Recently a friend on Facebook asked me if I had recommendations for my favorite mind-mapping tool and I have not brainstormed much using that technique.
However, I knew that I had a few friends that loved mind-mapping, so I asked them to share their favorite tools.
Whether you are experienced at mind-mapping or you are like me and are curious about how you might use mind-mapping to help you, check out the resources I have below!
Class To Help You Understand Mindmapping
My friend Meggin McIntosh (aka Ph.D. of Productivity) recently taught a webinar on mind-mapping and I was thrilled to learn she recorded it and is offering it for a tiny investment of $12.95 for the 90-minute course.
If you have heard of Mindmapping but are not sure it is for you, or you would like to use the tools to their fullest, you might consider Meggin's course. If you are interested, you can learn more here: http://www.meggin.com/classes/previous-classes/mindmapping/. I have had Meggin on a number of my programs and she always gives out amazing content, so I know this course is a must-have if you are interested in making the most of your mind-mapping.
Mind mapping Tools
A few of my friends shared their favorite mind mapping tools so that you can find one that works for you:
- Jane Plass recommends FreeMind. She says that it is easy to use and open source. http://freemind.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php/Main_Page or http://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/19325/freemind.
- Michelle Panzlaff recommends Mind Meister. You can find it here: http://www.mindmeister.com.
- Meggin McIntosh says that she likes Mindmanager (though she uses the non-upgraded version at this time) http://www.mindjet.com/products/mindmanager Xmind http://www.xmind.net/, and she is currently testing out NovaMind http://www.novamind.com/.
“Your brain wants to help you, but you have to ask and you have to provide the opportunity for it to help. Mindmapping is one of the ways to get your brain to help you.” ~Meggin McIntosh
I'm grateful for the friend that made the request because I now have a renewed interest in looking into mind mapping more myself! I'm working on a few group programs this year and I think mind mapping could be a great way for me to get everything out of my head and onto paper. Woot!
Do you mindmap? What tools do you use? What tips do you have to share? I'd love for you to help me and other readers out by sharing your thoughts in the comments.
To your “getting it out of your brain so you can take action” success!
Until we talk again,
Live Fully — Love Openly — Laugh Often — Leverage Your Brilliance — Connect Authentically — Get Your Message Out — Serve with Impact — Prosper Everyday
Julia Neiman (@julianeiman) says
I use mindmapping frequently. I usually just make up my own though. I have a few templates that I downloaded and use occasionally. I learned mapping through social work tools called the Eco Map and the Family Relationship Map. If you are working with someone else, maps are great tool to encourage engagement and get people thinking about connections and relationships they might not have considered.
Stephanie LH Calahan says
Very cool. Thanks for sharing how you have modified an existing tool.