CAUSL Effect

The CAUSL Effect newsletter chronicles the journey of building CAUSL, offering insights on product management, analytics, business development, and personal growth. Key themes include practical strategies for product experimentation, customer engagement, business scaling, and overcoming startup challenges.

Product Management Analytics Business Development Startup Challenges Personal Growth

The hottest Substack posts of CAUSL Effect

And their main takeaways

Analysing Tech Layoffs

1 HN point • 17 Sep 24
💼 Business Tech Layoffs Employment Trends Data Analysis Company strategy Economic Impact
  1. Over half a million workers have faced layoffs in the tech industry, showing how tough the job market can be right now.
  2. The data suggests that roles in product management, design, and research faced much higher layoff rates compared to engineering positions.
  3. These layoffs were often driven by companies needing to cut costs quickly due to changing market conditions, not by the employee's performance.

The Region-Beta Paradox and its Impact on Product and Experimentation Thinking

119 implied HN points • 12 Apr 23
💼 Business Product Development User Experience Psychology Market fit Experimentation
  1. The Region-Beta Paradox shows that people often tolerate mild discomfort until they reach a more intense state, which can lead to faster recovery. In simple terms, we might ignore small problems until they become serious.
  2. This idea can change how product teams think about improving customer experiences. Instead of aiming for perfect satisfaction, it might be okay to allow for some mild frustration, as it can be a signal for customers to take action.
  3. Not all products need to be perfect to be successful. Sometimes, a product that fits well in the market is more important than one that delivers an ideal experience but lacks user interest.

Using The Fermi Problem Approach in Estimating New Product Impact

59 implied HN points • 08 Jun 23
💼 Business Product Management Market Strategy Investment decisions
  1. The Fermi problem approach helps estimate the impact of new product features by breaking it into smaller questions. This method allows for better understanding and clearer predictions.
  2. Using rough estimates based on educated guesses provides range estimates instead of precise answers, which can help account for uncertainty in projections.
  3. Continuous refinement of estimates with new data allows for adjustments, creating more credible and strategic insights for product management decisions.

S2: Ep3 - Reflections

19 implied HN points • 22 Dec 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Consulting Analytics Revenue Professional development
  1. Starting a business is really hard, and making money from scratch is tougher than having a regular job. There are many things you can control, but many more you can't.
  2. Losing a co-founder can feel really lonely and make you doubt your path, but it can also be a big turning point in your journey.
  3. Building tools that help others do their own analysis is rewarding, and being part of a supportive team makes a big difference in your work life.

Building CAUSL - Episode 11: The Network Garden

39 implied HN points • 04 Jul 23
💼 Business Networking Entrepreneurship Professional Growth Personal Branding
  1. Building a strong network is essential for success. It's like a garden that needs to be tended to flourish.
  2. Networking requires both active and passive engagement. This means reaching out to others and also creating valuable content that attracts them.
  3. The key to a thriving network is mutual exchange. It's not just about taking; you also have to give support and share knowledge.
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S2 E2: From Stone Sculptures to Building Cities - Focussing on the Bigger Picture

19 implied HN points • 09 Oct 23
💼 Business Management Product Development Marketing Analytics Customer Insights
  1. Focus on details is important, but remember to see the bigger picture too. Each person's work should fit well into the overall goals of the team or company.
  2. Like the sculptures on the Arc de Triomphe tell a story, all parts of a project should connect to create a clear message for the audience.
  3. Using self-serve tools can help teams get quick insights. This lets everyone focus on the important work that benefits the entire organization.

Building CAUSL - Episode 10: Going Solo and Building a Product

19 implied HN points • 01 Jun 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Product Development Consulting Marketing Revenue streams
  1. The founder is rethinking his business after losing a co-founder, which has made it hard to focus on growth and delivery at the same time.
  2. He plans to rebuild his income through consulting while also developing a new product called Analytics Powerpack, aimed at helping teams analyze data easily.
  3. Starting something new has ups and downs, and he's learning to adapt and adjust his plans based on market needs and personal limits.

