It’s the beginning of a new year, the perfect time to think about setting goals. That’s why this report focuses on a well-designed goal-setting mind map created by Matthew Tanguay from Fluent Brain.

Mind mapping software is often dismissed by linear thinkers as being somewhat frivolous and not worthy of their attention. But by ignoring it, they’re missing out on one of the most powerful productivity tools of the modern age. This infographic explains why.

10 Ways to Make It Great is an inspirational book written by a good friend of mine, Phil Gerbyshak. It offers a set of simple, no-nonsense tips on how to live an exceptional life. That makes it the perfect subject for a mind map.

indGenius Ltd. just announced an update to its mind mapping program that should significantly broaden its appeal to enterprises. MindGenius 4.2 now supports SharePoint check-out/check-in and you can export your project map data directly to Microsoft Excel.

What do you need to know about mind mapping software to be more effective in your work?

You can get much better at anticipating future trends and making better informed business decisions by having a system for considering future scenarios. A mind map is an ideal tool for this type of exploration.

If you cultivate your social media relationships with care, you can develop a personal learning network that will put you in contact with a steady stream of valuable ideas. So says Howard Rheingold, a critic, writer, and teacher who specializes in researching and sharing his findings on the cultural, social and political implications of modern communication.

Did you know that you can track simple business processes using your mind mapping software? It’s easier to do than you may think. Here’s how to set one up in 7 easy steps, no matter what program you use.

Many executives use checklists to keep track of information they must not forget. They are essential for life-and-death situations. But there is a better way that is more in tune with the nature of today’s work. Here are 7 reasons mind maps are much more efficient and effective than checklists for busy executives.

Topics covered in the December 2011 mind mapping coaching call include the mind mapping functionality of Zengobi Curio, types of diagrams you can create with mind mapping software and using scripting and macros to extend your program’s capabilities.