The hottest Business Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

Stupid Rules For Stupid People Struck Down

Points And Figures • 639 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
💼 Business Corporate Governance Regulation Investment Financial Markets Diversity
  1. NASDAQ's rule for corporate board diversity focused too much on identity instead of qualifications. It's more important to have people with varied experiences and perspectives on the board to help businesses succeed.
  2. The legal decision to revoke certain rules about private company disclosures is seen as positive. Regulations that infringe on privacy can deter companies from going public and create unnecessary barriers.
  3. Private markets should be free from excessive regulations. Investors need to keep the identities of their shareholders confidential, and government oversight can lead to more problems than it solves.

Newsletters we read to stay smarter than the competition

CommandBlogue • 139 implied HN points • 04 Sep 24
💼 Business Startups Growth Innovation Marketing Entrepreneurship
  1. Staying updated with newsletters is super important for personal and professional growth. They help you learn quickly and efficiently in a fast-changing world.
  2. Some recommended newsletters focus on tech, product growth, and honest startup experiences. They provide unique insights and practical advice that can really help new teams and startups.
  3. Reading newsletters can keep you motivated and optimistic about the tech industry. It’s a great way to stay informed and inspired by successful stories and strategies.

How To Actually Make Money Freelance Writing as Beginner in 2024

Kristina God's Online Writing Club • 919 implied HN points • 29 Jun 24
💼 Business Freelancing Writing Marketing Entrepreneurship Content creation
  1. You can make good money as a freelance writer, even if you're just starting out. Many companies want real human writers because they bring creativity that AI can't.
  2. It's important to clearly define what services you offer and how you can help potential clients. This helps you stand out in a crowded market.
  3. Guest posting can still be a great way to showcase your writing and attract clients, so don't underestimate its value in building your portfolio.

✨ 📈 The AI Paradox: When will artificial intelligence boost US economic growth?

Faster, Please! • 913 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
💼 Business Economics Artificial Intelligence Productivity Innovation Growth
  1. Alan Greenspan raised questions about why technological advances in the 1990s didn't seem to improve productivity statistics. He suggested that it might take time for new technologies to show their full effects.
  2. Greenspan believed that traditional methods of measuring productivity might not capture the real progress happening, especially with services. This mismeasurement could lead to bad decisions on economic policies.
  3. The role of artificial intelligence in boosting productivity is still uncertain. There's hope that AI can help workers produce more, but it's unclear when we will see these benefits reflected in economic growth.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Scrum Is No Excuse To Avoid Accountabilities

Ageling on Agile • 99 implied HN points • 03 Oct 24
💼 Business Management Agile Productivity Teamwork
  1. Scrum helps teams work better, but it doesn't mean people can ignore their responsibilities. Everyone needs to step up and be accountable.
  2. Self-management in Scrum isn't just about freedoms; it also includes taking on duties and being responsible for their work.
  3. It's important for everyone in a Scrum team to communicate clearly and understand what is needed to succeed, especially regarding project timelines.

So you want to be a pirate, eh matey?

Jeff Giesea • 558 implied HN points • 14 Aug 24
💼 Business Employment Work Culture Remote work Gig Economy Career development
  1. Job-stacking is when people hold multiple full-time remote jobs at the same time, mainly in tech fields. Some think it's unethical because it can trick employers.
  2. Supporters argue job-stacking is okay as long as people do their jobs well and there are no secret issues. They feel the current job market is unreliable, so they find new ways to cope.
  3. The job landscape is changing, and job-stacking could be a sign that we need new work models. While not for everyone, it might push us to think differently about employment.

The Essential Intangibles

DruGroup • 139 implied HN points • 03 Sep 24
💼 Business Leadership Management Skills Development Training
  1. Being a skilled leader isn't enough; you also need certain qualities called intangibles. These qualities may not be easy to measure, but they are essential for effective leadership.
  2. Leadership intangibles include selflessness, risk-taking, and transparency. Focusing on these traits can help leaders build better relationships with their teams.
  3. You can learn and improve these intangibles through your everyday experiences, rather than needing special training. Recognizing and addressing your blind spots can make a big difference.

