The hottest Strategy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

9 tactics to get your first 50 SaaS customers in 2025

Startup Business Tips 🚀 • 47 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
💼 Business Strategy
  1. Networking can help you find your first SaaS customers. Reach out to people you know for introductions and referrals.
  2. Creating comparison and alternative pages on your website can attract customers in crowded markets. Show how your product stacks up against competitors.
  3. Understanding customer feedback is crucial. Ask customers how they heard about you and track why deals were lost to improve your sales process.

Building Codiga: What Tools and Tech Stack for your Startup?

Tech Ramblings • 39 implied HN points • 07 Sep 23
💼 Business Strategy
  1. Choose user-friendly tools like Google Workspace and Metabase for your startup. They save time and are easy for your team to use.
  2. Avoid trendy or expensive tools that complicate things and come with a steep learning curve. Stick to popular, reliable options that your team can easily adapt to.
  3. Use programming languages and frameworks that many developers know. This helps you find talent faster and keeps your focus on building your product instead of learning new tech.

Why model?

A Bit Gamey • 6 implied HN points • 09 Nov 25
💼 Business Strategy
  1. Models help us make sense of complex problems by simplifying reality and revealing important patterns. This way, we can avoid confusing distractions with the truth.
  2. Good models promote clear communication and shared understanding among teams, making it easier to work together towards goals.
  3. While models are not perfect, they can help us predict outcomes and shape actions, guiding us in decision-making processes.

The Journey of Glovo: Founder Sacha Michaud

The Healthtech Initiative • 1 implied HN point • 01 Feb 26
💼 Business Strategy
  1. They tested an unscalable MVP and deliberately kept non-food categories even while losing money, which proved the "anything in your city" idea and let them pivot quickly to groceries during COVID.
  2. They expanded with small, scrappy launch teams who built local operations from the ground up, and those boots-on-the-ground employees became the strongest leaders because they had real skin in the game.
  3. They prioritized market leadership and capital efficiency, exiting losing markets and using logistics data to only enter cities and verticals they could serve under their 30-minute promise, a focus that helped drive their €2.3B acquisition.
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Run Your Own Race

Fish Food for Thought • 18 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
💼 Business Strategy
  1. Focus on what your customers really need instead of just copying competitors. This helps create unique value and builds customer loyalty.
  2. Understand that just because something works for another company doesn't mean it will work for you. Your strategy should be based on your own customers' reality.
  3. It's important to say 'no' to ideas that don't align with your core purpose. Staying focused on your goals will help you create real value over time.

Setting a team vision, mission, and strategy

Elevate • 19 implied HN points • 28 Dec 23
💼 Business Strategy
  1. Having a clear team vision, mission, and strategy is crucial for guiding the team towards success.
  2. A vision or mission statement provides direction to team members and helps them navigate forward effectively.
  3. A comprehensive mission statement should also include the strategies required to achieve the stated mission.

The Blog Post That Shocked the World

{grow} by Mark Schaefer • 19 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
💼 Business Strategy
  1. Content Shock: The world of content marketing became saturated with competition, making it harder and more expensive to stand out.
  2. Spiky Content: Creating bold, unique content with a strong point of view can help cut through the noise and grab attention.
  3. Personal Branding: Focusing on building a personal connection with your audience can be a powerful strategy to navigate and succeed in a world overwhelmed by content.

The most popular Growth Needle posts of 2023

Ruben Ugarte's Growth Needle™ • 19 implied HN points • 26 Dec 23
💼 Business Strategy
  1. Sears was really good at coming up with new ideas, but they missed their chance to keep changing with the times. They adapted once with mail orders and again with retail stores, but failed to innovate again.
  2. It's important to recognize your business identity and continuously adapt to stay relevant in the market. Sometimes, companies have everything they need to succeed but don't make the right moves.
  3. Learning from the past, like the story of Sears, can help guide future strategies. Businesses should not just rest on their accomplishments but keep pushing forward.

Sneaky strategies

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 59 implied HN points • 23 Mar 23
💼 Business Strategy
  1. It's important for innovation to understand and accept uncertainty, especially in public sector work. When organizations ignore not-knowing, they hinder their ability to create new solutions.
  2. Many critical problems in the public sector are complex and difficult to tackle, so innovation is crucial. However, there are obstacles that make it hard for these organizations to embrace uncertainty.
  3. Using creative, low-key tactics can help public sector organizations overcome barriers to innovation. These 'sneaky strategies' can effectively introduce new ways of thinking about challenges.

