Hi friends,
New friends, an extra hi. I've got a plan for more strategy writing in 2023, which is likely what you joined for. While that's on its way, you've also joined in time for my next photo poem, an earnest little missive shot from the hip to rinse the brain. I used to wonder if these were right for the newsletter until I internalized the fact that people sign up not just for strat-vicky, but for vicky-vicky. Which includes the depressed artist all mixed up with the zealous strategist. Be the real me or something I think is what's trending on TikTok.
Before we get started: first, a necessary plug for work (bearing good news in these markets!), and then a chill plug for newsletter recs to freshen up your slate next year. I rarely do these and aim to make it count when I do.
Looking for a B2B designer and writer - pls forward around
I'm hiring for a designer! As our first in-house designer on our Brand & Marketing team, you'll own the chance to single-handedly shape the NewtonX brand and bring it to life. A bit about us: we're the world's leading B2B research company, with 47M in funding to date. Brands from Microsoft to McKinsey to Figma rely on us for the data that informs their key strategic decisions. Here’s the JD you can share. [p.s. we’re a good time :)]
I’m also looking for a freelance B2B content writer to write articles and landing pages to strengthen brand authority, improve SEO/PPC performance, and nurture enterprise sales leads. Workload would start around 5-10 hours per week with potential to increase, as we're looking to grow a steady working relationship. I can share more details with anyone interested; they can reach me at vicky.gu@newtonx.com.
For happier inboxes
I’m not going to recommend strategy or tech newsletters; you’re probably already on them. Here’s to the beauty, politics, the art, the hurt, the love that breathes life into strategy.
British chef Thom Eagle is still writing my favorite tinyletter.
Friend Sarah Cooke writes delightfully and powerfully about Small Good Things.
Friend Coleen Baik writes about the day to day of making things in The Line Between. Her family has also endured a lot lately; consider supporting her GoFundMe.
Taiwan-based Michelle Kuo and Albert Wu write about “forms of resistance—including the playful and soulful kinds” in A Broad and Ample Road.
Chaoyang Trap is the best source on Chinese internet culture.
Story Club with George Saunders is a must for writers.
Okay, my one strategy rec: Deborah Carver’s The Content Technologist. Consistently refreshing takes on an industry (B2B / SaaS content) that consistently needs to be kicked out of its mediocrity. A voice in the wilderness!
Now together a deep breath, back to the art.
We matter to somebody,
We must matter to the strange god who imagines us as we revolve together in the dark sky on the path to the Milky Way.
We can’t easily see that starry road from the perspective of the crossing of boulevards, can’t hear it in the whine of civilization or taste the minerals of planets in hamburgers.
But we can buy a map here of the stars’ homes, dial a tone for dangerous love, choose from several brands of water or a hiss of oxygen for gentle rejuvenation.
—Excerpt from Joy Harjo's "The Path to the Milky Way Leads Through Los Angeles"
This one’s for finding love in the city, which is nothing less than an extreme sport. Zoom in for easier reading if you’re on mobile.
One last note
Paid subs, y’all got a quick update yesterday - mainly a note from me requesting addresses for annual holiday notes. Poor planning on my part; I could’ve consolidated these emails but here’s your reminder?
To all - thanks for being here. Your presence is my xmas gift! We had to squeeze something cringy in here! Appreciate your time, as there are many ways to spend it these days. Hope you and yours stay healthy this holiday.
- v
want more?
Feel free to like and comment below, and you can always reach me at vickygu30@gmail.com. (I love reader replies!)
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