My Journey From 300 to 15000 Followers on LinkedIn

VERY GOOD PRODUCTIZED GUIDES • 319 implied HN points • 12 Aug 24
💼 Business Social media Marketing Networking Lead Generation Entrepreneurship
  1. Growing your LinkedIn followers takes consistency and patience. Posting regularly can help you connect with more people and keep your audience engaged.
  2. Content is key to grabbing attention on LinkedIn. Share personal stories, expert insights, and occasional calls-to-action to build connections and generate leads.
  3. Engaging with others on the platform boosts visibility. Comment on posts, reach out to new connections, and collaborate with top creators to expand your network.

How CMO Sophie Bambuck of The North Face, Nike, Converse, and Everlane Builds Brands for Everyone

the case for brand 💼 • 145 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
💼 Business Branding Marketing Advertising Leadership Strategy
  1. Sophie Bambuck believes in starting brand strategies by understanding your audience first. It's all about connecting with what they care about before thinking about how you'll reach them.
  2. Campaigns should have a clear goal in mind and allow for flexibility to adapt to trends or audience responses. You need both a fixed plan and room to react to what's happening in culture.
  3. A strong brand relies on consistent storytelling and values. If a brand forgets why it exists or tries to be everything to everyone, it risks losing its identity and becoming just another product.

How Eric Newcomer scaled his startups newsletter into a $2 million business

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 499 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Startups Tech Media Revenue Models
  1. Eric Newcomer started a newsletter focused on startups and venture capital, which has become very successful. He went from traditional journalism to creating his own business.
  2. His newsletter is projected to earn $2 million a year, mostly from events he hosts. This shows that live events can be great for generating income.
  3. Working closely with a wealthy audience helped him grow his business. Being focused on a specific, affluent group made his newsletter more appealing and profitable.

The Hagakure #86: One Job

The Hagakure • 61 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
💼 Business Leadership Management Startups SaaS Strategy
  1. Giving control to your team is important, but first, you need to make sure they understand their tasks clearly. This way, people can make better decisions without relying on just one person.
  2. To help your team succeed, they need competence in their roles. This includes being good at problem-solving, communication, and understanding processes.
  3. As a leader, your job is to create a clear vision and help develop your team's skills. This allows everyone to work better together and feel more empowered.

How To Give Yourself A Promotion And Grow Your Business Beyond Solo Freelancing

VERY GOOD PRODUCTIZED GUIDES • 99 implied HN points • 09 Sep 24
💼 Business Freelancing Entrepreneurship Marketing Management Growth Strategies
  1. To grow beyond solo freelancing, you need to stop doing everything yourself. Focus on what you do best and outsource the tasks that take up too much of your time.
  2. It's important to package your services in a way that clients understand and can buy easily. This means creating fixed-fee services that have clear pricing and deliverables.
  3. You should regularly audit how you spend your time to figure out what tasks can be delegated. This helps free up your schedule for the high-value work that you enjoy.

The Startup Pricing Journey 💸

The VC Corner • 439 implied HN points • 30 Jul 24
💼 Business Startup Pricing Monetization Market Strategy Growth
  1. Pricing is super important for startups because it affects how customers see your product and can help grow your business.
  2. In the beginning, startups need to choose a pricing strategy that can change and adapt as they learn more about the market.
  3. A good pricing strategy helps with attracting and keeping customers, while a bad one can lead to problems for the startup.

The Work Identity Paradox will change our jobs

Make Work Better • 65 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
💼 Business Work Culture Identity AI Impact Employee engagement
  1. Many people see their jobs as part of who they are. Losing a job can feel like losing a piece of your identity.
  2. As jobs become more unstable due to technology and AI, our sense of identity tied to work may also change. We need to adapt to this shifting landscape.
  3. Future workplaces will need to focus more on helping employees grow as individuals, rather than just what they do. It's about becoming the best version of ourselves.

