A new visual mapping e-book Visual Mapping: A Systematic Framework for Business Improvement has been released recently. Its focus is on how to use mind mapping software to improve business processes and to encourage systems thinking. Visual mapping is the same that mind mapping, I think. They also talk about improving brainstorm sessions, vizualizing business standards and using software tools for mapping instead of hand-writing for business needs.

As a software tool such programs as Mind Pad can easily be used.

If your job involves information management or process improvement, you'll find much to like in this new e-book. Click here to download a 9-page excerpt.

This blog is running by authors of Mind Pad  (www.mind-pad.com)

Brian Mayne has developed a system if goal mapping, corresponding to SMARTER-goal setting, described below. You can read about it on his site.

There is a seven steps' system:

1. Describe what do you want;
2. Set your priorities;
3. Create a mind map;
4. Define your motivation;
5. Build your time profile;
6. What should you do to achieve all these?
7. List all people and organization, who can help you.

Here is the understandable template of the mind map.

Here you can download some related articles.

And here you can buy some books about all this.

In Phil Gerbyshak's blog you can read about modification of SMART planning method. It seems to be very useful:

"In the past, I've written about, and used, the SMART goal setting model, but after much reading and thought, I realize now that goals need to be SMARTER in order to be most successful for me.

SMARTER goals, broken down:

S - Goals must be Specific and the more specific the better. State your goal in as exact of terms as possible.

M - Targets should be Measurable. That which you measure will be treasured, so think about what will be the measurement of your achievement of your goal.

A - Goals should have Accountability. Who or what are you accountable to for the goal?

R - Goals must be Realistic. Unrealistic goals will lead to discouragement.

T - Targets should be Time based. Decide your time-table for completion, and stick to it.

E - Goals should be Exciting. Exciting goals will be met far sooner than boring, bland goals.

R - Goals should be Recorded, in a place where you can look at it every day.

OK, so let's break down one of my goals for 2006, and see how this works in action.

I will earn by Competent Toast Master (CTM) designation by December 1st, 2006.

Specific - Yes, this is very specific. It says exactly what I am going to do.

Measurable - Yes, this is measurable. CTM designation is something that takes 10 speeches to do in Toastmasters, so if I do these 10 speeches, this goal will be achieved.

Accountability - I'm sharing it with you, so I'm accountable to all of you. I'm also including this in my goals at work, as public speaking is part of what I do, and letting my Toastmasters Mentor know about my goal (I'm sending him this post), so I am accountable to many others.

Realistic - This is absolutely a realistic goal for me. I have given 2 speeches in 2005, so I have to increase my output 4 times. I can do this, but it will take effort.

Exciting - Definitely an exciting goal for me to achieve. As a new Toastmaster, I will be able to improve my speaking ability by doing this, and it will also help our club achieve more distinguished status.

Recorded - I wrote it down here, I'll be putting it on a note card with my other goals, it will be in my HR system at work, and I'll review it every day to remind myself of its importance."

Long-life and short-life mind maps in Innovation Blog:

"According to Nick Duffill from Gyronix, many users of mind mapping software only use them to meet short-term needs – to brainstorm ideas or outline the agenda for a meeting, for example. But he believes one of the most powerful ways you can use them is for what he calls “long-lifetime” applications. That is, maps that you return to again and again to update the information contained within them.

Typically, many users of mind mapping software use them for a few days to get them through an event, such as a brainstorming session or an upcoming meeting. Because of this short-term perspective, Duffill says they may be missing an opportunity to get even more value out of their favorite visual diagramming application.

In contrast, long-lifetime mind maps are focused on strategies or projects – assignments that take a longer timeframe to develop. Often, connections between related pieces of information in our maps aren’t immediately evident at the time you record them. It’s often only after days or weeks of perspective that you may get hit by the legendary “a-ha!” and see where something fits. Long-lifetime maps, therefore, are works in progress, which you continue to refine as your project evolves."

Earlier, in "Help yourself in learning foreign language. Use mind maps."  we discussed using mind maps for learning foreign languages.
Here I attached an example for this theme. It is a mind map considered to English verbs for Russians. However, it could be useful for English-speaking people also.

As you know, mind maps are one of the best techniques for studying. In this tip, we will talk about abstracting. It should be used not only for lections, but also while reading special literature, which is difficult for understanding.
Abstracting – is an active method not only for remembering and understanding, but also for concentrating on the subject.
Most people can easily obtain information from memory if this information has been noted. Without abstracting, we can remember just a small piece of information. Abstracting allows to order information optimally and remember on request.
Disadvantages of traditional abstracting are:
- problems with changing and adding new information;
- it is difficult to find needed answer;
- you can’t create common view on the problem;
- you cannot fix interconnections between different ideas.
In contrast to this, mind maps open new possibilities for you. Using mind maps, you will get:
- presentation of the problem on one piece of paper;
- activating your brain for remembering;
- time saving;
- possibility to add and change information any time you want;
- common view on the problem including interconnections between different objects and parts;
- main moments fixing;
- easy detailed remembering.
Some tips for abstracting with mind maps:
- use symbols;
- mark main ideas and leave some place for details;
- don’t be afraid of creative mapping;
- review your abstract in the end;
- save this map for further use.