J.K. Rowling is the creator and author of the uber-famous Harry Potter series (if you didn’t already know already – which, if so, I’d suggest moving to a location where news is distributed).
Last night I spent part of the day waiting at the movie theater with my brother and friends to see the midnight showing of Harry Potter. We dressed up, had wizarding duels and fun for all. The movie, yes, was fantastic. While waiting for the movie, I got to thinking about the following question…
What has J.K. Rowling done for business?
Not just “business” but business on a whole. Entirety. What has she inspired us to do?
How does J.K. Rowling inspire you?
“Anything’s possible if you’ve got enough nerve.” -J.K. Rowling
When I hear of J.K. Rowling I think of someone who hasn’t given up. Someone who’s created intelligently and with a purpose. She had a story, and she shared it with the world. Look at what it’s become!
- She’s created a multi-billion dollar business.
- She wrote something from her heart.
- She didn’t let time push her. When fans were dying for a new book, she took as much time as she could in order to produce something of value.
- Her story is remarkable. A struggling single mother to make ends meet. Her story can be found here.
She herself, J.K. Rowling, has inspired many to write. I know she’s done that for me. She’s inspired me to reach within and seek to produce works of literature that might touch another life, bring joy and entertainment, and create fantasy for another, living human on this earth. The boundaries in writing are endless. They aren’t stoppable.
In A Business Sense
“If you want to see the true measure of a man, watch how he treats his inferiors, not his equals.” -J.K. Rowling
In a fiscal, business sense – J.K. Rowling also has the ability to inspire. Business owners should pay strict attention to what she’s created. I believe the takeaway here is passion. Passion for your product and share it with that same level of commitment, excitement, urgency and direction.
What shall we do?
There is much I could continue writing, but I hope you get my drift.
Reach for something bigger.
Create a masterpiece from the experiences you’ve already encountered in your life, in whatever shape or form that might be.
Share with me your thoughts in the comments below. Do you feel inspired by what J.K. Rowling has created? Have your read the Harry Potter books? Maybe you don’t enjoy J.K. Rowling? Maybe you don’t feel inspired by her in the least! Tell us why.
Let’s go make some magic.
J.K. Rowling photo by Daniel Ogren
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"You’re such a smart boy!" were his first accolades heard. So, it’s no wonder that this phrase became the title of his business, Smart Boy Designs.
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{ 29 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m a Harry Potter lover too Christian. I own all of the books in both hardback and CD format, and I usually re-read the whole series every few years. When the last book was released in 2007, I went to a fan party at Barnes & Noble dressed as Tonks, pink hair and all. The fun started around 5pm, and we didn’t actually line up until about 11:30. I was number 166 of about 700 people. I got my book around 12:15 and raced home to read. I stayed up until 4:30 before I forced myself to go to sleep.
I wish I could have gone last night, but my sister had to work and I couldn’t find anyone else who was willing to spend that many hours at the movie theater. You guys must have had a great time! Did you see anyone dressed as Tonks? (I was the only Tonks at the book party.)
Back to JK Rowling. I agree, she’s an inspiration. I love watching her interviews. Such determination and passion. And a great business mind too. I can’t wait for Pottermore to go live!
Marianne Worley recently posted..How to Make Good Decisions When Your Problems Suck
Twitter: smartboydesigns
July 15, 2011 at 5:14 pm
I don’t think I saw anyone dressed up as Tonks – although I would have loved to see someone do so. She’s such a great character.
The nice part about yesterday was that my cousin and friend saved us a spot in line starting at 1pm in the afternoon – all the way until 12am. It was great. We showed up around 8pm and only had to wait for a portion of the day. So much fun! Here’s another photo of my brother and I in full garb: http://www.flickr.com/photos/smartboydesigns/5941111237/
I haven’t reread the books – so good on you for doing so! I should probably reread soon, because it’s been a while for me. The problem is that I often can’t get work done when I’m in the middle of the series!
I just signed up for Pottermore. I’m so excited too. Seriously, what Rowling has created is going to last for a very, very long time. I can’t wait to read the books to my own children as well!
Hi Christian,
I haven’t read all books and I haven’t seen all movies but some and I love them! Not just her books are great but I also love her commitment, determination and passion for her story. What I have learned form her is to never give up and believe in yourself! Not that I ever listened to others when they told me “oh this is not good” -when I am convinced that this is great, I will go for it and not stop until I have reached my goal.
All you need is 1 single person who listens and believes in you and your concept -but you will have to find this one person! Most people give up too soon, don’t fight for their beliefs and prefer a convenient life over greatness.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts about a unique and special woman,
Franziska San Pedro
The Abstract Impressionist Artress
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Twitter: smartboydesigns
July 15, 2011 at 8:40 pm
Believe in yourself. Now that’s a great takeaway for from Harry Potter. Seems to be the theme that runs through most of the books. Certainly a great motivator and message for children these days – AND adults.
