The Benefits of Mindmapping

Mind-mapping is a creative tool that can be used for many applications. The following article talks about mind-mapping used for different applications such as studying, journalling, creating menus, and more. As a Personal Brand Strategist with a specialty in corporate branding, I often use my own versions of mind-mapping to generate creative concepts for campaigns, designs, and marketing/brand copy.

Article by Bev Gee

Mindmapping has caught on in recent years as a useful tool in the corporate and educational sectors. Using bright colors and attractive imagery, it is extremely useful in such things as presentations and group brainstorming sessions. However, it can be equally useful in so many other ways too. Here is a look at some of those ways.

It can be used to record information in extraordinary detail on a single page. Whilst studying for my diploma in reflexology, there were lists to learn of which combination's of reflexes corresponded to various ailments - extremely complex stuff which I broke down into mindmaps or perhaps 'footmaps'. I got through my exam with 96%... proof that mindmapping is effective because, giving my advancing years, I wouldn't have achieved such a high mark otherwise!

How about using a mindmap to record a journey or a trip? Rather than pages of entries in a journal, instead simply use a mindmap to jot down places, events, impressions, people, food, colors, traditions, sights and sounds. You can even add your companions' perspectives. When you get home, your mindmap/s will provide you with information to label your photos, write up your journal, produce an article, regale your friends.... a multitude of possibilities.

Use mindmaps in preparing menus, mapping out an educational project with your home-schooled kids, noting down chores and whose responsibility they are. Use mindmaps to outline important stages in a building or remodelling project. Use them to organise your Christmas or wedding or for any big 'do' where there is a vast amount of detail to be attended to.

An imaginative fashionista could use a mindmap to coordinate items in their wardrobe, keep notes of what works, track dry-cleaning and see where there are gaps in their collection. A collector of anything - music, art, toy cars could use them in the same way.

Writers are able to use mindmaps for a whole raft of applications. Develop ideas, weave plots, characterization, cover points for articles... and deal with the dreaded writer's block.

What about learning a language? So much easier to use mindmaps for vocabulary, rules of grammar, exceptions, mutations, etc. Mindmaps help the information slip easily into the brain.

Any subject is easier to learn this way. Any project can be broken down into easily manageable steps. Anyone can use mindmaps to enhance their creativity and imagination. And mindmaps can be adapted for anything. There are no limits!

For more information and a detailed look at the iMindmapping program: iMindmap

One Concept That Will Change Your Life

Why is it that we rarely give ourselves an opportunity to succeed? Think about it for a moment...if you would get out of your own way, what could you accomplish? If you eliminated the word "cannot" from your vocabulary, what COULD you do? If you never uttered another "but" from your lips, where would you be?

There are two questions most people never get around to asking themselves that can change their lives. The first is...What is it that I really want to do? The second...Why am I not doing it?

The first question addresses true passion. Ask yourself this...if money was not an issue...if time was not an issue...if demands on you from others were not an issue...what would you be doing right now? Take yourself through a day in that life. Oddly enough, most people I ask this question of respond with, "I'm not sure. I've never thought about it." Take a minute and think about it! If you truly allow yourself to figure out what is really important to you, it will create a motivation within yourself that no outsider could match!

The second question has to do with getting out of your own way. We are our own worst enemies. When I was younger, I worked with some improv theater and comedy groups. The very nature of improv is that there are really no rules...you go where it takes you. However, to make it work, there is one non-negotiable of improv. You must "yes...and." What that means is if someone on stage with you says, "there's an elephant coming down the hall," you cannot look down the hallway and say, "no there isn't!" Why? Because the scene stops immediately (unless, of course, you are doing a take-off on the wonderful Monty Python "argument clinic" skits!). As a good improver, your job is to say, "that is an elephant...AND he is smoking a tiparillo!" (or perhaps something much more witty that that).

The point is, we do not go through our lives with a "yes...and" attitude. We actually tend to go through life with a "yes...BUT" attitude. The difference? With the first, you are giving yourself permission to move forward. With the latter, you have a great idea and then you immediately jump up and tell yourself why it will never work. You get in your own way. It really is a fascinating exercise to consciously count how many times a day you do this to yourself. If a friend asks you to a party after work, you might say something like, "I'd love to...BUT, I have so much to do at home." Your child might ask you to read a book and you might say,"I will, honey...BUT, first I need to throw some laundry in and load the dishwasher." You might want to join a group of co-workers who walk at lunchtime everyday...BUT, you should eat at your desk and try to get some more work done. Get out of your own way! NO ONE is creating these barriers except yourself.

The moral of the story is this...if you are ever looking for answers outside of yourself, you are not going to find many answers. Start "yes...and"-ing your life. You will never look back!

Professionally, Robin Sacks is an award-winning journalist, award-winning playwright, motivational trainer, speaker, and coach. Personally, Robin is a mom, wife, and friend. You can contact Robin through her website,http://www.waycoaching.com. Favorite quote from this?: "We actually tend to go through life with a "yes...BUT" attitude. The difference? With the first, you are giving yourself permission to move forward." Learn your passions and leverage the gifts that you have. What is Your personal brand?

Personal Branding - 7 Easy Ways to Turbo-Charge Your Online Popularity (Starting Today)

With the explosion of Social Media and 'Attraction Marketing Wannabie's'... Branding Yourself seems to be more difficult to grasp today than ever before. Many Struggling New Network Marketers seem to be falling through the cracks. But don't sulk just yet. You don't have to pour molten lava on your face to be recognized online. (OUCH!) In fact, online branding is simply making a name for yourself. It's easier than you might think to get started.