Garmin's ~$40B Pivot

SatPost by Trung Phan • 175 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
💼 Business Corporate strategy Finance Product Development
  1. Garmin transformed from an automotive GPS company to a leader in fitness watches by investing heavily in research and development. This shift helped it survive the competition from tech giants like Apple and Google.
  2. The company showed strong adaptability when its core automotive market declined, successfully pivoting to fitness and outdoor activities by creating specialized products like GPS-enabled watches for runners.
  3. Garmin's commitment to innovation and vertical integration has allowed it to maintain high-quality standards and respond quickly to market changes, helping it compete effectively despite challenges from larger tech companies.

Is Vivek Ramaswamy A BioTech Ponzi Schemer & Deep State Asset?

2nd Smartest Guy in the World • 4658 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
💼 Business Biotech Scams Investing Entrepreneurship Finance
  1. Vivek Ramaswamy made millions from biotech companies that failed, leading to accusations of running a Ponzi Scheme.
  2. Ramaswamy has been critiquing corporations engaging in what he calls 'socially conscious investing' as a threat to America's well-being.
  3. Despite accusations and controversies, Ramaswamy's net worth has been estimated to be over $950 million, raising questions about his business practices.

TBM 336: Product OS Design Tips and Principles

The Beautiful Mess • 1414 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
💼 Business Product Design Leadership Organizational Design Human factors
  1. Think of your product operating system like a product itself. It needs to fit everyone's needs and constantly adapt to new challenges.
  2. Senior leaders should take responsibility for the product operating system. Their commitment is crucial to build trust and ensure everyone follows the guidelines.
  3. Start with simple interactions and routines for teams to use regularly. Well-designed rituals help improve communication and decision-making while reducing bureaucracy.

Close the Umbrella

The Engineering Leader • 159 implied HN points • 22 Sep 24
💼 Business Management Leadership Team Dynamics Organizational Culture Workplace well-being
  1. Managers should be honest and transparent with their teams. Hiding difficult information can backfire and leave everyone unprepared.
  2. Overprotecting a team can create dependence and limit their growth. It's important for team members to face challenges to develop their skills.
  3. A balanced approach is best. Managers can help their teams focus by filtering out unnecessary distractions while still being transparent about real issues.

What Is Being An Engineering Manager Like

Diary of an Engineering Manager • 119 implied HN points • 05 Sep 24
💼 Business Management Leadership Teamwork Career development Work Culture
  1. An engineering manager's role is more about teamwork than just giving orders. It's important to work together and support each other.
  2. The manager's job is like being a driver on a road trip. They navigate and ensure everyone is comfortable and safe along the journey.
  3. Being an engineering manager doesn't mean being smarter than everyone else. It means having different responsibilities while being part of the team.

Increasing Prices Without Losing Your Current Clients

Tiny Empires • 24 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
💼 Business Pricing Strategy Client Management Value Proposition Business Growth
  1. To increase prices without losing clients, focus on adding value first. People are willing to pay more if they see higher value in what you're offering.
  2. Create different service tiers to give clients options. This keeps current clients happy while attracting new ones to higher-priced services.
  3. Shift your conversation from what you deliver to what results your service provides. This way, clients understand the true worth of your services.

Top Links 578 Airline profits. Global migration. Virtue capitalists & Norwich v. the Soviet Union.

Chartbook • 500 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
💼 Business Economics Finance Corporate Market Trends Globalization
  1. Airline profits have rebounded recently, indicating a recovery in the travel industry. This shows that more people are flying again after tough times.
  2. Global migration trends are changing, with more people moving for various reasons. This affects economies and cultures around the world.
  3. There is a discussion around 'virtue capitalists,' who focus on social values while making money, and their impact compared to historical examples like Norwich and the Soviet Union.

One Year of Talks!

