Mindmapping, Secret To Success?
A number of internet business folks have been mentioning mind mapping lately. Some talk about it as being some sort of secret tool that will solve all of your problems. In truth, it won’t. But it is a neat tool, but that’s about all it is.
Think about how you create a PowerPoint presentation.
You know how it’s done. You’ve got a topic, and a bunch of bullets. Then, you might have some sub-bullets.
Sorry folks, that’s pretty much the same way mind mapping works!
Mind mapping simply changes how you’re visualizing those outlines. Instead of a list, you’re creating a visual diagram of your notes. Instead of a topic at the top, you’ll have a circle, or some sort of figure for a starting point in the middle of a page. Instead of all of the bullets, you’ll have lines (or some graphic, like an arrow) pointing to each item in the list, and more pointing to the sub items.
Quite frankly, it’s more like a flow chart for a process, rather than having it in a written format.
But, I’m not actually bashing mind mapping . To be honest, I use them for several of my own projects.
I believe giving myself the ability to visualize my notes in a more graphical way can help me be more organized.
Here are a few things I’ve used mind mapping with:
- Websites
- Business Procedures
- Instructions
- Presentation notes
I’ve even mapped out an entire online business. The only problem I’ve had has been keeping it update constantly. For example, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to stop adding more ways to get web traffic to a website. I come across at least one new way every day!
That reminds me, I’ve been debating whether I should create a product for using mind maps.
I’m interested in getting your input. If I were to create a product which showed how I use and create mind maps, would you purchase it? Comments are open.
- Aaron Brandon
Hello Aaron,
I have been mindmapping for quite some time. I use Mindjet’s Mindmanager (for mac). But the fun thing about mindmapping is you can just as easily do it with a pen and paper. I used mindmapping for instance to visualize the structure/content of some books I wrote, prepare for business meetings, make an inventarisation of business etcetera. Because I consider myself a “seasoned user” I’d probably wouldn’t invest in another mind mapping product. But I can certainly see a use for such a product for people curious about mindmapping and what it can do to make running a business easier.
Comment by Raymond — April 7, 2008 at 3:04 am
Hi Aaron,
You wrote “I’ve been debating whether I should create a product for using mind maps.”
That’s rather subtly worded. I’m not quite sure if you mean create mind mapping software, or something deeper than that.
But if you do mean create mind mapping software, I wonder if you’ve considered the scope of the competition. I know of 87 current mind mapping products (and 18 defunct ones). Many are free. Some are browser based, so don’t require a download and are either free or have a limited free option. There is software for concept mapping as well, and other types of visual information mappers.
Anything entering this market needs a really strong differentiator, IMO.
Vic
http://www.mind-mapping.org
The master list of mind mapping &
information management software
Comment by Vic Gee — April 12, 2008 at 7:05 am
Thanks for your comment.
- Aaron
Comment by Aaron Brandon — April 14, 2008 at 3:41 pm
Aaron, great post. I just found your blog through the Carnival of Inspiration & Motivation and I love your ideas.
I’ve been using mindmapping for a couple of years now to plan out complex projects. Recently, I’ve started using simple pen & paper mindmaps for brainstorming blog post ideas and project improvements at my day job. It’s not magic, but it is a valuable tool to use for creating connections and generating ideas.
Comment by Maria - Never the Same River Twice — April 15, 2008 at 7:33 am
Aaron, you have done a great job and i am sure you have one of the best marketing brains in this business.Keep it up.
Comment by Home Based Business — April 22, 2008 at 3:30 am
Aaron, Your post seems to be a useful one your speech about online business is good.Mind mapping technology may help a lot. your link provides a lot thank you for your post
Comment by Ruthrbns — May 11, 2008 at 3:38 am