As a long time mind mapper I was delighted to find the Mindmeister online application. What follows are some observations and tips for using Mindmeister Mind Map application to collaborate online.
Both the free and Pro version allow you to import MIndManager or Freemind MM.
The Pro version provides the ability to export your MM as Freemind or MindManager files for use in the software. PND, Text, PDF are also options.
When collaborating online, you can launch skype from within Mindmeister to chat and discuss.
Skype
You have three options to share your work live. You can also set up to be notified via email or twitter.
Invite others to view your MM without making it public.
Allows you to publish your MM on the Internet and anyone in the world can view it.
Invite others to help you build, edit, and create a MM on any topic of your choice.
The Internet is gradually becoming the new "operating system". All you need is either Firefox or Internet Explorer web browser plus an account at mindmeister.com
Right now you have to be online to use Mindmesiter, I was reading in their forum and I think MindMeister has being able to work on your maps offline on their development roadmap.
Works in all browsers regardless of the operating system.
MindMeister offers a free and a Pro (paid) version.
If you recently installed your browser you likely already have everything you need to start building Mind Maps.
In my opinion, Mind Maps tend to appeal to visual, big picture or analytical thinkers.
Using a mind map within a meeting can take the focus off of a contentious issue, people, and gets everyone focused on the task at hand.
Most every business owner I have met are big picture thinkers. They tend to see things first on a visual level. Mind mapping allows visual thinkers to get the ideas and concepts out of their heads and into oaoer or the screen.
When I want to keep track of what people say in a meeting, I simply create a branch with their name. Then all I need to do is add a branch or a note.
Dragging, moving, adding, and deleting is as easy as grabbing an object with your cursor. In collaboration mode you can easily see what changes were made using a handy slider control.
Mindmesiter comes with a variety of icons that you can add to help get your point across. I would like to see more icons but there is an advantage to keeping the selection limited to lessen clutter.
Whenever I get stuck I turn to building a mind map. It allows me to add concepts and capture ideas that I can reorganize later.
These icons change when you click on them.
Plans
Actions
Results
Start
25% Complete
50% Complete
75% Complete
Completed
Arrows
Flags
Stop
Caution
Go
From the mind of Greg Balanko-Dickson The Remote Control CEO.
