The hottest Business Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

How TikTok's For You feed made audience monetization harder

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 324 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
💼 Business Media industry Digital marketing Audience engagement Content creation Monetization Strategies
  1. TikTok's For You feed makes it easier for smaller creators to get noticed but harder to build a loyal audience. Creators are now focusing on platforms like podcasts and newsletters to connect better with fans.
  2. Beehiiv is trying to attract independent journalists by offering benefits like health insurance and financial support. This approach is similar to a past initiative from Substack that aimed to boost its platform's visibility.
  3. The Washington Post has seen a drop in traffic and revenue, largely due to changes in how social media platforms share political content. To grow again, they might need to explore new topics beyond just politics.

Results, Actually

benn.substack • 639 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
💼 Business Data Analytics Company Culture Market Trends Investing Strategies Consumer behavior
  1. Data-driven companies get a lot of attention, but many people still prefer investing in companies led by experienced individuals. This shows that experience holds significant value in business decisions.
  2. People like to be seen as unique or contrarian, but they often know what others like. This means that even when choosing something different, they still have a sense of the mainstream.
  3. There’s a funny perspective on what robots are, with younger generations seeing different meanings in technology compared to older ones. What one generation sees as a robot, another might just see as a gadget.

The $25B Kroger-Albertsons Merger Is Going to Fail

BIG by Matt Stoller • 19710 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
💼 Business Antitrust Monopoly Merger Labor Politics
  1. The $25 billion Kroger-Albertsons merger is facing challenges as the Federal Trade Commission and nine states sue to block it due to potential negative impacts on consumer prices and wages.
  2. The case is significant because it involves a novel application of antitrust law, focusing on labor grounds and the impact on union bargaining terms.
  3. The merger's potential consequences, including higher prices and lower wages, have sparked political response from politicians and unions, indicating widespread concern and opposition.

Methods and Outcomes

The Breaking Point • 159 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
💼 Business Strategy Planning Management Sales Decision-making
  1. When making decisions, it's important to separate methods from outcomes. If you mix them up, it can lead to confusion and endless debates.
  2. You can plan in two ways: starting with methods to estimate outcomes or starting with outcomes to figure out the methods needed. Both ways can work depending on the situation.
  3. To empower your team, give them clear outcomes and let them choose their own methods. This way, they feel involved and motivated to succeed.

Fear and Consolidation in the Oil Patch

BIG by Matt Stoller • 20856 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
💼 Business Oil industry Mergers Finance Economy Competition
  1. The oil and gas industry is going through a significant wave of consolidation, with mega-mergers happening between major companies.
  2. The mergers and acquisitions in the industry are driven by challenges in increasing production, high finance strategies, and the desire to showcase access to reserves to investors.
  3. The consolidation will likely lead to squeezed suppliers, reduced innovation, and a shift of industry power from domestic firms to global entities.
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Don't overcomplicate your data strategy

The Data Jargon Newsletter • 79 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
💼 Business Data Strategy Business Analysis Customer Experience Technology Integration
  1. A good data strategy doesn't need to be full of tools or complicated terms. Keep it simple and clear so everyone understands it.
  2. You should make data easy to access based on how your team and customers currently work. Don't ask them to change their habits; instead, integrate the data into their preferred tools.
  3. Your data strategy will always need updates and improvements. Think of it as a living document that evolves to meet the needs of your business and customers.

What Next? Fifty Year Careers.

The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past • 34 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
💼 Business Careers Work Technology Health Education Personal Development
  1. People are living longer, which means careers need to adapt and may last 50 to 60 years. This change requires a rethink on how we approach retirement and the 'next act' in our lives.
  2. Many people struggle with retirement because they find it hard to find purpose without their work. It's important to plan for meaning in life after the 9-to-5.
  3. To stay relevant in today's fast-changing world, we need to keep learning and upgrading our skills. Relying solely on past knowledge can lead to being left behind.

Why Is Africa Poor?

