The hottest Networking Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

Networking as sending "hard to fake" signals

Optima & Outliers • 299 implied HN points • 25 May 24
💼 Business Networking
  1. Networking is not just about meeting people; it's about sending strong signals that you are trustworthy and capable. These signals help you stand out and show your potential to employers.
  2. There are two key types of networking: informational networking to learn about a field, and evaluative networking to impress hiring decision-makers. Start by gathering information and then shift to showcasing your value.
  3. To avoid coming off as sleazy while networking, focus on having genuine conversations and showing real interest. Don’t name-drop or overly flatter others; instead, respect their time and build connections naturally.

How to get funding from deluded, self-congratulatory investors

Penelope Trunk's Substack • 419 implied HN points • 21 Apr 24
💼 Business Networking
  1. Having a male co-founder can improve a female founder's odds of raising funding due to biases in the investment industry.
  2. Focusing on showcasing a reckless passion and working long hours can help female founders combat gender biases when pitching to investors.
  3. Building a network of male connections can be essential for female founders in navigating the challenges of the venture capital landscape.

The CAP Theorem needed an update.

System Design Classroom • 359 implied HN points • 28 Apr 24
🕹 Technology Networking
  1. The CAP theorem says you can have consistency, availability, or partition tolerance, but only two at a time. This means systems have to make trade-offs depending on what they prioritize.
  2. The PACELC theorem expands on CAP by considering what happens during normal operation without network issues. It adds more options about choosing between latency and consistency.
  3. Real-world examples, like a multiplayer game leaderboard, show how these principles apply. You can have quick updates with potential outdated info or consistent scores that take longer to change.

Manufacturing Epistemic Density

Abstraction • 24 implied HN points • 16 Feb 26
🕹 Technology Networking
  1. Being near people who already understand and topic (high epistemic density) makes short, frequent conversations possible, and those conversations turn into real progress and friendships.
  2. Removing coordination friction with simple tools (like an easy coffee scheduler) makes casual local meetings happen more often, and that consistency helps relationships form.
  3. AI has compressed the time to build small apps, so problems that once felt too small now merit quick, imperfect projects you can ship in hours or days.
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AMA Tuesday

David Friedman’s Substack • 80 implied HN points • 11 Jan 26
🏝 Travel Networking
  1. An AMA is being held and readers are invited to post questions in the comment thread.
  2. The host plans to answer as many of the submitted questions as possible.
  3. The host will be at Libertycon in Madrid April 24–26 and is planning a two‑week speaking trip in Europe, so people can request talks while the schedule is arranged.

Formabble Prepares to Go Open Source

Formabble’s Substack • 2 HN points • 01 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Networking
  1. Formabble is going open source soon, which will make it more accessible for developers. This shift aims to encourage transparency and collaboration in game development.
  2. The platform uses AI to help developers create games more easily. Its features include automating coding tasks and offering intelligent suggestions, making game design simpler and more creative.
  3. Formabble's new design promotes better teamwork, especially for multiplayer games. It allows players to sync their game data in real-time and even continue playing offline, improving the overall gaming experience.

Top Gear's Original Stig & Ex Formula One racer shares his tips for showing up like a champion – 'whatever it takes'

The Green Techpreneur • 28 implied HN points • 30 Jan 26
💼 Business Networking
  1. Be prepared to do whatever it takes — make big sacrifices, work relentlessly, and find ways over, under, or through the barriers in front of you.
  2. Get noticed and build reputation — actively promote your results, seek opportunities, and make small wins visible so others will support you.
  3. Stay resilient and adaptable — learn from setbacks, temper raw talent into consistent performance, and keep tweaking your approach instead of giving up.

The corporate solopreneur

Kenny’s Sub • 159 implied HN points • 18 Jun 24
💼 Business Networking
  1. It's important to understand the context of your clients' businesses. Many small businesses don't have complex plans like big corporations do.
  2. Asking detailed project questions can be unhelpful when working with smaller clients. They may only need basic support for their immediate needs.
  3. Using the right tools for each specific job is crucial. If your current skills don’t fit, it's okay to seek help or adapt your approach.

Open Thread 352

Astral Codex Ten • 2408 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Networking
  1. You can join weekly open threads to discuss anything or ask questions. It's a great way to interact with others.
  2. There are various events and conferences coming up that focus on AI and social skills, which you might find interesting.
  3. If you entered a book review contest, make sure to check if you've received your prize. Email if you think you missed out.

