In this latest Mind Mapping Insider resource, I have pored through the book and summarized Lok’s recommendations into a mind map. This visual diagram is a clickable image map; that means if you click on the icon next to the book title (it’s a floating topic, below the central topic of the map), you’ll be taken to Amazon.com, where you can view options for purchasing this valuable resource.

This mind map is only accessible to Mind Mapping Insider members. Why not make a resolution for the new year to become a more effective mind mapper – which will enable you to become a better planner, problem solver and project manager – and can be used to plan your next special report or information product. Sign up today to join the growing group of MMI members who have made the decision to be more influential and creative with those whom it is their privilege to influence.

In writing this 3rd edition, I looked at the existing content with a critical eye, updating those tips that needed it, eliminating topics that aren’t as relevant today and – most importantly – populated it with a wealth of new, practical and actionable information that is designed with today’s programs, applications and resources in mind.

To learn more, please visit the Power Tips website.

For those of you who have already invested in the first or second edition, you will receive a link to download version 3 in the next week or so – free of charge. My goal is to provide you with an up-to-date collection of best practices for mind mapping software, not to extract more money from you. I prefer to be generous, because I’m firmly committed to helping expand the awareness and use of mind mapping software as today’s most valuable business tool.

A number of readers also participated in a pre-launch sale of Power Tips & Strategies for Mind Mapping Software 3rd Edition. During the next week, I will send out an e-mail with the download links to this new edition and its bonus reports. In appreciation for investing in this new e-book ahead of time, I’m even giving this group access to an addition special report. If you’re one of those early birds, please watch your e-mail in the next week for more details.

Thanks for your patience! I had hoped to publish this e-book several months ago, but real life intervened (trying to live a balanced life between my full-time work, my avocation – this blog and InnovationTools.com – and my family).

You get to purchase the new e-book plus its bonus items for more than 25% off of the list price (normally US$49.95, now $34.95).

These bonuses include:

• An updated comparison chart of 22 mind mapping software programs, covering over 75 different features and criteria.
• 52-page companion e-book containing reviews of 28 of the most popular mind mapping software programs available today

And here’s the biggest bonus of all

During this pre-launch sale only, I will offer a 1-month trial membership to my Mind Mapping Insider program. This will NOT be offered once my new e-book is launched; it is a special pre-launch promotion only.

What’s included in the Mind Mapping Insider membership?

Audio interviews with mind mapping experts, and notable people who are using mind mapping software to make a difference. First up: A two-part interview with Tony Buzan, the father of mind mapping, publishing and mind mapping expert Roger C. Parker and Michael Martine, the Remarkablogger.

Special reports focused on the core needs of business people. First up: The Ultimate Guide to Creating Executive Dashboards.

1-2 new mind map analyses per month. In these reports, I “deconstruct” a mind map based on best practices. I’ll explain what I think works well, and what could be improved. These reports will help you to better understand the characteristics of world-class visual maps.

Video reports and reviews of mind mapping software.

I’m adding new resources to this area every week – all of them focused on the needs of my readers who have a desire to become more effective in their work and more creative in their lives.

P.S. If you have already invested in the 1st or 2nd editions of my Power Tips & Strategies e-book, you’ll automatically receive a link to download the updated version – free of charge. It’s part of my way of saying thank you for investing in your visual mapping skills!

Survey results: I’m now analyzing the data from the recent mind mapping software user survey. It’s taking me a bit longer than expected, because I’m benchmarking the results from this year’s survey against a similar one I conducted in 2006. It’s an opportunity to see where visual mapping has evolved in the last half-decade. I want to do a thorough analysis of this data and the trends and insights it contains, so it will be another week or two until I release the survey results. Watch this blog and my Twitter stream for more details.

Power Tips & Strategies for Mind Mapping Software 3rd Edition: This updated and expanded third edition of my popular e-book is nearing completion. I’m estimating that it will take me about a month to finish updating the resources that will make this the most comprehensive collecti0n of best practices and productivity tips for mind mapping software available anywhere.

Basics of Mind Mapping Software report: As mind mapping continues to steadily grow in popularity, there is always a steady stream of people who are trying mind mapping software for the first time. It has its own set of terminology and practices that may be confusing at first. So I’m in the process of assembling an e-book that will be focused on arming first-time users with the knowledge they need to get up to speed faster with mind mapping software.

Focusing on your needs: Several of the questions in the recent survey focused on you and your needs: What do you need to know to be more productive with your software? What application of mind mapping software do you want to know more about? I’m now in the process of translating your feedback into a map of future content and resources for this blog – to ensure that it does the best possible job of delivering everything you need to be a master visual mapper.

I’m also in the early planning stages of several other initiatives that are aimed at building community and knowledge sharing among visual mappers. It’s too early to tell you about those right now. But when the time is right, I’ll spill all the details here on this blog. So watch for more details in the weeks and months ahead.

If you want to be informed when any of these resources become available, I urge you to sign up for my weekly e-newsletter, if you haven’t already done so. My Twitter feed is also an excellent source of updates.

Thanks for being a loyal reader of this blog!

Here are some of the things you’ll learn from this invaluable resource guide:

• How can you use visual maps to manage and conquer information overload?
• How can you use it to handle common business tasks?
• What common mistakes should you avoid when creating mind maps with software?
• How can you use visual maps to clarify your thinking and planning?
• What is the correct amount of detail to put into a visual map?
• Why is it important to use color, icons and topic formatting consistently?
• How can you avoid “map shock” when sharing your maps with colleagues and coworkers?
• How can you ensure that your maps communicate clearly?

It also contains over 20 case histories, where real users of mind mapping software explain how they create effective visual maps. Topics covered include:

• Writing a business proposal
• Strategic thinking
• Planning projects visually
• Managing process improvement
• Total life to-do list

Power Tips & Strategies for Mind Mapping Software contains a wealth of proven tips and strategies that will help you to be more productive and creative in 2009, and to meet your challenges head on!

Click here to learn more and purchase this valauble resource.