The hottest Strategy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics

From Charlie Munger to ChatGPT - The 'productivity gains' paradox

Platforms, AI, and the Economics of BigTech • 9 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
💼 Business Strategy
  1. When companies see big productivity gains, it could mean they're losing their competitive edge in the long run. This happens because the benefits aren't always kept by the business, similar to how new technology can hurt original owners.
  2. It's important to figure out where productivity gains are coming from. If they're from the main product, the company might end up losing control and value, especially if they rely on outside suppliers.
  3. To stay ahead, businesses should focus on creating unique advantages with technology rather than just using it to improve what they already do. This way, they can keep more control over pricing and profits.

System Thinking

Build To Scale • 3 HN points • 23 Jan 24
💼 Business Strategy
  1. Think of your business as a machine that needs constant tuning and adjustments as it grows.
  2. Focus on finding product/market fit in the early days - can you build something others are willing to pay for?
  3. System thinking is a helpful framework for ensuring resources are allocated effectively across departments and to identify and address bottlenecks.

#23: Undeniable uncertainty

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 79 implied HN points • 08 Apr 20
💼 Business Strategy
  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 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.

Messiness can be a huge moat

Brick by Brick • 9 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
💼 Business Strategy
  1. Handling messy problems can give companies a big edge over competitors. When a company can simplify and control messy situations, it sets itself apart.
  2. Epic Systems shows how complex integrations create strong barriers for rivals in the healthcare tech space. Their custom solutions make it hard for new players to catch up.
  3. Over years of effort, companies like Epic build extensive networks, making their systems deeply embedded in the industry. This complexity becomes a valuable moat that is tough to replicate.
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Four ways to prioritise tasks and optimise productivity

A Bit Gamey • 6 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🚌 Education Strategy
  1. Use a triage system to prioritize tasks based on urgency and severity, similar to how medical teams manage injuries. It helps ensure that the most important tasks are handled first.
  2. Choose your productivity metric wisely. Whether it's deadlines, workload, completion speed, or task importance, the right focus can help you work smarter.
  3. Different strategies like prioritizing by deadlines or importance can help you manage tasks better. Each approach has its benefits, so pick the one that aligns with your goals.

#50: Leaving money on the table

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 59 implied HN points • 14 Oct 20
💼 Business Strategy
  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 Strategy
  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.

MKT1 Guide to Ecosystem Marketing

MKT1 Newsletter • 8 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
💼 Business Strategy
  1. Ecosystem marketing is a great way to boost growth as other marketing methods like inbound and outbound are becoming less effective. By partnering with the right people, you can reach more potential customers.
  2. It's important to focus on the right partners who have a strong overlap with your target audience. A smaller partner with a dedicated audience may provide better results than a large partner with a less relevant audience.
  3. Creating value is key in partnerships. The best relationships benefit everyone involved, including your company, your partner, and your customers, so ensure that all parties gain from working together.

Pregnancy, non-linear optical computing, and open business model strategies

The Strategy Toolkit • 8 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
💼 Business Strategy
  1. Countries with aging populations are trying to boost birth rates but often overlook the real-life choices and challenges that people face. Understanding psychology and behavior can help shape better strategies for families.
  2. Many individuals feel pressured about starting families due to career concerns. Now, some are even planning pregnancies to align with job stability needs.
  3. Good strategists realize that issues related to family planning are global and not limited to just one country, highlighting a broader trend in society.

#44: The long view

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 59 implied HN points • 02 Sep 20
💼 Business Strategy
  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.

The Big Idea vs. Incremental Improvements - Problem #2

Fish Food for Thought • 8 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
💼 Business Strategy
  1. Big ideas can be exciting and lead to major changes, but they come with big risks. Not every bold vision will succeed, especially if it doesn't meet practical needs.
  2. Small, continuous improvements can often lead to more stable success. Companies that focus on gradual progress can adapt better to changing markets and customer needs.
  3. Finding a balance between big ideas and smaller steps is key. Companies can inspire breakthroughs while ensuring long-term growth by combining bold visions with incremental changes.

Input Metrics for SEO

The SEO MBA • 32 implied HN points • 31 Mar 23
💼 Business Strategy
  1. SEO success depends on more than just the SEO team - it's a cross-functional effort.
  2. Use input metrics, not just output metrics, to drive buy-in for SEO programs.
  3. Choosing measurable input metrics and evolving them over time helps predict success and guide actions for SEO programs.

Good enough

The Strategy Toolkit • 17 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Strategy
  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.

Agile for Anarchists

Into the Hedge • 1 HN point • 01 May 24
💼 Business Strategy
  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.

