The hottest Strategy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Business Topics

I love you Tough Tom, but you were wrong on 1st and goal

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 06 Feb 12
🎾 Sports Football Strategy Coaching Game Theory Statistics
  1. In a key moment of the game, the strategy of when to score is really important. The Giants didn't play it smart by scoring a touchdown instead of just getting in a position to kick a field goal.
  2. If the Giants had chosen to kneel at the one-yard line, they would have had a much better chance of winning. It's all about reducing risk and thinking strategically.
  3. Coaches often stick to traditional tactics instead of trying new strategies, even if those could lead to better outcomes. Changing how they think could really improve their chances of winning in the future.

Thanksgiving Briefing Book, Part III: Strategies

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 23 Nov 11
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Governance Policy Strategy Political Analysis
  1. Have a plan for Thanksgiving to make the day go smoothly. Being organized helps everyone enjoy the time together.
  2. Communicate with family and friends about what they can bring or contribute. This makes everyone feel involved and happy.
  3. Be flexible and ready to adapt if things don't go as planned. Sometimes, unexpected moments can make the day more special.

Your own wikileak cable

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 20 Dec 10
🎭️ Culture Games Diplomacy Strategy Social Interaction Board Games
  1. The game 'Diplomacy' is special because winning relies more on negotiation than just strategy on the board. You have to really work with others to succeed.
  2. Playing the game online brings a new level of intrigue because all conversations happen through messages, making it feel more secretive and strategic.
  3. The online format allows for longer times between moves, which encourages deeper conversations and planning among players, enhancing the overall experience.

Will our children even understand this ad?

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 17 Jun 10
🎾 Sports Soccer Commentary Strategy Culture
  1. Soccer commentators are refreshingly honest and openly discuss players' performance, unlike many American sports announcers. It's nice to hear them call the game like fans would, without worrying about offending anyone.
  2. American sports have issues like stopping the game for fouls, which leads to whining. In soccer and rugby, players need to keep moving, so there's less time to complain and more focus on playing.
  3. Kick strategy in soccer puzzles some people. Goalkeepers often kick far down the field, which sometimes leads to losing possession, but it can put the team in a better attacking position if done right.
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Are you loud enough in your business? 📣

Business & Marketing with Nika • 0 implied HN points • 09 Jun 24
💼 Business Marketing Branding Strategy Social media Entrepreneurship
  1. Being authentic helps you connect with your audience. When you're true to yourself, like-minded people will notice and engage.
  2. Adding value in your communications is key. Sharing helpful tips or advice can make a positive impact on someone else's success.
  3. Finding the right balance in your posting is important. Too much content might overwhelm some people, so be intentional about how often you share.

Financial Management: Introduction

Logos • 0 implied HN points • 09 Jul 20
💼 Business Management Finance Strategy Analysis Performance
  1. Always focus on results in your work. It's important to show how your actions led to success, whether that's through numbers or other methods.
  2. Identify what really drives your business success. Track those important factors so you can influence them effectively.
  3. It's not enough just to track results; you need to have a plan on how to improve them. Without taking action, just watching numbers doesn't help.

Vanishing into the near future

do clouds feel vertigo? • 0 implied HN points • 17 Jun 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Strategy International relations Philosophy Market Dynamics Cultural perspectives
  1. Chinese strategists view the future more like music, feeling the rhythm and anticipating changes rather than trying to predict exact outcomes. This means adapting quickly to the present situation.
  2. Traditional Chinese thought emphasizes a holistic view of knowledge, where understanding is about sensing interconnections and relationships rather than focusing on isolated parts. It's about seeing the bigger picture.
  3. The concept of 'vanishing into things' encourages letting go of rigid perspectives. By flowing with circumstances and understanding subtle cues, one can navigate challenges more effectively.

Road to 1M ARR - July Update

The Road to 1 Million ARR • 0 implied HN points • 06 Aug 24
💼 Business Startups Marketing Sales Strategy Growth
  1. Introducing a free plan for Simple Analytics is expected to attract more users. The goal is to let people experience the product, which could lead to more paid subscriptions down the line.
  2. Balancing product development with growth strategies is crucial. By alternating between weeks focused on product and growth, the team can aim to improve their conversion rates and overall business success.
  3. Focusing on writing engaging content is important. There's a desire to move away from just SEO-focused writing and create more interesting and valuable content for the audience.

