Now that "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" is upon us, Andrew over at Jobacle.com has a really neat post on career lessons we can learn from J.K. Rowling, the most successful author in history.

Use Delays to Your Advantage.  It was during a four-hour train delay between Manchester and London that Rowling first put pen to paper about a young boy attending a school of wizardry. This is a reminder that whether you're stuck on a train, jammed in traffic or sitting alone before a meeting, use this idle time to your benefit.
   
Never Accept Rejection.  Perseverance is key.  The manuscript for "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" was rejected not by one or two publishing house - but 12!  Did Rowling use a magic wand to keep herself going?  Not likely.  This is a reminder to believe in yourself and be a true Goonie: never say die.

Improvise.  Publishers did not want Rowling to use her first name (Joanne) for the fear that little boys wouldn't want to read a book by a chick.  Since Rowling only had one given name, she borrowed the "K" from her favorite grandmother, Kathleen.

Mind Your Peaks and Valleys.  Life ebbs and flows, and in your darkest moments, you must believe that things will once again turn upwards.  In the late-90s, Rowling was a recently divorced single-mom living on state benefits.  Now, she's worth over $1 billion and one of the wealthiest women in the world.  This is a reminder that your fortunes can change quickly.  Never drown in the mire when you're down or rest on your laurels when you're up.

I’ll add one more lesson from Rowling, and that’s put your efforts into building a brand, and then capitalize on that brand in any way possible.  When the first Harry Potter book was a success, did Rowling move on to something completely different?  No.  She started a franchise that carried her through more than a decade, a creative, ingenious franchise that people will fortunately associate with her for years to come.