subject: How to Use Mind Maps to Improve Your Business [print this page] How to Use Mind Maps to Improve Your Business
At some point we all have the need to brainstorm, either individually or in groups. Whether we're trying to come up with new ideas, organise tasks or plan our future work brainstorming is a good method for achieving these goals.
However, how do we document these ideas when they're coming in thick and fast? We could write a list, but lists are boring, too linear and lack any kind of useful structure.
We need a way of organising information in a way which is simple, intuitive and has a structure which enables us to take that information and use it effectively when the brainstorming session is over.
What we need is a mind map...
What Are Mind Maps?
A mind map is basically a diagram which we can use to graphically represent ideas, all based around a central problem which we wish to solve.
For example, you plan to start a new business selling donuts and need to brainstorm some ideas. You'd start with a piece of paper and right in the middle you'd write "Donut Business". Then around it in a circle you'd write all the main aspects of the business as words or short phrases. Eg. "Premises", "Customers", "Products", "Marketing", "Suppliers", "Pricing", etc.
After drawing a line between them and the central "Donut Business" you'd then look at each individual aspect in turn and expand on it with new ideas. Taking "Premises" first you could write "Shop" and "Van" and then draw a line from them to "Premises".
Imagine doing this and continually creating a hierarchy outwards from the central item, "Donut Business" in our example, expanding on each idea and sub idea. That's what a mind map is and that's exactly how you'd create one.
How Mind Maps Can Improve Your Business
Mind maps are easy to create and they work in a similar hierarchical way to how your brain works when brainstorming and organising information. This makes them especially intuitive to use for many different applications.
Whether it's brainstorming ideas, planning, organising, problem solving, team building or designing, mind maps are a great way of structuring thoughts.
They're especially useful for organising input from a group of people and there's no strict rules for how you use them, just do what works for you. You can even use different colours and symbols if it helps express your thoughts.
As with any brainstorming exercise it's good to put all ideas into your mind map, even if you think it's a really bad idea. Put it in anyway and maybe add a red cross next to it so you know to avoid it. Knowing what ideas to avoid is often as important as knowing what ideas you should pursue further.
Once you have your mind map you can then put the information it contains into any form which you will find useful later. Whether it's a document, a plan, a checklist or presentation it doesn't matter. What matters is that the process of using a mind map helped you generate that information in the first place.
Where to Find Free Mind Mapping Tools
So what tools do you need to create your mind maps? There are many software tools available which you can buy if you wish, but you don't need to spend a penny. If you need loads of fancy features then maybe paying for tools is the way to go. However, let's stick with the free stuff here.
You can start with coloured pens and paper if you like. It works for me sometimes. How many great business ideas have grown up from an idea drawn on a napkin while in a restaurant? Joking aside, you'd be surprised how many really have.
As were supposed to be in the dawn of the information age now, may I suggest using a free software tool instead. There's many available out there but the one I use is called FreeMind.
I've come up with many a crazy idea using this tool and I've never felt the need to use any other. It's free because it's licensed under the GNU General Public License. I use it on Windows but it also runs on Linux and Mac OS X.
