Mind mapping software is an awesome planning, brainstorming and decision-making tool that can help you to survive and thrive during these tough times. That’s why I’d like to announce a contest, which I’m conducting in cooperation with Mindjet, the developer of MindManager.

Gyronix, the developer of GyroQ, a marvelous tool for capturing ideas and automating the process of adding them to your MindManager maps, has just released an even more powerful version 2, which offers MindManager 8 and Mindjet Connect compatibility, and adds several new tagging and map building enhancements.

One of the real advantages of MindManager is that it appeals not only to “power users” but it is also well enough designed that a newcomer can get started with the basics, without becoming too overwhelmed. Also, it is supported by a dedicated group of developers who write a variety of add-ins that further extend its functionality – and your productivity. As with any “deep” product, it’s hard for the average person to fully understand all that this program is capable of. That’s why I’ve assembled this list of 10 lesser-known capabilities of MindManager that can help you to increase your productivity.

When it comes to brainstorming with mind mapping software, most of us need a catalyst – something to jump-start our thinking in fresh directions. And that’s where a tool like theRealizer, a cool brainstorming add-in for MindManager and Visual Mind, can really help. Realize AB, the developer of theRealizer, recently released version 2 of this tool, which offers the ability to configure it to meet your needs.

MindManager 8, released today, is a giant leap forward for business users of visual mapping. Its well-designed integrated workspace, database connectivity and vastly improved map sharing and collaboration capabilities will save you time and should take your productivity to a whole new level. Read on for a detailed review of MindManager 8′s groundbreaking new features.

YouTube contains an impressive collection of videos that are focused on MindManager, including many tutorials on how to get the most out of it.

A master map is a map of all of your mind maps. In other words, it’s a single mind map that enables you to organize and quickly access all of the visual diagrams you have created with your mind mapping software. It’s a key to increasing your productivity with your mind mapping software. Here’s how to create one.

A recent article on IT-Director.com describes the evolution of mind mapping in four phases. I think this model makes a lot of sense. Here’s a summary of it.

According to C.J. Cornell, writing in the latest issue of Mindjet’s newsletter, the developer’s new Connect collaborative workspace tool is likely to have a bigger impact than most people realize.