The hottest Business Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

5 Frameworks To Master Communication And Influence As An Engineer

High Growth Engineer • 1415 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
💼 Business Leadership Communication Influence Startups Career development
  1. Understanding communication styles is key to being effective as an engineer. Knowing how to adapt your message can help get your point across better.
  2. Influence is about more than just speaking well; it's also about building relationships. Strong connections can lead to better collaboration and teamwork.
  3. Mastering executive communication can help you lead better and get your ideas heard. It's important to practice and refine these skills regularly.

On ne te virera pas

L'Atelier Galita • 79 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
💼 Business Employment Management Career development Negotiation
  1. Most people worry too much about getting fired when they actually have a lot of protection once they are in a permanent job. Employers need a real reason to let someone go after the trial period.
  2. Don't rush to resign without a good reason. Being fired can give you unemployment benefits, while quitting usually won't. You're safer in a job than you might think.
  3. Your worth in the job market matters a lot. The more skills you have, the less likely you'll be fired, and the better conditions you can negotiate.

Les bénéfices de mon CDI

L'Atelier Galita • 119 implied HN points • 04 Oct 24
💼 Business Employment Work Life Social Issues Personal Finance Career development
  1. A permanent job offers great financial security and strong social benefits. This means stable income and protection from hard times.
  2. Being self-employed can make you work harder than you should, as there's no one to tell you when to take a break. Some self-employed people might even forget to take vacations.
  3. Having a structured job means you have set times to interact with others and avoid feeling lonely. It also allows for a balance in your daily routine without forcing you into a rigid schedule.

How to Build a Data Room That Stands Out 📁

The VC Corner • 719 implied HN points • 22 Jul 24
💼 Business Startups Fundraising Investing Entrepreneurship Finance
  1. A data room is a secure online space where startups keep important documents for investors. It shows you're organized and ready to share details about your business.
  2. Having a well-prepared data room can save time and build trust with investors. It helps them understand your company's operations and financial health better.
  3. When setting up a data room, choose good software, organize your documents, and control who can see what. This ensures sensitive information stays safe while sharing essential details.
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Building a Better World Without Jobs

Workforce Futurist by Andy Spence • 732 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
💼 Business Economic Change Technology impact Wealth Distribution
  1. The traditional job is changing, and many people are finding new ways to earn money outside of formal employment. Technology is making it easier to work in more flexible and decentralized ways.
  2. We're seeing a shift toward financial security rather than full employment. Concepts like Universal Basic Income are being considered to help people when jobs are less available.
  3. The future of work may involve more projects and contracts with multiple income streams. People will likely collaborate in smaller teams and use technology to support their work.

Parkinson's Law: The Power of Deadlines

FutureIQ • 1 implied HN point • 13 Jun 25
💼 Business Productivity Management Workplace Project management Time management
  1. Work tends to fill the time you give it, so if you set a shorter deadline, you'll likely finish faster. This is known as Parkinson's Law.
  2. Setting tight deadlines can actually improve quality instead of harming it. It helps you avoid distractions and keep your focus where it matters.
  3. Finding the right balance in deadlines is key. They should be tight enough to challenge you but not so tight that you feel overwhelmed.

Always. Be. Blogging.

Silver Bulletin • 1057 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Marketing Content creation Digital Media Subscription Models
  1. Blog regularly to grow your audience. Consistent posting keeps your readers engaged and helps you establish a routine.
  2. Make your content stand out with catchy headlines and good structure. A strong opening and good promotion can lead to more readers and subscribers.
  3. Think about your unique insights and be ready to share them when relevant news happens. Timeliness and originality can help your writing hit home runs.

From 9-to-5 to Building a Career Portfolio: How One Consulting Project Changed My Life

SeattleDataGuy’s Newsletter • 612 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
💼 Business Career development Consulting Networking Personal Branding Skill Building
  1. Building a solid skill set is crucial early in your career. Try out different skills and projects to find what you enjoy and what works for you.
  2. Seizing opportunities is key. Say yes to things that can help you grow, and be proactive about creating your own chances.
  3. Think of your career like building an investment portfolio. Every skill, project, and connection adds value, so keep investing in yourself and your network.