Here are 7 easy steps to jumpstart your popularity:

1. Choose a Slant. Would you like to be regarded as an old, wise sage who seems to have answers to all those pesky marketing problems? What about a stay-at-home Mom who runs her business effectively, keeps a clean house and STILL manages to take care of 4 kids, 2 dogs and a parrot named 'Pookie'? Could you be a Dad that threw in the corporate towel and now cashes in from home by delivering value to others in a down-to-earth language?...How might 'that' person act? What words would 'they' use on their website and their videos? Once you pick an angle for yourself, keep it in the back of your mind as you build your uniqueness online.
2. Tattoo your name on their brain. Do you have a name others will remember? For instance, when I say brands like "Kleenex" "Band-Aid" or "Vaseline", their products immediately pop in your mind, don't they? Actually, these companies have done such a good job branding their products, their names are more popular than the product itself! (Hint: Have you ever sneezed and asked for a 'facial tissue'? Does your child bloody his knee and request an 'adhesive bandage'? and What the heck is 'petroleum jelly' anyway??)
3. Pick a slogan and live up to it! Actually, a tag-line isn't mandatory...but if you decide to call yourself the 'World's Best Mentor'-you better make sure you inspire your teammates and return those phone calls, eh? Otherwise, your efforts could turn sour and backfire. (Double-OUCH!) I'd suggest you don't toil over it for months. If you want a slogan, just pick a few words that best describe you/your mission/what you represent. No fancy ad agency necessary. Remember-your actions will speak louder than your words anyway...
4. Put your best foot forward. I've never asked my plumber how to get to Heaven, and I won't be hiring my preacher to fix a leaky toilet. Here's the point. Pick your niche (hopefully something you have a knack for) and ACT on it. Even Wal-mart can't be all-things to all-people. You have plenty of strengths that will carry you wherever you want to go. As Mark Victor Hansen says, "Get Rich in Your Niche".
5. Give your best stuff away...for free. When I heard Eben Pagan say this on one of his Mastermind Videos. I thought he was nuts! Let's just say he IS a crazy marketer that over-delivers on value and generates an 8-figure annual income. (Do you think he's on to something?) By default, when you give someone value they can use to improve their lives, AND don't charge upfront-it does a couple things. First, it allows people to trust you. Trust is crucial in building a good relationship...and even though we all use websites and voicemail...it's still very much a relationship business. Second, it VASTLY increases your exposure! Hey, if I show you how to build a website in less than 45 minutes and I don't ask for any money...meanwhile Bozo-the-Clown wants you to pay $47 to download his enormous e-book that essentially says the same thing...who you gonna go with? (I'll let you think about that. Meanwhile...on to step #6);)
6. Feedback and Follow up. Once you have established yourself as you see fit, follow up with some folks and see how your advice (or product or service) worked for them. This will deepen the relationship with your prospect and if you were successful in helping someone...don't be shy to ask for a testimonial. Testimonials will catapult your success.
7. Wash, Rinse, Repeat. Go through the steps again and strive for constant and never-ending improvement during the process. Companies like Coca.Cola have been building their brand for over 100 years, just so you'll crave that 'soft drink in the red cup' when you go to a baseball game.

Remember... the better you are, the more value you bring, the more you can assist others, the more you live up to the name you made for yourself... the better your Brand will be.

Michael Crosby has a Life Passion for getting Like-Minded Entrepreneurs into Profit-Mode Fast. He has dedicated several years learning what works and what doesn't. Before you spend another dime chasing success, Grab his No-Holds-Barred Report Now..."The 13 Little-Known Secrets the Ultra Achievers Aren't Telling You" athttp://www.GlobalResultsNetwork.com

Branding - 10 Things You Must Do When You Are Starting Out

Your brand is a vital part of your business identity. It tells customers who you are and what you stand for. It is more than just product name plus logo, it is your business personality. Here are 10 things you must do when you are starting out.

1. Identify your brand values. What are the distinctive qualities associated with your product or service?

2. What does the company stand for? Increasingly companies are expected to have a point of view on ethical issues or the environment. This may re-assure customers that they can trust you and help to form a vital bond.

3. Define your brand promise and stay true to your word. You could crystalize what you stand for in a tag-line. The Department store John Lewis uses the promise 'never knowingly undersold' or you could encapsulate your message in a single word. Use this word in your advertising either directly or suggested. For example Chanel is luxurious, Volvo is safe. What do you stand for?

4. Your brand is the part of you that engages with your customers' emotions. Know what they want and provide it. Do they hope your product will bring them closer to the lifestyle they aspire to or maybe you are you there to give re-assurance and continuity? Whatever it is, identify and then meet that need.

5. Create a voice for your brand in a language and a style that reflects you. Apply it to all written communications whether it's letters, on-line copy or visual imagery.

6. Colours can send a powerful message. Pick colours that say something about your brand and then use them consistently.

7. Integrate your brand.Just as you stream your colours and logo throughout your printed materials and web-site, try to be consistent in the way you come across. Define your 'look' and get your message across.

8. Get a Twitter page and a blog and use them to promote your brand. Let your tone of voice shine through and attract the customers you want.

9. Give great customer service. Be available. Make that part of your brand ethos.

10. Build a partnership of trust with your customers. Let them know who you are via social media and then trust them to come to you with their ideas and needs. Listen and learn from them.

Lucy Thorpe is a former BBC Journalist and Broadcaster based in the UK. Get in touch and hire her for personalised writing services, how-to articles, blogs and opinion pieces. Read her blog at http://www.Lucythorpe.wordpress.com or get in touch via Twitter @Lucythorpe