Re: OK a more definite example...
 

Whoa Gordon! *VBG*

You've kinda sorta mixed together my post on managing active/passive income streams with mind mapping. I pretty much know what passive income streams I want to pursue. That's not the problem. In fact, I want to keep that separate on the other thread.

Let's deal specifically with my question about mind mapping. I understand what you're saying about pictogrigms and mind maps being similar. But I'm thinking of it on a much lower level. In fact, I hadn't even considered a mind map on the level you're talking about. That changes the perspective a bit. (Ain't this forum great??? *g*) Anyway, I'm told I can use mind mapping for project planning. So let's say I decide to do just that. I have a new software package to write, or web site to design, or e-book to write, whatever. According to what I saw about mind mapping, I should start in the middle with the main concept and then, creating branches as I go, write down everything that comes to mind even if, as you say, it comes from deep within the subconscious. Now. Some period of time has passed. I've written down absolutely everything that has come to me WRT this project. I have several sheets, (or screens if I'm using mind mapping software), covered with wonderful information.

Now I'm stuck. Now that I've generated all of this, what do I *do* with it? IOW, does this help me in the way a traditional outline or other written plan might help me? How does the mind map help me execute the project? What does it help me with? What is the end result of the mind map?

Rick Smith, "The Net Guerrilla"

mindmaps
 

I know your question was directed to
Gordon...but I use mindmaps quite a
bit...
Here is the theory( what happens in real
life is another issue)
Supposedly the map is used to keep generating
ideas(all the branches) and you just keep
generating until WHALA! you're suppose to
see a way you can use the information. You
might end up in the final product only using
part of the mind map or just a few branches.

The theory is to use it as a organizing tool
and idea generator and then to get a aha
experience on how to put together a project.
I have found the Mindmap is not always useful
on all projects and in some cases I'm better
off using a generic outline. The mindmap helps
me when there are so many issues I'm not sure
where to begin my final project...
this is just my .02 perhaps Gordon will give
you the "dollar"...;-)

Re: OK a more definite example...
 

Rick -

I've used mindmaps to organize speeches and presentations. I start with the topic to be covered and let my whole brain (as opposed to my half wit:-)) roam the page and cover the topic.

I've found it takes less time, creates a better presentation, and is indecipherable to strangers who want a copy of my notes!

Take care, Bob

Am I doing my mindmaps incorrectly?
 

Hi Sandy,

I thought your explanation was helpful....

I've tried mind maps, maybe I'm doing it wrong though.... Here's what happens when I do a mind map....

Let's say I start with "Seeds of Wisdom publishing"

Maybe from there I'll think "seeds" and write down "plants."

From plants I might write down links to "oak trees," "palm trees," "cabbage plant."

From "oak trees" I might link to "squirrels."

From "squirrels" I'll link to "mammals."

From "mammals" I'll link to "whales."

From "whales" I'll link to "humpback singing."

From "humpback singing" I'll link to "new age music."

From "new age music" I'll link to "sitar."

From "sitar" I'll link to "India."

From "India" I'll link to "papadams"...

...and so on.

I don't really see how this helps me... My problem is I can go on forever seeing links to practically *everything* in the universe.

Clearly I'm doing something wrong....

- Dien

Thanks Bob....
 

Hi Bob,

That's pretty interesting....

I'm going to have to give mindmaps another try... :)

My problem is I end up seeing links from any topic to anything in the universe, if I go long enough....

I get engrossed following one single path until I've started with principles of success and ended up with Himalayan yak yoghurt (or something like that)....

Maybe I should give myself a "5 link limit" or something like that on my mindmap.... :)

Thanks,

Dien

Re: Thanks Bob....
 

Dien -

It's worth another try - I don't get fancy with colors, drawings, etc. I downloaded Mindman software and frankly don't use it! Ittakes too long and is not as efficient as a pencil and pad!

Mindmaps help me to "unrigidify" the outlining structure and allow skipping around and adding to topics without having to add lines, etc.

To me, mindmaps allow the ideas to flow in a loose structure, kind of like a winding river bound by its banks, but able to flood the levies on occasion.

So, flow on, my friend and let your mindmap roll on!
Bob

the answer was sent...
 

dien
I accidentally sent your answer to
[email protected]

forgive me....it's too long of an
explanation to write again...check
it out and let me know if you understand
better...

Thank you Sandy.... I think you explained it well.... :)
 

Sandy,

Thanks... Now I see what I've been doing wrong. Yes, I just tend to "brain-storm" and I'm not specific enough.... You actually have some great ideas there too.... :)

Sandy said it was okay for me to post her answer here, so here it is for everyone to learn from.... :)

- Dien

==================================================

What many instructions leave out is the inital step of focusing on what you want to mindmap...you are too general...

First you list

Seeds of Wisdom

(I'll use an example..it might not be what you want but this is the idea)

I'd ask myself "What is my problem with Seeds of Wisdom?" what is the problem or issue I want to know more about?

Lets say I come up with several things...

