Have you ever found yourself having to decide between two or more positive options? If you’re like me you immediately start “pro-con” lists to help make the decision. But the problem with that approach is that sometimes you end up with lists that suggest you choose each of the options. Basically you’re back where you started.

There is an alternative approach: the mind map. Mind mapping has been around for thousands of years. Going all the way back to the ancient Greeks, you can find literature explaining the use of mind mapping in decision-making, problem solving, and all areas of study. Today writers commonly use mind mapping as a brainstorming technique.

Typically a mind map starts with a single word or idea graphically represented in the center of a page. Then, radiating out from the center are branches (similar to tree branches) each representing a train of thought or an option to be considered. As you continue out from the center, you freely associate ideas to the branch without making value judgments or prioritizing. As options present other options, they are represented as a branch off of the presenting branch. A completed map might look something like this:

For a more developed discussion of mind mapping and several good links related to it Click Here

I’m a natural-born dreamer. I was the kind of kid that always had a note on my report card (back when there was such a thing) saying something in the manner of, “Needs to pay attention - less daydreaming.”
I’m still a dreamer, although I much prefer the euphemism “visionary.” When I was a kid I dreamed of catching fish and frogs and snakes; today I dream of impacting the world of nonprofits and philanthropy, of traveling the world and enabling missions, and “Helping nonprofit entrepreneurs do the good they do . . . better.”

Lately I’ve been reading the work of another dreamer, Tim Ferris. Tim’s national best-selling book, “The 4-Hour Workweek” is more philosophy of life than it is strategy for escapism. Tim has the audacity to challenge the way we do business even to the point of eliminating emails, voicemail, telephone calls, meetings, and the traditional office. He is a master of “less is more.” And, more importantly, the commodity he wants to teach us how to have more of is time. Can you imagine what life would be like if you could have more discretionary time? Read Tim’s book.

In an effort to help you keep up with the Coach, we’re going to add a map to our web site that shows where we’ve been doing workshops and coaching retainers. Here’s the beta version (just zoom out to see more): Click for Aardvark Map

Tomorrow the Foundation Center is offering an exciting opportunity. Check out this notice straight from their website:

Coming Tomorrow: Free Day of FDO Professional

Watch for a free trial of Foundation Directory Online Professional. Until 10 pm (ET) Tuesday, you can explore four databases and new interactive maps & charts showing a funder’s grant distributions. Don’t miss it!

This is a wonderful opportunity for nonprofits that have not already subscribed (as recommended by The Grant Writing Coach). Check it out at http://foundationcenter.org/ or simply Click Here

and you’ll find it in the lower left hand corner.

If you’re unsure how to do an FC search, or where to begin, just refer to your Grant Writing Coach workshop workbook (page 21), or access the centers own step-by-step instructions. But whatever you do, take advantage of this opportunity! Happy searching, and may you find the grant you need.

If you’re anything like me you love to find quick and easy assistance for your every day tasks. I always think if there’s a simpler, more efficient way to do it - do it!

I have several blogs I read as I continually search for the simpler and more efficient. Here are two wonderful links I think will be a huge help to you in your business endeavors:

•   To learn some creative advanced Google search techniques, visit Randy Elrod’s June 30th blog: http://randyelrod.typepad.com/ or Click Here
  
•   To learn ways to simplify and lighten your way of doing business, visit Common Craft’s blog: http://commoncraft.com/blog or Click Here