The hottest Business Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

Case Study: Scaling customer intelligence

Artificial Ignorance • 117 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
💼 Business Sales Marketing AI Data Analysis Customer Insights
  1. AI can help analyze a large number of sales calls quickly instead of relying on humans to do it manually. This makes it easier to understand customer behaviors and needs.
  2. Choosing the right AI model is important. Higher quality models may cost more, but they can provide better and more accurate results over cheaper options.
  3. It’s essential to make the data user-friendly. Organizing and making information accessible helps teams use insights from the analysis effectively.

Blockers to Innovation

Fish Food for Thought • 9 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
💼 Business Innovation Management Psychology Product Development Marketing
  1. Fear of failure can hold back innovation. If teams worry too much about making mistakes, they might stick to safe ideas and miss out on new opportunities.
  2. Organizations often focus too much on short-term goals, which can stifle creativity. When companies prioritize immediate profits, they may overlook projects that need more time to develop.
  3. Encouraging rapid iteration and creating a safe space for experimentation can boost innovation. When people feel secure to try and fail, they can learn and create better solutions.
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Battle Cards!

The Security Industry • 16 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
💼 Business Sales Marketing Competitor Analysis Cybersecurity Technology
  1. Battle cards are useful tools for sales teams. They provide key information about competitors and help highlight your own product's strengths.
  2. Understanding your competition can help you sell better. Knowing what makes your product different can win over customers who are considering other options.
  3. There are now resources available that can help you create battle cards easily. Using tools like HarvestIQ.ai can make tracking competitor information simpler.

The Profile: The $18 billion AI unicorn & the 2024 Super Bowl halftime show performer

The Profile • 793 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
💼 Business Startups Entertainment Technology Media Investing
  1. The Profile newsletter features interviews with notable figures like Taylor Tomlinson, Usher, and Naomi Osaka.
  2. Taylor Tomlinson, a rising comedian, is experiencing great professional success but questions its impact on her personal life.
  3. Usher is preparing for the 2024 Super Bowl halftime show while juggling various aspects of his life such as therapy, meditation, parenting, and career.

[Launch] I wrote a book on Growth Marketing

Channels of Growth • 687 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
💼 Business Marketing Startups Entrepreneurship Product Management Sales
  1. The book 'Channels of Growth' focuses on a Growth Marketing Framework for dominating channels and building better products.
  2. All users come from channels when it comes to growth, emphasizing the importance of understanding and optimizing these channels.
  3. The book aims to provide a personal Growth Marketing framework based on lessons from over $100M+ spent on growing products.

The independent landscape

Kenny’s Sub • 119 implied HN points • 02 Jul 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Freelancing Product Development
  1. Making money independently is tough, and there's no one clear way to do it. Each person has to try different methods and find what works for them.
  2. Starting with client work is often easier than jumping straight into creating products. It allows for earning money quickly while learning about business.
  3. Whether you choose to work alone or start an agency, finding balance is key. You need to manage time, energy, and ensure your projects get the attention they need.

What happens if mass unemployment never arrives

State of the Future • 126 implied HN points • 05 Mar 25
💼 Business Employment Automation Work Culture Economic Impact Technology Trends
  1. Mass unemployment might not happen, but instead, we may see job roles that are less meaningful or filled with busywork. This could lead to people being employed without feeling fulfilled.
  2. The speed of AI's impact on jobs is much faster than previous technologies. Workers may struggle to adapt since the transitions that used to take generations are now happening in just a few years.
  3. People might still need jobs for their sense of identity and purpose, even if those jobs are not necessary for the economy. Finding meaning in work could become a bigger issue than just having a job or not.

5 Ways To Say No, Elegantly and Effectively

Push to Prod • 19 implied HN points • 04 Sep 24
💼 Business Work Culture Communication Productivity Leadership Career development
  1. It's important to set boundaries and learn to say no to extra work or distractions. This can help you stay focused on your own goals.
  2. Using clear and direct phrases when saying no can make it easier for others to understand your limits. This helps avoid long discussions about why you can't help.
  3. Saying no doesn’t make you a bad teammate. It's about prioritizing your tasks to be more effective and contributing to your own success.

How writers and creators are using Notes to reach more subscribers

Substack • 516 implied HN points • 11 Jul 24
💼 Business Publishing Marketing Content creation Social media Entrepreneurship
  1. Posting three or more thoughtful notes can lead to 50% more subscribers when launching your Substack. It's a powerful way to connect ideas and people.
  2. Notes can be used to experiment with content and get quick feedback from your audience. This helps you develop ideas that your subscribers will like.
  3. Sharing personal stories and engaging with your community through Notes helps build trust and a stronger relationship with your readers.

