interested in career movements. Staying updated helps you know where talent is heading.

8 Key Themes You Should Be Preparing For Your Behavioral Interviews

Behavioral OS for Techies • 219 implied HN points • 01 Aug 24
💼 Business Interviews Career development Human Resources Employee Experience
  1. You should prepare stories about your experiences with customers. This can show how you improve their experience and handle complaints.
  2. It's important to share your successes and how you overcame challenges. This helps interviewers see your problem-solving skills and achievements.
  3. Think about times you've faced failure or conflict. Sharing these experiences can show how you learn from mistakes and work well with others.

Companies are the new City-States

The Novelleist • 619 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
💼 Business Corporate culture Economics Globalization Innovation
  1. Companies are becoming wealthier and more influential than many countries. For example, Apple has a market value that's larger than the GDP of most nations.
  2. Businesses are more flexible and can adapt quickly to changes. They often provide better working conditions and rights, such as parental leave and healthcare, ahead of government regulations.
  3. Companies can address social issues like education and housing, stepping in where government services may fall short. This makes them more effective at creating positive change in society.

All content should flow toward newsletter signups

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 349 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
💼 Business Media Entrepreneurship Marketing E-commerce Finance
  1. Good content should always encourage people to sign up for newsletters. This helps creators grow their audience and make money.
  2. You can succeed on platforms like Substack even if you start with no followers. Many people have built their subscriber base from scratch.
  3. Partnerships can help you grow faster. Teaming up with established brands can lead to more visibility and subscribers.

TBM 338: 4 Core Product OS Design Competencies

The Beautiful Mess • 647 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
💼 Business Operations Leadership Product Design Systems Thinking Domain Knowledge
  1. Good leadership is key for a product team's success. Leaders need to support and influence their teams effectively, helping them navigate challenges without adding to their stress.
  2. Having the right experience matters. People should understand the product work deeply, as it helps them make better decisions and recognize what needs to be automated or done manually.
  3. Being skilled in operations and systems thinking is important. This means knowing how to manage workflows, map needs, and ensure that the right tools are in place for an efficient process.

The American Eschaton is Almost Here

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 1787 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
💼 Business Crowdfunding Publishing Marketing Game design Self-promotion
  1. The author has launched a crowdfunding campaign for a new RPG sourcebook filled with over 1,000 magic items. They believe it's important to launch it now while things are still stable.
  2. They encourage people who love Dungeons & Dragons, or want to share it with family, to support the book. The author thinks it could bring back good, classic gaming values.
  3. There's an upcoming livestream where the author will discuss gaming and pop culture, and interact with viewers. It's an opportunity for fans to ask questions and learn more.

TBM 335: "Simple" Dependency Coordination

The Beautiful Mess • 753 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
💼 Business Team Dynamics Project management Collaboration Productivity
  1. It's better to focus on fewer tasks and do them well, rather than spreading yourself too thin and making mediocre progress on everything. Aim for a clear main focus.
  2. Collaboration patterns between teams are more effective than just relying on lists of tasks. Discuss how to work together instead of getting bogged down in details.
  3. Starting with a conservative approach is usually smarter. Leaving some room for capacity means you can tackle tasks better rather than cramming everything in and ending up with nothing to show.

Issue #13 - Defining the Data Operating Model

The Data Ecosystem • 359 implied HN points • 07 Jul 24
💼 Business Data Strategy Organizational Structure Team Dynamics Business Processes Collaboration
  1. A Data Operating Model is key for turning data strategy into action. It outlines how the organization works to achieve its goals using data.
  2. Without a proper Data Operating Model, companies face problems like data silos and short-term thinking. This impacts collaboration and the quality of data solutions.
  3. Successful operating models need to adapt as teams grow and change. They should cover not just team structure but also day-to-day tasks, delivery methods, and oversight.

What the East African Plains Ape Anthology Intelligence Has Managed to Do, with Respect to the Economy

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 253 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
💼 Business Economics Society Growth Institutions Transition
  1. Human society has evolved from slow, agricultural growth to rapid industrial progress, but we still struggle with managing this change effectively.
  2. The historical shift from cooperation to domination in societies has created challenges in creating systems that benefit everyone today.
  3. We have the potential for great prosperity, but we need better institutions to help us use our resources wisely and live well.

How To Determine If You Have The Product-Market Fit - From a16z & Sequoia Capital. | VC Jobs

Venture Curator • 419 implied HN points • 28 Jun 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Startup funding Tech news Decision-making
  1. Product-Market Fit is crucial for startups; it means customers are buying and using the product enthusiastically.
  2. Metrics are key to determine Product-Market Fit; track factors like customer acquisition cost, customer lifetime value, and retention rates.
  3. If you haven't achieved Product-Market Fit, focus on customer feedback, keep your team lean, and avoid ineffective shortcuts.

The Future of Investing 101

Investing 101 • 87 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
💼 Business Investing Venture Capital Market Trends Business Models Entrepreneurship
  1. Writing helps clarify thoughts and ideas. It's surprising how much understanding comes from putting words on the page.
  2. Conversations with others can spark valuable insights. Talking about ideas can lead to new perspectives that writing alone might miss.
  3. Improving writing involves more than just writing. It includes reading, watching content, and engaging in dialogue to enhance learning and thinking.

