The hottest Business Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

Lessons From Over 13 Million Naira Worth of Organic WhatsApp Sales

Day One • 758 implied HN points • 24 Feb 24
💼 Business Sales Marketing Content creation Data Analysis Customer Support
  1. Building trust and authority through valuable content is essential for selling products or services online
  2. Utilizing testimonials and free high-quality content can greatly persuade potential customers to make a purchase
  3. Addressing objections, providing ongoing support, and reducing buyer's remorse are key to maintaining customer satisfaction and loyalty

Not another marketing trends report: I accidentally wrote this

The Social Juice • 41 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
💼 Business Marketing Trends Advertising Consumer behavior Digital Media
  1. Brands are focusing more on real-life experiences instead of CGI and visual effects. Real events can engage customers just as strongly as elaborate digital fantasies.
  2. The lines between online and in-person experiences are blurring for Gen-Z. They still value real-world events but are motivated by how they can boost their online presence.
  3. AI in marketing is shifting from low-quality content to more creative, thoughtful pieces. It's about using technology to enhance storytelling and engage audiences better.

Successful Startups Grow Quadratically, Not Exponentially. | VC Jobs

Venture Curator • 239 implied HN points • 11 Jun 24
💼 Business Startups Venture Capital Marketing Job Opportunities Product Development
  1. Successful startups grow quadratically, not exponentially, debunking the common misconception about their growth pattern.
  2. A framework for finding the right customers for your MVP involves focusing on a special subset of users who are excited about the long-term vision of the product.
  3. Understanding the Power User Curve can help identify and cater to highly engaged users, leading to more targeted product development and growth strategies.
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Using fake deadlines without driving your engineers crazy

Leading Developers • 98 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
💼 Business Management Leadership Productivity Engineering Workplace
  1. Setting deadlines helps teams focus and improve productivity. When there’s a finish line, people are more likely to get things done quickly.
  2. Involve your team in setting deadlines to avoid frustration. If they help decide what's realistic, they'll feel more committed to meeting the goal.
  3. It's okay to be flexible with deadlines. Sometimes things change, and what's important is clear communication with the team about any adjustments.

Philosophical economics: Shameless robber barons

Klement on Investing • 12 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
💼 Business Economics Inequality Capitalism Philosophy Market Competition
  1. Wealth inequality in America is high, but it was worse during the Gilded Age. The richest 1% owned about 35% of all assets in 2020, which is a lot, but not as much as in 1913.
  2. Top American companies today, like tech giants, make huge profits that are not normal in competitive markets. They don't face enough competition, which leads to these big profits staying high.
  3. Today’s billionaires don't seem to share the same sense of responsibility as past leaders like Rockefeller and Carnegie. Many seem more focused on personal success rather than helping society.

Networking as sending "hard to fake" signals

Optima & Outliers • 299 implied HN points • 25 May 24
💼 Business Networking Career development Recruitment Job search Personal Branding
  1. Networking is not just about meeting people; it's about sending strong signals that you are trustworthy and capable. These signals help you stand out and show your potential to employers.
  2. There are two key types of networking: informational networking to learn about a field, and evaluative networking to impress hiring decision-makers. Start by gathering information and then shift to showcasing your value.
  3. To avoid coming off as sleazy while networking, focus on having genuine conversations and showing real interest. Don’t name-drop or overly flatter others; instead, respect their time and build connections naturally.

There's a whole lot of ugly out there when it comes to growth teams.

Elena's Growth Scoop • 904 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
💼 Business Marketing Management Growth Finance Leadership
  1. The growth teams face systematic failures in the industry due to various issues like unclear growth fundamentals and bad strategic decisions from executives.
  2. Symptoms of a bad growth team include not focusing on monetization, neglecting retention, and obsessing over 'hacks' instead of building sustainable growth engines.
  3. To build a successful growth team, companies need to prioritize monetization, retention, and data-driven decision-making, and ensure alignment between departments for optimal results.

