This Week in Startups

Business Breakdowns: The rise and fall of “Blackberry” with Lon Harris | E1773

Jul 7, 2023
Guest
Lon Harris
Lon Harris, a filmmaker and media personality, shares insights from the movie 'BlackBerry.' He discusses the rise and fall of the company, emphasizing the importance of having complementary co-founders. The conversation also covers the pitfalls of leadership distractions, particularly in the wake of the iPhone's innovation. Lon highlights the necessity of understanding market dynamics and product velocity. Additionally, they explore how storytelling and team dynamics impact business success, connecting cinematic lessons to real-world entrepreneurial challenges.
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INSIGHT

Framing

  • Framing a product effectively is crucial for its success, as seen with Blackberry.
  • Calling it the "world's smallest email terminal" instead of a large pager changed perceptions.
INSIGHT

Gadget Era and Virality

  • Blackberry marked the beginning of the gadget era and real-world virality.
  • Its portability and unique design made it a status symbol, generating organic interest.
ADVICE

Beachhead Market

  • Target a beachhead market to create initial buzz and demand.
  • Blackberry targeted wealthy individuals with expense accounts to establish their product as a status symbol.
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