Yesterday was my daughter’s birthday party.

She invited all her friends to a multi-purpose venue where boys and girls could enjoy football, basketball, slime-making, t-shirt designing, bouncy castles — and just being kids.

It was a hot day. Really hot. And there was constant demand for cold water.

Kids were dashing in and out of the canteen, grabbing bottles of iced water. But if you’ve ever been to a children’s party, you know the drill: Bottles are picked up, placed down somewhere random, and forgotten. When the kids return from play, thirsty again, they can’t tell which bottle is theirs — so they get a new one.

The result? After the party, the venue is covered with half-empty bottles — often two or three per child.

But this canteen did something remarkably simple… and remarkably effective.

The owner took a Sharpie marker and wrote each child’s name on the tip of their bottle.

“Now you won’t have to guess which one is yours — just look for the tip with your name.”

The outcome?

✅ Fewer bottles used

✅ Less waste

✅ Lower cost

✅ Easier cleanup

✅ Smoother service

✅ Happier customers

I turned to a friend and said, “That’s the essence of innovation.” He smiled — thinking I was joking. But I wasn’t.

Innovation isn’t always about inventing the next iPhone, launching a new app, or automating a process.

🧠 Sometimes innovation is simply seeing clearly — and acting cleverly.

Any decision that improves a system, reduces waste, or enhances experience is innovation. Even if it just involves a marker and a water bottle.

Yes, this led to fewer bottles sold — but it also meant:

• Less frustration for the staff

• A cleaner space

• And a smoother experience for everyone

Because sometimes…

The sharpest ideas come from a Sharpie.