Monster Tip #8 Mind Map Your Content

by Meredith on December 24, 2007

MindMapGuidlines.JPGOne of the best ways to generate ideas is to use a mind map.

A mind map is essentially a way of organizing your ideas visually.  It is used to both generate and provide structure to ideas. it is a great tool for both coming up with your marketing plan and fleshing out individual pieces of content.

Because a mindmap lets you generate ideas in a non-linear way, it encourages brainstorming while adding structure at the same time. 

Your ideas are arrange intuitively and then organized into groups branches and different areas,  Whenever I mind map, I find that only do I generate twice as many ideas, I also remember things that I otherwise would have forgotten.

You can mind map on a piece of paper (use lots of magic markers, it is more fun!) or using mind mapping software. One of my favorite in FreeMind (which is free).   For a video on mind mapping basics - check out  this blog post.

Tony Buzan, the orignator of the mind map ideas, created the following guidelines for putting together a mind map:

  1. Start in the center with an image of the topic, using at least 3 colors.
  2. Use images, symbols, codes, and dimensions throughout your Mind Map.
  3. Select key words and print using upper or lower case letters.
  4. Each word/image must be alone and sitting on its own line.
  5. The lines must be connected, starting from the central image. The central lines are thicker, organic and flowing, becoming thinner as they radiate out from the centre.
  6. Make the lines the same length as the word/image.
  7. Use colors – your own code – throughout the Mind Map.
  8. Develop your own personal style of Mind Mapping.
  9. Use emphasis and show associations in your Mind Map.
  10. Keep the Mind Map clear by using radial hierarchy, numerical order or outlines to embrace your branches. 

Happy Mind Mapping!

{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }

1

Vic Gee 12.28.07 at 2:53 am

Anyone going the software route for mindmaps should try the free on-line software. There are several web-based programs that are totally free, and the rest have a limited free option.
I pulled together a list of them, with all the details, at
http://www.mind-mapping.org/web-based-mindmappers/graphical.html

Vic
http://www.mind-mapping.org
The master list of mind mapping &
information management software

2

Meredith 12.28.07 at 8:42 am

Thanks Vic. This is a terrific resource. One of my favorite online mind maps is mindmeister (http://mindmeister.com) because it allows to do collaborative mind maps. I often use it with clients. Do you ever find that it is hard for someone else to understand your mind map when you are collaborating?

3

Vic Gee 12.30.07 at 2:14 am

Interesting point.

Mindmaps are so free form, which is one of the great things about them. But when collaborating, it can be a disadvantage because one person’s way of cutting the cake is different from another’s.

Comapping make the claim that their strict left-to-right way of mapping is better when many people collaborate. I don’t agree myself, but that’s just my taste. You may find it better for collaborating.

Mindmeister seem to be ahead of the others, with things like off-line work. But some of the free ones are pretty good.

Vic
http://www.mind-mapping.org
The master list of mind mapping
& information management software