Start meeting more people: Salvaging your career in a GenAI world

FutureIQ • 3 implied HN points • 02 Jun 25
💼 Business Networking Career development Personal Branding AI Impact Professional Growth
  1. Networking is really important for your career. Meeting new people can help you find great opportunities and gain insights into what others are doing.
  2. As technology changes, knowing the right people becomes more valuable than just having degrees. Your network and personal brand will matter more as information becomes easily accessible.
  3. Don't stay in a job where you don't like the people. If you're not enjoying your work environment, it's ok to look for something better.

ACX Grants Followup Impact Market

Astral Codex Ten • 1858 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
💼 Business Grants Investment Charity Philanthropy Finance
  1. ACX Grants involves an impact market where investors crowdfund grant proposals with potential for big profits if successful.
  2. Only 44 out of approximately 140 qualified participants have signed up for the impact market so far, with a different approach allowing non-accredited investors to participate.
  3. Investing in impact certificates through this system has risks like potential project failure, but also benefits such as tax deductibility.

From selling access to selling work (and what it means for you)

Kyle Poyar’s Growth Unhinged • 512 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
💼 Business Business Models Pricing Strategies SaaS AI Integration Revenue management
  1. Companies are shifting from charging for access to software to billing for the actual work done by AI. This means businesses will charge based on how much the AI helps them, like charging per task completed.
  2. With these new pricing models, customers can pay only when they see results. However, it can be tricky to figure out who deserves credit for any success achieved.
  3. As the industry evolves, businesses will have to rethink how they predict revenue and manage customer relationships, making it more about actual usage and outcomes instead of just subscriptions.

Japan’s Declining Commercial Innovation, Part I

Japan Economy Watch • 179 implied HN points • 05 Jun 24
💼 Business Innovation Science Funding
  1. Japan has experienced a decline in commercial innovation since the 21st century, with its share of important patents decreasing, putting it at risk of falling in global rankings
  2. There is a debate on the reasons behind Japan's innovation decline, with one side focusing on the lack of new breakthroughs in basic science and the other on corporations' inefficiency in utilizing scientific advances
  3. Japan faces challenges in funding and supporting PhD programs, leading to a decrease in the number of PhDs produced, impacting the country's scientific output and innovation potential

Highlights From The Comments On Housing Density And Prices

Astral Codex Ten • 4542 implied HN points • 10 May 23
💼 Business Economics Urban planning Housing Market City Development Real Estate
  1. Density is correlated with high prices, but demand, rather than new units, drives prices up.
  2. Long-term, attracting people through desirability is more impactful than building more houses alone.
  3. Building new housing may attract trendy cities, but some cities may have capped trendiness and adding density won't make them more popular.

The Greek manufacturing sector

The Greek Analyst • 299 implied HN points • 24 Apr 24
💼 Business Manufacturing Economy Tech startups
  1. Greek manufacturing sector shows signs of recovery, hitting record highs in employment, productivity, and sales.
  2. Manufacturing exports have tripled since the crisis, but Greece still lags behind other European countries.
  3. Investing in smart manufacturing, robotics, innovation, and collaboration between universities and industry is crucial for the future growth of the Greek manufacturing sector.

A Contrarian’s Guide to Hiring

The Generalist • 1320 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
💼 Business Recruitment Interviews Team Building
  1. Founders need to be creative in their hiring practices to find the right talent for high-growth startups.
  2. Assessing a candidate's writing, backchanneling with previous employers, and focusing on cultural fit are key strategies for hiring exceptional talent.
  3. Conducting non-traditional interviews like principles-based interviews can help in identifying candidates who align with the company's values and work style.

Dallas vs. Austin

Erdmann Housing Tracker • 21 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
💼 Business Real Estate Market Trends Economics Construction
  1. Rents are going down in both Dallas and Austin, but Austin is seeing a bigger drop. This indicates a shift in the housing market.
  2. There's a clear trend happening in real estate that can be tracked through data, which helps understand rental prices and construction activity.
  3. It's important to keep an eye on housing supply and demand, as they play a key role in rental prices across major Texas cities.

