The hottest Business Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics
The Beautiful Mess 674 implied HN points 09 Jan 25
  1. Strategy frameworks help teams figure out what questions to ask and how to answer them. They provide tools to organize and visualize ideas for better clarity.
  2. Different strategy frameworks focus on various aspects of a business. Some are good for visual thinkers, while others suit goal-oriented people or those who prefer simpler approaches.
  3. Understanding and applying strategy is challenging because it's about real-life situations. Successful strategy involves collaboration, adaptability, and accepting uncertainty rather than relying on perfect plans.
Startup Strategies 42 implied HN points 20 Jan 25
  1. SubMarket is a new tool designed to help newsletter owners earn money. It connects newsletter writers with advertisers who want to reach their audience.
  2. The service allows users to create classified ads, making it easier for them to find relevant partnerships. This could be a big boost for those who rely on their newsletters for income.
  3. John Biggs invites anyone interested in being on his show to reach out via email. He seems open to chatting with anyone, which is a nice way to engage with the community.
Diary of an Engineering Manager 159 implied HN points 01 Aug 24
  1. This blog shares real-life experiences of an Engineering Manager to help others grow into leadership roles. It's based on practical stories rather than high-level advice.
  2. It's aimed at senior engineers, team leads, and new engineering managers, providing actionable advice without any confusing jargon.
  3. Readers can expect weekly posts that are easy to understand and filled with insights about the daily life of an Engineering Manager in tech.
the case for brand 💼 72 implied HN points 17 Jan 25
  1. Tracksuit is changing the B2B game by making brand tracking easier and more affordable for businesses. They offer a fun and approachable way to connect brands with their customers.
  2. Their brand strategy focuses on building a supportive community for marketers, making them feel less alone in their roles. They do this through friendly events and a casual, relatable style.
  3. Tracksuit shows that B2B marketing can be exciting! By mixing in real-life events and a more relaxed atmosphere, they make brand tracking engaging and meaningful.
Thái | Hacker | Kỹ sư tin tặc 2296 implied HN points 04 Dec 23
  1. Success in business comes from creating something people want and need, not just what looks good or follows trends.
  2. Focusing on serving customers and generating revenue is more important initially than fancy offices or elaborate company structures.
  3. Innovation thrives when failure is embraced, and simplicity is prioritized over elaborate ventures.
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Diary of an Engineering Manager 62 HN points 29 Aug 24
  1. Moving from individual contributor to engineering manager means letting go of past habits. You need to make room for new responsibilities and ways of working.
  2. As a manager, you won't build things directly. Instead, you'll help your team create and support multiple projects, shifting focus from personal achievements to team successes.
  3. Managers face longer feedback loops and must learn to communicate tough issues early on. This shift encourages patience and improves team dynamics.
Mule’s Musings 417 implied HN points 20 Oct 24
  1. ASML's recent earnings revealed a drop in orders and concerns about future growth, particularly due to challenges in their Chinese market and demand from major clients like Samsung and Intel.
  2. TSMC reported strong earnings with high demand for AI-related products and plans for significant capital investment, showing confidence in their growth despite market fears.
  3. The semiconductor industry is facing a shift, with lithography spending likely slowing down, but both ASML and TSMC are positioned to adapt to these changes for future growth.
The Ruffian 294 implied HN points 23 Nov 24
  1. Jaguar is undergoing a major rebranding and switching to an all-electric vehicle lineup, but they won't have new cars to sell until 2026. This means they are promoting themselves as a brand without tangible products.
  2. The new branding has sparked a lot of negative reactions, suggesting that their attempt to modernize may be seen as losing their identity rather than revitalizing it.
  3. Jaguar is aiming to target wealthier consumers with fewer, more expensive vehicles, moving towards a luxury market rather than competing with mainstream car brands.
Kristina God's Online Writing Club 839 implied HN points 12 Apr 24
  1. There are new features for Substack that help non-native writers, like setting a default language for their newsletters.
  2. German-speaking writers want to connect and collaborate more, and there's a new online space for this group to share and improve their skills together.
  3. It's important for writers to stay consistent and confident, even if they feel like no one is reading their work.
Richard Lewis 1631 implied HN points 21 Jan 24
  1. Riot Games faced internal conflicts over participation in a Saudi Arabian tournament due to LGBTQ+ concerns
  2. There was controversy over Riot's decision to work with a government that criminalizes homosexuality
  3. Internal messages revealed mixed feelings within Riot about business relationships with Saudi Arabia
Simon Owens's Media Newsletter 399 implied HN points 23 Oct 24
  1. Semafor has grown significantly in just two years, with over 80 staff members and 750,000 newsletter subscribers. They stayed focused on key topics, keeping their costs low while attracting a valuable audience.