Journal of Free Black Thought • 59 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
💼 Business Economic Policy Entrepreneurship Trade Poverty Corruption
  1. Economic freedom is crucial for Africa's growth. When people can easily start businesses and trade, they can improve their lives and communities.
  2. Many African countries face heavy regulations that make it hard to start businesses. This creates barriers and leads to corruption, which makes economic freedom worse.
  3. Better trade connections and fewer rules can help Africa prosper. Countries like Mauritius show that when barriers are removed, economies can thrive and people can become wealthier.

The confidential YouTube Investment Memo by Sequoia you were never meant to see

The VC Corner • 519 implied HN points • 21 Aug 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Investment strategy Risk management Entrepreneurship Market Analysis
  1. Sequoia Capital's investment memo shows how they viewed YouTube as a potential leader in user-generated video. They spotted emerging trends like cheaper video equipment and better internet access that would help YouTube grow.
  2. The memo highlights the importance of a clear, simple investment thesis. The way Roelof Botha presented his ideas was straightforward and confident, making it easier for others to understand his vision.
  3. By analyzing both risks and opportunities, the memo provides a valuable lesson in balanced investing. Recognizing what could go wrong while staying focused on the potential for success is key in venture capital.

Top Links 613 The surge in big tech capex. The shipbuilding boom. Litigating butter chicken. Are we entering post-literate society?

Chartbook • 371 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
💼 Business Economics Tech Investment Industry Trends
  1. Big tech companies are investing a lot in their capital, which is changing the economy in significant ways. It's interesting to see how this trend has developed over the last 15 years.
  2. There is a noticeable rise in shipbuilding, suggesting that the industry is picking up. This could mean more jobs and trade opportunities in the future.
  3. The concept of a post-literate society is being discussed, raising questions about how we communicate and share information today. It makes you think about the impact of technology on reading and writing.

What Do You Invest in?

Pratyush’s Newsletter • 79 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
💼 Business Investment Entrepreneurship Venture Capital Startup Founders
  1. Investors should look for unique founders who stand out with exceptional traits, like intelligence and grit. A well-rounded person often doesn't lead to great investments.
  2. Successful companies often become the top choice in their category and have strong characteristics that help them stay ahead. These can include tricky competition or special technology.
  3. Timing is crucial; it's better to invest in companies before they become popular in the market. If everyone's already paying attention, it might be too late to find a winner.

The Stone Soup Theory of Billionaires

Altered States of Monetary Consciousness • 1743 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
💼 Business Economics Wealth Entrepreneurship Capitalism Industry
  1. Billionaires aren't the only ones who create big companies; they often stand out as focal points, while many workers and contributors help build the actual business. It's like the Stone Soup story, where one person starts a project, but it takes many others to make it successful.
  2. The economy works as a collective where everyone contributes and receives based on their input. Just like making soup, if you bring ingredients, you get to enjoy the final product, and if many people pitch in, the result is better for everyone.
  3. Billionaires often claim credit for creating jobs, but in reality, their wealth relies on the hard work of countless others. The billionaire benefits from workers who do the real labor, much like the Stone Souper who needs villagers to make the soup.

Corrected Headlines

Human Capitalist • 39 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
💼 Business Corporate culture Workforce Trends Human Resources Compliance Business News
  1. There is more to news stories than just the headlines. It's important to understand the people and events behind the news.
  2. The aim is to uncover significant context around recent corporate changes and workforce trends. This helps readers see the bigger picture.
  3. Readers are encouraged to share interesting headlines or stories that deserve deeper exploration. Engagement with the audience is key.

La rentrée est une bascule ?

L'Atelier Galita • 159 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
💼 Business Career Change Professional development Work-life balance Job search
  1. Many people are leaving their jobs, and it seems to be a bigger trend after COVID. This time of year often makes people reconsider their career paths.
  2. Pursuing your passion isn't always the best advice. It's important to build expertise and autonomy first, as true passion often comes from those experiences.
  3. Books like 'Business Model You' can help you reflect on your career and what you truly want. Taking time to learn and support a cause can lead to better life choices.