Mistakes to Avoid When Writing Self-Assessments

The Caring Techie Newsletter • 21 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
💼 Business Career Advice Performance reviews Self-assessment Professional development
  1. Don't assume your manager knows everything you've done. Always remind them of your achievements to help them evaluate your performance.
  2. Be specific when describing your work. Instead of using vague statements, share exact numbers and outcomes to show your real impact.
  3. Keep track of your accomplishments throughout the year. This makes it easier to write your self-assessment and ensures you don't forget important contributions.

“Sniper investor” Allen Zhu is slowing his investment pace, focusing on in-depth project research

Ginger River Review • 707 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Investment Global expansion Entrepreneurship
  1. Investor Allen Zhu is reducing his investment speed to focus on thorough project research, showing a change in Chinese investors' priorities.
  2. Investors who rushed into Large Language Models (LLMs) in 2023 faced losses, signaling a shift in focus to vertical market segments.
  3. Zhu emphasizes the importance of discipline in investment decisions, with a focus on profitability and slower, more thoughtful investment strategies in 2023.

The Downfall of Red Lobster. Private Equity and the Complexities of the Restaurant Industry

Gad’s Newsletter • 44 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
💼 Business Restaurant Industry Private Equity Financial Strategy Consumer Trends
  1. Red Lobster's decline came from a mix of poor decisions and weaknesses in management. They struggled with high debt and not enough investment in improving their business.
  2. The chain faced tough competition as more people preferred faster dining options. This change in consumer taste hurt Red Lobster, which relied on longer dining experiences.
  3. In contrast, Texas Roadhouse succeeded by focusing on strong leadership and customer satisfaction. They managed their growth wisely and kept their menu appealing to customers.

What price are you willing to pay?

Kenny’s Sub • 239 implied HN points • 13 May 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Finance Work Life Career development Freelancing
  1. Understanding the effort needed for success can help you avoid disappointment. It's important to know what you're getting into before committing to a new venture.
  2. Trial and error are essential when exploring new hobbies or career paths. Try different things with low commitment to see what fits you best.
  3. Pursuing your goals requires a realistic view of the effort and resources involved. Being aware of what it takes can help you make smarter decisions.

My new book “Cyber for Builders" is now available on Amazon

Venture in Security • 707 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
💼 Business Cybersecurity Startups Entrepreneurship Investing Technology
  1. The book 'Cyber for Builders' is a comprehensive guide for building a cybersecurity startup.
  2. The book covers various aspects of cybersecurity industry including key players, trends, and essential insights for early-stage founders.
  3. The book has received praise from industry experts for its practical advice and guidance for navigating the complexities of building a cybersecurity company.

🥇2023 Accolades🥇

PETITION • 707 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
💼 Business Finance Job Opportunities
  1. Kirkland & Ellis LLP dominated the restructuring market in '23 by handling a vast amount of significant company-side chapter 11 filings.
  2. Joshua Sussberg of Kirkland & Ellis LLP emerged as a prominent figure in the restructuring circles, known for his relentless work ethic and deal-making prowess.
  3. Several other firms and professionals received honorable mentions for their notable contributions and achievements in the bankruptcy and restructuring field.

Is Substack exaggerating its network effects?

escape the algorithm • 579 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
💼 Business Tech Marketing Analytics Platforms Subscription
  1. Substack's network effects might be exaggerated: Data shows that most new subscribers come from sources other than Substack.
  2. Subscriber growth on Substack may not solely be due to Substack's technology: Many readers find newsletters due to recommendations from other writers or external sources.
  3. The power of a newsletter audience lies more in the people than the platform: Leaving Substack might not drastically impact growth as much as anticipated.

In Between Two Forces

Building Rome(s) • 15 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
💼 Business Management Leadership Strategy Execution Collaboration
  1. Technical Program Managers (TPMs) help connect the vision of leaders with the execution of managers. They play a key role in ensuring that strategies are implemented effectively.
  2. Collaboration with Product Managers is crucial for TPMs. Working together helps them handle complex projects and achieve great results.
  3. TPMs need to be clear and adaptable. They must turn challenges into opportunities and keep teams focused on success, no matter the situation.

Staying Calm When You Want to Disappear

Leading Developers • 103 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
💼 Business Leadership Career Personal Development Workplace culture Stress management
  1. When faced with pressure, pause and take a deep breath. It helps calm your nerves before responding.
  2. Always evaluate the situation by asking yourself questions about what's happening and what you know versus what you don't.
  3. After assessing, respond clearly and confidently. It's important to communicate what you understand and seek help if needed.