  2. Costco's magazine is more popular than many big-name publications because it delivers useful tips and highlights its vendors. It shows how a focused approach can yield success.
  3. Political Wire's successful subscription model offers extra content and perks for loyal readers. Building a strong community can really help in retaining subscribers.
The VC Corner 659 implied HN points 04 May 24
  1. Product Market Fit (PMF) means having a product that people really want or need. It's not just about making the product; you also have to learn how to sell it well.
  2. To achieve PMF, start by identifying a specific problem people face and create a strong solution. It’s important that the problem is significant enough for people to want to pay to solve it.
  3. Successful startups often follow a process to reach PMF, which includes finding a niche, validating pricing, and continuously improving the product based on customer feedback.
The Product Channel By Sid Saladi 23 implied HN points 09 Feb 25
  1. AI is changing how software is developed, making coding faster and easier. This shift requires more skilled product managers who can focus on what to build rather than just how to build it.
  2. Product managers are becoming key players as products get more complicated. They need to manage different technologies and ensure that everything works well together to meet user needs.
  3. As AI tools handle more routine tasks, product managers will have a bigger role in driving innovation and defining new products, ensuring that technology advancements translate into meaningful solutions.
The Beautiful Mess 952 implied HN points 01 Dec 24
  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.
lawrence’s Substack 758 implied HN points 21 Apr 24
  1. Tesla's recent actions have caused a shift in sentiment for the worse, leading to skepticism and concern about the company's future.
  2. The attempt to restore Musk's 2018 compensation package is under scrutiny and may face legal challenges, impacting Tesla's financial standing.
  3. Questions surrounding Tesla's Model 2 development, autonomy achievements, robotaxi plans, earnings, staff departures, and production decisions are crucial for understanding the company's direction.
Kyle Poyar’s Growth Unhinged 410 implied HN points 12 Feb 25
  1. Automation in marketing doesn't mean sending many random messages. It can be effective by targeting the right audience in a smart way.
  2. Using advanced tools, businesses can reach out to potential clients based on specific signals, like job changes or website visits, making outreach more relevant.
  3. By focusing on quality over quantity, automated strategies can significantly improve response rates and lead conversion, creating a more successful approach to sales.
The VC Corner 419 implied HN points 08 Jun 24
  1. A pitch deck is a short presentation that startup founders use to attract investors. It's essential to communicate your business idea clearly and make it appealing.
  2. Investors often have limited time to review pitch decks, so it's important to make your slides simple and direct. Help them easily understand your business and its value.
  3. Including a strong story in your pitch deck is crucial. Outline your business's problem, solution, and unique value in a way that resonates with investors.
Venture Curator 319 implied HN points 25 Jun 24
  1. Network effects are crucial for the success of a startup, with big companies utilizing them to create sustainable businesses.
  2. Measuring if a startup has network effects involves evaluating metrics related to acquisition, competitors, engagement, and economics.
  3. Understanding the nature of a company's network effects and tracking metrics like user retention cohorts and pricing power are essential for founders.
In My Tribe 698 implied HN points 02 Jan 25
  1. Many companies are reducing their number of middle managers to trim costs and cut bureaucracy. This means fewer people are overseeing employees, which can simplify decision-making.
  2. Firms are focusing on their core business and letting go of complex managerial structures that don’t add immediate value. They might be cutting back on certain initiatives to streamline operations.
  3. Cost-cutting has become a priority for many senior executives, especially when revenue growth slows. This focus on reducing expenses can lead to a significant reshaping of company structures.
Neckar’s Notes 15 implied HN points 30 Jan 25
  1. Warren Buffett combined reading with building strong relationships to grow his wealth. Both his knowledge and connections helped him succeed.
  2. Buffett pursued wealth in a way that was meaningful and enjoyable to him, focusing on personal growth and independence.
  3. The next Buffett will be proactive in seeking knowledge and crafting their own path, rather than just copying what others did.
Thái | Hacker | Kỹ sư tin tặc 4233 implied HN points 01 Apr 23
  1. The author has decided to leave Google after nearly 12 years, feeling sad about this personal decision.
  2. The author jokingly chose April Fools' Day to announce this decision but ultimately feels the weight of the farewell.
  3. Working at Google was a dream come true for the author, and they express deep gratitude towards their colleagues and friends.
The Social Juice 19 implied HN points 09 Feb 25
  1. OpenAI has introduced a new feature called Deep Search, which helps with deep research online. This could change how we find and understand complex information.
  2. LinkedIn is focusing more on video content, with a 36% increase in video uploads. This shift could influence how professionals share and engage with content.
  3. Google's new AI updates aim to improve advertising performance and user experience. These advancements highlight the growing role of AI in digital marketing.
