Mind Maps for Business - Tony Buzan

Currently reading a new book by Buzan - "Mind Maps for Business" - this has rekindled my interest in real mind-mapping. The book is an easy read with specific focus on business applications such as presentations, project management,  strategic thinking and negotiations. The book has lots of examples and case studies on the application. Although many of the computer-based examples are based, not surprisingly, on Buzan's own imind-map software.  If you want to check out some examples before you buy the book check out the supporting web-site:

mindmapsforbusiness.com


Whilst I have been an avid mind mapper for many years going back to basics with this book has made me realise that actually I have 'not been doing it right' so this has been a good refresher on the core principles of mind mapping. I'd recommend it as either a refresher or a starting guide for mind maps. Reading this has also made me dig out my other fav book "Idea Mapping" by Jamie Nast.

Moleskine v Circa

I have two vices moleskine notebooks and Levenger's circa range. I cant always decide and switch back and forth- the flexibility of the circa versus the style and simplicity of the moleskine - although there are times I wish I could settle on one or the other. I bought the Levenger stuff on a trip to Chicago last year and still have plenty of paper - I have a rollabind punch so can make my own- and then I see an article on moleskine or see one in a store and I switch back..darnit!!

Anyone else in this dilemma or should I just settle on one?

Visual communication and business

I have always found externalizing and visualizing something a far more intuitive way of learning, communicating  or problem solving - particularly when communicating to one or many. Whilst there seems to be a growing trend of sites/blogs on visual communications or visual thinking I wonder why this has not taken off as a business tool. My earliest visualizing was and remains via mind-maps - although I still get odd looks and even very negative reactions to dealing with 'serious' business stuff via mind-maps or other forms of visual communications. Is this because images/pictures/drawings are considered 'play' and therefore not appropriate for the workplace? or is there a fear that visual communications is the domain of those who can draw?


I cant's 'draw' in the pure art sense but I find my mind works far more effectively with the mixture of images, words and sound - I often find myself drawing and talking myself through a problem - yes it is weird but for me it makes a big difference.

imind map versus mindmanager

I have used mindmanager for a number of years and recently acquired imindmap. imindmap give a more natural  Buzan mindmap style, more creative/organic/colourful.

This makes mindmanager look and feel more busines and more 'corporate'.

Whilst I like imindmap and have found mysefl drifting back to mindmanager as it is , to me, a more complete business tool.

Anyone had any other experiences of both programmes?

New moleskines

Having seen the latest news from Moleskine about the new range of journals and A4 loose leaf products I can't wait. Clearly mixed feedback over the net on the new range but I love the city notebooks so the new passion journals will make an interesting addition to the growing collection.

New blog first post

This blog is about my relationship with the things that I enjoy most:

• Moleskine notebooks - I'm probably in the realm of the addicted here having at least one of every kind
• Circa notebooks - my other addiction although living in the UK this is not an easy one to fill
• Mindmapping - being a non-linear person this has been a life saver for me both on computer and on paper
• Visual notes - I havea strong preference for seeing visual representations of stuff rather the lots of words

I hope to share and engage with like minded people so any feedback wil be welcomed.