The hottest Business Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Business Topics

I was selected for a $100,000 O'Shaughnessy Ventures Fellowship to empower used bookstores with AI.

Castles in the Sky • 102 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Technology Innovation Education Culture
  1. A person received a $100,000 fellowship to create a tool for used bookstores using AI. This tool aims to help identify and preserve old and rare books.
  2. The project is inspired by a need to protect literary history and make it easier for bookstores to archive valuable books. The goal is to create a big database with details about every book.
  3. The project will also focus on building a community of people who care about preserving books, along with sharing related content through a blog and videos.

From Zero to More Than 300 Paid Subscribers and Other Things You (Probably) Didn't Know About Substack

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 339 implied HN points • 14 Feb 23
💼 Business Marketing Entrepreneurship Content creation Revenue Models Subscription services
  1. You can turn 5-10% of your free readers into paying subscribers. This means that if you have a loyal audience, many might support you financially.
  2. Substack is a user-friendly platform for starting a newsletter and building a community. It's designed to help creators easily make money from their writing.
  3. Substack is growing because it offers useful features like chat and private publishing. These tools help writers connect better with their audience.
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RDEL #25: How can engineering managers improve the OKR and goal setting process?

Research-Driven Engineering Leadership • 99 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
💼 Business Management Teamwork Strategy Communication Data
  1. Improving the OKR process can enhance team development by focusing on effective goal setting methods.
  2. Investing in data quality and transparency and promoting communication can address challenges in working with others and ensuring alignment on goals.
  3. Striving for consistency, promoting learning communities, and guiding teams in OKR implementation can lead to successful adoption and use of OKRs across the organization.

How to make PLG + SLG work in the AI era

Good Better Best • 2 implied HN points • 13 Feb 26
💼 Business SaaS Pricing Product Sales Revenue
  1. PLG and SLG are not separate — design your product and contract journey so customers can flow between self-serve and sales-led experiences without friction.
  2. Prioritize flexibility in packaging and pricing, using committed-spend or credit models so customers can scale up and you avoid constant re-contracting.
  3. Align systems and finance: unify billing, CPQ, and reporting and treat professional services as an on-demand, billable product so expansion stays measurable and low-friction.

The Game-Changing Clause Every Entrepreneur Should Add to Their Convertible Notes

Venture Curator • 219 implied HN points • 12 May 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Investment Financing Startups Legal
  1. Convertible notes with caps can have hidden risks for entrepreneurs, especially when the conversion price exceeds the cap.
  2. Adding a specific clause to convertible notes can protect entrepreneurs from potential unfavorable outcomes when converting to equity.
  3. Including a clause stating a non-participating liquidation preference in a convertible note can level the playing field and provide essential protection for entrepreneurs.

TBM 328: Beyond Firmographic-Based ICPs

The Beautiful Mess • 264 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
💼 Business Startup Product Management Marketing Operations Customer success
  1. Traditional ways of identifying ideal customers, like just looking at company size or industry, aren't enough anymore. It's important to understand the specific needs and behaviors of different companies.
  2. When starting a new job, it's crucial to listen and learn from others instead of jumping to conclusions. Take your time to understand what actually matters for the product and the customers.
  3. Different organizations have unique ways of working, and it's vital to grasp those differences. Observing and talking to customers helps create better products that cater to their specific challenges and goals.

TBM 272: The Biggest Opportunity (Part 2)

The Beautiful Mess • 661 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
💼 Business Management Workplace dynamics Career development Company Culture Productivity
  1. Skilled pragmatists in companies can represent a major opportunity for improvement. They are reliable and capable but may not go above and beyond due to skepticism about the value of extra effort.
  2. When trying to improve behaviors in a team, it is crucial to be specific about the desired actions and outcomes. Vague terms like 'drive' or 'passion' can lead to misunderstandings.
  3. Listening to individuals in different categories can provide valuable insights for understanding motivations and barriers to certain behaviors in a team. Embracing diversity in perspectives is key to achieving more together.