1) how to make it interesting
2) how to attract more people
3) how to make the site more "organic"...

ok my first mind map might just zero in on one of these concepts......

ok...lets use the problem how to make it more organic (definition : make it come alive and keep it growing)

In the middle of the page I'd put the words

organic....(now I've got seeds of wisdom as my focus in my mind )

organic might lead me on a train of thought (which is expressed in branch lines)

organic.....alive.....interactive.....sticky ..... (i might draw lines from alive and put message board... teleconferencing... newsfeeds... ebooks.... icq.... chats

from interactive might be..... interviews... moderated chats...

from interviews....might be ....gordon interviews... other marketers.....

then lines might go out from other marketers.... paul myers....suarez....etc...

as you keep making lines from the different topics the web grows....you keep going and eventually something happens and you know what you want....

notice we are back to square 1 again (smile) You do your mind map on what you want.....what aspect of seeds of wisdom do you want to look at...

let's say you didn't even have a website at all then your initial idea of how to do a mindmap would have been a good one....(putting seed of wisdom in the center and working from there)

let me know if this is making sense....if not I'll try to elaborate some more...I don't have a scanner so I can't draw it....

Yet another living, breathing, thinking and drawing example for y'all.....
 

Hi Dien!

> My problem is I end up seeing links from any
> topic to anything in the universe, if I go
> long enough....

**One of the ideas is to keep your links "on topic" with room for those "a-has" to be born. I am going to try to explain this succinctly so you can hopefully apply it to your mind mapping.

In pondering the idea of Creativity, I was exploring "Brain Power"....In the center, draw a replica of a brain with the words "Creativity and
Brain Power encircling it.....lead me to associated with Hydro-Power which lead me to a naturally powerful source of water power, the Tidal Wave.

On a separate branch cluster, I drew a modern art looking representation of a Tidal Wave and wrote the word "Tsunami"...not sure if that is how it is spelled! with a straight line to the center which says "TUBED!"

Now I know even the most incredible surfer could not TRULY get tubed in a Tidal Wave, but I know from my surfing friends there is nothing like being tubed in a really large wave. Very powerful....exhilarating, frightening while incredibly freeing.

That reminded me that to Use the Power of a Creative Tsunami, there are several elements, and I created a picture of a trumpet to "pronounce" what those elements are (limiting myself to three since I knew eventually I will use these in some sort of writing)

1. The surfer must be PROACTIVE! He studies
waves and then paddles out into the surf! Also, you can't REACT to a great wave, you have to be ready and GO FOR IT, MAN! Same application in business...literally

2. The surfer must go through a PROCESS. Chances are, unless you are a naturally gifted surfer, you are not going to be able to "ride a tube" the very first day. It will take some days out there in the surf with more experienced surfers, time, and the right conditions to experience the tube.

Sure, some folks get TUBED by sheer luck (I remember my first (one and only flash in the pan tube experience mind you) body surfing. That enough was incredible, I can only imagine what it must be like on a board!

3. The surfer must have a Single Minded Purpose.
Not stray off course to check out the tide pools, not to show off muscles to the babes on the beach, not to go have a heated discussion on the latest survivor episode. The surfer has to be mindful of his purpose while he is growing towards experiencing "Riding the Tube"...certainly he can take breaks to do all those other fun things I just mentioned, but the more purposeful, deliberate and authentically engaged he is in the process, the more likely he will have repeated and continual success rather than my "flash in the surf" experience.

So, Dien, do you see how those associations were sort of laser-like in focus rather than a path of free association brainstorming?

Another analogy that came to mind is that I would rather map a detailed city district than a map of the entire state of California showing the freeway system (which it sounds like your mapping has done in the past).

> I get engrossed following one single path
> until I've started with principles of
> success and ended up with Himalayan yak
> yoghurt (or something like that)....

****Or, as I said, the California freeway system rather than the La Cresta area in Northeast Bakersfield...yes, thats my house with the two Palm trees in the yard!

Taking the time to do some symbols helps me to slow down some of the continual-association-pathway as well. The multiple associations can uncover some interesting stuff, but keeping it focused really helps to accomplish what you set out to do in the first place.

Does this help?

With Purpose and Passion,

JULIE


My Home Away from Home

Julie, that was a really GREAT response :)
 

Julie,

Wow, I never thought a mind-map could have pictures in it.... but it makes sense. :) I'd love to see one of your mindmaps some time, it sounds like a wonderful creative work of art too.... :)

I think this is good for me too because I know I like to think in pictures....

Maybe that also ties in with what Gordon was saying, of the relationship between mindmaps and pictogrigms....

Thanks for sharing that great example.... :)

> Another analogy that came to mind is that I
> would rather map a detailed city district
> than a map of the entire state of California
> showing the freeway system (which it sounds
> like your mapping has done in the past).

Heheh, yes, that's a great analogy! I think you're right, that's precisely what I was doing.... and it didn't help very much. I'm grateful to you and also to Sandy for helping to explain how I could fix my approach.... :)

> Taking the time to do some symbols helps me
> to slow down some of the
> continual-association-pathway as well. The
> multiple associations can uncover some
> interesting stuff, but keeping it focused
> really helps to accomplish what you set out
> to do in the first place.

> Does this help?

Yes, thanks Julie! I'm going to be drawing little pictures all over my mindmaps too.... that sounds like a lot of fun. :)

Thanks :)

Dien