Human mRNA

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 39 implied HN points • 12 Jul 23
💼 Business Strategy
  1. Human mRNA refers to people who connect different groups or teams within an organization. They help share important information that would otherwise stay hidden.
  2. These connectors are valuable because they can translate information between different teams, making it more useful for everyone. This translation helps ideas flow across contexts that may not usually interact.
  3. Encouraging this type of work is important for innovation. Companies should recognize and support these human connectors to help bridge gaps and foster creative solutions.

NATO ascendant

Model Thinking • 39 implied HN points • 22 Jan 23
🌍 World Politics Strategy
  1. NATO's support for Ukraine during the war against Russia is crucial for Ukrainian victory
  2. A model using Cobb-Douglas production function estimates Western support needed at maximum Russian mobilization to achieve objectives
  3. The model suggests Russian victory in Ukraine is highly unlikely, with NATO likely able to finance Ukrainian victory or stalemate at current front lines

360° SaaS GTM assessment: 10 areas to diagnose your SaaS GTM health

Startup Business Tips 🚀 • 47 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
💼 Business Strategy
  1. Diagnosing your Go-To-Market (GTM) strategy is crucial for the success of your SaaS business. You need to have a clear plan before jumping into execution, or you might waste resources.
  2. Your GTM strategy should include elements like understanding your ideal customers, defining your market position, and creating clear messaging. This helps in attracting and converting potential clients effectively.
  3. Regularly reviewing both your GTM strategy and execution helps you identify what works and what doesn't. This way, you can adjust your tactics to improve performance and achieve your growth goals.

Desire isn't a strategy

Sunday Letters • 139 implied HN points • 13 Mar 22
💼 Business Strategy
  1. Desire alone is not a strategy; it lacks specific actions and directions. A clear strategy needs to tell you what steps to take and what to avoid.
  2. Many people confuse goals with strategies. Goals like 'getting rich' are vague, while a strategy like 'specializing in field X' is more actionable.
  3. Successful companies have clear strategies that guide their actions and decisions. If a plan doesn’t outline specific tactics, it’s probably just a wish rather than a real strategy.

✅ Monday briefing: Horizon scanning and strategy

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 39 implied HN points • 12 Jun 23
💼 Business Strategy
  1. Organizations should use the Three Horizons tool to plan for the future. It helps to identify current issues and predict upcoming trends.
  2. Public trust in police is at an all-time low. There are calls for the police to focus more on community issues and rebuild that trust.
  3. AI technology is growing, but many people still haven't tried it. Concerns also exist about the content generated by AI, which is sometimes seen as lacking quality.

Your job as a CEO: Communicate a Vision

Tech Ramblings • 59 implied HN points • 05 Mar 23
💼 Business Strategy
  1. As a CEO, one of your main jobs is to clearly communicate your vision. This helps inspire your team and attract customers who believe in your goals.
  2. A strong vision is important both inside your company and outside. It helps hire committed employees and serves as a marketing tool for your brand.
  3. Patagonia's founder, Yvon Chouinard, is a great example of someone who communicates a clear and responsible vision. His focus on sustainability has built a loyal customer base that values the brand's mission.

The Product Manager’s Guide to Not Slowing Things Down

Kathy PM • 13 implied HN points • 19 Jul 25
💼 Business Strategy
  1. Speed is crucial in product management. The faster you iterate and ship, the more problems you can solve and learn from.
  2. Product managers should focus on clearing obstacles for the team instead of adding to the confusion. Create clarity and let engineers do their work without delays.
  3. To improve velocity, write things down early, stay ahead of the team, and eliminate unnecessary meetings. Keeping things moving is key to success.

No Plan B

Fish Food for Thought • 13 implied HN points • 16 Jul 25
💼 Business Strategy
  1. Having no backup plan can be a powerful motivator to pursue your dreams fully. It's like saying you're all-in on your goals, but it's important to be prepared for any bumps along the way.
  2. Experience shows us that things can and do go wrong, especially in complex systems like software. That's why it's smart to have a plan to recover quickly if issues arise.
  3. Leaders need to keep a strong vision while being flexible in their execution. You can be committed to your goals but also ready to adapt and fix problems when they come up.