✅ Monday briefing: Obscuring print data, Government FOI review, UK AI strategy, PR talent market, office return data, content analyser, Zuck image washing, and more...

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 27 Sep 21
💼 Business Media PR Strategy Technology Research
  1. The UK government is reviewing its Freedom of Information unit after concerns about transparency were raised. This change aims to improve how information is shared with the public.
  2. The UK is experiencing a strong job market in public relations, with many employers needing to adapt to the new employee-focused landscape. This means job seekers have more power than before.
  3. There's a push for better tools in PR and marketing, with new digital solutions and social media tools being introduced. These aim to help professionals analyze content and improve their strategies.

The Compressed Tech Life Cycle: The Managerial Challenge

Musings on Markets • 0 implied HN points • 18 Dec 15
💼 Business Management Finance Strategy Entrepreneurship Corporate Governance
  1. Tech companies have a faster life cycle than other businesses, meaning they can quickly go from growth to decline. Managers need to adapt their strategies to fit this speed.
  2. When managing a tech firm, it's important to accept the short life cycle and focus on growth, debt management, and returning cash to shareholders when needed.
  3. To extend a tech company's lifespan, managers can innovate new products, change their business model, and create barriers for competitors, but they must be careful not to create public or legal backlash.

If we don't do it, our competitors will! Defensive Dealmaking or Panicky Preemption?

Musings on Markets • 0 implied HN points • 26 Feb 14
💼 Business Valuation Mergers Acquisitions Competition Strategy
  1. Companies often buy other businesses to prevent competitors from gaining an edge. This strategy, called defensive dealmaking, can sometimes be risky and expensive.
  2. For a defensive acquisition to be worth it, the company must be valuable, the threat must be real, and the deal should be the most cost-effective option.
  3. It’s not always the best idea to act quickly just because others might; sometimes doing nothing is the smarter choice and can save a lot of money.

Acquisition Alchemy: Creating value from deals

Musings on Markets • 0 implied HN points • 19 Dec 12
💼 Business Mergers Acquisitions Valuation Strategy Corporate Finance
  1. Acquiring smaller companies tends to lead to better success than merging with larger ones. Smaller targets usually come with less integration issues.
  2. It's important to assess the true value of a target company before making an offer. Paying too much can ruin a good acquisition, so understanding what you're paying for is key.
  3. Having a solid plan for after the acquisition is crucial. Integration needs resources and clear strategies for success, or the deal may not work out.

How we priced our AI SaaS product (and the mistakes we avoided)

CommandBlogue • 0 implied HN points • 28 May 24
💼 Business SaaS Pricing Revenue AI Strategy
  1. Pricing needs to maximize revenue while keeping cash flow stable. Companies should seek to charge what customers are willing to pay without running out of money.
  2. There are different pricing models to consider for AI products. Usage-based or subscription models can create various incentives for both the customer and the company.
  3. Understanding how customers derive value from a product is crucial. The pricing model should support delivering that value easily, making it convenient for customers to use the service without worrying about costs.

A simple email that drives more adoption from customers

CommandBlogue • 0 implied HN points • 04 Apr 24
💼 Business Marketing Product Growth Strategy
  1. Sending emails when new users join a team can boost product adoption. This simple tactic keeps everyone in the loop and encourages others to use the product.
  2. Seeing teammates use a product creates a sense of urgency to adopt it. People want to stay connected and not fall behind their colleagues.
  3. This approach uses social proof, which is when people do something because they see others doing it. It's a powerful way to motivate users to engage with a product.

Strategies for different uncertainties

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 0 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
💼 Business Management Strategy Innovation Decision-making Organizational Behavior
  1. Organizations struggle to handle uncertainty despite it being crucial for success. They need clear ways to think and act when facing unknowns.
  2. Even those who understand uncertainty need tools to persuade others in their organization to engage with it effectively.
  3. Different types of not-knowing exist, and recognizing these differences helps organizations make better decisions and adapt more easily.