Why news publishers will probably never solve their keyword blocking problem

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 449 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
💼 Business Media Advertising Marketing Content creation Technology
  1. News publishers struggle with keyword blocking, which prevents ads from appearing next to even safe content. This leads to a loss of potential revenue, as brands avoid placing ads near any political content.
  2. Affiliate links can be affected by browser extensions like Honey, which may replace original links with their own. This means creators might miss out on commissions they rightly earned.
  3. Sports team social media managers are often underpaid compared to other industries, despite the high demands of the job and the expectation of constant engagement.

How Google Blew Up Its Open Culture and Compromised Its Product

Big Technology • 16387 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
💼 Business Corporate culture Product Development Leadership Tech industry Employee Relations
  1. Google's open culture deteriorated, impacting its product quality and employee morale.
  2. Issues began when Google shut down discussions on sensitive topics like diversity and employee concerns.
  3. The closure of open channels for questioning within Google led to a negative impact on the company's innovation and decision-making processes.

The Bear Cave #254

The Bear Cave • 489 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
💼 Business Finance Technology Resignation Investments Corporate Governance
  1. A blogger raised concerns about SoundHound AI, saying it may be losing clients to cheaper and better technology. This could mean big changes for the company.
  2. There have been several high-profile resignations at major companies like Fastenal and Arhaus. These leadership changes could affect their future performance.
  3. The weekly tweets section highlights some interesting social media discussions related to these companies. It's a good way to see what people are saying online.

When Personalization Feels Fake: Starbucks’ Cup Messages, AI, and the Quest for Genuine Connection

Gad’s Newsletter • 26 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
💼 Business Marketing Customer Experience Branding Retail Consumer behavior
  1. Starbucks' new initiative to have baristas write messages on cups seemed nice but felt forced and scripted. Customers want genuine interactions, not corporate mandates.
  2. Personalization in marketing works best when it's real and meets customer expectations. If customers feel it's fake or too much, it can harm trust and satisfaction.
  3. AI can help personalize experiences, but it can also make customers uneasy if they feel their privacy is being invaded. The key is to balance tech use with genuine human connections.

Young People Can't Get Jobs. Now What?

State of the Future • 228 implied HN points • 15 May 25
💼 Business Employment Economy Education Entrepreneurship Technology
  1. AI is causing entry-level jobs to disappear, especially for young graduates. Many of the roles that students are training for are fading away fast.
  2. Youth unemployment is increasing, with recent grads struggling to find work. The job market is looking worse for them compared to the overall workforce.
  3. We need new ideas and solutions to help young people find work. Programs that encourage entrepreneurship and skilled trades can help them build careers even as traditional job paths vanish.

If You Do This, Your Emails Might Be Rude

Granted • 16931 implied HN points • 26 Mar 23
💼 Business Communication Etiquette Networking Collaboration Feedback
  1. Don't require acknowledgment that an email was received. It can come off as needy or paranoid.
  2. Instead of directly asking someone to share your content, explain why it might interest them. They're more likely to share it out of genuine interest.
  3. When seeking feedback, focus on asking for advice on a specific issue rather than expecting a detailed critique.

Far From Grüven

Doomberg • 7157 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
💼 Business Economics Industry Energy Manufacturing Labor
  1. Germany's automotive industry is struggling due to poor energy policies and reliance on expensive energy sources. This could lead to factory closures and job losses.
  2. China is effectively using its energy resources to boost its production and economic strength, while European countries are facing the consequences of their energy choices.
  3. Volkswagen's recent financial troubles highlight the bigger issues facing Germany's heavy industry, and there are urgent changes needed to avoid further decline.

Soft is the New Hard.

The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past • 72 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
💼 Business Leadership Work Culture Strategic Thinking Personal Development Human behavior
  1. Grace means being kind and humble to others, understanding that success comes from many factors, not just hard work. It's about caring for people's feelings and respecting their experiences.
  2. Flow happens when you are fully engaged in something challenging but enjoyable. It brings joy and can come from creating, learning, or helping others grow.
  3. Connection is crucial for happiness. Building strong relationships and having a purpose can improve your life, helping you feel more fulfilled and supported.