The Social Juice 31 implied HN points 02 Feb 25
  1. Google launched a new tool to help marketers measure their advertising effectiveness across different platforms. This tool should make it easier to understand what works best for their campaigns.
  2. OpenAI introduced a smaller version of their AI model, making it available for free. This aims to provide more people access to AI tools for their projects.
  3. There are concerns about privacy and safety in social media, especially with bills being proposed to limit access for kids under 13. This shows a growing tension between tech companies and government regulations.
The VC Corner 359 implied HN points 16 Jun 24
  1. To get into venture capital, you need to build connections and understand the industry well. Networking and learning from experiences are crucial steps.
  2. The European venture capital market has a specific deal-making process that can be different from other regions. Knowing this funnel can help you navigate opportunities better.
  3. There's a growing competition among billionaires for AI technology. Understanding this battle can give insights into where future investments might be directed.
Simon Owens's Media Newsletter 274 implied HN points 11 Nov 24
  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.
The Bear Cave 396 implied HN points 16 Feb 25
  1. There's been some concern about AppLovin, a mobile app company. A researcher claims they are using a scheme that makes it look like users are rewarded for in-app purchases, which might not be genuine.
  2. Multiple company executives have recently resigned, including CEOs and CFOs from several firms. This shows instability in some companies and could affect their future performance.
  3. Some activists are raising issues about well-known companies, like Coca-Cola, and their social policies. This highlights ongoing debates around corporate responsibility and public perception.
First 1000 1592 implied HN points 16 Jan 24
  1. Mashups can create new names by merging two words together.
  2. Play on words involves creatively using spelled terms to describe a product.
  3. Paying tribute by naming a company after someone or something significant adds meaning.
Net Interest 17 implied HN points 31 Jan 25
  1. The demand for data centers is skyrocketing due to growth in AI and cloud services. Companies and investors are putting big money into building these facilities to meet future needs.
  2. Major tech companies like Meta and Microsoft are planning to invest heavily in AI infrastructure this year. This indicates that there's a big race to develop the necessary resources for AI technology.
  3. Recent developments suggest that new AI models can be produced with less infrastructure than before. This raises questions about the future profitability of data center companies, as they might not be as essential to AI advancements.
State of the Future 323 implied HN points 25 Feb 25
  1. The way we research and develop investment ideas in venture capital is changing. Now, smaller firms can compete with big players because information is easier and cheaper to access.
  2. As everyone starts using the same data and insights, decision-making might become more about trusting your instincts than just following numbers. Investors might need to rely on what's not obvious or data-driven.
  3. The most successful investors in the future will be those who combine experience and wisdom with their specialized knowledge. It's not just about the data anymore; understanding what truly matters will set them apart.
Why is this interesting? 904 implied HN points 03 Dec 24
  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.
Nova Terra News 738 implied HN points 15 Apr 24
  1. Nova Terra Inc. is focused on creating a sustainable future through innovative building materials like EcoBlox made from lime-stabilized compressed earth blocks.
  2. The founder, Lisa Morey, has a background in earthen masonry and is passionate about infusing technological innovation into traditional building methods.
  3. Acceleration in business growth, pitching to major projects like the Georgia O'Keeffe museum, and receiving positive feedback have energized Lisa Morey and Nova Terra Inc. for a promising future.
Kristina God's Online Writing Club 1099 implied HN points 02 Mar 24
  1. You can make money writing on Medium, but it takes time, effort, and a good strategy. Many writers don't succeed because they rush or lack a clear plan.
  2. Medium has a large potential audience and a payment program that can benefit writers. However, most writers earn less than $100 a month because they don't utilize this platform effectively.
  3. Many new writers quit after a year due to slow growth and unrealistic expectations. It's important to stay committed and focus on improving your writing and promotion strategies.
Faster, Please! 456 implied HN points 19 Oct 24
  1. Google is making seven small nuclear reactors to power its AI data centers. This is a big step for clean energy in tech, aiming for carbon-free power by 2035.
  2. The US economy is doing really well compared to other rich countries. It's growing faster and has better output per person than places like Europe and Japan.
  3. SpaceX successfully caught a returning rocket in mid-air. This shows how technology can make amazing ideas a reality.
The Bear Cave 559 implied HN points 16 Jan 25
  1. Lab-grown diamonds are becoming very popular, especially among younger couples, because they are cheaper and ethically sourced. Many people prefer them over traditional mined diamonds.
  2. Signet Jewelers, a major diamond retailer, is facing challenges as the market shifts towards lab-grown diamonds. They are trying to promote mined diamonds through a new advertising campaign aimed at younger customers.
  3. The diamond industry has a lot of hidden information and marketing tricks that make it hard to understand the true value of diamonds. An expert is now sharing insights to help clear up the confusion.