A common misconception lies in the minds of individuals regarding how to think, plan, recall and work. The general approach to any planning is involving tasks like noting down what is needed, reading what is required or learning the process step by step before performing and so on. This, though very common, is not the way the brain should work if one wants to use the full potential of human mind.
The thing that most people do not know is that human mind does not work in straight lines. The mind is simply a network of connections or associations. The brain naturally radiates information using this network. When one thinks in this manner, connecting different points to a central idea, he is using the thinking tool of mind-mapping.
Mind-mapping is a way of mapping out ideas physically and mentally. It originates from a concept called radiant thinking. Mind-mapping is basically a visual representation of a central idea branching out into several associated topics that further branches out into relevant notes. It can be used as a visual thinking tool for brainstorming, generating ideas, flexibly structuring thoughts, recalling information, creative thinking and problem solving. Mind-mapping basically takes a list of monotonous information and connects them to form a colorful, memorable and organized diagram that works in line with the brain’s natural way of thinking. The diagram formed is not rigid, rather flexible that goes well with changing thought processes. Because of its visual nature, it is easier to recall. It is the perfect tool to stimulate one’s mind.
MIND-MAPPING AND MARKETING
Mind-mapping can play a massive role in the marketing universe. Brainstorming is an indispensable part of marketing and a mind map benefits this process largely. Greater results can be achieved if the graphical tool is used properly.
Mind-mapping can do wonders in the field of advertisement, product development and customer targeting. While writing advertisements, mind maps help to brainstorm phrases and words to use in advertisements and sales of materials. For example, if one needs to advertise a product, he can start with adjectives to describe the product and then branch out to explore the customers’ needs and desires related to them. In the case of product development, one can use a mind map for idea generation for a new product and its features. Starting with a general concept of the product, and then branching that out into different types and features that might make the new product stand out against the competition, the map can be expanded until a fully developed product concept is reached. Lastly, for targeting customers, one can create a mind map branching into different customer segments that might potentially buy the product. Expanding this mind map will enable one to learn more about the customer segments like what each customer segment earns, where they live and where one can reach them with advertisements.
Again, in digital marketing, mind-mapping can help a great deal. Mind maps can help keep tabs on different social media accounts used by a digital marketer seemingly making the complex task of managing such accounts into an easier job. This tool also simplifies the process of understanding a client’s business by mapping out a business model. Through visualizing information, mind-mapping helps to spot future opportunities as well as old recurring patterns of flaws. By gathering information in this way, a marketer can easily sketch out and devise future marketing strategies while avoiding the repetition of past mistakes.
A common challenge for digital marketing is generating fresh ideas or concepts to achieve necessary goals. In the section of content marketing, this is an everyday challenge. Starting from creating new topics for blogs to content outlining and repurposing, mind maps help to effectively brainstorm, connect and explore different ideas and concepts relevant to each field. For example, in the case of blogging, ideas for blog posts can be broken down into different types symbolizing different branches and related content. That can be further branched out and explored to find new ideas in an organized way. It is easier to generate more ideas if information is looked at visually in the form of key words or images. On the other hand, at the time of outlining content, ideas are more fluid and might need to be rearranged to make information flow better. Again, for repurposing content, it is sometimes necessary to reimagine content in many forms to successfully address various ways people like to consume content. Mind-mapping is perfect for both tasks as it caters to such needs efficiently.
MIND-MAPPING & BUSINESS
Even in the business world, the role this visual thinking tool can play is immense. A picture can say thousand words and so does the essence of mind-mapping. Presentations can be improved to a great extent and ideas can be delivered with greater impact. Mind maps encourage clear, concise and stimulating presentations. The combination of keywords and stimulating structure is proven to increase recalling information to allow one to handle challenging questions with confidence during presentations and afterwards. Apart from this, using the same formula, mind maps help in better planning of meetings, briefs and proposals, managing time, data and resources, consolidating vast range of information for business operations and finding innovative solutions by inspiring creative and critical thinking. It even helps in planning when collaborating with others. It is the perfect platform to analyze the whole business, anticipate threats & risks, and make decisions in a simplified way. In short, it helps businesses see the big picture with ease.
Therefore, a simple tool like mind-mapping can have boundless implications with the same formula. In the modern world, to survive the tremendous competition and to excel in the endless race of glory, every business has to think effectively. In this case, striving through simplicity is the best choice and that is where mind-mapping comes in. Mastering of such a tool can bring innumerous benefits for years to come.
By NAFISA NAWAL KHAN
