Hertfordshire in the snow

Apparently this is the heaviest snow fall for 18 years so I went for a walk to make the most of the beautiful views…

 

Widford Church

Behind the garden, across the farmer’s fields

The woods behind our house

River Ash

Idea Mapping in Mind Manager – Webinar

22 January 2009

Jamie Nast

 

Register for the upcoming 1-hour event with Mind hosts Lisa Fait and Michael Deutch. Join NastGroup founder and Idea Mapping author, Jamie Nast, in this webinar as they explore how idea mapping in MindManager can help you and your colleagues increase productivity every day.

Ask Questions + Listen patiently = Motivation

One Thing You Can’t Hide
By: Brian Tracy 

One of the most important traits of all motivators at work is consideration. Employees report that the best managers they ever had were people who cared about them as people and as friends. These managers took the time to ask them questions about their lives, and to listen patiently while they talked about the dilemmas and problems and situations in their families. The more that the employees felt that the boss liked them and respected them, the more empowered and motivated they felt. 

Caring is the Key
The flip side of this motivator is the de-motivating feeling that the boss doesn’t care. This is almost invariably expressed in a lack of recognition, a lack of approval, a lack of appreciation and a general failure to pay attention to the employee over time. 

Spend Time Listening
Remember, the amount of time that you spend talking to and listening to an employee is a signal to that employee that he or she is important to you and to the company. This is why the very best bosses spend a lot of time walking around and chatting with their employees. They sit with them for lunch and coffee. They invite their comments and encourage open discussion and disagreements about work. They create an environment where people feel that the work belongs to them as well as to the company. In that environment, employees feel good about themselves and more fully committed to doing the job and doing it well.

http://www.briantracy.com/default.aspx

The Networking Whistleblower

I have had the privilege of knowing John Donnelly for several years and am delighted to see that he will be delivering a Workshop for EveryWoman all about networking, entitled “The Networking Whistle Blower”. The event is fully funded ( so it’s FREE to Women in the East of England ) and booking is straightforward via an online booking form (using RSVPBook which I reviewed last year).  Whilst I know John personally I have not attended this particular workshop before and have therefore booked to attend in March and will provide a review afterwards. 

 

 See a full Post via this link:-  http://kayenightingale.wordpress.com/2008/01/21/the-networking-whistleblower/

Websense Express to monitor Internet traffic

Most businesses these days need to be connected to the Internet. But that connection could represent a security threat, cause a drag on productivity, or serve as a way to let inappropriate content into your workplace. You might find yourself losing money or even key intellectual property. One very good solution is to run Websense Express on your network. This app monitors every bit of Internet traffic and lets you know who’s doing what in detailed and informative reports. And when you’re not around, it can act in your stead to implement the security and usage policies that its simple interface lets you easily set up.

Websense Express is powerful tool for monitoring all Internet traffic and combining URL and protocol content-filtering with reporting. You can configure the app to do nothing more than report on Internet use or actively apply policies to block users from accessing unsuitable content. The software lets you track and manage not just Web browsing but also instant messaging and peer-to-peer traffic to prevent employees from wasting bandwidth, disseminating company secrets, and exposing systems to malware.  

Full article available on PC Magazine’s website:-  http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1759,2255078,00.asp?kc=PCRSS02129TX1K0000530

Seeing a clearer way to project success

 

MindManager™ & Microsoft Office Project™  & Prince2 ™
 

Anyone who has ever worked in project management (whether beginner or expert) knows that Prince2™  is a methodology and, to the beginner, it seems “difficult” and “daunting”.  I was therefore extremely pleased to discover this free event being hosted by Visual Technology Solutions and am really looking forward to it.  Anything which can assist people running projects to be able to “see a clearer way to project success” must be worth taking a good look at and it is yet another reason why I am enjoying the journey of learning MindManager 7.0 Pro™  from Mindjet.  To be able to see the VISION whilst controlling the DETAIL is a common theme with me … people need to be able to “see the wood from the trees” whilst keeping accurate and timely records.  Looks like this event should be a perfect demonstration of that in action.

The details from VTS are as follows:

Location: University of Westminster, New Cavendish Street, London, United Kingdom
Date: 31st October 2007
Time: 9:30am – 1:00 pm  

The availability of Project Management applications in today’s market place are plentiful, but what about the age old problem of project Inception, Planning and Brainstorming activities?  These very necessary precursors to any major project are often managed using the more traditional tools of white boards, flip charts and sticky notes. 

This morning event is aimed at providing anyone with an interest in  project management methodology a short but thorough clearer picture of the processes involved.