The Second Paris Substack Meetup

if not, Paris • 1257 implied HN points • 13 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Networking
  1. Getting writers to attend events can be challenging due to their introverted nature.
  2. Sometimes, the hardest part of socializing is just getting out the door.
  3. Substack fosters a community where writers can connect without pressure to network or aim for fame.

Three Years of Investment Talk

Investment Talk • 1198 implied HN points • 30 Mar 23
💼 Business Networking
  1. Consistent writing forces you to learn and create tangible output from your research.
  2. Network effects are powerful in growing audience; focus on maximizing them.
  3. Be genuine, give more than you expect back, and connect with readers authentically.

What’s a Datacenter?

Technically • 25 implied HN points • 12 Feb 26
🕹 Technology Networking
  1. Datacenters are the physical homes for thousands of servers that power everyday apps and critical services, so keeping them running reliably is essential.
  2. They’re tightly controlled, standardized facilities with strict access rules, dense racks of servers, and heavy cooling systems that create hot and cold aisles.
  3. Big datacenter investment is driving economic growth, but new projects often spark local opposition over environmental impact, utility strain, and property concerns.

Security Is Not a VPN Problem

Security Is • 59 implied HN points • 01 Aug 24
🕹 Technology Networking
  1. VPNs used to be essential for online security, especially on public WiFi, but that's changed with HTTPS being widely available. Now, most websites encrypt your connection by default.
  2. While VPNs can protect your IP address and DNS queries, for most everyday users, these aren't major issues anymore. Modern browsers and services help keep our connections safe.
  3. Using a VPN isn't a priority for everyone, and it might not be worth the investment, especially for regular people who just want basic online protection.

BEAST at AWS re:Invent 2023

Thái | Hacker | Kỹ sư tin tặc • 838 implied HN points • 07 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Networking
  1. BEAST was recognized as the world's best web hacking technique of 2011 and led to advancements in internet security.
  2. The creation of BEAST resulted in the phasing out of insecure protocols like SSL 3.0 and the adoption of more secure TLS 1.3.
  3. The work on BEAST by the author and Juliano over a decade ago is still acknowledged at major conferences today, showcasing its lasting impact.

The Case for Ephemeral Resolvers: Securing the Global Namespace

Phoenix Substack • 56 implied HN points • 09 Jan 26
🕹 Technology Networking
  1. Make DNS resolvers ephemeral so attackers have at most a short window to exploit them; rotating instances every ~15 minutes evicts compromises before they can be weaponized.
  2. Leverage PowerDNS’s modular stack—dnsdist as a stable front, database-backed authoritative servers, and shared-memory for recursive state—to rotate backend workers quickly without cache cold-starts.
  3. At scale this model adds minimal overhead (under 2% CPU) and changes security from reactive patching to proactive eviction, greatly raising the cost and shortening the lifespan of zero-day attacks.

Career Architecting.

The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past • 68 implied HN points • 21 Dec 25
💼 Business Networking
  1. Use the nine-word exercise (three words for niche, three for voice, three for story) to clarify who you are and uncover a core expertise to build your career around.
  2. Reframe that expertise into specific solutions customers need and build credibility by continuously learning and sharing proof through content, speaking, and advisory work so those activities create a reinforcing flywheel.
  3. Be generous in partnering to grow a strong network, and shore up financial resilience by cutting costs and adding income streams so you can take risks and reinvent gradually over a long career.

Watching From Afar

Points And Figures • 479 implied HN points • 16 Jul 25
💼 Business Networking
  1. The CME trial highlights how traders and members suffered financially and emotionally when trading shifted to electronic platforms. Many had to sell their memberships and stocks to survive during tough times.
  2. Understanding different types of networks, like open and closed ones, is crucial in business. Closed networks can provide trust and stability, while open networks encourage competition and innovation.
  3. The way exchange boards operate can impact trust and progress. Members may lose confidence if the board lacks expertise or innovation, leading to a disconnect between the exchange's history and its current direction.

