The hottest Strategy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Business Topics

New year, new templates

The faintest idea • 599 implied HN points • 03 Jan 24
💼 Business Management Strategy Design Templates Leadership
  1. Using visual tools like FigJam can help connect ideas better in meetings and projects. It's a fun way to share updates and collaborate.
  2. Templates for strategy, decision-making, and team management can make work processes smoother and more organized. They help you tackle big problems effectively.
  3. Regular 1:1 meetings are important for team development. They allow for thoughtful discussions and reflections on projects and career growth.

You need to neglect mostly everything to win big

Play Permissionless • 319 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Strategy Productivity Management Optimization
  1. To win big, you only need to get a small number of things right and can afford to mess up everything else. This applies to both companies and individuals.
  2. Winning big often requires unlearning traditional schooling strategies and focusing on doing a great job at a few key aspects while neglecting the rest.
  3. Removing non-essential tasks and focusing solely on what helps deliver better and faster results can lead to significant improvements and ultimately winning big.

#1 Question You Need to Crush Your Niche

VERY GOOD PRODUCTIZED GUIDES • 99 implied HN points • 25 Jun 24
💼 Business Marketing Entrepreneurship Strategy Sales Branding
  1. Success takes time and effort; it doesn't happen overnight. Jim Carrey's journey shows that hard work is key to reaching your goals.
  2. Understanding your audience is crucial. Asking 'What do they want?' can help you create something they truly value.
  3. Don't just settle for the surface; dig deeper to find unique insights. This can set you apart in a crowded market.

Progress is not automatic

Play Permissionless • 239 implied HN points • 16 Apr 24
💼 Business Progress Development Entrepreneurship Strategy Personal Growth
  1. Progress is not automatic, you can't expect different outcomes by doing the same thing over and over.
  2. Sticking to what you know can lead to stagnation; sometimes a radical change in approach is needed to see significant growth.
  3. To achieve a 10x improvement, you often have to stop doing most of the things you're currently doing and embrace new strategies.
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Why You Should Be A Control Freak

Zwischenzug • 432 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🚌 Education Chess Learning Strategy
  1. Control in chess means knowing what your opponent can do and being ready for it.
  2. Maintaining control is crucial, especially in winning positions.
  3. The engine's evaluation may not reflect the full complexity of a position, so human perspective is key in strategic decisions.

A good start

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 239 implied HN points • 10 Apr 24
💼 Business Consulting Management Strategy Leadership Organizational
  1. Amorphous consulting is about tackling unclear and emerging problems that organizations face. It's often the first step in consulting even if clients don't recognize it or want to pay for it.
  2. Starting with amorphous consulting is cheaper and quicker than hiring a concrete consultant right away. It avoids the lengthy process of re-scoping a project.
  3. Amorphous consultants ask the 'dumb' questions that uncover hidden problems. This approach is useful when there's uncertainty, helping organizations find solutions they didn't even realize they needed.

Can Arsenal really compete at the top?

Grace on Football • 805 implied HN points • 07 Oct 23
🎾 Sports Soccer Teams Players Performance Strategy
  1. Arsenal has shown significant improvement under manager Mikel Arteta, achieving better results and attracting better players.
  2. The team's young core and strong defensive foundation provide hope for future success, even if immediate goals are not met.
  3. Key players like Gabriel Jesus and Declan Rice play crucial roles in the team's tactics and overall performance.

Nikki Haley's Only Hope

SHERO • 432 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Strategy Republican party Donald Trump Nikki Haley
  1. Nikki Haley's main hope to win the Republican nomination may be to amass delegates from smaller states and leverage support from old-guard Republicans.
  2. Even though it's unlikely, one way to stop Trump could be if he is convicted or imprisoned before the election.
  3. Timing is crucial - if Trump is convicted, Nikki Haley might become the last hope for Republicans to field a viable candidate against Biden.

TBM 275: "Bad" Strategy. Why?

The Beautiful Mess • 1256 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
💼 Business Strategy Negotiation Decision-making Organizational dynamics Leadership
  1. A company strategy is actually a collection of individual strategies. Each person within a company has their own strategy they try to advocate for.
  2. The communicated strategy in a company is often a negotiated narrative, and the real strategy might not be fully disclosed. There are subtleties and contexts behind the scenes.
  3. Strategies are a negotiation. What may seem objectively right might not align with the current status quo. Different people in different roles might perceive and act on strategies uniquely.

TBM 314: Using Enabling Constraints for Situational Awareness

The Beautiful Mess • 396 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
💼 Business Management Growth Efficiency Strategy Leadership
  1. Rapid growth can lead to chaos and mistakes in organizations. It often happens when teams are expanded quickly without proper planning.
  2. Using enabling constraints can help manage the mess during fast changes. They act like simple rules to keep teams focused and aware of potential issues.
  3. It's important to regularly check on how things are going, especially when many people are involved in projects. This helps catch problems before they become serious.