Agenda

9:30am           Registration Tea & Coffee
10:00am        Introduction to Mapping
10:40am        Visualizing PRINCE2™
11:15am         Coffee
11:30am         Implementing New Processes
12:15am         Q&A
1:00pm          Close

Register for the above event or download a free 21-day trial of MindManager 7.0 Pro

I’ll post an update after the event on 31st October and am now about to take a closer look at VTS’s Visual Bubble Ribbon … sounds very interesting …

Mindjet Monthly Newsletter (US)

Collaboration with Jamie Nast – Integrating MindManager with Microsoft Outlook

As anyone who has been reading this blog knows, I bought Jamie Nast’s book “Idea Mapping” in August and highly recommend it – there are several posts on this Blog about her work – please select “Jamie Nast” from Categories to see them all.  She has enabled me to allow the creative, imaginative, visionary ”Me” to work in harmony with the linear, logical, analytical “Me” and I am enjoying the results.  I have always been an organised person but I am now taking those skills to higher levels.  Thanks Jamie!

You can imagine my pleasure when Jamie asked me if I would be prepared to share some of my Maps for an Article she was writing for the Mindjet Monthly Newsletter (US version) about integrating MindManager 7.0 Pro with Microsoft Office Outlook.  You’ll find the US Newsletter on Mindjet’s website where Jamie’s article explains the maps below … I hope that the maps (and the integration with Microsoft Office Outlook) will inspire some ideas …

Download a free trial copy of MindManager 7.0 Pro 

 

What’s in a name? Mind Mapping / Visual Mapping / Idea Mapping…Information Mapping?

Information Mapping?

I am in the process of launching a new business venture and intend to incorporate “mapping” workshops as part of the solutions available from January 2008.  I firmly believe that the TITLE of a workshop / eBook / seminar / press release etc really matters and I am therefore currently giving this considerable thought.

I personally don’t like the term “mind mapping” because, as a logical, linear, analytical person the term feels “alien” to me but it is a term which people know (eventhough many people pull a funny face when they hear the words) and more than once I have heard  “oh no, mind mapping is not for me; I like lists“.  So, clearly I want to avoid this term so as to not create an initial barrier.  What are my choices?

Idea Mapping … I really like this because it clearly conveys that I will be mapping my ideas.  The concepts within Jamie Nast’s excellent book are so important that I will always include them in the way that I use mapping and I urge you to discover what she has to say – you’ll find my review via this link:-

http://kayenightingale.wordpress.com/2007/09/01/idea-mapping-jamie-nast/

Visual Mapping … I really like this term because it conveys that I will be mapping visually so this makes me think of “maps” and flowcharts and diagrams of various types.   Please see my post about Wallace Tait’s excellent discussion on this topic.:-

http://kayenightingale.wordpress.com/2007/10/17/a-challenge-to-visual-mapping-software-developers/

However, although I really like both of the above terms, neither is exactly the message that I want to convey – and, afterall, I want these workshops / seminars to have my stamp on them …

My focus will be on helping businesses to “get more done in less time” and therefore I feel the term “Information Mapping” better describes what I do. 

We are all bombarded with data and information all day long … and I am using mapping software to keep a track of what needs to be done and where I can find that particular piece of information when the time is right.  Furthermore, I am linking the mapping software (MindManager) to Microsoft Office (Outlook, Project etc) to enable me to be able to see the VISION whilst working on the DETAIL and, most importantly, using the map as a visual medium to enable others to see the WHAT, WHERE & WHEN.

I am therefore drawn to the term “information mapping” to describe what I will be doing.  

I would really appreciate some feedback to find out whether you agree that the term “mind mapping” can be a barrier to some people and whether you feel that  “information mapping” gets through that barrier for the purpose described above? 

New Productivity Pack to integrate MindManager with Microsoft Office

Harness the Complete Power and Benefits of Microsoft Office

The Mindjet Productivity Pack for Microsoft Office provides MindManager 7 users with a detailed guide to maximizing their use of their Microsoft Office productivity tools.

The Productivity Pack includes a whitepaper and seven MindManager maps that explain and illustrate how to use MindManager to:

- Display Microsoft Excel^® ranges

- Create Microsoft PowerPoint^™ presentations

- Write compelling Microsoft Word^® documents

- Create plans for and present status from Microsoft Project^®

- Add and update Microsoft Outlook^® events, notes, contacts and tasks from your maps

- Draw Microsoft Visio^® org-charts and process flows

I have a considerable interest in the integration of MindManager 7.0 Pro with Microsoft Office and I therefore read the White Paper, entitled “Simplify the Way You Work: Enhancing Microsoft Office with MindManager Pro 7″, with particular interest. 

