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Starting Somewhere
Every good plan starts with a beautiful mind map.
That’s how I roll anyway.
Mind maps are essentially my guide to everything in life. It is the only way I can make sense of everything that is floating around in my head.
And it can be applied to everything, not just as a communication tool.
For this purpose however, I will use it as a communication tool, feel free to use this in any way that can help.
I like to start by drawing a cloud, the cloud to me signifies my dreamy conclusion, and all the words that I place around this cloud is how I am going to make it a possibility.
N.B: You can use a shape that best resonates with you and how you view the mind map.
Inside my cloud I will write my idea, destination or objective, and on the outside I will begin the map. Sometimes these outside areas can be a little difficult to start, so as a rule of thumb I want to know the six important aspects that build my dreamy conclusion. These are:
Who
What
Where
When
Why
How
Cliche? I like to think, practical.
These are like any hardy foundation. Think of these as your tools and they are going to build your pathway.
Each of these areas will help you best understand your dreamy conclusion and how you are going to communicate it to the world.
If your mind works on overload like mine, you may feel yourself stray from these key areas. This is a good thing! Add each new point to the cloud, there is no such thing as overcrowding.
When you have filled out your map to the best of your ability, it is time to turn it into the communication piece you want it to be. It could be an article, proposal, website, flyer or a simple update, the structure is all yours.
One thing I have always held close, and it is a lesson most already know, leave the introduction and write it last. On the rare occasion I somersault on this and write what I think is a kick arse intro, nine times out of ten, I will re-write it.
Why mind map?
While it may not work for everyone, this is the easiest way to get all of your thoughts out on paper and file it to a specific region. The more you can reference this when looking at it, the easier the rest of your communication piece will spring into action.
Are you a fellow mind mapper? Or are you new to this? Let me know what works for you and what doesn’t.