#14: Five ideas from the airline business

Bureau of Adventure • 119 implied HN points • 01 Jun 24
💼 Business Aviation Marketing Operations Economics Strategy
  1. Airlines can use different route models, like hub-and-spoke or point-to-point. Each has its benefits, with point-to-point focusing on direct flights and hub-and-spoke maximizing connections.
  2. Focusing on trip costs rather than unit costs can be more effective. Sometimes a smaller plane with higher costs per seat is better for fewer passengers, rather than trying to fill a large plane.
  3. Using an 'out and back' flying strategy can help airlines run more efficiently. It allows them to keep crew costs low and isolate delays, while also making it easier to cancel unprofitable flights.

What Healthy Boards Look Like

DruGroup • 159 implied HN points • 07 May 24
💼 Business Governance Management Strategy Decision-making Policy
  1. Healthy boards focus on governance, avoiding micromanagement. They concentrate on big-picture decisions rather than getting caught up in daily operations.
  2. Good boards prioritize setting strategic direction over just directing actions. They work on long-term goals instead of getting bogged down in immediate tasks.
  3. Instead of panicking during crises, successful boards take time to think things through. They focus on understanding the situation for lasting solutions rather than quick fixes.

Apple's M&A Strategy, Explained

SatPost by Trung Phan • 79 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
💼 Business Mergers Acquisitions Strategy Market Trends Financial Analysis
  1. Apple's approach to mergers and acquisitions often focuses on acquiring talent rather than large companies. They prefer smaller deals to bring in experts for new technologies.
  2. Chick-fil-A has become hugely successful with only a few thousand locations by keeping their restaurant experience efficient and engaging. Their franchise model is very selective, ensuring high-quality operators.
  3. Duolingo emphasizes user engagement over strict educational methods because they know it’s crucial to keep users motivated in a competitive app landscape.

How to build your GTM strategy from scratch

Kyle Poyar’s Growth Unhinged • 291 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
💼 Business Startups Marketing Strategy Sales Growth
  1. Building a go-to-market (GTM) strategy involves understanding stages like problem-solution fit, product-market fit, and go-to-market fit. Each stage helps you grow and attract more customers.
  2. Create an Early Customer Profile (ECP) based on real evidence to identify your first customers. This helps you target those who have a strong need for your product and are willing to pay.
  3. Differentiate your product by refining your unique value proposition (UVP) and unique selling proposition (USP). This makes it clear why customers should choose you over the competition.

Moats: How to Build a Scalable Business Competitors Can't Copy

Nail It and Scale It • 59 implied HN points • 08 Jul 24
💼 Business Strategy Marketing Entrepreneurship Economics Management
  1. A business moat is a special advantage that helps a company stand out and protect itself from competitors. Just like a moat around a castle keeps invaders out, a strong business moat helps companies earn big profits over time.
  2. There are different types of moats, like network effects where the value increases as more people use a service, and cost advantages that make switching harder for customers. Companies like Uber and Walmart have used these techniques smartly.
  3. Building a solid brand and having strong cultural values can also create powerful moats. For example, Patagonia builds loyalty by promoting environmentalism, making it harder for customers to switch to other brands.

Links - 01/15/2024

Value Investing World • 373 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
💰 Finance Investing Stocks Podcasts Business Strategy
  1. Investors need a margin of safety when investing in securities to account for human error and market volatility.
  2. Various podcasts and videos are available covering topics like top stocks for 2024, business strategies, and lessons from investors.
  3. Continuously learning and staying informed is crucial in making wise decisions, as wisdom doesn't come by chance.

Issue #6 - Hey Data, Show Me The Money!!!

The Data Ecosystem • 119 implied HN points • 19 May 24
💼 Business Investment Strategy Data Analytics Finance
  1. Investing in data is a strategic move, not just about spending money. It's important to align data efforts with business goals to see real value.
  2. When pitching for data investment, focus on the benefits it will bring. Clear communication of value can help rebuild trust with leadership.
  3. Measuring the success of data investments through defined KPIs is essential. This helps in making future improvement and investment decisions.

Chess is 99% taking pieces

Zwischenzug • 628 implied HN points • 22 Jul 23
🎾 Sports Chess Strategy Learning Competition Instruction
  1. In chess, 99% of the game is about taking your opponent's pieces and not hanging your own.
  2. For many players, improvement comes from mastering basic concepts like piece safety rather than advanced strategies.
  3. Efficiency matters, so seek out resources that help you practice and improve on keeping your pieces safe in chess.

How health-tech founders can survive a brutal 2024

Second Opinion • 471 implied HN points • 20 Nov 23
💼 Business Startups Investment Strategy Entrepreneurship Finance
  1. In 2024, health-tech founders may face challenges due to market conditions like the difficulty of fundraising.
  2. It's okay to let go of a struggling company and start over; it can make you smarter for the next venture.
  3. Founders should practice ruthless prioritization, focus on achieving break-even, and be realistic about liquidity events.

How to turn those Big Ideas of yours into reality

The Ask Newsletter — by Ellen Donnelly • 15 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Coaching Leadership Strategy Personal Development
  1. First, be clear about your ideas. Take time to visualize what you really want to achieve. Use your imagination to paint a detailed picture of your goals and dreams for your business.
  2. Next, don’t aim for perfection. Expect challenges and be flexible with your plans. Accept that things might not go as perfectly as you hoped, and that's okay; it can lead to new opportunities.
  3. Lastly, stay committed to your vision. Keep pushing through obstacles, reflect on your progress regularly, and seek support from others. Remember, it's important to adapt and keep moving forward, even if it's just a little bit at a time.