☕️ How Starbucks Plans to Return to its Coffeehouse Roots with Free Coffee, a Brand-Led Strategy, and a Superbowl Adjacent campaign 📈

the case for brand 💼 • 72 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
💼 Business Brand Strategy Marketing Corporate culture Consumer behavior Market Trends
  1. Starbucks is focusing on its employees to create a better work environment. They are improving benefits and promoting from within to ensure happier staff.
  2. The company wants to bring back its community coffeehouse vibe. This means enhancing in-store experiences, like using ceramic mugs and offering free refills.
  3. Starbucks aims to clarify its identity and mission as a coffee brand. They are emphasizing their roots and what they stand for in their marketing and overall brand message.

How to Get More Subscribers With Substack’s (New) Growth Engine

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 6394 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
💼 Business Marketing Entrepreneurship Digital Media Email Marketing Content creation
  1. Substack's recommendation feature helps newsletters grow significantly, with many users reporting over 28% of their subscribers coming from recommendations.
  2. Writers on Substack can curate and recommend other newsletters, giving them control over who to promote and helping to build a community.
  3. Building an email list is valuable because you own your subscribers, unlike social media followers, making it easier to sustain a personal brand.

Reflections on Palantir

Nabeel S. Qureshi • 1678 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
💼 Business Tech Companies Data Integration Software Development Corporate culture Entrepreneurship
  1. Palantir focuses on solving tough problems in important industries like healthcare and manufacturing. The company aims to tackle complex issues that others often ignore, offering a unique opportunity for engineers who want to make a real impact.
  2. The role of forward deployed engineers (FDEs) is key at Palantir. They work closely with customers to understand their needs and integrate data effectively, helping to create software solutions that solve real business problems.
  3. The culture at Palantir is intense and promotes open communication, where criticism and debate are welcomed. This environment encourages employees to think deeply and cultivate a unique set of skills that can lead to successful startups.

Term Sheets Demystified 📄🤝

The VC Corner • 659 implied HN points • 25 Jul 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Investment Fundraising Startups Venture Capital
  1. A term sheet is a non-binding agreement that lays out the basic terms of an investment. It's like a guide for both investors and founders to understand what's being offered.
  2. Key parts of a term sheet include the investment amount, valuation, and liquidation preferences. These details help both sides know what to expect if the company is sold or liquidated.
  3. Dividends can be part of a term sheet too, specifying how much investors might earn annually. It helps clarify when and how investors would get paid.

Multi-Product In Pictures

The VC Corner • 159 implied HN points • 05 Sep 24
💼 Business Tech startups Venture Capital Product Development Market Strategy Company growth
  1. Going multi-product is important for companies that want to grow and succeed. It can help them stand out in the market and attract more customers.
  2. Successful companies often have a clear plan for when and what new products to introduce. Timing and strategy matter a lot in this process.
  3. Many large public companies today started with one product and expanded later. Learning from their journeys can guide new founders as they build their businesses.

How we built a business out of recession - chapter 35 - the wild goose chase continues

The ZIPster • 26 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Startups Expansion Finance Management
  1. Expanding a business into new markets can be really tricky. Many companies assume they will succeed without understanding local culture or costs, and that can lead to big losses.
  2. Hiring the right people is essential, especially in new regions. You need experienced local managers who understand the market and can connect with customers.
  3. Sometimes, it's better to focus on nearby markets instead of chasing distant dreams. Building strong local partnerships can lead to better results without unnecessary risks.

THRIVE: My Guiding Leadership Principles

The Engineering Leader • 99 implied HN points • 06 Oct 24
💼 Business Leadership Management Team Building Professional development Innovation
  1. Transformational leadership is about inspiring your team by sharing a clear vision. It helps create a motivated and engaged work environment where everyone strives for excellence.
  2. Adapting your leadership style to fit different teams and situations is crucial. Being flexible helps address unique challenges and fosters team success.
  3. Empowerment is key to growth. When you give your team the resources and autonomy to lead, you help them develop their skills and confidence.