Ben’s Blog 🏉 🧠🧑‍💻 • 18 implied HN points • 04 Jun 25
💼 Business Leadership Performance Coaching Well-being
  1. Energy is key to team performance; the more energy a team has, the better they usually perform. Less energy can lead to burnout, which affects results.
  2. Sharing ideas and experiences through speaking engagements can help clarify personal thoughts and grow confidence. It's also a great way to inspire others.
  3. Keeping ideas simple can make a big difference in how people understand performance and well-being, making it easier for them to thrive at work.

The Software Rebel: How Innovaccer Defied Silicon Valley's Anti-Services Doctrine and Won

Day Zero: Always Learning • 426 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
💼 Business Startups Software Entrepreneurship Technology Investment
  1. Businesses need to combine services with software to succeed. This mix can help them understand their customers better and create real value.
  2. Learning and adapting quickly is key to success. Companies should capture knowledge from each project to improve their services over time.
  3. The future of enterprise software lies in using AI and human expertise together. This way, businesses can create smarter solutions that really solve problems.

Monkey Laundering

Where's Your Ed At • 20772 implied HN points • 26 Sep 23
💼 Business Cryptocurrency Venture Capital Investing Market Analysis
  1. Investing in NFTs as a way to own unique digital assets may not guarantee value or ownership of intellectual property.
  2. Many NFT projects overpromise benefits like voting power and ownership in the company, leading to unfulfilled expectations.
  3. The NFT industry is often characterized by scams, fake transactions, and inflated values, preying on the desperation of people seeking investment opportunities.

How gardening teaches you this crucial lesson about scaling your business

VERY GOOD PRODUCTIZED GUIDES • 59 implied HN points • 16 Sep 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Marketing Productivity Scaling Automation
  1. Create systems that allow you to enjoy what you love, even when life gets busy. This gives you the freedom to step away without worry.
  2. Think about tasks you do daily that take more than 10 minutes. Find ways to automate them or get help to save time.
  3. Building these efficient systems might take time upfront, but once they're in place, they let you scale your business and work more smoothly.

The "Brilliant" Idea that Saved The Economy and Killed The Future

OK Doomer • 111 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
💼 Business Economics Marketing Innovation Product Design Corporate strategy
  1. A group of light bulb companies created a plan to make bulbs that burnt out faster, so people would buy more. This was done under the false idea that they were improving efficiency.
  2. In the 1990s, a company launched a cheaper printer but actually just made minor changes instead of improving the product. They found clever ways to cut costs without giving customers a better deal.
  3. These examples show how businesses can prioritize profit over quality, tricking consumers into spending more money without a real benefit.

The future of AI pricing

The AI Frontier • 259 implied HN points • 15 Aug 24
💼 Business Pricing Strategy AI Tools Market Trends Productivity
  1. AI tools should use work-based pricing instead of seat-based pricing. This means companies pay for the amount of work the AI actually does, not just who has access to it.
  2. Consumption-based pricing isn't new; it's been around in various forms for a long time. Many software services bill customers based on how much they use, which can help companies understand costs better.
  3. Work-based pricing can make customers skeptical because it's hard to measure what 'work done' means. Companies need to show how AI adds value and build trust with users.

Things are changing round here 🚀

Boiling The Ocean • 19 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
💼 Business Consulting Job Market Startups Technology Trends
  1. BTO is getting a fresh start with a new look and content focus. This is exciting because it means there will be better and more relevant information.
  2. They are launching a new platform called Cheddar, which makes applying for consulting jobs much easier. It's like having all job listings in one place.
  3. The relaunch will focus on key topics like industry news, AI tools, and job opportunities, and will be sent out every month. This change aims to keep everyone updated and informed.

€1 Billion VC Fund in Spain💸, 10 Books for Founders, by Founders📚, The Power of Niche🎯

The VC Corner • 579 implied HN points • 14 Jul 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Startups Books Funding Entrepreneurship
  1. A new €1 billion venture capital fund has been launched in Spain to support startups. This fund aims to boost innovation and growth in the entrepreneurial landscape.
  2. There is a list of 10 books specifically for founders, written by those who have experience in building companies. These books can provide valuable insights and guidance for anyone looking to start their own business.
  3. Focusing on a niche market can be very powerful for businesses. It allows companies to stand out and cater specifically to the needs of a certain group of customers.