How TPM Bridge Communication Gaps Between Tech and Non-Tech Teams

Building Rome(s) • 5 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
💼 Business Strategy
  1. Technical and non-technical teams often struggle because they don't share a common language. Clear communication is essential for collaboration.
  2. Using the 'Triangle of Translation' (Time, Money, Impact) can help bridge the communication gap. It allows teams to understand each other's priorities better.
  3. Focusing on clarity and empathy in discussions leads to better teamwork and improved product delivery. When everyone speaks the same language, trust is built.

Personality-led business building, positioning and pivots.

The Ask Newsletter — by Ellen Donnelly • 7 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
💼 Business Strategy
  1. It's important to align your business with what you love doing. When you focus on what excites you, your work feels more meaningful.
  2. Making a significant change in your business takes time and careful planning. It's about building a strong foundation before jumping into something new.
  3. Understanding your strengths helps you create a business that fits you. Find what you enjoy and build around that to avoid burnout.

One Year of The Case

the case for brand 💼 • 7 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
💼 Business Strategy
  1. Writing helps to clarify thoughts and ideas clearly. It's like a tool that can really improve your understanding.
  2. People are really interested in detailed stories about how brands succeed. These deep dives into brand strategies are valuable to many.
  3. The future will see continued experimentation and interesting interviews with influential figures in branding. There’s a lot of excitement around who can be featured next.

Unleash Scale-Scope for Competitive Advantage

User-Friendly • 20 implied HN points • 16 Oct 23
💼 Business Strategy
  1. User experience, customer experience, digital transformation, and innovation are interconnected concepts in the business world
  2. Scale refers to the magnitude of change - either gradual evolution or radical disruption
  3. Scope pertains to the focus - either narrow and product-centric or broad and process-oriented

Ergonomic Pricing: The AI-Native Pricing Model

Good Better Best • 2 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
💼 Business Strategy
  1. AI is changing how companies price their services. Instead of charging by the number of users, some companies are now billing based on the outcomes or results they provide.
  2. The 'Ergonomic Pricing' model focuses on what customers want, making it easier for them to understand and predict their costs. This helps companies avoid the complexity of various traditional pricing strategies.
  3. It's important for companies to ensure that their pricing aligns with the value offered. This model helps create a clear connection between what customers pay and the level of service they receive.

Unlocking simplicity: Customer empathy as a (not-so-secret) weapon

amivora • 5 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
💼 Business Strategy
  1. Spending time with customers is really important for understanding what to simplify in your product. It might not seem helpful right away, but it leads to better decisions in the long run.
  2. Using your own product to identify issues can teach you a lot. Observing how customers interact with it often reveals what's working and what's frustrating for them.
  3. Deep emotional responses from customers indicate what matters most to them. Getting those insights helps shape what you should focus on and improve in your offerings.

Blood in the Water, Blood on the Beach

Big Serge Thought • 2 implied HN points • 08 Jul 25
💾 History Strategy
  1. World War One was a time of confusion for many, as both soldiers and leaders struggled to adapt to the new, brutal warfare tactics. The experiences varied greatly depending on one's role in the military hierarchy.
  2. Despite its static nature, World War One sparked new military strategies that changed the future of warfare, including unrestricted submarine warfare and amphibious assaults, which became key tactics in World War Two.
  3. The Dardanelles campaign showed the pitfalls of assuming naval power alone could secure victory. Poor planning and underestimating the enemy's defenses led to a failed attack and high casualties.

The Coming Ukrainian Counteroffensive

Center for the Study of Partisanship and Ideology • 25 implied HN points • 22 May 23
🌍 World Politics 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.

The 7 Most Effective SaaS Discount Strategies (with Examples)

Good Better Best • 2 implied HN points • 04 Jul 25
💼 Business Strategy
  1. Annual discounts are popular because they help companies get cash flow and keep customers longer. They are a great option if your average customer value is high.
  2. Volume discounts let customers save money the more they buy. This strategy can be beneficial across different pricing models, but companies need to be careful not to over-discount.
  3. Introductory discounts attract new users by making it easier to start using a product. They can be great for boosting conversion, but companies should keep an eye on whether these users stick around.

[P] HSY: Succession Alternatives

Nongaap Investing • 5 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
💼 Business Strategy
  1. Hershey is considering different options for leadership succession. It's important for companies to have a plan for who will lead them in the future.
  2. The article shares insights on evaluating these succession options at Hershey. Understanding different leadership paths can help the company maintain stability.
  3. Having a clear succession plan can also help reassure investors and employees. It's crucial for the company's ongoing success and growth.