Let It Snow, Let It Go: The SnowVendor’s Dilemma

Gad’s Newsletter • 29 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
💼 Business Operations Economics Logistics Supply Chain Resource Management
  1. Cities need to balance snow removal resources to avoid wasting money during mild winters while being prepared for severe storms. Too many resources can cost a lot, while too few can lead to big problems.
  2. Using data to predict snowfall and plan ahead helps cities manage their snow removal strategies better. This includes estimating how many snowplows and how much salt they will need based on past snow events.
  3. Pooling snow removal resources among cities sounds good, but it can create logistical challenges. Sharing equipment and supply can be complicated during serious snow events when everyone needs help at the same time.

The VC Corner 📰 #14

The VC Corner • 739 implied HN points • 25 Feb 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Startups Finance Market Trends Economic outlook
  1. Exit values for companies are dropping, which means it's harder for startups to sell and make a profit. This could affect how investors view their investments.
  2. Founder salaries are being measured more consistently, giving better benchmarks for what startup founders can expect to earn. It's important for new entrepreneurs to know this info.
  3. The overall outlook for the VC industry seems uncertain right now, with challenges ahead. Investors might need to adjust their strategies going forward.

5 Big Questions for Work in 2025

Workforce Futurist by Andy Spence • 97 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
💼 Business AI Impact Remote work Corporate culture Freelancing
  1. AI will change how we work by letting us have our own digital helpers for specific tasks. It's important to see if these tools will really help or just add noise to our work.
  2. The debate on whether remote work or office work is better is still ongoing. Some big companies are pushing workers back to the office, but studies show it doesn't always lead to better productivity.
  3. There's a rise in one-person businesses thanks to lower costs and faster technology. This gives individuals a better chance to create successful ventures without needing a big team.

News of the Week (February 5 - 9)

Stock Market Nerd • 825 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
💼 Business Tech Finance Earnings Macro Portfolio
  1. Cloudflare provides web optimization and security, showing strong revenue growth and expanding services beyond traditional security tools like network firewalls
  2. Spotify had a mixed quarter, with growth seen in 2023 but missed revenue estimates for Q4, leading to a focus on evolving its operations
  3. Amazon plans cost cuts in its healthcare unit, while Duolingo faces the risk of potential disruption by emerging GenAI language translation technologies

The Renaissance of Media

Growth Croissant • 963 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
💼 Business Media Entrepreneurship Growth Monetization Team Management
  1. Building a media business as an individual is challenging and requires hard work and consistency.
  2. As a media business grows, managing growth, monetization, and tech can become distracting from the core creative efforts.
  3. To bridge the resource gap between large media companies and individual creators, providing hands-on support for tech and growth can be beneficial.

Has TikTok improved its revenue share for creators?

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 199 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
💼 Business Media Social media Content creation Revenue Models Digital marketing
  1. TikTok has raised its revenue share for creators, allowing them to earn more money for their popular videos. This is a big improvement compared to past payment models where payouts were very low.
  2. Many creators and entrepreneurs are finding success by selling products related to their content, showing that building a brand can lead to financial opportunities beyond just ad revenue.
  3. Platforms like Google Discover are helping publishers counteract declines in traffic from traditional search, showing the changing landscape of content distribution and discovery.

the power of nested focus

Tiny Empires • 183 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Marketing Revenue streams Task management Business strategy
  1. Focus on one business at a time to give it the attention it needs. Trying to juggle multiple businesses can lead to poor performance and burnout.
  2. Limit yourself to two revenue streams within your business. This way, you can dedicate your efforts to making them successful, instead of spreading yourself too thin with too many options.
  3. Rely on just two marketing channels to reach your audience. Mastering a couple of channels is more effective than attempting to be everywhere without clear engagement.

GC, a16z Capture 44% VC fundraising💰, Massive Acquisitions in Software Startups 🛒, Network Effects🕸️

The VC Corner • 379 implied HN points • 05 May 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Startups Acquisitions Fundraising Market Trends
  1. GC and a16z are leading the way, capturing a large portion of VC fundraising. This means they are securing a lot of money to invest in new businesses.
  2. There are many significant acquisitions happening in the software startup space. Companies are being bought up, showing growth and interest in this sector.
  3. Network effects are becoming important for these companies. This means that the more people use a service, the better it gets and the more valuable it becomes.

