Meetings Blog Sep 01, 2017
Let’s look back over some of the reasons J.K. Rowling has become the world’s richest author and see how these traits could be replicated in achieving success in the meeting and events planning industry. Of course, an article on this particular writer would not be complete without a few interjections from one of her most carefully imagined characters, the headmaster at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
The successful results of the Harry Potter stories for Rowling only came about because of the incredible forward thinking that she put into them and we know how important a factor that is when involved in events. It took the author five years to have all the details of Potter’s magical world mapped out including the character and place names as well as guidelines for their rules and interactions. And it wasn’t just the intricacies of the first story that she focused on; it was the entirety of the seven books that was already charted ahead of penning Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, her debut in the series.
Getting things absolutely right was part of this vision for Joanne – yes, that’s what the J stands for – and that first Harry Potter book saw the opening chapter rewritten 15 times. Just like the finished article of your event, few people get to see all the legwork that went into getting every element perfect throughout the planning phase. And the creativity of that vision is what can make it memorable as well as successful in meeting its goals.
“Of course it is happening inside your head, but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?” – Dumbledore to Harry in Deathly Hallows
Life looks so sweet for Rowling now but hers is your quintessential rags-to-riches story. With setbacks and challenges in the early days putting her writing career at risk, her will to continue on proved to be one of her most important attributes.
Losing her mother, divorced with a baby daughter and financial struggles all took their toll leading her to be diagnosed with depression. Finding time to complete her unfinished book, as you can imagine, was a challenge – one that most planners can relate to. As Rowling once said, “Sometimes you have to get your writing done in spare moments here and there,” and this is also true in the world of event planning. You may call up a few potential venues or speakers when you’re out grabbing a coffee, or run through tomorrow’s action plan while relaxing on the sofa the night before. Maximizing the ‘spare moments’ can be invaluable.
Rowling accepted that setbacks are a part of life and that hard work and perseverance can often overcome them. One of her most positive and memorable life experiences was when one of those publishers that she had sent her early work to replied saying they wanted more. Sometimes the perfect venue, speaker or catering option may not be available and that’s where the perseverance, and talent, of an event planner can come to the fray finding solutions to get the project back onto the happy path.
“It is important to fight, and fight again, and keep fighting, for only then could evil be kept at bay, though never quite eradicated.” – Dumbledore in The Half-Blood Prince
Not content with her early wins, Rowling wanted to push on and build on that success. And although she has since moved into other areas to challenge herself – including setting up Pottermore and writing under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith – and make a difference to others, a key focus was to use those aspects that worked so well for her in the past. Harry, Ron, Hermione, Hagrid, Draco, Sirius Black, Muggles et al, the vast character set that the English author had brought to life were sent on more and more mystical adventures in the wonderful world of Hogwarts, Gryffindor and quidditch. And in event planning too this is a handy lesson to follow.
Positive attendee feedback on an incredible venue, the well-designed seating plan, exquisite décor or fun selection of food can be captured and reused. But just like JK Rowling, choosing creative variations in future events keeps people looking forward with enthusiasm to the next one – new colors and eating options, for example, are just a question of imagination.
“It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.” – Dumbledore in The Chamber of Secrets
The success JK Rowling enjoys today is a long cry from the delayed train ride to London where she first envisaged the characters, plot, and the world of Hogwarts and beyond. Remember this when you start out on your next meeting or event plans, and see if you can add a little magic for your guests!