The Future of Work.

The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past • 58 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
💼 Business Future work Leadership Organizational Change
  1. Many companies will hire fewer full-time employees as they turn to AI and flexible job markets. This means more people might work part-time or freelance in the future.
  2. The number of new businesses is on the rise due to technology making it easier to start a company. This year alone, there could be about 6 million new firms in the US.
  3. Where people work is becoming less important than how companies interact with their employees. It's critical to focus on creating personalized work experiences rather than forcing everyone back to traditional office settings.

Of falling door plugs and missing bolts and holes in fuselages and 737 Max 9's

Lucian Truscott Newsletter • 3655 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
💼 Business Aerospace Manufacturing Corporate culture Quality control
  1. Private equity in aircraft manufacturing can lead to cost-cutting measures that compromise safety.
  2. Recent accidents involving Boeing 737 models point to potential flaws in design and manufacturing processes.
  3. Pressure to speed up production in the aviation industry can result in quality control issues and safety risks.

The ASOMOCO Top 10 (2024 Edition)

Altered States of Monetary Consciousness • 226 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
💼 Business Economics Finance Corporate Innovation Monetary Policy
  1. Corporations use simplified interfaces to interact with people, making it easier for us to deal with their complex structures. This can give them a more relatable personality, changing how we perceive them.
  2. Billionaires are often seen as uniquely gifted individuals, but this view overlooks the collaborative efforts of many people that contribute to their success. It's important to understand the collective work behind big achievements.
  3. Surveillance is becoming normalized as companies find new, clever ways to collect our data. They often spin this as a fun experience, making people look forward to sharing their information.

The Only Pitch Guyde You’ll Ever Need

Remarkable People • 699 implied HN points • 03 Jul 24
💼 Business Startups Investment Entrepreneurship Pitching Innovation
  1. Choose the right audience for your pitch. It's crucial to identify the right venture capital firms and specific people to contact for better chances of success.
  2. Get a warm introduction instead of cold emailing. Knowing someone who can introduce you increases the chances of getting a meeting.
  3. Practice your pitch and engage your audience. Start strong, tell a compelling story, and be confident in your delivery to leave a lasting impression.

Customers don't care about your AI feature

Kyle Poyar’s Growth Unhinged • 1246 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
💼 Business Marketing Consumer behavior Product Development Technology Trends
  1. Most customers don't really care if a product is AI-powered. They want to know how it will solve their problems, not get lost in technical jargon.
  2. Highlighting the benefits and real outcomes of a product works better than focusing on the AI label. Show customers how your product can make their lives easier.
  3. Using 'AI' in marketing can sometimes backfire. It can lower customer expectations and doesn't always justify a higher price. It's better to focus on value rather than buzzwords.

Smaller meetings are more productive than larger meetings

Respectful Leadership • 54 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
💼 Business Management Productivity Meetings Remote work Leadership
  1. Smaller meetings are better than larger ones because they keep people engaged. In big meetings, many attendees often feel bored or have nothing to contribute.
  2. You should only invite the people who are essential for the meeting. This helps everyone stay focused and avoid distractions from their actual work.
  3. Frequent large meetings can waste a lot of time. It's more effective to communicate via email or messages for announcements instead of gathering everyone together unnecessarily.

From Numbers to Narrative: Financial Modeling for Founders 📊

The VC Corner • 579 implied HN points • 12 Jul 24
💼 Business Startups Investment Financial planning Entrepreneurship Market Analysis
  1. Financial modeling is all about telling your startup's story using numbers. It's important for getting investments and managing your business well.
  2. A solid financial model includes three main statements: the Income Statement, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow Statement. These help you understand your revenue, costs, and financial position.
  3. Building a financial model starts by defining your assumptions. This helps you predict future performance and make informed decisions for your startup.