Meet mind map freeware, software you can use to become more productive, more effective, and more creative.

Let's start with a few words of definition: A mind map is a diagram which starts with a central word or phrase (keyword), and then has associated words radiating out from the central word. In turn, each of those secondary words may become central words and spawn their own sets of associated words or phrases.

By brainstorming words associated with each of the central words, you can systematically explore a realm of ideas, all connected to each other through the central idea. The process of expanding from the central word, in itself, can be an enlightening exercise. It helps us see different aspects of a situation or event that we might otherwise miss.

While the process is valuable, the final product will be very helpful as well, as it provides all key aspects of an issue on a single page. It will also help you see, at a glance, the connections among different concepts and ideas.

Mind map software allows you to create your diagram on a computer screen, rather than a sheet of paper (or, as is often the case, on the back of a napkin). And, mindmapping freeware is software that costs you nothing; often a good idea when you're trying something new.

Let's consider a mind mapping example: Suppose you're selling insurance, and you're trying to differentiate yourself from other brokers who sell essentially the same product. You know the potential client likes fresh ideas, so you see an opportunity.

You start a mind map with just the word ‘insurance.' This would be your central word. Then, you would add words such as: risk, protection, coverage, worry, safe, financial, and monetary. So now you've got some different aspects of insurance to explore, and this is where the mindmapping freeware comes into the picture.

It will do a good job of tracking and placing the words on the page; if you're like me with paper and pencil, you'll spend more time trying to figure out how to get the words onto the page than you will actually brainstorming new words and phrases. So, let the software or freeware take care of the logistics, so you can focus on the creative part of the job.

After a relatively short time, you should see the page fill up with ideas and new ideas you can use to develop your presentation. For best results, put the page away for a day or two, then revisit; you'll likely be able to both prune and grow sets of ideas.

In any case, the net result is that you should have lots of new ideas with which to develop a presentation to the potential client. And, the mind map freeware has taken care of most of the work.