How I Productized A Service Business And Earn Recurring Income

VERY GOOD PRODUCTIZED GUIDES • 79 implied HN points • 05 Aug 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Marketing Finance Product Development Customer Service
  1. To turn your service into a product, pick a specific service to offer and make it easy for clients to understand what they're getting. This helps people know exactly what to expect.
  2. Identify your ideal clients to better tailor your services to their needs. Knowing who your customers are makes it easier to attract and keep them.
  3. Create a clear system for how you deliver your service, and hire help early on. This frees up your time so you can focus on growing your business instead of just doing all the tasks yourself.

Broadcom’s Google TPU Revenue Explosion, Networking Boom, VMWare Integration

SemiAnalysis • 4849 implied HN points • 30 Aug 23
💼 Business Tech Acquisitions Networking Software Revenue
  1. Broadcom is the second largest AI chip company in the world behind NVIDIA, driven by Google's TPU ramp.
  2. Broadcom's strategy involves acquiring companies with strong products, cutting costs, and focusing on core products.
  3. Broadcom has diversified segments including wireless, networking, and custom silicon, with a focus on efficiency and stable growth.

Business and Economics links, 1/12

In My Tribe • 364 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
💼 Business Economics Entrepreneurship Finance Investment Market Analysis
  1. Co-founder relationships are really important for startup success. If co-founders don't get along, it can lead to the startup failing.
  2. Economic analysis often relies on metaphors, which can lead to different interpretations. It's normal for people to disagree about economic ideas.
  3. The debate over resource prices shows that neither side always wins. Long-term data suggests that market dynamics can be complex and unpredictable.

Black Friday - Happy Birthday sale

Computer Ads from the Past • 128 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
💼 Business Sales Marketing E-commerce Subscriptions Retail
  1. There is a special sale going on for Black Friday and a birthday celebration, offering 38% off subscriptions until December 8th. It's a fun way to mark the occasion and give people a discount.
  2. Readers can also support through one-time donations on various platforms like Ko-Fi or Patreon. There are flexible options for those who want to contribute.
  3. Gift subscriptions are available, making it an ideal present for anyone interested in computer ads or a fun way to share unique content. It's a thoughtful holiday gift for a nerdy friend.

What's changing with AI monetization

Kyle Poyar’s Growth Unhinged • 354 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
💼 Business Market Trends Monetization Strategies
  1. AI monetization is changing a lot, with companies trying different pricing models like skill-based pricing instead of just selling features. This means customers might pay more for higher skills or better performance.
  2. Many AI products are moving away from traditional seat-based subscriptions and instead charging for the amount of work done. This makes it easier for businesses to understand what they’re paying for.
  3. Recent announcements from big players like OpenAI about pricing show that businesses are experimenting with different strategies, which can sometimes lead to unexpected consequences like losing money on subscriptions if usage is too high.

Debugging productivity

A Bit Gamey • 6 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
💼 Business Productivity Management Efficiency Time management Software
  1. Like a computer, people can get overwhelmed with too many low-priority tasks. This can lead to being busy but not accomplishing important work.
  2. It's often better to group similar tasks together instead of trying to complete everything perfectly. This can help you get more done overall.
  3. Sometimes taking a break or pausing can be more effective than rushing into action. A thoughtful approach can lead to clearer decisions and better results.

Bad first experiences

Kenny’s Sub • 139 implied HN points • 11 Jul 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Startups Marketing Failure Personal Growth
  1. Many people's first attempts at something new often go poorly, and that’s a common experience. Expecting failure can help you handle it better.
  2. Most businesses face a high chance of not succeeding, especially in their early years, so it's important to stay realistic about challenges.
  3. After a bad experience, it’s crucial to not give up on your dreams. Keep trying new things, as you might discover you enjoy or succeed at them later.

Angels Vs Venture Capitalists

Points And Figures • 266 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
💼 Business Investing Venture Capital Startups Entrepreneurship Finance
  1. Angels and venture capitalists have different roles in funding startups. Angels often invest earlier and can take more risks compared to venture capitalists.
  2. Angels should act quickly and be transparent in their decision-making process. This helps entrepreneurs know where they stand and not get left waiting.
  3. Investing in early rounds is usually more beneficial for angels. After a company has grown, it can make more sense for them to find new seed deals rather than invest in larger rounds.

