Ian McKendrick

Yes we have all heard about mind mapping. It’s those funny squiggly lines and pictures that we draw in order to remember things right? Cute child-like drawings that are meant to trigger our memory because they branch like natural objects whether branches of a tree or the inner workings of our brains. This isn’t a lecture on mind mapping though; you can find out everything you know by contacting the leading thinkers in this field like Barry Mapp or Tony Buzan. I’ve been using mind maps for years to plan projects, remember speeches, link ideas or answer exam questions. And once you’ve grasped how to do it then it becomes a tool that can be used and developed over and over again in all different situations.

I use the iBlueSky mind mapping software for the iPhoneiPhone by Tenero Software, pictured above. I find it really useful to develop and organise new ideas in front of my clients, and when we’re done, I simply send them a PNG or PDF of the finished mind map by email straight from my iPhone, there and then, with no fuss. iBlueSky even imports and exports in Novamind, OPML and Freemind formats which makes it really flexible and a great tool to work with.

The thing is, mind mapping as a technique really does work. Not only that but it starts opening up our minds to other possibilities. We all have some sort of skills, whether they be professional skills or hobby based and they are skills that we have learned that make us stand out from others. So why not use mind mapping techniques to show people what we have to offer? Yes, mind mapping can be a great business tool or memory jogger but it is also something more. It can also be a tool to ‘sell’ yourself in a fun, engaging and innovative way. Why not use the mind map concept to create the mind map of your business or to demonstrate your product or service? It will surely beat the hell out of a stale PowerPoint presentation and will help build a more ‘natural’ rapport with your audience.

Here is a brilliant example of “broadcasting your expertise” which was created by Barry Mapp (one of our SuperBlog Subscribers – See his SuperBlog here>>) who actually created a mind map for his corporate Christmas Greeting card, which I thought was pure genius!

That’s what I like about mind maps. It’s not just about using a fun, creative technique to trigger ideas and associations. It’s also fun because it embraces real tangible ideas within a picture of childlike simplicity and innocence. Our eyes feast on the colours and the scribbled drawings and our minds feast on the links and the ideas. We relate to mind maps because we understand them – and like any great communication tool it’s the simple ideas that sell the best. What are your experiences, are you using mind maps, or have you seen them being used in an inventive way? If so, please share them with us here.

Yes – it’s that time of year again when our minds turn to Christmas presents because despite the doom and gloom of the recession we still like to dig deep to give our loved one’s a nice present on Christmas morning. It’s no different for Gordon Brown of course, except he has to dig a little deeper than the rest of us. The banks will want some money to pay for their Christmas bonuses and the Army would like some more helicopters, the hospitals could always do with a little extra at Christmas, particularly if Jordan needs another boob job, and the police could always do with a few more festive speed cameras. Sorry Gordon – it’s time to get the cheque book out again!

Hold on a minute though…maybe that’s not such a good idea…

What if the cheque bounces?

Yes, it’s a little embarrassing, but then it won’t be the first time our beloved PM has had one of his cheques bounced! And if you check on TwitterTwitter, FaceBookFacebook, and trawl the blogosphere you will find that news about our dear Gordon’s bounced cheque is already winging its way around cyberspace – such is the power of social networking!

You can even make a bid for the original cheque and accompanying letter from the bank which is now for sale on eBay, which might make a great Christmas present for someone!

So before you start writing those big cheques Gordon it’s best to check you’ve still got the funds in your account first. A bounced cheque from the PM might be bad news for the economy but isn’t it reassuring to know that our wonderful banking institutions still have the balls to return a bad cheque regardless of who wrote it?

Know what? I reckon the banks should get a bonus for getting something right for a change…and for bringing us a little festive cheer!

Anyway, I can lend you a fiver Gordon if you’re really stuck!
Or maybe our readers would like to give Gordon some suggestions in the comments below…