Do you think sometimes that one person is solely yourself?
Twitter: hajraks
July 16, 2011 at 4:44 am
Hey,
I love Harry Potter and the determination which Rowling possesses; though being in the “dumps” she proved that her will power can get her through anything and that she had done!
Hajra recently posted..Fridays will be Different…Thanks to Dorman, Bill Dorman!
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July 16, 2011 at 1:45 pm
It’s a great lesson to learn, because I know for certain that we all have to travel through a dumps at least for a while – often. We’re human. The dumps are part of our nature it seems.
And then, we can rise if we want to.
I’m a huge HP fan. I can’t wait til my 3 year old gets a bit older so I can start reading them to him!
Anyone who doesn’t like HP is either trying to be “different” or they have some unfounded religious objection….even though the book is a classic good vs. evil story where good wins and character building ideals are praised.
Graham Lutz recently posted..Get Your Shit Together: What You Need to Do Before Joining Aweber
Twitter: smartboydesigns
July 16, 2011 at 1:48 pm
Loved your point there Graham. I’m LDS (Mormon) whatever you want to call me, and there are a few members out there who claim Harry Potter to be an evil thing to read. I believe however, if they were to really search themselves – they would find that Harry Potter is just the same story we all try and tell ourselves to get ourselves past the evil of this world.
There’s always going to be good. There’s always evil. Which shall we choose? Do we find the good within and let it shine? Or cover it up – and let evil do its bidding?
It all leads down to something as simple as a choice. Every time. Always.
Hi Christian
JK Rowling and I both approached Bloomsbury Publishing at the same time with our first books in the 1990′s. We both met with editor Liz Calder. Liz turned me down with my Wizard book about Merlin, but accepted JKR with her Wizard ‘Harry Potter’ and secured a £5000 advance (approx).
I approached Harper Collins next, and was given a £100,000 advance and thought I was pretty darned clever.
LOL. Looks like JKR had the last laugh, and good for her.
Jonathan
PS. I have something in the pipeline once again. “Watch this space” as they say.
Jonathan Gunson recently posted..JonathanGunson: RT @jeffbullas: What Has J.K. Rowling Done for Business? http://tribr.it/miy5f via @SmartBoyDesigns
Twitter: smartboydesigns
July 17, 2011 at 5:43 am
What a fantastic path you’ve traveled Jonathan. Although everyone probably hasn’t worked out exactly how you’d like it to – I’m sure it’s been a learning, growing process. None the less, you touch many people’s lives with your work.
Do you happen to have a blog or website? I’m really excited to learn more from you. Authors who publish successfully are on the top of my list of people to learn from and admire.
Really do appreciate you stopping by here to make a comment. Will keep it touch.
Christian
Twitter: smartboydesigns
July 17, 2011 at 5:43 am
Oh, and please do be sure to keep me well aware of what’s coming out in the new “pipeline” because I’d be happy to tweet, promote and share the news when needed.
Hi Christian,
I, too, am sad to see the series end. I watched my kids grow up along with Harry, Ron and Hermoine and I enjoyed reading the books as much as they did. We have seen every movie together on opening day.
J.K. Rowling is a huge inspiration to me. Can you imagine what must have been going through her mind when she sat down to write the first one?
“It’s soooo hard to get a book published.”
“I’ve never written a novel before, I’m not sure if I can do it.”
“I am SO broke – I should be doing something else to earn some money right NOW.”
Instead, she did what she wanted to do, felt compelled to do, and did it from the heart.
Peggy
Peggy Baron recently posted..How To Help Your Affiliates Sell More
Twitter: smartboydesigns
July 17, 2011 at 7:05 pm
I know! I can’t believe how sad I am to see the series end. Almost like a small piece of all our fantasy will go along with Harry Potter – until those days when we decide to watch one of the movies or pick up the book. I just might see the last movie in theaters one more time.
Loved the way you put together those thoughts of JK Rowling. I’m sure it must have felt like the world was upon her. I’m sure instinct and impression is what carried her through. Just imagine if she would have decided to do something else! At least give it a try, I believe, and go for it. If things don’t work out, then fine – at least you’ll go to your grave knowing you did your best and didn’t give up on your dreams!
Twitter: luckyoliver70
July 17, 2011 at 6:38 am
HI Christian,
thanks for this inspiring. I remember very well when I read the first three volumes on a 12 hour flight from Johannesburg to Germany ten years ago.