Channels, not Addresses

Philip’s Newsletter • 31 implied HN points • 28 Jan 26
🕹 Technology Networking
  1. The internet's address-based model lets anyone send messages to you uninvited, which enables spam, DDoS, stalking, and will get much worse with persuasive AIs.
  2. Creating shared private channels between people makes messaging a pull-based, encrypted inbox you control, so others can't overwhelm you and you can stop contact by deleting the channel.
  3. Simple relays only store and forward encrypted channel messages, letting many devices and servers carry traffic without reading it, which makes messaging decentralized, censorship-resistant, and usable even offline.

A Job at Microsoft: Getting and Passing the Interview

Rod’s Blog • 575 implied HN points • 04 Jan 24
💼 Business Networking
  1. Finding the right opportunity at Microsoft can be about letting things unfold naturally, embracing roles that align with your skills while leaving room for growth.
  2. Getting an interview at Microsoft often depends on having a strong advocate within the company willing to support and recommend you.
  3. During the interview process at Microsoft, showcasing a willingness to learn, sharing real-world experiences, and being prepared to discuss inclusivity can make a positive impact.

Broadcom’s Google TPU Revenue Explosion, Networking Boom, VMWare Integration

SemiAnalysis • 4849 implied HN points • 30 Aug 23
💼 Business Networking
  1. Broadcom is the second largest AI chip company in the world behind NVIDIA, driven by Google's TPU ramp.
  2. Broadcom's strategy involves acquiring companies with strong products, cutting costs, and focusing on core products.
  3. Broadcom has diversified segments including wireless, networking, and custom silicon, with a focus on efficiency and stable growth.

We Went to Render ATL!

Permit.io’s Substack • 99 implied HN points • 20 Jun 24
🕹 Technology Networking
  1. Connecting with other tech enthusiasts at conferences is really fun and important. It's all about making friends and sharing ideas.
  2. Render ATL is a big event that shows how frontend development has become super important in the tech world. It started small but now covers all kinds of development topics.
  3. The main goal of participating in events is to help people learn about tech and authorization. It's about making things easier for developers so they can focus on what makes their apps special.

Brainfooders - Join this

Recruiting Brainfood • 805 implied HN points • 13 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Networking
  1. The future of publishing and community platforms may revolve around LinkedIn, Twitter, and Substack.
  2. Substack Notes is a new feature that got Elon Musk's attention and led to Twitter blocking the sharing of Substack links.
  3. Substack Notes offers an ad-free, spam-free environment for sharing thoughts and only shows content from those you subscribe to.

Peak Hustle on the Picket Line

The Ankler • 805 implied HN points • 01 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Networking
  1. Networking on the picket line can lead to valuable connections with showrunners and industry professionals.
  2. Don't be intimidated by successful writers - they're just people too, so approach them and start a conversation.
  3. Being around other people, whether for networking or socializing, is beneficial for your career and mental well-being.

Stop Building Startups. Start Consulting Instead.

Michael’s Newsletter • 707 implied HN points • 28 Mar 23
💼 Business Networking
  1. Consider starting a consultancy business instead of a startup as it is more manageable and helps avoid common mistakes.
  2. Consulting allows you to solve real problems, start faster, and serves as a stepping stone to product development.
  3. Leverage your existing network for consulting opportunities, including past clients, recruiters, and real-life communities.

A peak behind the curtains of a 20k/month consultancy

Kenny’s Sub • 239 implied HN points • 10 Mar 24
💼 Business Networking
  1. Balancing client work and personal projects is important. Setting aside specific times or days to work on personal goals can help prevent getting overwhelmed by client demands.
  2. Being genuine and helping others can build strong professional relationships. Sharing experiences and engaging authentically on platforms like LinkedIn can lead to valuable connections.
  3. It's crucial to keep pushing out of your comfort zone. Reflecting on your goals and staying focused on your 'why' can motivate you to pursue long-term ambitions instead of getting stuck in the short-term grind.

NVLink Fusion: Embrace, Extend, Extinguish

Mule’s Musings • 417 implied HN points • 27 May 25
🕹 Technology Networking
  1. Nvidia has a strong edge in the market with its NVLink technology, allowing fast communication between chips. This positions Nvidia favorably against competitors who are still developing their own solutions.
  2. By licensing its C2C technology and selling NVLink chiplets, Nvidia is opening its technology to others while still maintaining a competitive advantage. This strategy helps Nvidia grow its influence and solidify its market position.
  3. The 'embrace, extend, extinguish' strategy means Nvidia is likely to dominate the market by allowing others to use its technology while quickly outpacing them with its own products and innovations.