Building CAUSL - Episode 9: The Cinderella of Lead Generation

19 implied HN points • 25 Apr 23
💼 Business Consulting Lead Generation Data Analysis Product Management Marketing
  1. The author is shifting focus from company updates to more engaging discussions that inspire thought and community interaction. They believe it's important to write about topics that spark conversations rather than just update on business progress.
  2. They define a lead as an actual conversation about their services, not just messages without responses. They're monitoring their lead data closely and have gained 15 leads so far, which they consider a decent start after a few months.
  3. Managing leads can feel stressful, especially when unsure if the opportunity will come through. The author prefers clear 'closed' leads over 'open' ones, as the uncertainty in 'open' leads can be more anxious than outright rejection.

Are you missing the window to influence your stakeholders?

19 implied HN points • 19 Apr 23
💼 Business Stakeholders Decision-making Analysis Consulting Product Management
  1. It's important to understand that decisions happen over time, not just at deadlines. Stay engaged with your stakeholders to make sure you can influence their choices.
  2. To avoid wasting time, identify the minimum level of analysis needed to make a good decision. Don't chase perfection when it's not necessary.
  3. Remember that being a decision maker is hard. Our job is to provide insights when they're needed, so be timely to maximize your chance of influencing the outcome.

Building CAUSL - Episode 8: The Growth Conundrum

19 implied HN points • 07 Apr 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Consulting Growth Strategy Project management Team Building
  1. The team has learned a lot about managing projects by working closely on them, even though it's just two people. This hands-on experience has been valuable and helped them understand client needs better.
  2. Finding ways to grow is a major concern for the team since they are still small. They realize the need to adapt and look for new opportunities for their business.
  3. With new team members joining who bring different skills, they are expanding their services. This helps them to not only grow but also offer more value to their clients in areas like product leadership.

Building CAUSL - Episode 7: Onboarding at Lightspeed

19 implied HN points • 02 Apr 23
💼 Business Onboarding Management Human Resources Organizational Culture Training
  1. Onboarding at a new company can be really tough. It often takes new employees months to fully understand the business and their role.
  2. It's common for new hires to feel overwhelmed, especially when they have to learn everything quickly. Having a structured process can really help ease this transition.
  3. By creating an efficient onboarding system, employees can get settled in just weeks instead of months. This makes the experience much smoother for everyone involved.

Building CAUSL - Episode 6: Revenue Targets

19 implied HN points • 29 Mar 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Startups Revenue Marketing Financial planning
  1. Startups should set three types of revenue targets: a basic goal, a stretch goal, and a survival target. Each one helps guide your progress in different ways.
  2. Survival targets are crucial; they tell you the minimum income needed to keep the business going. It's more about what you need than what you want.
  3. Always keep an eye on your financial goals, because they shape the decisions you make today. Hitting your basic target is vital, but don't forget to aim higher!

Building CAUSL - Episode 5: Long Term Goals

19 implied HN points • 17 Mar 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Consultancy Branding Goals Scalability
  1. It's important to define who you are and what you want. Knowing your identity helps you stay true to your goals.
  2. Setting long-term goals gives you clarity and direction. This helps in making decisions aligned with where you want to be in the future.
  3. Scaling your impact is key. Aiming to help many people or companies rather than just a few can lead to bigger success.

Building CAUSL - Episode 4: Building Publicly

19 implied HN points • 13 Mar 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Startups Marketing Leadership Innovation
  1. Building publicly can be risky because it exposes you to failure, but it can also be a powerful way to share your journey. People love to follow stories, especially ones that show growth and struggle.
  2. Authenticity matters a lot when sharing your story. By being honest and open about what you're experiencing, you build trust with your audience.
  3. Sharing your journey could inspire others to take risks too. Even if the outcome isn't perfect, the hope is that others will find motivation and encouragement in your story.

Building CAUSL - Episode 3: Ideal Customer Profiles

19 implied HN points • 10 Mar 23
💼 Business Marketing Sales Customer Service Entrepreneurship Market research
  1. Finding your ideal customer is important but not easy. You need to identify who can truly benefit from your product and has the budget to spend on it.
  2. It's crucial to consider factors like location, job title, and company size when defining your ideal customer. This helps you focus your efforts on the right leads.
  3. Don't limit yourself to specific industries; every problem can have a solution. Keep an open mind about potential customers to avoid missing out on opportunities.

Building CAUSL - Episode 2: Overcoming Fear

19 implied HN points • 02 Mar 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Consulting Startups Career Change Personal Development
  1. Facing fears is a normal part of starting something new. It’s important to acknowledge those fears and know that you're not alone in feeling them.
  2. The fear of regret can be stronger than the fear of failure. You might worry about failing, but often the bigger fear is not trying at all.
  3. Having support from loved ones can make a huge difference. You don’t have to face your fears by yourself; encouragement from others can help you take the leap.