Judgment Day Has Arrived for the Journalism Business

The Honest Broker • 30220 implied HN points • 07 May 23
💼 Business Journalism Media Subscription Advertising AI
  1. Media platforms struggling with advertising rely on gimmicky clickbait strategies that eventually fail.
  2. Subscription-based models are becoming successful in journalism, shifting the focus back to quality writing.
  3. AI-generated articles, the latest gimmick in media, reduce writing costs but sacrifice quality and are doomed to fail.

Career choices: What to focus on?

Wednesday Wisdom • 151 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
💼 Business Career development Job Market Professional Growth Skills Training Employment Trends
  1. Focus on core skills, like coding, that are still necessary for landing a job. Make sure to practice your coding skills regularly, even if your job isn't primarily about coding.
  2. Identify what you enjoy and have some skill in, but also recognize if it has career potential. It's important to like what you do, but the market needs to support it too.
  3. Don't stress too much about making the perfect career choice. Instead, commit to understanding your field deeply and adapt as new opportunities arise.

A Substack is a book’s best friend: An interview with Luke Burgis

read • 10456 implied HN points • 28 Apr 23
💼 Business Marketing Engagement Authors Collaborations
  1. A Substack can be a powerful tool for writers to engage with readers and promote their books.
  2. Substack allows for direct connection with committed readers and can significantly impact book sales.
  3. Starting a Substack can help writers build a community, get feedback, and continue engaging with readers even after the publication of a book.

Learning from Failure🛑

The VC Corner • 519 implied HN points • 02 Aug 24
💼 Business Startups Entrepreneurship Market research Competitive Analysis
  1. Startups often fail due to initial mistakes, like a mismatched founding team. It's important for co-founders to share a common vision and work well together.
  2. Strategic errors can lead to failure too, such as not clearly showing what makes a product special. If customers don't see the value, they won't buy it.
  3. Operational failures also play a big role. Companies must pay attention to customer feedback and keep an eye on their competition to survive.

Thoughts on the Survival and Flourishing Fund 2024 Round

Don't Worry About the Vase • 1075 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
💼 Business Philanthropy Social Impact
  1. There are many good charities to support right now, and the quality of applications has improved a lot since the last round. This makes it a great time for charitable giving.
  2. The process for evaluating charities has changed, including a new requirement for them to first receive speculation grants to be considered for funding. This has helped raise the overall quality of the applications.
  3. Time is tight when deciding which charities to fund, making it crucial to quickly assess the most promising options. It's important to focus on those organizations that show strong potential and trustworthy signals.

Moving Mental Mountains

Software Design: Tidy First? • 1369 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
💼 Business Finance Technology Economics Management Workforce
  1. Now it's easier and cheaper to explore data and insights, so we should be more curious and take the time to investigate our 'I wonder' moments.
  2. Emotional reactions often replace actual work, and we need to focus on doing the analytical tasks instead of just responding emotionally.
  3. When analyzing data, start small and make sure your findings are accurate. Sharing what you learn can help you grow and encourage collective knowledge.

Thank You for 100k: A Journey Through 2024 and Beyond

SeattleDataGuy’s Newsletter • 294 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
💼 Business Consulting Data Analysis Content creation Leadership Community Building
  1. In 2024, I gained over 100,000 subscribers on both YouTube and Substack. I really appreciate the support and plan to create even better content next year.
  2. This year showed trends like cloud data migrations and smaller, fractional data teams, which are changing how companies handle data. It's important to keep an eye on these shifts in the data world.
  3. Looking ahead to 2025, I want to finish my book on data leadership and offer more webinars and mini-courses. I'm excited to engage even more with my readers and build a community.

You Have To Hype Yourself. No One Else Will Do It For You.

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 1598 implied HN points • 02 Jun 24
💼 Business Marketing Writing Entrepreneurship Social media Personal Branding
  1. You need to promote yourself because no one will do it for you. Writing is just part of the job; marketing is also important.
  2. Many writers have talent but struggle to get noticed. Building a community and shouting about your successes can help attract readers.
  3. Don't be shy about sharing your achievements. Talking about your wins can inspire others and help you stand out in a crowded field.