Engineering Efficiency vs. Engineering Experience - Problem #5

Fish Food for Thought • 6 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
💼 Business Strategy
  1. Businesses should focus on creating a positive Developer Experience (DevEx) instead of just looking at productivity numbers like lines of code. This helps developers thrive and leads to better products.
  2. Supporting a good DevEx can help keep talented developers at a company, reducing turnover and recruitment costs. Happy developers are more likely to stay and work effectively.
  3. Finding a balance between engineering efficiency and the overall experience of developers is key. When companies prioritize both, they can deliver higher-quality products and encourage long-term innovation.

Inside Superhuman's Pricing Evolution

Good Better Best • 5 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
💼 Business Strategy
  1. Superhuman started with a single $30/month price to differentiate itself in a crowded email market. This pricing strategy boosted user activation since customers felt the need to get their money's worth.
  2. Their pricing evolved from a simple model to three tiered options, tailored to different user needs. This change aimed for simplicity while capturing diverse customer groups effectively.
  3. To smoothly transition customers to new pricing, Superhuman focused on research, planning, and transparency. They allowed a grace period for existing customers to adjust, which helped them maintain customer trust.

The most overlooked skill in pricing and packaging

Good Better Best • 2 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
💼 Business Strategy
  1. Effective pricing is about more than just numbers; it's like building a muscle that gets better with practice. Teams should focus on improving their pricing strategies regularly.
  2. Clear communication is crucial when changing pricing. If customers don't understand the changes or think they are losing out, it can lead to confusion and complaints.
  3. Early announcements and using visuals can make pricing changes easier for customers. The key is to keep the communication thoughtful and consistent.

Profits by product version 3

A Bit Gamey • 20 implied HN points • 20 Aug 23
💼 Business Strategy
  1. Develop products that people want and are willing to pay for.
  2. Iterate on your product to reach profitability: focus on product/market fit, unit economics, and finally a profitable business.
  3. Understand the stages of product adoption and aim to cross the chasm from early adopters to early majority to achieve product/market fit.

Russo-Ukrainian War: The Reckoning

Big Serge Thought • 16 implied HN points • 15 Nov 23
🌍 World Politics Strategy
  1. The Russo-Ukrainian War in the age of social media and cameras revealed the complexities of modern warfare.
  2. Footage from Ukraine offers valuable insight into tactics and weapon systems in near-real-time.
  3. American entertainment elements in war coverage may not reflect the reality of conflict outcomes and the challenges faced by both sides.

The Shift to Account-Driven GTM

MKT1 Newsletter • 4 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
💼 Business Strategy
  1. Companies need to switch to an account-driven approach for marketing and sales. This means focusing on specific accounts instead of just waiting for leads to come in.
  2. New tools now let marketers understand their entire audience better. They can gather more data on accounts, allowing for more tailored outreach and personalized content.
  3. This shift requires teamwork across departments like marketing, sales, and customer success. Everyone has to work together to effectively target and engage with chosen accounts.

Competing against incumbents: Flank them

Brick by Brick • 18 implied HN points • 06 Sep 23
💼 Business Strategy
  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.

✅ Monday briefing: Wadds Inc. Almanac 🎄🎁⛄

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 20 Dec 21
💼 Business Strategy
  1. In 2022, there will be big challenges in marketing, media, and public relations. It's important for professionals in these fields to stay informed about these issues.
  2. Key topics include the impact of big tech, misinformation online, and the need for more diversity in PR practices. These issues will shape the industry going forward.
  3. The importance of internal and external communications is growing, and businesses should adapt to changes in media and audience engagement to succeed.

Protecting Your Life Range

Metarational • 19 implied HN points • 20 Aug 21
📖 Philosophy Strategy
  1. In poker and in life, it's important to mix up your actions to protect yourself and maintain an element of unpredictability.
  2. Being secretive or open about even mundane details can impact how others perceive your trustworthiness and intentions.
  3. People often exhibit strategic behaviors without consciously realizing it, showcasing how sociocultural norms can align with game theory.

Season 05 - Newsletter 02 --> When Your Boss Wants Strategy but You're Stuck in the Weeds: A Product Leader's Dilemma

Product Hustle Stack Newsletter • 4 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
💼 Business Strategy
  1. It's common for product leaders to feel stuck in daily tasks while their bosses want more strategic thinking. Balancing the two is crucial for success.
  2. To improve strategic vision, start by imagining where you want your product to be in three years and then work backwards. This helps paint a clear picture for everyone involved.
  3. Communication is key. Create something like an 'impact dashboard' to show how your day-to-day work connects to the bigger goals your boss cares about.