Ferrari's Unique Business Model Leads To Record Financial Performance

Huddle Up • 43 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
💼 Business Strategy
  1. Ferrari has a special business model that helps it perform really well financially. This unique approach sets it apart from other car brands.
  2. The company focuses on making limited-edition cars, which keeps them exclusive and desirable. This strategy boosts their appeal and profits.
  3. Ferrari's success is also linked to its strong brand image and connection to racing. People love the thrill of Formula 1, which enhances the brand's prestige.

My Kendom for a Horse?

Comment is Freed • 143 implied HN points • 06 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Strategy
  1. Barbie Land in the movie depicts themes of power, strategy, and a shift in political systems between Barbies and Kens.
  2. The strategic analysis highlights the importance of coalitions, indirect means, empathy, ideological commitment, legitimacy, and consequences of strategic choices.
  3. The Barbies use deception, understanding of their opponents, and misdirection to achieve their objectives in the face of a male-dominated society.

How we built a business out of recession - chapter 29 - Aston Martin?!

The ZIPster • 35 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
💼 Business Strategy
  1. Starting a business is tough, especially during hard times, but with the right idea, it can thrive. CitNOW found success by focusing on video services for car dealers when no one else was doing it.
  2. Partnerships can make or break a business. For CitNOW, getting a big contract with Nissan was a major boost, but it also showed how complex relationships with larger companies can be.
  3. When competition increases, businesses must adapt. CitNOW faced new rivals offering cheaper services, so they had to find ways to cut costs without losing quality to stay competitive.

Building Your Board

Build To Scale • 19 implied HN points • 30 Nov 23
💼 Business Strategy
  1. Building a strong relationship with your board is crucial and requires trust and honesty.
  2. As a CEO, it's important to have a plan when facing problems to share with the board for input and guidance.
  3. Consider adding independent board members with different skills and experiences to help with strategic decisions and scaling the company.

How to Achieve Victory

The Cosmopolitan Globalist • 11 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
🌍 World Politics Strategy
  1. Ukraine can win against Russia if they receive proper support from the U.S. This support is not just crucial for Ukraine, but also helps the U.S. maintain its global standing.
  2. If Ukraine loses, it could lead to bigger threats to Europe and even the U.S. Russia's ambitions might not stop at Ukraine, and NATO could be faced with more challenges.
  3. The U.S. can help Ukraine by sharing its advanced technology and military resources. This will improve Ukraine's defense capabilities and strengthen the overall strategic situation for the West.

Ukraine's Counter-Offensive: Setting Expectations

Comment is Freed • 138 implied HN points • 30 Jul 23
🌍 World Politics Strategy
  1. Putin's determination to avoid loss in the war has had heavy consequences for both Ukraine and Russia.
  2. The success of Ukraine's offensive relies on their armed forces liberating territory to have a significant impact on Putin's positions.
  3. Ukraine faces challenges in their offensive due to Russian formidable defenses, coordination issues, and the need for caution in military progress assessments.

The Transformer Playbook (with Metronome CEO Scott Woody)

Good Better Best • 2 implied HN points • 12 Dec 25
💼 Business Strategy
  1. The shift from seat-based pricing to usage-based pricing is crucial for companies adopting AI. Charging based on usage aligns the price with the value delivered to customers.
  2. Legacy SaaS companies can benefit from existing distribution when launching AI features. By leveraging their customer base, they can quickly grow and adapt to new market demands.
  3. Successful transitions to new pricing models often start with experimentation. Companies can first launch AI features as add-ons before fully integrating them into their offerings.

How to get unstuck: 5 marketing thought experiments

MKT1 Newsletter • 3 implied HN points • 19 Nov 25
💼 Business Strategy
  1. Using thought experiments can help marketers shake off rigid thinking and find fresh ideas. Trying out different scenarios forces creative solutions to the surface.
  2. Focusing on redistributing existing content rather than creating new content can lead to better results. This helps teams see the value in leveraging what they already have.
  3. Prioritizing lifecycle marketing and engaging existing leads instead of always chasing new ones can boost growth and improve ROI. It's crucial to not overlook your current audience.

How to feel more certain in your strategic decisions

Ruben Ugarte's Growth Needle™ • 19 implied HN points • 14 Nov 23
💼 Business Strategy
  1. Look at past examples to help understand new situations. Historical contexts can give insights that make tough decisions easier.
  2. Adjust the reward system to make the risks of wrong decisions feel less daunting. This allows for more exploration without the fear of huge penalties.
  3. Use anonymous voting to find out what people really think. This can reveal hidden concerns that might not come up in open discussions.