When I first discovered MindManager 7.0 Pro (in July this year) it was this ease of integration which excited me.  The White Paper opens by saying:

“Typical knowledge workers spend approximately one-third of their time searching for and retrieving information. Hours are lost each day scanning email folders, databases, and network directories.   Additional

time is spent re-entering information as well as copying and pasting content. Despite the sophistication of productivity software, it is still difficult to:

- Access and synthesize information from network and desktop systems.

- Connect the dots and take action on the big picture.

- Collaborate with clients and colleagues.

Important data is trapped in information silos and format restrictions imposed by software, rather than integrating ideas in ways that enable you to work smarter, think creatively, and save time.

MindManager Pro 7 removes these obstacles through its integration with Microsoft Office. With its intuitive visual maps, MindManager captures, organizes, and shares information between Microsoft Office applications, but more importantly, with your team. With MindManager, you and your team will spend more time getting things done, and less time hunting for information and fighting the limitations of different information systems.”

Existing Users can download the Productivity Pack (free until October 31) via this link:- http://www.mindjet.com/us/productivity_pack_office/?cid=bridge3  or,  download a 21 day trial copy of MindManager

Power Tips & Strategies for Mind Mapping Software

“How to get the most out of your mind mapping software – and supercharge your productivity in the process!” [ eBook by Chuck Frey]

“You’ve mastered the basics of your mind mapping software, but aren’t sure how to tap its full potential. Learn how to unlock its awesome power and become more efficient, organized and creative.

Power Tips & Strategies for Mind Mapping Software is an e-book that is designed to help you to take your visual mapping skills to the next level.

You’ll think better, improve your productivity, manage projects more efficiently, make better-informed decisions and communicate your ideas with greater impact.”

[Author: Chuck Frey]

————–

Until a few months ago I was a linear, logical, analytical person who thought that mind mapping wasn’t for me.  What I have recently realised is that my subconscious objection was/is the term “mind mapping” and not the subject matter itself.  I have now discovered how much more efficient, effective and productive I am being by incorporating “idea mapping / information mapping” into my life.   Indeed the linear, logical, analytical side of me has been joined by the creative, imaginative, visionary side of me and the two sides are enjoying working together!  I have just finished reading this eBook by Chuck Frey which I highly recommend… here’s a summary of my thoughts:

Chapter 1 – An excellent collection of various applications that Mind Mapping can be used for with many links to additional resources that I might not have discovered for myself.

“A problem well-defined is a problem half solved. “

Chapter 2 – A very good collection of tips, including ideas from various contributors and, again, useful links to additional resources.

“Think of your Mind Map as a window on your thoughts, and ask yourself if this is what you want to say? Is this what you want people to hear?” [ William Read]

Chapter 3 – Great ideas from various collaborators, including Wallace Tait’s advice:  Don’t overwhelm others with mind maps

“If you present non-linear mind maps then, you may quickly overwhelm them… A better approach is to begin incorporating a few mind maps into your linear documents and presentations in a supporting role. Then, as your colleagues become accustomed to viewing and understanding information in non-linear mind maps, you can move your presentations and information sharing in this direction.”

Chapter 4 – Excellent interviews :

“Most executives who dare to try visual mapping software will find that they can exponentially enhance their abilities to manage information, especially in roles where clarity of communications is important.” [Wallace Tait] 

“I show people how to use technology to increase their productivity. This includes hardware, such as the Tablet PC, or software, link Lotus Notes and MindManager. I do much of this in the context of the GTD (David Allen’s Getting Things Done) methodology.” [Eric Mack]  

Chapter 5 – Ask the Experts – excellent advice from people with real insight into Mapping

“A common mistake is to refer to your map as a “mind map” when showing it to other people. Emphasising the form over the content fosters exclusivity and makes it an easy target for objections. Always call your map “the financial analysis” or “the business plan”, or whatever its real purpose is.” [Nick Duffill]

“A map is done when it has met its purpose.” [Jamie Nast]

Chapter 6 – Resources – an excellent list of websites and other Resources.  

This eBook is an excellent collection of snippets of information mixed with practical insights from experienced business users … one of those very useful resources, written by someone who really understands the subject matter … and who knows other people who are worth talking (and listening) to … thought provoking and well worth the time to absorb the contents… 

For further information or to purchase a copy for yourself visit the following link: http://www.mindmap-ebook.com/index-tips.asp