Shrinking Hierarchy

David Friedman’s Substack • 224 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
💼 Business Economics Entrepreneurship Remote work Innovation
  1. Agoric institutions are where most people are self-employed and work together more like a community of entrepreneurs. This helps reduce reliance on traditional companies.
  2. Technological advancements are making it easier for individuals to create and share their work without the need for companies, like self-publishing or AI helping in content creation.
  3. As technology improves, it reduces costs and complexities of doing business. This means more people could work independently in the future, even if big companies still exist.

The Japanification of Work: Lessons from an Ageing Nation

Workforce Futurist by Andy Spence • 293 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
💼 Business Workforce Economy Demographics Health Technology
  1. Japan is facing a major challenge with an aging population, as more people are over 65 than under 5. This creates pressure on the economy and social systems.
  2. To tackle the labor shortage, Japan is using technology like robots and exoskeletons to support care workers and assist the elderly. Employers are also adjusting work policies to help older workers.
  3. Other countries can learn from Japan's approach to handle aging populations by rethinking retirement, encouraging women in the workforce, and being open to skilled immigration.

Searching for insight

benn.substack • 1099 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
💼 Business Economics Analytics Media Marketing Publishing Data
  1. Many jobs in areas like think tanks or journalism are more about creating a background or illusion rather than producing real change or value. They serve as props for the more influential figures.
  2. There's a concern that as AI becomes capable of producing content, it might not be because it’s better, but because the original jobs might not have mattered as much as once thought.
  3. In analytics, there's a question of whether the insights businesses claim to offer are real or just part of the narrative they tell to appear competent and important.

Chartbook 340 Against synecdoche! … A plural taxonomy of capitalist globalization

Chartbook • 686 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
💼 Business Capitalism Globalization Economics Politics Finance
  1. Global capitalism is complex and can't just be understood as one single economy. Different sectors, like finance and agriculture, have their own unique ways of operating.
  2. It's important to recognize the different sectors of capitalism to fully understand how they interact. For example, globalization affects industries like manufacturing and real estate in distinct ways.
  3. By acknowledging that capitalism is made up of many different parts, we can avoid oversimplifying it and appreciate the specific factors at play in each aspect.

The Death of Intel: When Boards Fail

Mule’s Musings • 969 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
💼 Business Corporate Governance Management Finance Investments
  1. The Intel board is seen as unqualified, with many members lacking the necessary semiconductor experience. This has likely contributed to the company's ongoing struggles.
  2. Pat Gelsinger, the former CEO, was fired despite being technically skilled and wanting to help the company. His optimistic approach conflicted with the board's short-term focus.
  3. The board's focus on maximizing shareholder value might lead to harmful decisions like breaking up the company, which could hurt its long-term prospects and impact the industry and U.S. competitiveness.

What I Learned from Bob Cialdini

Remarkable People • 339 implied HN points • 28 Aug 24
💼 Business Marketing Influence Psychology Entrepreneurship Ethics
  1. Reciprocity is powerful. When you do something nice for someone, they feel compelled to return the favor. This helps build trust and strong relationships.
  2. Cialdini's six principles of influence include social proof, authority, and scarcity. Using these ideas can make your messages more effective and persuasive.
  3. It's important to use persuasion ethically. The goal should be to create a win-win situation, where everyone feels good about the outcome.

35 New AI Roles to Watch Out For

Workforce Futurist by Andy Spence • 488 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
💼 Business Job Market Tech Integration Workplace dynamics
  1. New AI roles are emerging as technology evolves, like 'AI Ethicist' and 'Chief AI Officer'. These jobs focus on ethical AI use and strategic implementation within companies.
  2. AI will change how people interact with technology, leading to roles like 'AI Trainer' and 'AI Explainability Specialist'. These professionals help make sure AI systems work well with human users.
  3. The way we define work is shifting, moving from time-based to output-based models. This means the focus will be on what is produced rather than how long it takes to do it.

The Big Nonprofits Post

Don't Worry About the Vase • 1388 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
💼 Business Nonprofits Charity Philanthropy Funding AI risks
  1. There are many excellent charities to donate to right now, especially those focused on AI safety and existential risks. It can be hard to find good places to give money, but they are out there.
  2. When deciding where to donate, it's important to trust your own judgment and knowledge about what matters. Choose organizations that align with your values and how you believe change can be made.
  3. Consider giving unconditional support to individuals doing valuable work, as this can help them focus on their projects without the stress of constantly needing to prove their worth for funding.