The state of SaaS pricing

Kyle Poyar’s Growth Unhinged • 646 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
💼 Business
  1. Usage-based pricing in SaaS can reduce friction for customers by allowing them to start at a lower cost, expand product usage, and appeal to a larger market.
  2. Hybrid pricing models that combine usage and subscription pricing are becoming more common, especially for businesses catering to smaller customers who are concerned about unplanned expenses.
  3. Companies considering usage-based pricing should carefully select the right value metric, address customer concerns about predictability, and align their internal teams to focus on ensuring customers derive value from the product.

Smiles and Sales: The Economics and Oddities of Retail’s “10-Foot Rule”

Gad’s Newsletter • 26 implied HN points • 17 Nov 25
💼 Business Retail Marketing Customer Service Sales Strategy Consumer behavior
  1. Greeting customers can really boost sales and satisfaction. A simple smile and a 'hello' make shoppers feel valued and can lead them to spend more.
  2. Having employees greet customers can be a cost-effective way to improve service without needing more staff. It creates a welcoming atmosphere and keeps customers engaged.
  3. Cultural differences matter when it comes to greetings. While some people appreciate a friendly approach, others may find it intrusive, so it's important for stores to know their clientele.

From Customer Success Leader to VP of Product

Suzan's Fieldnotes • 98 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
💼 Business Career development Leadership Product Management Startups Entrepreneurship
  1. María de Antón transitioned from Head of Customer Success to Product Manager by following her instincts and overcoming imposter syndrome.
  2. Transitioning from customer success to product management involved a shift from talking with customers to creating joyful product experiences.
  3. As a leader considering switching functions, trust your cross-functional skills, seek necessary training, and have confidence in yourself.

Brands are acting strange this Christmas. Something wicked is going on… and it’s bigger than the Las Vegas Sphere!

The Social Juice • 24 implied HN points • 21 Nov 25
💼 Business Marketing Advertising Retail Trends Consumer behavior
  1. Brands are being really creative and sometimes strange this Christmas season. They are trying out new and unexpected marketing campaigns to grab people's attention.
  2. There seems to be a trend where marketers are moving from big corporations to more exciting roles with sports teams and smaller brands. This shift might be due to wanting more fulfilling work.
  3. The influence of social media, especially with Gen Z, is really shaping how brands communicate and engage with customers. Brands are focused on understanding what makes this generation tick to better connect with them.

Rental Market Preview 2024

The Sunday Morning Post • 98 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
💼 Business Real Estate Investing Economy Housing Market Rental market
  1. Rents have been increasing but are expected to flatten and possibly decline in 2024 due to a surge in new rental units hitting the market.
  2. Vacancy rates are starting to increase, indicating an evolving rental market tied to new inventory.
  3. Investors should be cautious as margins are expected to get tighter with declining rents, a tough borrowing environment, and tighter lending standards.

How To Fast Track Your Career As An Engineer

SeattleDataGuy’s Newsletter • 930 implied HN points • 12 Aug 23
💼 Business Career growth Software Engineering Tech industry Data Analysis Career Advice
  1. Focusing on impact in your work can accelerate your career growth and lead to more satisfying outcomes.
  2. To have more impact in tech, run towards unsolved problems, be scrappy in finding solutions, and prioritize ruthlessly.
  3. Impact can be achieved by reducing costs or increasing revenue, and understanding how your work contributes to these areas is essential for career advancement in engineering.

How AI security companies fail

Frankly Speaking • 254 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
💼 Business Startups Market Trends Product Development AI Technology Risk management
  1. AI security companies face both market and product risks. If there's no market for their products, they can't succeed.
  2. Startups often fail due to common issues like poor timing or operations. This is true for AI security startups as well.
  3. Many AI security companies are throwing out new ideas to see what works. This trial-and-error approach leads to uncertainty in the market.

