Using Mind Maps to Make Better Decisions, Take Action Faster, and Get More Done … in Less Time

Kethyr's CAMEL Report
Mountain View, California
Monday, February 1, 2010

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I've discovered a way to make better decisions and get a lot more done … in less time.

And even though that may sound like a promotion for a product, it's actually an easy technique you can use any time you want.

It's made an enormous difference in my work and personal life simply by making me more efficient and better organized.

I'm making smarter decisions. My projects are turning out stronger. And I have a clearer, more focused view of everything I do.

Plus — and this is really a biggie — I now take more action and I do it faster.

For example, two of my goals in 2010 are to create a marketing instruction video series and develop a money-making website. We're only a few weeks into the year and my website is live, and I'm happy to report that the video series is on track to becoming a reality.

So, today I'd like to provide you the technique I'm using, and show you how you can use it to obtain the same results in your own life.

It's called "mind mapping." Are you familiar with it?

Put simply, a mind map is a graphical way to represent ideas that are in your head. By visualizing your thoughts and then organizing them, you're able to better analyze, understand, recall, and generate new ideas.

And, although it may sound a little confusing, its power lies in its simplicity.

Here is a simple example of a mind map that I created to keep track of my ideas for Kethyr's CAMEL Report articles:

How Mind Mapping Works …

Conventional note taking, where you arrange ideas and concepts in a linear manner, restricts you to left-brain thinking. It's logical and analytical.

But a mind map's free-flowing structure takes advantage of your analytical AND creative skills by encouraging right-brain thinking and helping you think more visually.

The result? Better, more complete, more creative, ideas.

A Few Suggestions for Using Mind Maps …

There are countless uses for mind maps, ranging from marketing plans to shopping lists. Here are a few of the most relevant for your business.

1. You want to brainstorm new ideas.
   
   Whether you're creating a book, an article, a sales promotion, or a website, a mind map is an ideal means to get your thoughts flowing.
    
2. You have a problem, and you can't find a solution.
   
   When a problem's bugging you, and you can't decide on a solution, a mind map can help you weigh the pros and cons of every option available. Better still, a mind map can help you discover solutions that you didn't realize existed.
    
3. You want to organize your research.
   
   If you do a lot of research, you're probably finding information that will be useful for specific projects.
   
   By developing a mind map for every project — whether you're focusing on it now, or intend to work on it in the future — you'll be able to automatically organize your research by adding it to the corresponding map as you come across it. Once you're ready to get started on the project, all of your valuable research will be ready for you.
    
4. You want to evaluate where your income is coming from.
   
   As a small business owner, it's wise to have your "income eggs" in various baskets, so you're never relying on just one revenue stream.
   
   But it's equally important to evaluate your baskets, to determine where you should be concentrating your efforts. A mind map can show you precisely how much money is coming from each basket.

How to Create Your First Mind Map …

I use software called MindManager to generate my mind maps, because I prefer to store them digitally and share them with others as needed. But you can also create one by using a sheet of paper. (I suggest using a landscape layout.)

1. Start in the center of the page, and write down the major concept you wish to develop. Then draw a circle around it.
    
2. Next, write down subtopics that are related to your big idea. Draw a shape around them, and then connect each one to your key idea by drawing a line.
    
3. Repeat the same procedure for each subtopic, writing down lower-lever subtopics as you see fit, and linking them to their corresponding subtopic.
    
4. Link subtopics to other subtopics as applicable.

Some Tips for Drawing a Mind Map …

• Use colors, symbols, and ALL CAPS to help you emphasize significant points. This will help you organize your map and notice obvious connections between ideas.
   
• Keep subject labels short. One to two words at most.
   
• If your big concept doesn't really have any subtopics, write down key terms or draw pictures to further flesh it out.

Final Thoughts …

If you're looking to improve your brainstorming processes, or have been putting off a project for too long, try drawing a mind map. You'll think more creatively, you'll take action faster, and, perhaps most importantly, you'll get more done in less time.

Or try drawing a mind map for your business' website and see just how simple it is.

Grab a piece of paper, write "My Business Website" in the middle, and draw a circle around it.

Then write down all of the products and services your business offers around that circle.

Next, create smaller subtopics by identifying the potential clients each product and service serves. Use colors and ALL CAPS to indicate the ones you're most excited about.

You've just completed an outline for your business' website.

Yes, it's really that easy!

Now, contact Kethyr Solutions and learn more about how you can turn the mind map for your website into a powerful, client-generating tool using the power of the written word and the Internet!

Yours in success,

Sean Eric Armstrong
Kethyr's CAMEL Report

P.S. Please send your questions and comments to editor@kethyr.com.

If you'd like help achieving your marketing goals in 2010, contact Kethyr Solutions today at info@kethyrsolutions.com or 888-538-4971.

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