Streaming models are broken 😫, how to define your target user, and more.
The top five articles on Village in May 2023. Out of 323 posts, these five had the most buzz.
Hey everyone 👋! We’re back this month with our June recap. If it’s your first time joining us, the Village V is a newsletter from Village featuring the top five articles on Village each month. If you’re curious to learn more about Village V, read about it here.
Let’s dive into our June recap 👇!
#1: The Myth of “A-Players”
By Bud Bhattacharya, Jeff Hunter, and Trevor Hunter
Why it’s relevant:
Steve Jobs was famous for only hiring A-players, and this idea has become pervasive across the tech industry.
It provides an alternative view to the A-player mentality, suggesting that A-players in one context may be B or C-players in other contexts.
It suggests that people should look more at the skill-to-context match of great candidates and determine whether or not that same match would apply in the new position.
#2: The Adjacent User Theory
By Bangaly Kaba
Why it’s relevant:
PMs are always trying to define their target user – this article offers a clear-cut way to define your target user over time consistently, even as the traits and characteristics of that user changes.
One caveat for the adjacent user theory is that it requires that you have PMF among at least one type of user (defined in this case as flat retention curves).
#3: Why Don’t VCs Give Feedback?
By Chris Neumann
Why it’s relevant:
One of the most frustrating experiences for startup founders is to have multiple calls with a potential investor, dutifully answering follow-up questions from the VC and their team over the course of several weeks, only to hear…nothing.
It helps people understand how to elicit feedback, not just from VCs, but from anyone who you’ve shared a project or idea with and who might be able to share constructive thoughts.
#4: Let’s Copy This Hiring Practice
By Aadil Maan
Why it’s relevant:
Job descriptions are often vague and a hodge-podge of convoluted text that is copied over from larger organizations that hire for the same type of positions.
It forces the team to come up with concrete goals and objectives for the position prior to hiring someone, which can make the entire onboarding process quicker post-hiring and ensure that the candidate is aware of their own OKRs prior to signing on!
#5: Streaming's Model is Broken
By Rob Abelow
Why it’s relevant:
Streaming’s economic model has been relatively consistent since the inception of the idea into the market – but that doesn’t mean that it’s right and should remain the same in perpetuity.
It showcases how marketplaces can adopt to their consumer’s behavior and innovate on their core business models in order to align incentives for both consumers and suppliers.
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