How do you map your mind?

What tools are you using to sort through complex concepts, map what you have in mind or brainstorm with your clients?

I have been using Mindjet’s MindManager. It has evolved being an indispensable tool for me. With the latest version Mindjet added online group collaboration as well. For those of you who are not familiar with mind-mapping software, I can say that it is a powerful visual outlining tool combined with project management and presentation capabilities. How you use it is really up to you. Possibilities are endless.

I use it for brainstorming sessions (with a projector) where the group can see dynamically the ideas put on the wall. Sometime in the session (when there are enough ideas generated) I begin grouping them with the help of the group. Seeing ideas grouped in a map generates further discussion; the group either gravitates towards select ideas or realizes that there is a need for new ideas.

Probably the most use I get out of MindManager is when I am about to start a project and I want to organize all of my thoughts and research. I mind map the results I want to achieve, obstacles, resources, capabilities and gaps, and all of the web research I make. Then I can put a PERT chart with all of the info I need to link to a specific task; files on my hard disk, links on the web, resource and milestone information. I have not used all of the powerful features the version 8 provides yet, but I look forward to using them.

As an example I created this mind map in a matter of minutes about Product Marketing and Management processes. This is the top level. You will be able to expand at each level once it is complete.

There are some free mind mapping software that you can download and experiment (FreeMind). Once you believe mind-mapping is a good idea, as I have, then I highly recommend purchasing the MindManager. I used FreeMind and then I tried MindManager. It is worth paying for a professional tool with comprehensive features and good support.

Mindjet is a sponsor for IMC NorCal, and has been generous enough to provide us a copy for the drawing at our last event.

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Permalink Reply by Bart Gragg on January 16, 2009 at 2:15pm: MindMapping is a great tool. I use it when writing for my blog, book, speeches, and I map conversations with clients and prospects. I have even used it to document processes and work flow which had great reviews as it is more organic and visual than lists and org charts.

Highly recommended technique.

I use Buzan's iMindMap and it is well worth the fee.; ▶ Reply to This