Skip to content
Mind Mapping for Business Development

Mind Mapping for Business Development

By C.M. Adams

 

Mind mapping has been around for 40 years, but is often overlooked as a business tool. Although similar to flow charts and other systems of process mapping, mind mapping stimulates creative areas of the brain through use of image, colour and non-linear diagram construction. This creativity can enable a different perspective on business development.

 

The process is a simple one. Begin with a large sheet of blank paper and a set of brightly coloured pens. Draw or stick an image of your focal issue in the centre of the sheet. This might be a desire for new premises, new product lines or expansion into different markets, for example. Choose an image that best reflects how you think of this. Make it bright and colourful. This is the heart of your 'tree'.

 

From the central image, draw a curved line under a single word that comes to mind. For example, the word might be 'expensive'. This is your first branch. Avoid straight lines. The object is to think in non-linear terms. Other words associated with 'expensive' might occur to you at this point. Continue writing and underlining, adding smaller branches to the large one. When you think of other major ideas, for example 'location', start a new branch. Keep the ideas separate, but extend them as far as they will go. Some word branches may have several smaller branches growing from a single point. Your lines should be no longer than the words they underline.

 

The more you work into the process, the more words will come, and the more detailed your mind map will become. Make full use of the range of coloured pens, without giving too much conscious thought to your choices.

 

As you work, let your eyes wander across the emerging map and add words and branches as ideas and thoughts come to the surface. At this point, the connections don't need to make total sense. This is, in essence, a brainstorming exercise.

 

When you have filled the sheet, walk away for a while, have a cup of coffee, make a few phone calls. When you return to the mind map, you will see it with fresh eyes, and as you follow the branches and the connections you have made, you may see a few surprises, a few issues you hadn't given much thought to before, and even an idea or two about a way forward with your plans.

Previous article How to Ramp Up Motivation When You Work from Home
Next article 6 Ways to Reduce Stress and Anxiety While in Isolation

Read More

  • 10 Essential Tips for Taking Effective Meeting Notes with a Meeting Notebook
    May 16, 2023 Jon-Michael Moses

    10 Essential Tips for Taking Effective Meeting Notes with a Meeting Notebook

    Selecting the perfect meeting notebook is the first step to taking practical notes. Consider factors such as size, layout, and paper quality when choosing a notebook that suits your needs. A dedicated meeting notebook can help you maintain organization, allowing you to quickly reference past meetings and create a clear record of the information discussed. Opt for a notebook with sturdy binding, good paper quality, and a layout that works for your preferred note-taking style, such as ruled, grid, or dotted pages.
    Read now
  • How to Use a Meeting Notebook for Creative Brainstorming and Idea Generation
    April 14, 2023 Jon-Michael Moses

    How to Use a Meeting Notebook for Creative Brainstorming and Idea Generation

    Using a meeting notebook can make brainstorming sessions much more convenient and organized than traditional methods. The luxurious paper makes for an enjoyable writing experience that lets you capture each thought without switching between multiple sheets of paper or documents. Additionally, modern notebooks feature two-page spreads that allow two people to write on the same page without disrupting each other’s thoughts – perfect for collaborative environments!
    Read now
  • How To Start And Use A Whiskey Tasting Journal
    January 17, 2023 Jon-Michael Moses

    How To Start And Use A Whiskey Tasting Journal

    1. Be detailed in your descriptions. When it comes to tasting notes, more is always better. So include as much detail as possible about the whiskey's appearance, aroma, and flavor. What did you like or dislike about it? Would you recommend it to others?
    Read now