Attention To Details

Fish Food for Thought • 15 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
💼 Business Leadership Management Personal Development Career growth Entrepreneurship
  1. Paying attention to small details is really important for success in any area. It's like sharpening a tool—you get better results when you focus on the little things.
  2. Using checklists and working with others can help catch mistakes you might miss. Teamwork and good habits make a big difference.
  3. Balancing big ideas with detailed execution is key. Great leaders not only dream big but also make sure the small steps are done right.

Five Reasons To Be Optimistic About Work in 2025

Workforce Futurist by Andy Spence • 390 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
💼 Business Workforce Entrepreneurship Remote work Hiring Trends Economic Indicators
  1. Many employers plan to hire more workers, making 2025 a good year for job opportunities. This growth is seen globally, especially in countries like India and the U.S.
  2. The Misery Index, which measures economic discomfort, is low, suggesting overall economic conditions are relatively stable. However, it doesn't account for every hardship faced by workers.
  3. Remote work is becoming more common, giving people the flexibility to work in comfortable environments. Digital tools are also allowing individuals to create their own businesses, leading to more ways to earn money.

Everything Looks Like A Nail

Where's Your Ed At • 25075 implied HN points • 19 Oct 23
💼 Business Technology Venture Capital Inequality Social Responsibility Economics
  1. Marc Andreessen wants to portray himself as a victim despite his immense success and wealth.
  2. Andreessen promotes a vision of continuous technological advancement, but his actions and investments often prioritize maintaining the status quo.
  3. Andreessen's manifesto is filled with contradictions and hypocrisy, advocating libertarian economic thinking while benefiting from government intervention.

Why Insurance Companies Are Rationally Failing Their Social Purpose

Software Design: Tidy First? • 1391 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
💼 Business Insurance Finance Economics Investing Risk management
  1. Insurance is meant to convert risks into opportunities, allowing people to buy homes and start businesses by protecting lenders against losses. But it's complicated when companies only want to insure low-risk customers.
  2. Insurance companies often cut back on the risks they cover to stay competitive and offer lower prices, which means they might not support those in need, like entrepreneurs with health issues.
  3. For insurance to work as it should, companies need to stop focusing solely on low-risk clients. They should start covering real people, including those who are a bit riskier, to provide the societal benefits that insurance was originally designed for.

Panic Among the Streamers

The Honest Broker • 22673 implied HN points • 28 Jul 23
💼 Business Technology Entertainment Finance Economy Industry
  1. Spotify's CEO sold $100 million in stock amidst the company's increasing losses, causing concern among investors.
  2. Streaming companies like Netflix and Disney are heavily investing in AI technology, potentially replacing human creativity with bots.
  3. Music streaming platforms like Spotify prioritize profit over user experience, creating a bland and generic listening environment.

The Bear Cave #251

The Bear Cave • 513 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
💼 Business Finance Markets Investing Corporate Governance Research
  1. There are significant legal troubles for companies like LendingTree, which could face lawsuits costing hundreds of millions of dollars. This could affect their financial stability and future operations.
  2. Recent executive resignations in several companies, including Intel, suggest instability at the management level. Frequent leadership changes can indicate underlying issues within a company.
  3. Research reports from different groups are highlighting possible problems in companies like Serve Robotics and Plug Power. These findings could impact investor confidence and stock prices.

The Bear Cave #250

The Bear Cave • 606 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
💼 Business Finance Investing Corporate Governance Market Analysis Activism
  1. The Bear Cave focuses on finding problems in companies that are often ignored by the mainstream. This helps identify potential short selling opportunities.
  2. The publication has tracked executive resignations and has shown that many companies with leadership changes tend to underperform in the market.
  3. Over the past few years, the companies highlighted by The Bear Cave have consistently lagged behind the S&P 500, hinting at serious issues that investors should consider.

