SHOCKING NEWS: We now have almost ONE million different mindmap software tools, it won't be long before we are there.

No, of course we don't have that many different tools, but we are moving in that direction! When I started mind mapping on my computer, there were a perhaps 15 different REAL mind mapping tools available. Things have changed since then...

Is it easier to create a good mindmap because there are so many tools you can use?

I don't think so. Actually... the real mindmap tools from then are still leaders in this field today. There are 3 reasons why this did not change and will not change... soon.

1. When you create a mindmap using a certain tool, you are kind off stuck to that tool. Sure, there are some ways of converting maps, but moving to a new tool requires a lot of work.

2. You create maps with your own tool. This tool does everything you need and you don't need anything else. People keep working with the familiar tools even if there are tools which better suit their needs

3. Your tool works a certain way. You know the keyboard shortcuts. You know where to find features. Using a new tool will create a loss in productivity in the short term.

You Hold Yourself Back

If you already have many maps in a particular format, you are not likely changing tools.Suppose you find a new tool which offers you more (much more)... would you consider changing tools?

To be honest, I probably would not do that. I would use two different tools next to each other.

You see... I create many maps on my computer. I connected these to each other in my master mindmap. It needs a really, really good tool to make me re-create all my maps.

So how did I find my 'wonder' mindmap software tool? Here's how:

The Quest Begins

Just after I learned how to mindmap, I wanted to create a mindmap on my computer. I googled on mindmap software and found 5 different tools.

I downloaded these and created some small mindmaps in each tool. I added images, added notes and had a look at what I could do besides creating a mindmap with that tool.

This testing resulted in finding my main mindmap tool. So here is how I found my mindmap tool:

1. Google on 'mindmap software'
2. Download 5 different tools which are mentioned a lot
3. Install all tools and create mindmaps
4. Determine which tool is the easiest to use
5. Determine which tool offers the best features besides mind mapping (export, import, planning, etc.)
6. Choose the tool which seems to perform best.

Sharing Knowledge With Our Community

At that time, I didn't have anyone to ask how I could find the tool I needed. In fact... I didn't even know what I wanted to do with the tool besides creating a mindmap!!!

This entire process obviously took some time. I had to investigate many tools and learn how to work with them. Since this took so much time and I had all that knowledge, I created a website which offered free advice on finding the right tool. I gave back to the community.

I created the first mindmap software blog which offered a (bi-)monthly podcast (=audio broadcast) for people who wanted to stay updated on mindmap software tools.

My knowledge on 5 tools quickly expanded to knowledge of about 25 tools. There were so many tools released that it was not possible to remain up to date myself. In order to give good advice, I had to limit the number of tools.

Interestingly, the tools which remained were the same tools I started out with (and a few additional ones)!

My advice to find the right tool now is different than how I found my tool. There are two methods of finding the right tool. They both start with the following step:

1. Determine what you want to do with your tool

If you just want to create & use mindmaps, you don't have to buy a fancy tool which can export, import, etc. This saves you a lot of money.

There is a short and a normal route to find your personal mindmap tool.

The short route:

2. Send a tool independent advisor (like myself) your reason for mind mapping on a computer plus how big your budget is. He/she will take tell you which tool(s) to test.

The normal route:

2. Visit websites dedicated to mindmap software and determine which tools you can use to reach your goal in computer mind mapping. Be sure to visit a number of different sites. Also read (independent) reviews on the tools you find interesting.

3. Download and test the tools you may need or like.

Step 2 will take you some time. Right now, I would advise you not to use tools which are solely online. When your Internet connection is down, you will not be able to use your tool or reach your mindmaps!

What to focus on in your tool

Most people only want to create and use nice mindmap overviews on their computer. Business users may find it useful to connect to databases. Today we focus on you, the user who wants to make mindmaps. These can be for you personally but also for you in your business. The main thing is: you create mindmaps you use and don't really share and work on together.

Most tools allow you to create nice mindmaps. Here are the three questions you should answer:

1. How easy is it to dump the information from my brain into a computer mindmap?
2. What else can I do besides creating a mindmap?
3. How expensive is the tool?

The third concern is often not that important. Sure, you may have to spend some money on a tool. If may even be quite a lot of money. You have to realize that this is something you only do once. From then on you can enjoy your tool for many years! (that is, if you buy the right tool).

For me, the first question is the most important one. I need to be able to easily dump brain information and knowledge in a mindmap. That's just it most of the time. Sure, it would be nice to export to MS Word. Still when looking at my own mindmaps, it is often not the case. I only use the tool to create and update my mindmaps.

Remember, my mindmap is my personal assistant. I only share information with my assistant and let the mindmap show me the content in an organized fashion.

What's Next?

If you are looking for a mindmap tool, you have to follow these steps:

1. Determine why you want to mindmap (affects cost of the tool)
2. Find tools or receive a list of tools to use (from advisor) and test these (simple interface?)
3. Does this tool really serve your needs? If so, buy the tool and start using it!

Understand that the tool you start to use will probably remain to be your primary tool for computer mind mapping. You really need to be sure of your tool and what you want to do with it!

Creating clarity and overview in your information will give you a clear mind. This is vital when you want to create success in your life. When you like to learn more on how you can manage yourself, your environment and how information influences you, have a look at http://MindmapsUnleashed.com