The Art of Keiretsu

Equal Ventures • 79 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
💼 Business Investment Collaboration Partnerships
  1. Industry transformation requires collaboration: Changing an industry's value chain involves a collective effort of like-minded visionaries and companies working together.
  2. Leveraging partnerships is key: Founders should focus on building strong partnerships within the value chain to dominate their category and create 'lines' of influence.
  3. Creating a village in the industry: Coalescing companies in a value chain can lead to achieving remarkable things collectively and surpassing individual efforts.

Don't ignore the neon signs in your organization

Ruben Ugarte's Growth Needle™ • 59 implied HN points • 19 Mar 24
💼 Business Management Strategy Organizational Change Leadership Business Growth
  1. It's important to notice when something isn't working in your organization. Ignoring these signs can prevent progress and improvement.
  2. Sometimes organizations stick to a plan just because they believe hard work will eventually pay off. This can lead to repeated failures instead of trying new approaches.
  3. Listening to small, offhand comments can reveal bigger problems. These 'neon signs' can show the need for a change in strategy or direction.

3 Tools That Help Me Make Money Blogging As A Busy Part-Time Creator

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 319 implied HN points • 23 Feb 23
💼 Business Blogging Entrepreneurship Online Marketing Digital Tools Content creation
  1. Using a headline analyzer can help you create catchy titles. Catchy headlines make people want to click on your content.
  2. Podia is a useful platform for hosting online courses. It can help you earn money by sharing your skills with others.
  3. Gumroad allows you to offer free products while still making money. People can choose to pay what they think is fair, which can lead to unexpected earnings.

Getting out there can become a good habit

Make Work Better • 92 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
💼 Business Work Culture Remote work Employee Wellbeing Productivity
  1. Many young people are spending more time alone, which can hurt team spirit at work. It's important to encourage social interactions to build better connections.
  2. Trying new things and facing rejection can boost confidence. Activities like 'Rejection Therapy' help people become more comfortable with social situations.
  3. People often feel happier at work when they have financial stability and meaningful tasks. Being recognized and feeling valued can significantly improve job satisfaction.

How did I get on NBC Nightly News?

My Home Office Hacks • 10 implied HN points • 05 Jan 26
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Marketing Public Relations Personal Branding Small business Media Relations
  1. Put yourself out there — small, simple actions like answering a survey can open unexpected doors.
  2. Say yes to media requests when you can; quick interviews or photos can lead to big exposure even if they don’t directly grow your business.
  3. Being willing to help and show up builds marketing karma and strengthens your personal brand, because people hire someone who reliably gets the job done.

The Best of 2024: 10 Articles That Shaped Our Thinking About the Future of Work

Workforce Futurist by Andy Spence • 244 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
💼 Business Workplace Technology AI Future of work Digital economy
  1. The traditional CV might become outdated as AI changes how candidates are matched with jobs. Instead, more creative and personalized profiles may take their place.
  2. Imagine a future where jobs aren't the focus anymore. Instead, people might find new ways to create value and purpose without the traditional job structure.
  3. AI will allow people to build their own digital workforce. This could change productivity and how we think about work by using AI to assist in tasks.

Steph Curry is too Big for Any Brand

House of Strauss • 26 implied HN points • 15 Nov 25
💼 Business Brand Strategy Corporate Communications
  1. Steph Curry has left Under Armour after a long partnership, indicating he is open to new brand opportunities. This change is significant given his previously strong connection with UA.
  2. Curry's move to wear Kobe Nikes during a game is a signal that he may be exploring options with other brands, including Nike. It's a surprising turn, especially since he previously signed a long-term deal with Under Armour.
  3. The story of Curry's brand journey highlights how he has grown beyond just a basketball player. His influence now reaches into the business world, making him a big name in sports branding.