OKRs and Roadmaps: Understanding the Difference and How to Use Them Together

The Healthy Engineering Leader • 0 implied HN points • 20 Mar 23
💼 Business Management Strategy Leadership
  1. OKRs are goals that help teams measure their progress, while roadmaps are plans that outline how those goals will be achieved. They work best when used together.
  2. A Key Result should have initiatives attached to it, which are specific actions you can take to achieve that goal, like improving website load times.
  3. Roadmaps help prioritize tasks and track progress towards OKRs. They allow teams to see how their projects contribute to overall goals, ensuring everyone is on the same page.

Unlock Your Team’s Full Potential with OKRs!

The Healthy Engineering Leader • 0 implied HN points • 21 Feb 23
💼 Business Management Leadership Strategy Performance Goals
  1. OKRs, or Objectives and Key Results, help teams set clear goals and measure progress. They keep everyone focused on what really matters.
  2. Using OKRs can align your team with the company's strategy, ensuring everyone is working toward the same objectives. This alignment is crucial for effective execution.
  3. Regularly reviewing your OKRs, like monthly check-ins, helps track how well the team is doing and allows for adjustments if necessary. It's all about staying flexible and learning from the process.

Strategizing for Success in Software Engineering

The Healthy Engineering Leader • 0 implied HN points • 01 Feb 23
🕹 Technology Software Engineering Strategy User Experience Performance
  1. Strategy and goals are different. A goal is what you want to achieve, while strategy is how you plan to get there.
  2. A good strategy needs to be cohesive. All parts of the strategy should work together to reach the goal.
  3. Strategies should be flexible. As circumstances change, it's important to adjust your strategy when needed.

The Importance of a Strong Team Mission Statement

The Healthy Engineering Leader • 0 implied HN points • 09 Jan 23
💼 Business Leadership Teamwork Organization Strategy Management
  1. A clear mission statement helps your team know what they’re trying to achieve and why it matters. It guides decisions and keeps everyone aligned.
  2. It's important that your team's mission matches the overall goals of the company. This creates unity and ensures everyone's efforts contribute to the bigger picture.
  3. Creating a good mission statement involves teamwork. Gather input from your team to make sure it reflects everyone's ideas and is easy to understand.

Welcome to the It Depends / Nimble Autonomy newsletter

It Depends / Nimble Autonomy • 0 implied HN points • 02 Jan 24
💼 Business Leadership Management Strategy Career development Startups
  1. Taking time for personal strategy is important. Setting a day aside to think and plan can help you focus on your goals without distractions.
  2. Reflect on your past experiences and what you’ve learned to create effective plans. This means considering what worked well and what didn’t in your team and work before and during any big changes.
  3. Building a regular practice of strategic thinking helps you stay adaptable. It’s good to revisit your plans regularly and adjust them based on new insights or changes in your situation.

Level Up Your RevOps Career

beyondrevenueoperations • 0 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
💼 Business Operations Strategy Leadership Data Analysis Growth
  1. RevOps is key to business success, bringing sales, marketing, and customer success teams together to grow revenue. Choosing the right career path in RevOps can greatly influence your impact.
  2. There are two main paths in RevOps: the technical path, which focuses on data analysis and tools, and the strategic path, which emphasizes revenue strategy and leadership. Each path offers unique opportunities and challenges.
  3. Combining technical and strategic skills can create a powerful professional. This 'T-shaped' skillset helps you make better decisions and improve business outcomes.

How to Build a Revenue Operations Function From the Ground Up

beyondrevenueoperations • 0 implied HN points • 04 Oct 24
💼 Business Operations Strategy Sales Marketing Technology
  1. Start by defining why you want a Revenue Operations function and set clear goals with measurable targets. Knowing the specific problems to solve helps everyone stay focused.
  2. Get buy-in from company leaders first. They need to understand how RevOps will benefit the business and support your efforts, including providing necessary resources.
  3. Assess your current situation thoroughly before implementing changes. Look at existing processes, the technology in use, and the quality of data to find gaps and areas for improvement.

