Entrepreneurial Tips for Women Business Leaders from J. K. Rowling
I recently visited the magical world of Harry Potter while attending a conference at Universal Studios in Orlando. I was accompanied by a visionary mentor who sometimes uses Harry Potter metaphors. It all came together for me on that ride … dare to dream and envision your most extravagant fantasies, stay true to your beliefs and approach the future with wonder.
Susan L. Reid captured the essence in her article about lessons entrepreneurs can learn from J.K. Rowling. I’ve condensed her pointers for you here:
Don’t rush to roll out your product
Although Rowling had been a writer all her life, she was slow to publish. She said, “I had written two novels before I had the idea for Harry, though I’d never tried to get them published (and a good job too, I don’t think they were very good).” Rowling sets a great example of getting a product just right before presenting it to the world.
When a great idea grabs you, grab back
Rowling says, “Where the idea for Harry Potter actually came from, I really couldn’t tell you. I was traveling on a train between Manchester and London and it just popped into my head.” As business owners, we know what a great idea is. The problem is, we often question it. Rowling seized upon it and went with it.
Persevere, persevere and persevere
Rowling was an unemployed single mother living on welfare. In 1995, she completed her manuscript and handed in the book to 12 publishing houses. They all rejected it. She did not stop just because life was hard. Despite all the changes and setbacks she was experiencing, she carried on. As business owners, we would do well to keep her example in mind.
Don’t let anyone sidetrack you from your goal
Finally a small publisher agreed to publish the first book. Seven volumes of the Harry Potter series have broken sales records. What a shining role model Rowling is for business owners. She didn’t let anyone stand in the way of her goal—not even herself.
Each of us has a unique contribution to make to the world
Rowling never went searching for the kind of success she has received. “I just wrote the sort of thing I liked reading when I was younger. I didn’t expect lots of people to like them.” As an entrepreneur, focus on the unique something you have to offer to the world.
My blog focuses on women business leaders and entrepreneurs, and being an entrepreneur myself makes me especially aware of business opportunities and turning ideas into reality. Please read my blog, “3 Ways Women Business Leaders can Manage Great Ideas,” for tips on capturing potential business opportunities.