Human Capital And The Referral Heuristic

Optima & Outliers • 119 implied HN points • 13 May 24
💼 Business Networking
  1. Hiring often feels like buying a house, needing personal interactions to gauge a candidate's soft skills like integrity and confidence, which can't be fully captured in a resume.
  2. Many good candidates get overlooked because traditional screening methods focus too much on relevant experience, which doesn't always reflect their true potential or transferable skills.
  3. Networking and referrals can greatly improve your chances of being hired, as they help showcase your strengths that aren't easily seen on paper.

Culture Study Classifieds! (Winter Edition)

Culture Study • 2308 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Networking
  1. Share your services or store to reach a wider audience by posting in a classifieds section like this.
  2. Offer your skills for free or a low fee to help others, whether it's proofreading, grant writing tips, or providing other specific services.
  3. Showcase your creative work like photography, writing, music, or design in platforms that allow you to share with interested audiences.

Dinners are the new trade shows. Here’s how to run them well

MKT1 Newsletter • 12 implied HN points • 02 Feb 26
💼 Business Networking
  1. Dinners and small hosted events are a high-leverage B2B channel because they let you control the guest list, create real human connection, and focus on active pipeline accounts instead of spraying money at trade shows.
  2. To make a dinner worth it, be strategic: pick target accounts, treat each dinner like a campaign with pre/during/post touchpoints, and nail the three Ps—people, place, and programming—so conversations actually move deals and surface insights.
  3. Make dinners repeatable and measurable by building systems: track campaign influence in your CRM, standardize invites and personalized 24–48 hour follow-up, and document a playbook so you can scale and prove ROI.

Synology DS923+ vs. FreeBSD w/ZFS

Blog System/5 • 827 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Networking
  1. Synology DS923+ and FreeBSD with ZFS offer different approaches for storage solutions. The DS923+ is a dedicated device designed for ease of use, while FreeBSD requires more manual setup and maintenance.
  2. The Synology system provides a friendly user interface and features like cloud backup options, while FreeBSD offers powerful command-line control but can be less user-friendly.
  3. Using the Synology NAS can give more peace of mind regarding data health and security due to its built-in features like encryption and monitoring alerts, compared to a DIY FreeBSD setup.

Day in the Life: Building a Prototype with My AI Agent

Boring AppSec • 7 implied HN points • 13 Feb 26
🕹 Technology Networking
  1. Defense in depth and human-in-the-loop gates really matter. Layered controls—allowlists, sandboxed subagents, firewalls, Tailscale, and ephemeral VMs—stopped an agent from autonomously exposing services and required manual approval where needed.
  2. Tool policy enforcement beats plain filesystem isolation. A sandbox that restricts actions like exec/gateway/message is safer than a VM-only approach, and the ideal is VM-aware sandboxes that enforce tool policies inside ephemeral VMs.
  3. The main unsandboxed agent, secrets, and prompt injection are the biggest risks. Use least privilege, just-in-time secrets injection, exposure audit logs, and require explicit user approval for network exposure to mitigate them.

Lattice Semiconductor Q2 2025 Financials

More Than Moore • 210 implied HN points • 14 Aug 25
🕹 Technology Networking
  1. Lattice Semiconductor saw a slight growth in revenue, reaching $124 million in Q2 2025. This is a positive sign after a tough period of declining sales.
  2. The company is focusing more on its newer product lines, like Avant and Nexus 2, which are becoming important for their business. These products are driving sales in high-demand areas like communications and computing.
  3. Despite some segments, like Industrial and Automotive, seeing declines, Lattice is managing its finances well with strong gross margins and an increase in free cash flow, giving it room for future investments.

We went to DevWorld!

Permit.io’s Substack • 179 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Networking
  1. DevWorld conference is a great chance for developers to learn and share ideas. It's also a fun place to meet other tech enthusiasts and see new tools.
  2. Focusing on listening rather than selling at events helps better understand the challenges developers face. Connecting over shared experiences can be more valuable than just making business deals.
  3. There are exciting new tools and products in the developer space like Sentry for monitoring, and Ditto for offline connectivity solutions. These innovations aim to improve developer experiences and make their work easier.