Upstream decisions and time

Carl’s Substack • 0 implied HN points • 05 Oct 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Finance Investing Strategy Personal Development
  1. Make wise choices early on in life, like who you marry and where you live, because they have a big impact on your future. It's important to focus on those key decisions.
  2. If you realize you made a mistake, don't worry too much. Your next decision can change everything, so keep moving forward.
  3. It's better to think things will take longer than they actually will. People often underestimate the time needed for big results, and that's okay.

Killing Product Management

honest product. • 0 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
💼 Business Management Startups Strategy Technology Economics
  1. Product management is often confused with project management, but they serve different purposes. Product managers should focus on strategy, while project managers handle execution.
  2. Many companies are pushing product managers into more tactical roles due to pressures from investors and founders. This shift can weaken the strategic insights that product managers provide.
  3. There's hope for the future of product management, with companies like Airbnb recognizing the importance of storytelling in the role. This approach can help ensure that decisions are aligned with business goals and customer needs.

Poker, appendage sensory & game theories

The Strategy Toolkit • 0 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
💼 Business Strategy Finance Risk management Decision-making
  1. Understanding poker can help improve decision-making in life. Like in poker, you can use probabilities to assess risks and make smarter choices.
  2. Learning key poker concepts like pot odds and bluffing can enhance your strategy skills. These ideas apply not just to cards but to many situations we face.
  3. Successful people think strategically and take calculated risks. Adopting a mindset similar to a poker player can help you navigate challenges better.

🐿️ Sheriffs on the Spot - The Insanely Profitable Tech Newsletter

Squirrel Squadron Substack • 0 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
💼 Business Management Leadership Strategy Accountability Team Dynamics
  1. Instead of being a strict leader who just gives orders, it's better to involve your tech team in the decision-making process. This helps them feel valued and boosts their morale.
  2. Frequent updates and accountability are key. By having your team report their results often, you can help them stay on track and offer support when needed.
  3. Leaning back and letting your team take charge can lead to more action and better results. It’s important for them to demonstrate their value regularly, rather than waiting for orders from you.

🐿️ Zealous Listening - The Insanely Profitable Tech Newsletter

Squirrel Squadron Substack • 0 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
💼 Business Leadership Management Communication Strategy Coaching
  1. Active listening is not enough; you need to understand the deeper reasons and emotions behind what people are saying. This helps in making better decisions.
  2. Repeating back what someone said, including their reasoning and feelings, builds trust and reduces risks in communication.
  3. Learning to listen to and reflect on everyone's ideas, even unusual ones, is essential for teamwork and problem-solving.

How challenger brand Bobbie disrupted a $70B industry to become the fastest growing brand in the infant formula category

the case for brand 💼 • 0 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
💼 Business Marketing Strategy Startups Entrepreneurship E-commerce
  1. Bobbie is changing the way people think about infant formula. They focus on building trust with customers by addressing the emotional challenges that parents face when choosing formula.
  2. During a nationwide formula shortage, Bobbie prioritized existing customers over gaining new ones. This decision helped them build strong loyalty and trust with their audience.
  3. Bobbie stands out by creating meaningful content and advocating for parents, like pushing for paid parental leave. They understand their audience and take action on issues that matter to them.

Ranking and Rating

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
💼 Business Marketing Finance Strategy Operations Management
  1. Ranking shows preferences clearly, like choosing cars in order of what you like most. It's straightforward for comparisons.
  2. Ratings provide more detailed info with scores, but they can sometimes lead to confusion or arguments over small differences.
  3. Information can be helpful, but too much can complicate things. Sometimes, a simple ranking is better to avoid overwhelm.

The Lost Age Of Abundance: a strategy game for deep thinkers

Demodexio • 0 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Gaming Simulation Economics Sociology Strategy
  1. The game allows players to lead families in a shattered empire, focusing on complex economics and sociology rather than just warfare. Players can choose their leadership style and aim to restore prosperity.
  2. Families in the game have individual histories and desires, influencing their decisions about loyalty and moving between territories. Players need to understand these dynamics to maintain their power and support.
  3. The primary goal of the game includes fostering freedom and happiness among families. Players must balance their actions to build a flourishing society while navigating challenges and aspirations of the peasants.