Global VC Funding Settles💰, IPO Preparation Guide📚, 2024 Tech Trends Report🔮 & more!

The VC Corner • 599 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Startups Market Analysis
  1. Global venture capital funding has stabilized recently, suggesting a shift in investment patterns. This could mean more cautious approaches from investors as they evaluate opportunities.
  2. There is a guide available for preparing for Initial Public Offerings (IPOs), which is crucial for companies looking to go public. This guide can help businesses understand the steps they need to take to be ready.
  3. A report detailing tech trends for 2024 is available, highlighting what to expect in the tech industry. Staying informed about these trends can help businesses plan and adapt for the upcoming year.

What happened in marketing: RIP TikTok, Instagram's weird redesign and next social media app

The Social Juice • 36 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
💼 Business Marketing Advertising Social media Technology Consumer Trends
  1. TikTok is facing a potential ban in the US, but the app is still trying to keep its users engaged. Creators are moving their audiences to other platforms like Instagram and YouTube.
  2. Instagram's redesign has not been well received. Many users are complaining about the new changes, particularly how it displays liked Reels.
  3. Google is facing antitrust issues and struggles with maintaining its search market share. Their new policies and updates are causing confusion among advertisers.

What to expect when you’re expecting (dilution)

The VC Corner • 339 implied HN points • 11 May 24
💼 Business Startups Equity Fundraising Investing Market Trends
  1. Founders should be careful with SAFEs as they can quickly lead to dilution. Stacking too many SAFEs can reduce the ownership percentage of founders significantly.
  2. When selling equity, it's important to know how much to give up in each round of fundraising. This impacts the long-term value and control of the company.
  3. Understanding deal terms is crucial in the fundraising process. They can greatly affect the level of dilution and overall impact on the company's future.

Autos deepdive 🚗

Genuine Impact - Charting Finance, Investing & Tech • 982 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
💼 Business Automotive Financial reports Electric Vehicles Revenue
  1. 2022 saw a significant rise in the electric vehicle market, with companies like Tesla and BYD achieving impressive results.
  2. Tesla's revenue in 2022 hit $81.5 billion, showing a 51% increase from the year before, with net income growing by 128%.
  3. BYD, a Chinese company, reported a remarkable 319% year-on-year increase in net profit in 2022 due to the expansion of the new energy vehicle industry.

Starting from scratch: advice on building a career and finding an audience on Substack

Substack • 1537 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
💼 Business Career Audience Building Writing Creativity Community
  1. Starting a newsletter on Substack from scratch can lead to significant growth and opportunities.
  2. Substack empowers creators to find success without waiting for traditional publishing gatekeepers.
  3. Building a community through Substack can be key to achieving success, even when starting anonymously.

Innovation Job Market Papers 2024 (2/3)

New Things Under the Sun • 96 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
💼 Business Innovation Economics Research Investment Technology
  1. Many recent PhD papers are focused on innovation, covering a wide range of topics like technology policy and its impact on economic growth.
  2. Some studies show that environmental regulations can spur innovation among suppliers in industries like automotive, leading to more technological advancements.
  3. There is a growing recognition of how social media affects the spread of economic research, highlighting its importance in sharing knowledge.

How to get funding from deluded, self-congratulatory investors

Penelope Trunk's Substack • 419 implied HN points • 21 Apr 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Investment Gender Equality Networking Workplace dynamics
  1. Having a male co-founder can improve a female founder's odds of raising funding due to biases in the investment industry.
  2. Focusing on showcasing a reckless passion and working long hours can help female founders combat gender biases when pitching to investors.
  3. Building a network of male connections can be essential for female founders in navigating the challenges of the venture capital landscape.

Sometimes, marketing comes down to a personal decision

{grow} by Mark Schaefer • 19 implied HN points • 02 Oct 24
💼 Business Marketing Strategy Entrepreneurship Social media Branding
  1. Marketing works better when you follow your own unique path instead of just copying others. Making personal choices can help your strategy stand out.
  2. There’s too much focus on marketing 'best practices,' which can make everything look the same. Doing something different can become your competitive edge.
  3. Instead of worrying about what everyone else is doing, focus on being authentic and sharing your true story. People connect better with real emotions and experiences.