Championship Sunday was a strange watch for Vikings fans

Purple Insider • 294 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🎾 Sports Football Draft Analytics Quarterbacks Strategy
  1. Sunday's games were strange for Vikings fans to watch from a unique perspective.
  2. Building a championship team can involve having an all-time great quarterback, hitting on many draft picks, or building a strong supporting cast around an affordable quarterback.
  3. Success in the NFL requires making bold decisions and it's challenging to win even with a great team.

Simplifying your product strategy is a competitive advantage

amivora • 11 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
💼 Business Strategy Product Marketing Innovation Entrepreneurship Competition
  1. Keeping your product simple can help you stand out in a crowded market. People appreciate products that are easy to understand and use.
  2. It's important to focus on what makes your product essential, instead of trying to add too many features. This helps users quickly see the value.
  3. Prioritizing what to keep and what to cut is key. If you're not willing to cut things that seem valuable, you might not be prioritizing deeply enough.

Unintended Consequences

Fish Food for Thought • 21 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
💼 Business Management Leadership Metrics Incentives Strategy
  1. Making changes based on certain metrics can lead to unexpected problems. For example, Wells Fargo's sales goals pushed employees to open fake accounts.
  2. Good intentions behind laws and incentives can sometimes backfire. The Cobra Effect shows how trying to control a cobra population led to more snakes instead.
  3. It's important to regularly rethink our goals and how we measure success. Metrics can guide us, but we must also consider their potential downsides and the bigger picture.

How to Exhibit at a Trade Show

Startup Real Talk • 242 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
💼 Business Marketing Sales Networking Strategy Events
  1. Always stand in front of your booth to grab attention. Being visible helps you connect with more people.
  2. Start conversations by inviting passersby in with something interesting, like a giveaway. This makes it easier to engage them.
  3. Follow up quickly after the event. Use your notes to personalize your messages so people remember you and what you discussed.

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

amivora • 5 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
💼 Business Customer Experience Strategy Product Development Marketing User Research
  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.

2024 NBA Finals Leadership Lessons

DruGroup • 79 implied HN points • 04 Jun 24
🎾 Sports Leadership Teamwork Motivation Strategy Performance
  1. Success can lead to complacency. When teams or leaders get too comfortable after success, they often fail later on. It’s important to stay humble and keep pushing forward.
  2. Failure can be a stepping stone to success. Just because something didn't work out before doesn't mean it can't succeed later. Learning and adapting can turn past failures into future wins.
  3. Having great team players is key to winning. In basketball, no one can do it alone. It's important to recognize and appreciate the role of all team members in achieving success.

Time is emphasis: planning your calendar as a leader

Lessons • 511 implied HN points • 14 Apr 23
💼 Business Time management Leadership Productivity Delegation Strategy
  1. Your calendar as a leader affects what gets done in the company and how you spend time and resources.
  2. Setting clear priorities and having a structured calendar system are crucial for spending time on strategic priorities.
  3. Create a calendar skeleton to lay out core activities and priorities, and regularly revisit and adjust your system.

Facing your fears when they're valid | #53

The Pole • 79 implied HN points • 29 May 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Reflection Career Strategy Personal Development
  1. Facing your fears, even when they are valid, is crucial for personal and professional growth. It's important to confront fears creatively and develop a plan to mitigate risks.
  2. Reflect on past mistakes to learn and improve. Identify patterns and focus on building expertise and confidence.
  3. Articulate and address your fears to move forward effectively. Consider efficacy, effectiveness, efficiency in your pursuits and tackle any doubts or uncertainties.

Unlocking the Time Management Puzzle

QUALITY BOSS • 59 implied HN points • 17 Jun 24
💼 Business Leadership Productivity Time management Strategy Coaching
  1. Time blocking can be challenging because admin tasks often take over the blocks. It's important to set separate times for these tasks to protect your focused work.
  2. Interruptions can break your flow, so setting 'do not disturb' periods or specific times to check messages can help. Communicating the importance of your focused time to your team is crucial.
  3. Procrastination can still happen even with a schedule. Breaking tasks into smaller steps or tackling the hardest tasks first can make projects feel more manageable.

Ferrari's Unique Business Model Leads To Record Financial Performance

Huddle Up • 43 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
💼 Business Finance Marketing Strategy Operations Management
  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.

TBM 227: Explicit vs. Implicit Strategy

The Beautiful Mess • 1507 implied HN points • 18 Jun 23
💼 Business Strategy Leadership Team Dynamics Product Management Company Culture
  1. A strategy should be a clear description of challenges, decisions on what to address, and specific actions to impact those challenges.
  2. Translating strategy into tangible goals and budgets is crucial for making it meaningful to people in the organization.
  3. Creating a safe space for hard discussions, dedicating time for strategy development, and focusing on deployment are essential for making a strategy effective.