How AI Disrupts Tech Investing🤖, Five Steps to Nail Your Pitch Deck🎯, SaaS Retention📊

The VC Corner • 199 implied HN points • 08 Sep 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Startups Investment Strategies Pitch Decks Customer Retention
  1. AI is changing how investors look at tech. It creates new chances for startups and shifts investment strategies.
  2. For a successful pitch deck, focus on grabbing attention with key elements like your mission and unique value.
  3. SaaS companies are finding new ways to keep customers from leaving, as retention strategies are becoming more important in 2024.

Afridigest Intelligence: The era of E2E expansion is here

Afridigest • 15 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Investment Market Trends Startups Acquisitions
  1. Companies are shifting from a pan-African strategy to an emerging market-to-emerging market (E2E) strategy. This means they focus on expanding into other developing markets instead of just neighboring African countries.
  2. Recent examples show African companies entering markets in Mexico, the Philippines, and Brazil through acquisitions and partnerships. This demonstrates increasing global ambitions for African entrepreneurs.
  3. To succeed in building large businesses, it's important for African startups to adopt a multi-country mindset right from the beginning. This approach can help them tap into new opportunities effectively.

The Viral Yard Cleanup Edition

Why is this interesting? • 904 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
💼 Business Marketing YouTube Entrepreneurship Content creation Social media
  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.

Mass Timber is Great, but It Will Not Solve the Housing Shortage

Construction Physics • 13153 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
💼 Business Construction Housing Costs Canada
  1. Mass timber construction is advantageous for tall buildings due to its fire resistance and carbon sequestration, but it may not significantly increase housing construction volume in the US compared to traditional methods.
  2. While mass timber is praised for its safety and environmental benefits, it faces challenges such as higher initial costs and more complex processing steps, making it less competitive than light-framed wood construction in the US.
  3. Canada's experience with mass timber, despite a supportive ecosystem, shows that residential mass timber construction may not see a significant uptick in the US housing market even with continued growth and cost reduction.

GTM Benchmarks📊, Age of Unicorn Founders💰, Future of Sales with AI🤖

The VC Corner • 359 implied HN points • 25 Aug 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Startups Sales Strategies Market Analysis
  1. GTM benchmarks are important for understanding how companies perform in the market. They help businesses know where they stand in comparison to others.
  2. The age of unicorn founders can influence the startup world. Younger founders might bring fresh ideas but can also face unique challenges.
  3. AI is shaping the future of sales. Businesses need to adapt and leverage AI tools to stay competitive and improve their sales strategies.

Why I Don't Read Reddit

The Honest Broker • 14196 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
💼 Business Technology Finance Management Companies Economics
  1. Reddit relies heavily on unpaid labor with 60,000 daily active moderators compared to around 2,000 employees.
  2. After 18 years, Reddit still isn't profitable, accumulating a $717 million deficit, but it shows potential for profitability with increasing revenues and reduced losses.
  3. Reddit's CEO earned $193 million last year, prompting questions about excessive compensation, and Reddit is heavily reliant on advertising for revenue, putting it in a risky position concerning Google competition.

kitten corner: frozen assets

bad cattitude • 150 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
💼 Business Investing Startups Venture Capital Entrepreneurship Finance
  1. Being an angel investor means you're thinking about supporting new businesses. It's important to do your research before deciding.
  2. Pitching to you shows that startups are looking for funding and believe in their idea. This can be an exciting opportunity if you choose wisely.
  3. Always ask questions and get advice from experienced investors. They'll help you understand the risks and rewards involved.

Group meetings waste time

Respectful Leadership • 108 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
💼 Business Management Marketing Teamwork Productivity Collaboration
  1. Group meetings can take too long and often don't use everyone's time well. Fewer people in meetings may lead to better and faster decisions.
  2. It's helpful to have a single person from each team act as a bridge during meetings. This keeps the focus on their main jobs while still solving issues together.
  3. A good manager knows when to end long discussions and helps keep teams on track. The best solution may be to avoid unnecessary meetings altogether.