Game Theory Concepts Useful in Life

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
💼 Business Consulting Game Theory Negotiation Strategy
  1. Aim for win/win situations where everyone can succeed together. It’s better to work as partners instead of fighting against each other.
  2. Life is not just a one-time game; it's more like a series of games. How you treat people now will affect how they treat you later.
  3. Sometimes, it's wise to walk away from a game that’s rigged against you. Recognizing when to step back can save you time and trouble.

#20 The Fresh Outlook: Articles and insights for founders and teams

Meliora by Ana Stoica • 0 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
💼 Business Startups Entrepreneurship Finance Strategy Growth
  1. Thinking about money over time is really important for business owners when they plan to sell their company. It helps them understand how to maximize what they get from the sale.
  2. Navigating an exit can be emotional and complicated. Founders should prepare for both the personal and financial aspects to ensure a smoother transition.
  3. Staying informed and learning from resources like articles and insights can really help founders with their growth strategies and better decision-making.

The Value of Money in Time: A Critical Factor in Your Exit Strategy

Meliora by Ana Stoica • 0 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Finance Investment Strategy Growth
  1. Money has a time value, meaning getting cash now is better than getting the same amount later. This is important to remember when planning your exit.
  2. Consider not just the total payout but also how and when you'll get the money. Upfront payments or quicker payouts are usually better than delayed big sums.
  3. Negotiating the right deal structure can help reduce risks and uncertainties. Think about your personal needs and make sure the deal aligns with your financial goals.

Dear Marketers Podcast - Template Library

MKT1 Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🎙 Podcasts Marketing Resources Templates Strategy Business
  1. The podcast offers templates and resources that are only available to paid subscribers. These resources can help marketers improve their work.
  2. Listeners can access a template library that includes everything discussed in the podcast episodes. It's a great way to get practical tools for marketing.
  3. This initiative encourages marketers to subscribe for more valuable content and tools that can enhance their skills. Subscribing could be beneficial if you're serious about marketing.

Will Your CFO Enforce a One-Year AI Payback?

OSS.fund Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
💼 Business Finance Management Innovation Strategy Technology
  1. CFOs want quick returns on AI investments. They expect companies to show profits within a year to keep funding going.
  2. Many businesses have too many AI projects without clear benefits. CFOs are pushing for proof that these projects are actually helping the company.
  3. To make decisions on AI funding, CFOs look for clear signs of cost savings, revenue growth, and compliance improvements. Projects that don't meet these standards might get cut.

Issue #5: B2B SaaS Founder, Paying the Hidden AI Tax?

OSS.fund Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 17 Apr 25
💼 Business SaaS AI Marketing Finance Strategy
  1. Adding AI features to a SaaS product can lead to increased costs without improving sales, which is seen as the 'AI Tax'.
  2. Companies need to clarify the value of their AI features and ensure that pricing matches this value to encourage growth.
  3. It's essential to track how AI features are used and their associated costs to manage margins effectively and prevent losses.

Issue #2: The AI Funding Approvals Merry-Go-Round

OSS.fund Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 27 Mar 25
💼 Business Finance Management Strategy Technology Consulting
  1. AI projects need special handling because they combine different business areas, making approval complex. It’s not just another tech upgrade; it affects finance, operations, and strategy all at once.
  2. CFOs want clear financial impacts and risks before they approve AI initiatives. If the proposal is vague or overly technical, it can get rejected, even if it's a great idea.
  3. Using a standardized template for AI funding requests helps everyone. It makes proposals clearer and helps tech teams speak the CFO's language, leading to quicker approvals.

#24 The Fresh Outlook: Articles and insights for founders and teams

Meliora by Ana Stoica • 0 implied HN points • 29 May 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Strategy Negotiation Management Growth
  1. Navigating a business exit means thinking about negotiation carefully. It's not just about the price, but how to structure the deal for long-term success.
  2. Preparation is key for founders looking to make a successful transition. They need to engage strategically and consider expert advice to get favorable terms.
  3. Asking the right questions about the deal can help in making better strategic decisions. It's important to think deeply about the options available during this phase.