TBM 321: "Reducing Complexity"

The Beautiful Mess • 1480 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
💼 Business Management Leadership Productivity Work Culture Organizational Behavior
  1. Product work is naturally complex because it involves many changing factors and teamwork among different groups. This complexity isn't bad; it's just part of making meaningful products.
  2. A company operates as a complex system influenced by habits, processes, and people. This can lead to mismanagement and stress when priorities clash and workloads become heavy.
  3. Leaders should not try to simplify the work itself but instead create an environment where teams can handle their complexity efficiently. Reducing friction and improving communication can help people do better work together.

Jevons Paradox

davidj.substack • 35 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
💼 Business Economics Investment Technology Efficiency Resource Management
  1. Jevons Paradox shows that when something becomes cheaper to use, people tend to use more of it, which can actually lead to higher overall consumption. This means that efficiency gains may not reduce usage as expected.
  2. When teams save money through efficiency, they're likely to spend their budgets on new projects instead of cutting costs. They want to use their saved money to create more value.
  3. Using tools that are easier and more efficient can lead to discovering new ways to use them, increasing overall spending on those tools instead of cutting back. This often justifies bigger budgets for future projects.

The dream of deregulation - the grid part III

Construction Physics • 9812 implied HN points • 17 Jun 23
💼 Business Energy Regulation Competition Market Policy
  1. Electric power in the US was historically monopolized by utility companies, but cracks in the system started to appear in the 1960s and 1970s.
  2. The Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 revolutionized the energy industry by creating a new class of independent power producers called Qualifying Facilities, leading to an increase in non-utility electricity generation.
  3. Deregulation of the electric power industry began in the 1990s and 2000s, with the unbundling of generation and transmission services, creation of new power suppliers like Exempt Wholesale Generators, and the establishment of Independent System Operators and Regional Transmission Organizations to introduce competition.

How Much Frustration Can You Tolerate? | LSW#60

The Leading Sapiens Weekly • 90 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
💼 Business Leadership Personal Growth Goal setting Motivation
  1. Tolerating frustration is important for long-term success. It helps us stick to our goals even when things get tough.
  2. Lowering your standards can actually help. It means accepting that things won't always be easy, which allows us to push through challenges.
  3. Seeing frustration as a teacher can change our mindset. Instead of avoiding it, we should embrace it as part of the growth process.

Brands are really eager to sponsor live events

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 224 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
💼 Business Media Sponsorship Events Marketing Sports
  1. Brands are very interested in sponsoring live events. This means companies see value in connecting with people in person.
  2. The NFL is becoming a huge media player, making billions from TV rights and producing lots of its own content. They're seen as one of the most valuable media properties globally.
  3. B2B media is on the rise, especially after the pandemic, as more businesses are looking to connect in person through events and other platforms.

Issuing Equity: A Guide for Startups

The VC Corner • 439 implied HN points • 22 Jun 24
💼 Business Startups Finance Investment Ownership Equity
  1. Issuing equity means giving part of your startup away in exchange for money or investment. This can change who makes decisions in your company.
  2. It's important to understand the terms of what you're agreeing to when you issue equity. Knowing the details can help you make smarter choices.
  3. Different types of agreements and shares can impact your startup's future. Make sure to learn about these options before moving forward.

Don't just apply, opt-in

Creating Value from Nothing • 662 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
💼 Business Hiring Recruitment Company Culture Career development Employee engagement
  1. Candidates can experience the company culture firsthand by attending events like the Super Weekend. This allows them to see what working there is really like.
  2. Meeting actual customers and solving real-world problems helps potential hires understand the company's mission and approach better.
  3. The company commits to hosting regular Super Weekends to attract talented individuals and let them see how great the team is. It's a chance for candidates to really opt-in rather than just applying.

The price of payments

Substack • 1191 implied HN points • 12 Aug 24
💼 Business Creator Economy Digital Payments App Store Subscription Models
  1. Creators using platforms like Patreon are facing new costs because of Apple's requirement for in-app purchase systems and their associated fees. This change might lead creators to either raise prices for subscribers or absorb the costs themselves.
  2. Apple's in-app purchase system is very effective for making payments easy and safe, but it also puts a financial strain on creators who use these platforms for their work.
  3. The rise of the creator economy is shifting the dynamic between creators and platforms, as creators are seeking more control over their relationships and earnings. There's an opportunity for creators and platforms to innovate and work together for better solutions.

Winning iPhone Orders is no Longer Victory

Tim Culpan’s Position • 39 implied HN points • 11 Sep 24
💼 Business Economics Supply Chain Manufacturing Technology Market Trends
  1. Luxshare and Foxconn are both working on assembling iPhones, but Luxshare's recent orders don't seem to bring in much more money for the company. Their iPhone assembly success hasn't led to significant revenue growth.
  2. Apple is a big client for both companies, but they are overly dependent on it. Luxshare's reliance on Apple for 75% of its revenue is worrying for investors, especially as Apple's overall sales have been slowing.
  3. To succeed, Luxshare might need to expand into new areas like AI servers rather than just focusing on iPhones. However, they face challenges in doing this and need to be cautious about their future strategies.