Sharing ideas can become a much easier task when using mind mapping software. Mind mapping allows groups of individuals or participants to formulate relationships between ideas or other forms of information – visually and quickly. 

There are lots of creative mapping tools out there – some are free and some are built in various types of web formats. With easy linking and ‘drop and drag’ functionality, mind mapping tools can allow users to capture and share strategic knowledge in a Web-based visual collaborative workspace. 

Just think – no more lengthy, linear outlines or messy flowcharts. Mind Maps allows the integration of all these components – in real time. 

There are a number of free software packages that allow the creation of, or otherwise support mind maps. Likewise, there is also proprietary and more sophisticated packages available in basic or pro versions with paid subscriptions. 

Mind Mapping Comparison:  

To see a complete list of Mind Mapping Software – comparing all types of features and benefits, download this PDF from Mindmapper.com. 

Mind Mapping and Business Plans:

Freemind provides a gallery of sample mind maps so you can see how others use Freemind to create mind maps. Business Plan Generator is a free business planning template in Freemind's mind map gallery under the Business Procedures mind maps.

Note: The mind map example being shown here is for educational purposes only. Permission should be sought regarding all other reproductions from info@illumine.co.uk. Mind Maps are registered trademarks of the Buzan Organisation.

Best,

Denice MacDonald

Whether you intend to use SharePoint as a dedicated internal content management system, have a need for forms processing or merely want a platform for social computing, this is not a product that can be simply turned over to the IT department to install and manage. 

Organizations that want to accomplish the most with SharePoint will need to align business and IT teams to constructively design a specific approach or strategy – reason simply, SharePoint seems easy to use, but somewhat difficult to master. 

The first and foremost step, develop a strategy around business needs.

What are your business needs and how can SharePoint help in addressing those needs? The following are examples of business requirements ahead of a SharePoint install:

1. Improve communications and documentation between diverse locations by providing a central repository for production procedures and information
2. Provide a method for documentation change management sharing information
3. Reduce the cost and time of resolving problems by providing a central portal for users (staff or employees) to search processes, procedures and get up to date documentation
4. Provide the ability to work on documentation at the earliest emergence, before interaction with other processes and large volumes of users
5. Project managers can share documents and collaborate with other users on projects; using an integrated set of tools
6. Provide collaboration tools such as wiki’s and blogs within the context of an intranet allowing feedback, surveying and access to versioned documents  

Once these objectives have been defined, it will be much easier to align goals to SharePoint technology.   

LEARN MORE:

From Microsoft

• Topics to consider before deploying SharePoint Products and Technologies

• Office SharePoint Server 2007 Technical Library in Compiled Help format

• Microsoft SharePoint Administration Toolkit v3.0 x86

• Analyzing Microsoft SharePoint Products and Technologies Usage

• Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 Trial Version

Top 10 Benefits of MS SharePoint Services for Document Management by Positive NPV

The SharePoint Report by CMSWatch

Best

Denice MacDonald