1) I’m still scarred from one of my first jobs getting promoted to a player-coach role. Terrible experience giving me a new “manager/lead” role with all the responsibility and no authority, AND forcing me to keep doing my old job. 10/10 do not recommend it unless it's a very seasoned leader and a unique situation.
2) Great incorporation of random business principles that only sort of apply, mostly meaningless vanity metrics, and downright outlandish statements that are not unlike what people actually say.
3) Have you considered starting a parody site or maybe writing and starring in a Silicon Valley spin-off show?
This type of letter is so trite that, for a moment, I truly thought you were announcing the launch (and updates) of a new company. I had to check http://playercoach.ai/ to make sure, haha.
I did get a few emails from people who though I'd messed up and sent some private update out to the full email list (though nothing close to the number of concerned emails I got about this post's subject line: https://benn.substack.com/p/semantic-observability)
This is peak B2B cynicism and I'm 100% here for it.
The product marketing manager hire is my favorite bit because I've seen this fallacy so much: "Let's ignore the reality - that our product was an overfit for our initial customers' needs - and instead focus on changing the messaging. That won't be confusing at all from our prospects!"
1) I’m still scarred from one of my first jobs getting promoted to a player-coach role. Terrible experience giving me a new “manager/lead” role with all the responsibility and no authority, AND forcing me to keep doing my old job. 10/10 do not recommend it unless it's a very seasoned leader and a unique situation.
2) Great incorporation of random business principles that only sort of apply, mostly meaningless vanity metrics, and downright outlandish statements that are not unlike what people actually say.
3) Have you considered starting a parody site or maybe writing and starring in a Silicon Valley spin-off show?
At this point, parody may be all that I have left, since I have no idea what goes on inside of real companies anymore.
😆 - I wish I knew what a real company was anymore... Let me know if you find one!
Totally reminds me of Pöny, the Mobility Revolution. Parody is often an amazing teacher for how-to and what-to-avoid. 👻
https://twitter.com/ponymobilityinc (pitch deck link in bio)
Ok Pony Pool is pretty good.
Absolute gold. Loved the investor letter!
This type of letter is so trite that, for a moment, I truly thought you were announcing the launch (and updates) of a new company. I had to check http://playercoach.ai/ to make sure, haha.
I did get a few emails from people who though I'd messed up and sent some private update out to the full email list (though nothing close to the number of concerned emails I got about this post's subject line: https://benn.substack.com/p/semantic-observability)
Brilliant as always and all too familiar.
How have I only discovered your newsletter — read a few posts in one sitting! This one takes the cake so far!
Thanks, glad you like it!
:chefkiss:
Brilliant! Hits too many nerves!
This is peak B2B cynicism and I'm 100% here for it.
The product marketing manager hire is my favorite bit because I've seen this fallacy so much: "Let's ignore the reality - that our product was an overfit for our initial customers' needs - and instead focus on changing the messaging. That won't be confusing at all from our prospects!"
"We can't sell this thing at all, it's probably because we just need better messaging and a cooler brand"
That was so funny - congrats 😂
Made my Friday!