In addition to what you are saying I would add the following: Most people in her situation as a single mom living on welfare would have looked for a job instead of writing a novel, wouldn’t they ?
Thanks for sharing your insights.
Take care
Oliver
Oliver Tausend recently posted..What Are Your Beliefs About Work ? Feat. Marcus Baker
Twitter: smartboydesigns
July 17, 2011 at 7:08 pm
They sure would Oliver! That’s along the lines of what I was talking to Peggy about above. Most would give up on the dream, or the impression to do something – and instead, take the easier route. Getting a job is certainly easier than picking up that pen – and going for the dive.
Thank you for stopping by! Glad to have connected this week.
Christian
Christian … I’m crafting my website right now. Taking my time – doing it properly. I’ll exchange a tweet or two re that
Jonathan
PS. I think Lutz’s comment above is very true & amusing too.
Jonathan Gunson recently posted..JonathanGunson: Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg is #1 followed on Google+ Bet Google is … er … nonplussed. http://bit.ly/5qbwul
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July 17, 2011 at 7:10 pm
Excellent! Just let me know. I’ve got you added to my Twitter friends list – so I’ll be keeping track of you too!
What I have learned from JK Rowling is that story is everything. The reason this brand could extend in every imaginable way is because at its core, you have a brilliant, emotional, well constructed story.
What does this mean for my business? It means, find the part that matters and make sure it is brilliant, emotional and well constructed.
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July 17, 2011 at 7:11 pm
Thank you for answering the question in regards to what JK Rowling has done for business. Brilliance. Emotion. Well constructed. Great points to take away from her work.
Hello Christian,
Your post just stood out to me, especially because I have never read a Harry Potter book nor have I seen any of the movies. Her books just aren’t a genre that I dig. But I am thankful for JK Rowling creating the series because it gave an entire generation of girls a reason to read, learn, grow and feel empowered. She provided parents an opportunity to connect with their children on a basic and very intimate level, and that is not something which can be orchestrated or planned.
JK Rowling gave people hope to believe in themselves and following their passions. The Harry Potter franchise provided jobs, pushed people to do better and ultimately connected people around the world.
Thank you for sharing your insights. Possibly one day I will read the Harry Potter series. But I will not feel like I missed out. Because I, too, saw how one woman made a difference.
With kindness,
Sara
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July 17, 2011 at 7:17 pm
I think a lot of people miss some of the incredible points you bring up here Sara. The ability JK Rowling has given parents to connect, and the empowerment she’s given girls (and boys!) to reach for the stars and live their dreams. Those are those simple things that can’t really be labeled. Their certainly priceless in their own respective right.
J.K Rowling is a hero!!He did a lot in the industry…Thanks to her!!
Twitter: smartboydesigns
July 17, 2011 at 7:12 pm
She sure is! And she’s done a lot for a BUNCH of industries.
Harry Potter was a great series, but I think what Rowling did to promote literacy greatly overshadowed any literary contributions she made. She made reading fun and “cool” for kids again.
And the fact that she did this while facing considerable obstacles in her personal life make her story even more impressive.
Twitter: smartboydesigns
July 18, 2011 at 12:53 pm
You make a great point here. Promoting literacy and inspiring children to read isn’t going to just place emphasis solely on her book – but on the children’s lives forever. That’s fantastic!
Twitter: adriennesmith40
July 18, 2011 at 3:17 pm
I’ve seen the Harry Potter movies as well and have really enjoyed them.
I’ve watched interviews with J.K. and was so impressed and inspired by her. Just another story of someone being told no numerous times but she had a vision and didn’t let that sway her. I commend her for what she’s accomplished and applaud her for her work.
I’d love to get into her head and check out how she comes up with those stories. I’d love to be that creative. She is truly an amazing lady.
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July 19, 2011 at 8:27 am
That’s the one thing I’ve been thinking a lot about lately, Adrienne. How in the world does she come up with all of her fanciful, incredible stories? They’re all so brilliant.
Her mind must be going crazy non-stop.
I have been amazed myself over the successful growth of the harry potter phenomenon. How a person’s idea can become a global appeal is the often baffling thing on my mind. This goes a long way to tell us like you pointed out, that whatever the mind can conceive it can truly achieve. No idea if given our best shot is stoppable.
Thanks for sharing Christian.
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July 20, 2011 at 7:31 am
You wonder how much is played into luck, how much is played into fate, and how much is played into pure skill and talent -when you see an idea, thought, book, business or invention reach an incredible level of publicity and success.
Maybe it’s a mixture of all things? Maybe it’s solely pure skill and talent? Maybe it’s a bit of luck due to the right idea, at the right time, right climate and culture?
I too, am intrigued by what we learn from grand ideas and people. I’d love to understand it more- but it’s just so complex!