The hottest Strategy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Business Topics

Punch It In

CTOrly • 19 implied HN points • 13 Sep 22
💼 Business Product Management Planning Leadership Strategy
  1. Having a plan is crucial, but it's essential to plan practically and realistically for today.
  2. Traditional roadmapping may give a false sense of accomplishment without delivering tangible benefits to customers or the market.
  3. Prioritize making plans based on the current reality rather than uncertain future projections.

My YouTube/Website Business Strategy | #2

The Pole • 19 implied HN points • 03 Jan 23
💼 Business Strategy Content creation Market research Distribution
  1. Finding the intersection between what makes money and what you are interested in is crucial for a successful business strategy.
  2. Consider being a content creator if you are passionate about certain topics, as it offers flexibility and the opportunity to profit from what you enjoy.
  3. It's important to carve your own path and not solely rely on conventional advice, especially when pursuing a business endeavor that aligns with your interests.

Good enough

The Strategy Toolkit • 17 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Strategy Crime Business Power Law
  1. Crime can be seen as the negative of the law and involves strategic decision-making.
  2. Desperation can lead to breaking laws for survival, showcasing a range of strategies to cope.
  3. Studying criminal strategies can provide insights that are applicable to legal and acceptable actions.

Week 28 -🕵️‍♀️ Uncover Your Customer’s Deepest Needs 💡: How Jobs-to-be-Done Can Revolutionize Your Product Strategy

The Product Channel By Sid Saladi • 33 implied HN points • 26 Feb 23
💼 Business Product Management Innovation Customer Needs Strategy Market Analysis
  1. The Jobs-to-be-Done framework helps companies understand customer needs and innovate.
  2. Identifying and categorizing customer jobs is crucial for product strategy.
  3. Competitor analysis, prioritization, and solution development are key steps in applying the JTBD framework.
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Week 46 - 💥 Is product management going away? Why Airbnb got rid of its PMs ⁉️

The Product Channel By Sid Saladi • 23 implied HN points • 02 Jul 23
💼 Business Management Marketing Innovation Strategy Customer Experience
  1. Airbnb merged product management and marketing to create a more streamlined approach.
  2. Product management acts as a compass for the company, guiding the vision and direction of the product.
  3. Product managers and product marketers share responsibilities like product positioning and customer feedback.

The 3 key jobs of a product manager: Recognize the problem, Structure a solution, and Execute

amivora • 9 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
💼 Business Management Strategy Execution
  1. As a product manager, it's crucial to recognize the customer's problem by understanding their struggles and spotting patterns in their experiences.
  2. To structure a solution, PMs need to frame hypotheses, identify target audiences, set milestones, define success metrics, and make consistent decisions.
  3. Executing on the solution involves creating urgency, holding the team accountable, dividing work efficiently, and being willing to fill in gaps to ensure the product ships.

Deconstructing Clay's Pricing Strategy

Good Better Best • 4 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
💼 Business SaaS Pricing Growth Monetization Strategy
  1. Clay has a unique pricing model that doesn't charge per user. Instead, it uses a credit system, allowing teams to collaborate without adding costs for each user.
  2. Their pricing strategy has evolved over time with clear updates. Clay focuses on making sure customers understand how to use their credits effectively.
  3. They offer different plans that grow in features and flexibility, helping businesses of all sizes easily pick the plan that fits their needs.

How to prioritize marketing activities & avoid random acts of marketing

MKT1 Newsletter • 4 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
💼 Business Marketing Strategy Planning Operations Management
  1. Prioritize your marketing activities by balancing new ideas with proven strategies. This way, you can test new things while also focusing on what works.
  2. Use a structured process for organizing your marketing ideas, including categorizing them into big projects, core work, and operational tasks. This helps keep your efforts aligned with your goals.
  3. Spend time upfront on prioritization to prevent wasting time on unrelated tasks later. A clear roadmap will keep you focused and efficient throughout the year.

#3: Reality mining

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 139 implied HN points • 20 Nov 19
💼 Business Strategy Innovation Education Uncertainty Creativity
  1. Negative capability helps you handle uncertainty without getting stuck. It's about being okay with not knowing everything while still taking action.
  2. There are two types of negative capability: soldier-on, which helps you push forward despite uncertainty, and beginner-mind, which lets you see new values and possibilities in what's already around you.
  3. In a world that values innovation, embracing a flexible mindset allows you to find creative solutions and make the most of the resources you have at hand.

The 15 Hats Problem

Metarational • 59 implied HN points • 23 Apr 21
🔬 Science Puzzle Strategy Mathematics Logic
  1. The 15 Hats Problem is a complex brain teaser that involves guessing the color of hats based on a strategy involving bitwise XOR operations.
  2. Strategies for simpler versions of the problem, like 3 hats, helped in understanding and developing a winning strategy for the 15 hats scenario.
  3. The key to solving the 15 Hats Problem involves clever observations about modular arithmetic, powers of 2, and the use of bitwise XOR operations.

