The RIM Letters: Learn From RIM's Mistakes

01.07.2011
RIM is dead. It isn't in the ground yet, but its , and the recent and the RIM CEOs indicates that RIM won't fix the problem(s) because it won't even recognize or admit they exist. So, what can you learn from RIM to make sure you don't repeat its mistakes?

The first sentence of the original anonymous letter sums the whole situation up: "I have lost confidence."

The was to issue some sort of marketing fluff statement filled with roses and sunshine rationalizing the current situation, and painting a rosy picture of the bright days that are surely just ahead. Beneath the smoke, has this aura of a gambling addict sitting at a roulette table having lost his life savings and telling himself it will all be great....just one more bet.

The reaction from RIM was patronizing and condescending. It seems apparent that RIM does not believe that the original letter actually came from an employee, and that it has no intention of taking the points made in it seriously. It is much easier to deny the authenticity of the letter than to face the reality that RIM employees actually think that way.

It is sad, really. RIM should not be in the position it is in now, and with better leadership it probably could have been avoided. Here is what you should do to avoid being a RIM:

1. Innovate. The problem with a company like RIM is that it did such a great job taking a niche concept and establishing it as the and messaging platform for business that it forgot to evolve beyond that. It stopped innovating--to the point of arrogantly ignoring the and Android until it was too late.