Going cold turkey as a solopreneur

Kenny’s Sub • 79 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Creator Economy Solopreneurship Income Strategies Work-life balance
  1. There is a lot of misinformation in the creator economy, and it's important to recognize what is genuine versus what is just noise. It's easy to get caught up in trends that aren't based on real experience.
  2. As a solopreneur, you can choose to focus on what truly matters for your lifestyle, instead of just chasing profit. Finding a balance between work and personal life helps you enjoy what you do.
  3. Experimentation is key when building your business. Trying out different ideas helps you find what fits your values before committing to a specific path.

Can you conquer the world with your "faceless" brand? 🥷

Business & Marketing with Nika • 19 implied HN points • 23 Jun 24
💼 Business Marketing Branding Entrepreneurship Influencers Product Strategy
  1. You can succeed with a brand even if you are not famous. Many unknown brands can become popular with hard work and smart strategies.
  2. Having a product that solves a problem is very important. People value items that truly help them.
  3. Good storytelling and interesting branding can make a faceless brand more relatable. It's about connecting with people, even without a visible creator.

The Subtle Art of the Grind

Andriy’s Stack • 59 implied HN points • 10 Apr 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Startups Work Culture Personal Development
  1. Building something new is hard and often lonely, but it's worth it for those who want to make a difference and support their families.
  2. It's important to find joy in the process of working on startups instead of just focusing on success or money.
  3. Connecting with others and sharing experiences makes the journey in the startup world more enjoyable and meaningful.

Retiring Retirement

Workforce Futurist by Andy Spence • 293 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
💼 Business Retirement Finance Workforce Economics Pensions
  1. The old idea of retiring at a fixed age is outdated as people are living longer and healthier lives. Instead of stopping work completely, we might consider blending work and leisure throughout our lives.
  2. It's important to take charge of our financial futures by saving separately and planning for our expenses when we stop traditional work. Building financial independence can help us make choices based on what we truly want.
  3. Finding work that is fulfilling and matches our values can make us not want to retire in the traditional sense. The goal is to create a life where work feels meaningful instead of just a job to escape from.

The influencer holy grail

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 249 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
💼 Business Media Marketing Influencers Investment Journalism
  1. Influencers want to create content that mixes cooking, fashion, and home decor. This mix attracts sponsors and gives a chance to sell lots of different products to followers.
  2. Local news is struggling, and a small yearly investment could help fix it. Just a bit of money could ensure every county in the US has a local news journalist.
  3. A newsletter called Sunday Long Read became popular by curating long-form articles. It shows how a focused idea can attract a loyal audience and even expand into new areas like podcasts.

How I Transitioned from Individual Contributor to Manager -- Twice

The Uncommon Executive • 59 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
💼 Business Management Career growth Professional development
  1. Moving from an individual contributor to a manager role can be challenging, especially in product management where prior management experience is often required.
  2. Key factors for transitioning to a management position include being a high-performer, having influence across the organization, and the presence of a business need for a manager.
  3. Securing sponsorship, networking effectively, and identifying the right mentor or manager to learn from are crucial steps in transitioning to a management role.

Underdog Founders - Chris went all-in on digital content before we had smartphones.

ChatGPT4 as a CEO and Underdog Founders • 98 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
💼 Business Startups Digital Content Media Entrepreneurship
  1. Chris focused on creating really good content and allowed time to pass, which led to the growth of her digital startup.
  2. Chris redefined how communities connect through online-first media by following her gut and taking a patient approach to trends.
  3. Honeycombers expanded to different regions and launched new verticals, showcasing the financial viability of online content platforms.

Future of Work =Less and More

The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past • 72 implied HN points • 27 Jul 25
💼 Business Leadership Employment Innovation Technology
  1. Companies are focusing on revenue per employee rather than the number of employees. This means they want to be more efficient and effective with fewer staff.
  2. The workplace is changing, and many companies are reducing office space because employees can work from anywhere. Flexibility is becoming key.
  3. The future requires more investment in training and development. People will need to build their skills to thrive in a tech-driven world.