It is often said that ‘necessity is the mother of invention.’ True enough, but just as often one sees incremental improvements or juxtaposition of ideas creating something new and improved.

This is not necessarily the reinvention of the wheel. It is innovation derived from the notion of problem solving. We’re not just talking about products. Innovation of process is just as important. New features in software, for example, are all about improving the result, easing the process, and saving time.

I was struck by a new version of an old standard: The Light Bulb. The ‘flat bulb’ has been designed by Korean designer Joonhuyn Kim. Unlike standard bulbs, its volume is 1/3 smaller, reducing the cost of packaging and transport. Its slender profile allows bulbs stacked, easily, and prevents breakage as it does not roll.

My other fascination is the square watermelon. A typical watermelon is awkward in size and shape. Like a football-on-steroids, it’s large, heavy, and doesn’t stack.

Japanese farmers developed a method of forcing their watermelons to grow in a square shape by inserting the into square, tempered-glass cases while the fruit is still growing on the vine. Magically, storing, shipping and display become much easier,

The message is to make mental notes of the physical tools, products, and procedures in your business, with emphasis on what gives you continually difficulty.

Anything that could be easier, lighter, require less maintenance, take less time, or generally be improved. Look at processes, procedures, and product in other industries. Pick up a trade or consumer publication about an industry or business you know little about, and see what’s happening in its world.

Don’t obsess. Just open your mind.

An old client of mine, had a great saying, “Once in a while, you need to look out the window.”

There is innovation around every corner. You can adapt to your world, or create innovation of your own. It’s a very satisfying process.

And, anything you do better or more efficiently than a competitor makes your business more formidable.

Don’t you agree?

Andy Ebon
The Wedding Marketing Blog

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