How Duolingo reignited user growth

Lenny's Newsletter • 9571 implied HN points • 28 Feb 23
💼 Business Tech Marketing Growth Product Leadership
  1. Duolingo achieved 4.5x user growth over four years through innovative strategies like leaderboards and push notifications.
  2. Their focus on improving retention over new user acquisition led to significant improvements in engagement metrics.
  3. Using data and models, like Zynga and MyFitnessPal did, helped Duolingo identify North Star metrics and drive growth effectively.

What Eight Years Of Being Stuck Taught Me About Career Paths

Diary of an Engineering Manager • 259 implied HN points • 22 Aug 24
💼 Business Career development Work-life balance Skills Training Organizational Behavior Job Market
  1. Career growth can be messy and non-linear, much like cooked spaghetti. Just because you're not moving up quickly doesn't mean you're failing.
  2. Promotions often come with extra responsibilities and sacrifices. It's important to reflect on whether you're ready for those changes before chasing a title.
  3. Your career will have phases, with ups and downs. It's okay to experience stagnation; it's part of building resilience for the long run.

Last Call to Save 25% on Your Subscription

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 695 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
💼 Business Marketing Subscriptions Promotions Sales Journalism
  1. You can get a 25% discount on an annual subscription to The Free Press, which costs $60.
  2. The subscription offers full access to articles, investigations, and popular columns, as well as the chance to join discussions in the comments.
  3. Subscribers will also get early access to tickets for special events, including debates and book talks.

Are Brands Coming For The Group Chat?

Total Rec • 2236 implied HN points • 27 Apr 24
💼 Business E-commerce Entrepreneurship Consumer behavior Marketing Ethics
  1. Substack chats provide a space for genuine conversations and personalized recommendations, free from traditional algorithms and commercial pressures.
  2. The influx of brands into these organic spaces raises concerns about maintaining authenticity while allowing brands to engage profitably.
  3. Exploring the idea of creating online spaces that prioritize values like community, collaboration, and enrichment over the pursuit of vast wealth and success.

How You Can Eliminate Your Competition

VERY GOOD PRODUCTIZED GUIDES • 159 implied HN points • 02 Sep 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Marketing Startups Competition Branding
  1. You don't have to be the first in the market. Being different is more important. Focus on filling gaps in what others offer instead.
  2. Understand what your customers truly want. They often seek value and connection, not just the service itself. Learn their needs to attract more clients.
  3. Instead of only cutting costs, focus on providing great value to your customers. Sometimes spending more can actually improve your service and satisfy customers better.

The Creator Economy's paradigm shift

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 449 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
💼 Business Media Economy Marketing Technology Startups
  1. The Creator Economy is becoming more powerful than traditional media. Creators are now shaping cultural conversations more than ever before.
  2. Teen moms on TikTok are making lots of money and changing how people view their lives. Social media allows them to support their families and break stereotypes.
  3. Podcasts are growing in popularity and are being watched on TVs. This means video versions of podcasts could get more viewers who enjoy watching them at home.

Problems at TransDigm (TDG)

The Bear Cave • 699 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
💼 Business Corporate Governance Government Regulation Market Analysis
  1. TransDigm has been accused of charging extremely high prices for small aircraft parts, with markups sometimes reaching thousands of percent. This has raised concerns about potential price gouging, especially with government contracts.
  2. The incoming Department of Government Efficiency aims to address issues like waste and fraud in government spending, targeting companies like TransDigm for their pricing practices. This could lead to significant audits and potential savings for taxpayers.
  3. There is bipartisan criticism of TransDigm's pricing strategies, suggesting that their business model relies on acquiring sole-source suppliers and drastically increasing prices at the expense of the government and taxpayers.

NonZero is Hiring!

Nonzero Newsletter • 327 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
💼 Business Media Journalism Social media Hiring Content creation
  1. NonZero is expanding and looking to hire new team members, including a full-time journalist and part-time social media specialist. They want people passionate about important global topics.
  2. The organization aims to cover a wide range of subjects, like technology, psychology, and international relations, to foster collaboration and reduce conflicts. Their mission is about helping people find common ground.
  3. They encourage creative applicants who can bring unique skills to support their mission. If you think you can help, even in ways beyond their listed jobs, they welcome your ideas.