The goal of a “strategy” is to change our own team’s behavior

amivora • 7 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
💼 Business Strategy Decision-making
  1. For a strategy to be useful, it should change the behavior of our team to create better outcomes for customers.
  2. A strong strategy should help every team member to make better decisions daily by understanding the vision, goals, and their role within the larger picture.
  3. Setting up a strategy involves asking specific questions upfront to build conviction, provide clarity on changes needed, and ensure it translates into practical guidance for day-to-day work.

#4: Strategic uncertainty

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 119 implied HN points • 27 Nov 19
💼 Business Management Strategy Innovation Leadership Entrepreneurship
  1. Recognizing and managing uncertainty is becoming a rare and valuable skill, both for individuals and organizations. Those who develop this 'uncertainty mindset' can gain a strategic advantage.
  2. To improve adaptability in uncertain environments, organizations should rethink job roles to allow for improvisation and flexibility. This means creating expectations for employees to explore and adapt their responsibilities.
  3. Real learning about managing uncertainty happens through real experiences, rather than traditional corporate training. Leaders need to create work cultures that encourage exploration to build the uncertainty mindset among employees.

The Best of Good Better Best, 2024

Good Better Best • 2 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
💼 Business SaaS Pricing Trends Marketing Strategy
  1. AI in pricing is becoming really important. Companies are trying different ways to charge for AI features, and it's exciting to see how they'll do it.
  2. Seat-based pricing isn’t going away. Companies are getting creative with how they charge per user, making it more flexible for different types of customers.
  3. Customer support is changing too. Businesses are exploring how AI can help with support, but some are still focusing on personalized service to keep things human.

The Coming Ukrainian Counteroffensive

Center for the Study of Partisanship and Ideology • 25 implied HN points • 22 May 23
🌍 World Politics Ukraine Russia Military Territory Strategy
  1. Ukraine's counteroffensive is delayed by mud and weather conditions, but they are well-trained and waiting for the right moment.
  2. The conflict in Ukraine is a proxy war between Russia and NATO, impacting military aid and political considerations.
  3. Ukraine's advantage in modern equipment and trained soldiers may lead to strategic gains, potentially targeting areas where Russia is less defended.

#17: Boris

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 99 implied HN points • 26 Feb 20
💼 Business Management Innovation Strategy Leadership Organizational Behavior
  1. In uncertain situations, traditional goal-setting doesn't work well because it assumes we can predict the right goals in advance. Instead, teams need a flexible approach that allows them to adapt to changing circumstances.
  2. The Boris method encourages teams to discuss trade-offs rather than focusing solely on specific goals. By understanding the limitations and constraints, team members can make better decisions and act more autonomously.
  3. When teams clarify what they can and can’t do through conversation, they become more effective. This practice fosters a deeper understanding of the resources available and helps everyone align their efforts toward innovation.

Competing against incumbents: Flank them

Brick by Brick • 18 implied HN points • 06 Sep 23
💼 Business Competition Strategy Marketing Entrepreneurship Innovation
  1. Having competitors in the market can actually benefit your business by establishing a need for your product and setting a budget.
  2. Providing a better customer experience and transparent pricing are common tactics, but they may not be effective strategies against incumbents.
  3. To compete successfully against larger competitors, consider flanking them by offering unique attributes and advantages that they cannot provide.

Scenario Planning: Strategy, Steps and Practical Examples

Product Mindset's Newsletter • 11 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
💼 Business Strategy Decision-making Resilience Risk management Innovation
  1. Scenario planning helps organizations prepare for a range of possibilities in an uncertain future.
  2. The scenario planning process involves steps like predicting future drivers, understanding impacts, and gauging effects of scenarios.
  3. Best practices for scenario planning include focusing on key uncertainties, keeping it simple, and fostering a culture of resilience.

How can R&D impact CAC, LTV & profitability

Brick by Brick • 9 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
💼 Business Finance Technology Marketing Management Strategy
  1. Understanding unit economics is crucial for businesses to determine profitability and optimize operations.
  2. Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) is a key metric in evaluating marketing and sales efficiency, while Lifetime Value (LTV) predicts the profit from a customer's entire relationship with the company.
  3. R&D can significantly impact profitability by lowering CAC and increasing LTV through delivering superior products, enhancing user experiences, and attracting customers organically.

Learning to be productively uncomfortable

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 39 implied HN points • 18 Oct 21
💼 Business Innovation Entrepreneurship Growth Leadership Strategy
  1. Feeling uncertain can make it hard to take action, but learning to be okay with discomfort can help you move forward. It's important to face that discomfort instead of avoiding it.
  2. Productive discomfort is crucial for growth and learning. Embracing uncomfortable situations can actually lead to positive outcomes and benefits.
  3. Using tools like idk can help you get used to feeling uncomfortable in small ways, which leads to easier handling of bigger challenges later on. With practice, discomfort can become a pathway to success.