Building Codiga: Resilience

Tech Ramblings • 19 implied HN points • 10 Nov 23
💼 Business Strategy
  1. Facing tough truths is important while keeping hope for success alive. You need both to survive in the startup world.
  2. Starting a business is often harder and longer than many expect. It’s crucial to avoid overconfidence and stay realistic about your journey.
  3. Even with challenges, dedication to improving your product and business model is key. Staying focused and prepared can lead to eventual success.

Unlocking the Power of Freemium

Platform Papers • 19 implied HN points • 08 Nov 23
💼 Business Strategy
  1. Freemium apps can boost sales of their paid versions by providing a sample for users to try before committing to a purchase.
  2. The availability of a free version can improve the discoverability of a paid app, especially in categories with a smaller number of apps.
  3. When designing freemium apps, developers should carefully balance free and premium features to ensure there is a significant difference to motivate users to upgrade.

Paradox.

The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past • 30 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
💼 Business Strategy
  1. Companies today need to handle both Fragmentation and Integration to succeed. They should adapt to different types of workers and resources while ensuring everything works together smoothly.
  2. Fragmentation comes from having diverse employee types and many ways to reach customers, making it important for companies to simplify how they manage these aspects.
  3. To compete effectively, companies should create seamless services and use data smartly to combine insights, while also offering some customization without overwhelming customers.

Q3 2023 Investor Update

Boxcar Joe's Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 07 Nov 23
💼 Business Strategy
  1. Boxcar's revenue is growing by 75% in Q3 2023 compared to Q3 2022, with expected growth of 100% by the end of 2023.
  2. In Q3, Boxcar upgraded its technology with two-way SMS capabilities, leading to improved customer interaction and engagement.
  3. The company's financials show positive trends, with increasing total bookings, membership revenue, and parking business expanding.

How to level your strategic thinking this week

Ruben Ugarte's Growth Needle™ • 19 implied HN points • 07 Nov 23
💼 Business Strategy
  1. The Straight Line Framework helps you keep focus when working toward big goals, showing that paths can be curvy but still lead to your destination.
  2. The Undercurrent Framework is useful when you're unsure about the future, helping you to explore underlying emotions and trends.
  3. The Identity Shift Framework encourages you to change your perspective or approach, allowing you to find new solutions to problems.

Keep Going University: How to Manage Change

Startup Strategies • 14 implied HN points • 05 Jun 25
💼 Business Strategy
  1. Failure is not just a one-time event; it's a journey with lessons learned at every stage. The longer you wait to reflect on your mistakes, the more you understand them.
  2. Quick experiments are key. By running small tests, like $100 ad campaigns, you can find out what doesn't work faster and avoid wasting resources.
  3. Adapting and learning from failure is more important than trying to be perfect. Embrace the process and keep trying even when things get tough.

Only the paranoid survive

Tech Ramblings • 19 implied HN points • 03 Nov 23
💼 Business Strategy
  1. Always be aware of your competition, but don't obsess over them. Check in from time to time to learn and adjust, but your main decisions should come from your own vision.
  2. Prepare for tough times by planning for unexpected challenges. Budget more than you think you'll need and set realistic goals to avoid panic later.
  3. Think ahead about employee turnover and customer commitments. People and situations change often, so it's smart to expect the unexpected and have a plan in place.

Humility in leadership

Sunday Letters • 99 implied HN points • 24 Apr 22
💼 Business Strategy
  1. Leadership should be about helping others, not just about personal achievement. Think about how you can support your team instead of just focusing on being at the top.
  2. An inverted org chart can help visualize leadership as a service. Instead of one person at the top, imagine the leader at the bottom, supporting the team that does the work.
  3. Making decisions in leadership requires humility. It's important to delegate and build trust, as this creates a more effective and supportive team environment.

Why companies (like Nike or Starbucks) make good or bad decisions

Ruben Ugarte's Growth Needle™ • 19 implied HN points • 31 Oct 23
💼 Business Strategy
  1. Words like strategy and culture are losing their meaning in companies, making it hard to make clear decisions.
  2. Starbucks' mission statement is seen as too vague and fluffy, which can lead to confusion about their goals.
  3. Nike focuses on marathon world records because it emphasizes performance and achievement, aligning with their brand values.