Building CAUSL - Episode 1: The Woes of Admin Work

19 implied HN points • 22 Feb 23
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Startups Administration Finance Legal
  1. Starting a company involves a lot of administrative work. It might seem boring, but it's essential to get things off the ground properly.
  2. It's important to consider using professionals, like accountants and lawyers, to handle complicated tasks. They can save you time and help you avoid mistakes.
  3. Having a website and creating a business plan are important steps. They can make your business look more professional and help you plan your goals.

The Pursuit of Evergreen

0 implied HN points • 01 Sep 24
🎭️ Culture Writing Content creation Social media Digital Identity Content Strategy
  1. It's important to own your content rather than just sharing it on social media. When you put effort into writing, you want it to be seen for a long time.
  2. Writing long pieces first, then shortening them for social media, can help in conveying your ideas better. It also means your hard work doesn't get lost in the fast-paced flow of posts.
  3. Finding the right platform for your writing is a challenge. You want to balance getting your work seen by others while still having control over it.

Building CAUSL - Episode 12: The Future of CAUSL

0 implied HN points • 30 Aug 23
💼 Business Startups Consulting Analytics Merger Leadership
  1. A merger with LeanConvert means a big change for CAUSL. The consulting side will stop, but the focus will shift to analytics and experimentation.
  2. The journey isn't over; it's just changing direction. The goal was always to get to this new role, and it feels like a new beginning.
  3. There will still be updates through the Building CAUSL newsletter. The author plans to share the development of a free analytics toolkit for everyone.

28 Films & TV Shows Every Product Manager and Analyst Need to Watch

0 implied HN points • 04 May 24
🎭️ Culture Film Television Media Entertainment
  1. Movies and TV shows can help revive motivation and passion for your job. Taking a break and watching something interesting can inspire new ideas and energy.
  2. A curated list of films and shows is available for product managers and analysts to check out. These recommendations aim to provide both entertainment and insight related to work.
  3. Engaging with stories from cinema and TV can help you reconnect with your industry and find fresh perspectives during tough work periods. It's a fun way to boost creativity.

S2 E1: Solving Self-Serve Analytics

0 implied HN points • 02 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Data Analysis User Experience Software Development
  1. Self-serve analytics lets non-analysts access and analyze data without always needing help from an analytics team. This can help speed up decision-making and reduce bottlenecks.
  2. The goal is to create tools and provide education for everyday users so they can do their own analytics easily. Training and tutorials will be essential to help users become comfortable with these tools.
  3. The focus is on keeping users engaged and motivated to use self-serve analytics. Understanding what stops people from doing analytics themselves is key to improving the program.

A North Star Metric for my Personal Life

0 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Personal Health Dieting Exercise Mental health Lifestyle changes
  1. Using a North Star Metric can help simplify personal goals. It lets you focus on one main goal instead of getting overwhelmed by many smaller targets.
  2. Brushing teeth by 8pm is an effective way to support health goals. It helps avoid late-night snacking, encourages intermittent fasting, and increases energy levels.
  3. Tracking progress is important for staying motivated. By monitoring this specific behavior, you can work towards better health outcomes more easily.

Data is a Road Trip...

0 implied HN points • 29 Apr 24
💼 Business Data Strategy Organizational Change Decision-making
  1. Data should be seen as a journey, not just a goal to reach. This way, people can focus on enjoying and learning along the way.
  2. Instead of stressing about a final deadline, it's better to plan for stops and decisions at different points. This makes the process more flexible and engaging.
  3. Having a clear understanding of each checkpoint helps everyone involved know when and where to participate, creating better communication and teamwork.

I love working in tech, even on my hardest days.

0 implied HN points • 24 May 24
🕹 Technology Work Culture Job Satisfaction Industry challenges Personal Growth Diversity Issues
  1. Working in tech can be tough, but it's important to appreciate the opportunity it provides. Many people struggle in different jobs, and it's good to remember the positives.
  2. Having a tough background can give perspective on work. Reflecting on family struggles can help find gratitude even on hard days.
  3. It's okay to feel stressed and overwhelmed at work. Loving what you do doesn't mean you can't have tough moments; it's all part of the experience.