#23: Undeniable uncertainty

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 79 implied HN points • 08 Apr 20
💼 Business Management Strategy Finance Operations Marketing
  1. Uncertainty is always present in business, and it can catch you off guard when you least expect it. It’s important to prepare in advance, even if it seems like a waste during stable times.
  2. When facing uncertain situations, businesses should take small, immediate actions instead of waiting for a perfect plan. This helps them learn and adapt quickly to changing circumstances.
  3. Having a clear understanding of goals and trade-offs is essential during times of uncertainty. This allows employees to make effective decisions and take necessary actions without getting stuck.

What is a "Moat" and why does it matter?

Equal Ventures • 19 implied HN points • 28 Feb 22
💼 Business Startups Investing Venture Capital Economics Strategy
  1. In the startup world, having 'moats' or durable competitive advantages is crucial for long-term success.
  2. Moats are defined by being proven, perpetuating, and permanent, providing economic leverage and sustainable margin growth.
  3. Investing in building strong moats early on can help businesses sustain value over time and outperform competitors in the long run.

Ukraine's Only Hope: Diplomacy + Neutrality

John’s Substack • 5 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Diplomacy Neutrality Strategy Ukraine West
  1. Ukraine's best hope lies in pursuing diplomacy and maintaining neutrality.
  2. The importance of discussing the future of the Ukraine war and strategizing for the benefit of Ukraine and the West.
  3. Engagement in 'The Deep Dive' conversation with Lt. Colonel Danny Davis to elaborate on the Ukraine war's direction and strategies for the future.

Building a Business that Endures

Femstreet • 8 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
💼 Business Endurance Leadership Product Development Innovation Strategy
  1. Building an enduring company in 2024 involves iteratively testing ideas and speaking to customers before raising capital.
  2. An enduring business focuses on solving long-term problems, breaking down strategies into clear phases, and maintaining disciplined product development.
  3. To build an enduring company, prioritize people, product-market fit, and unit economics while embracing quick decision-making and continuous learning.

#50: Leaving money on the table

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 59 implied HN points • 14 Oct 20
💼 Business Management Finance Strategy Economics Leadership
  1. Being prepared for uncertainty may seem like a waste, but it's actually important. It helps businesses adapt when things go wrong.
  2. Being fair to employees, customers, and suppliers pays off in the long run. If you treat them well, they are more likely to help you in tough times.
  3. Operating responsibly might look inefficient, but it creates flexibility. This flexibility is a valuable resource that businesses can rely on during unpredictable situations.

How to Drive Meaningful Change - Handling objections to your proposal

Joseph Gefroh • 2 HN points • 04 Mar 24
💼 Business Leadership Strategy Change Management Communication
  1. Be prepared to handle objections and various responses when proposing a change - it's unlikely to always be met with full acceptance and applause.
  2. Understand the categorization of responses to objections: disagreement on outcome, disagreement on mechanism, and agreement and alignment, each requiring a different approach to address.
  3. Dealing with objections involves strategies like asking for specific reasons, painting a clear picture, comparing with other problems addressed, and being aware of personal relationship issues or power dynamics.

The Art of Moving Target Defense

Phoenix Substack • 14 implied HN points • 04 May 23
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity Strategy Defense
  1. Traditional defense strategies like firewalls and antivirus are no longer sufficient against sophisticated cyber attacks.
  2. Moving target defense involves knowing your network, understanding enemy tactics, and using deception to confuse attackers.
  3. Implementing a moving target defense strategy can help organizations stay ahead of cyber threats by evolving and adapting their defense tactics.

#44: The long view

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 59 implied HN points • 02 Sep 20
💼 Business Strategy Adaptability Innovation Leadership Uncertainty
  1. Long-term thinking is important, but it can trick us into believing we fully understand the future. We need to be aware that the future is still uncertain.
  2. Zooming out to look at the big picture can lead us to mistakenly think that everything is knowable and predictable, which is not the case.
  3. We should adopt an uncertainty mindset, especially now, as recent events have shown us that future changes can be sudden and unexpected.

Agile for Anarchists

Into the Hedge • 1 HN point • 01 May 24
💼 Business Management Strategy Productivity
  1. The PDCA (Plan, Do, Check, Act) system, rooted in an anarchic ethos, is successfully used on a farm to manage work without needing authoritarian supervision.
  2. Despite challenges, PDCA can be effective in corporate environments, but it may require adaptation and a supportive workplace to thrive.
  3. Regular meetings following the steps of PDCA help the farm team review and plan their work, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and adaptability.

20/36 : 🧠 Outcome based Product roadmaps?

Product Mindset's Newsletter • 15 implied HN points • 04 Jun 23
💼 Business Product Management Strategy Collaboration Stakeholders
  1. An outcome is a measurable change in customer behavior, not just a list of features.
  2. Product roadmaps are essential for aligning teams, communicating priorities, and providing strategic vision to stakeholders.
  3. Outcome-based roadmaps focus on outcomes over outputs, provide clarity and alignment, and empower product teams to solve problems.