October 15, 2010 56 Comments

Mapping Your Projects

Mapping Your Business Projects

I was just looking through my projects to see what’s what, and where I’m spending my time and to understand how one thing might better feed another thing. In doing this, I found that drawing it out, using a mind map, was a great way to ensure that I could see some flow, some overlap, some sense of what was going to work and what wasn’t, and more importantly, where I might feed one thing with another thing. I want to talk about my projects, but I want you to be thinking about drawing a map like this for your own work. (If you want some advice on how to map ideas out, you can check out Mark Dykeman’s book, Unstuck, Focused, Organized – affiliate link.)

Understand Flow

In that graphic above, it dawned on me that my professional speaking is still a very important part of how I’m getting business. As I’m planning to throttle it back in 2011, I’m going to have to work to replace that experience. Yes, [chrisbrogan.com] also brings me a “home base” for all these projects, but that’s online, and somewhat insular.

It took drawing this out with some circles and lines (nothing fancy) to understand it better. What will you see when you map out your projects?

Scale and Growth

My efforts to grow New Marketing Labs have paid off, and we have a good practice going on over there. As I’m moving into helping develop The Pulse Network, our live streaming Internet TV network, I’m looking for ways that I can further feed those relationships, and help build up the content-community-marketplace projects that it will offer. But I didn’t learn how to scale myself and my ideas right away.

It wasn’t until figuring out how to run Human Business Works with Rob Hatch that I started realizing how vitally important scale is to a business and its development. Having smart people at NML was one great move. Having Rob at HBW so that he can help me execute my ideas even deeper into the system, and apply his own strategic and executive knowledge to them is golden. In drawing this out, it’s amazing how much of the picture Rob is acquiring as his area of responsibility. I didn’t see that before I mapped out the projects.

Looking for Focus

An entrepreneur looks for holes and tries to fill them. It’s a growth mindset. I’m naturally looking to push myself into new growth, but as I explained in my idea locker post, I’m trying my best to shelve a bunch of these for later. Drawing a map of my ideas lets me see where things might be getting a bit fuzzy and where I need even more focus.

One way I’m doing that is by hiring Merlene Paynter to run Human Business Media, which will oversee some of my blog properties, and will be a partnering opportunity for some other bloggers. That way, I don’t have to sit around and plan every move of HBM. Merlene can. And I can assist and share my vision and then she can run with it. I didn’t see how that would work until I drew out my plans visually, because I felt like it all fit nicely and that I could run it all myself.

Drawing Opens Up Ideas

Mapping a Show I’m working on a new TV show of my own for The Pulse Network. I can’t let C.C. Chapman and Steve Garfield have all the fun. In doing so, I wanted to figure out some topic areas so that I can cut the show segments/vignettes together in a similar way. I needed to draw pictures to get some better thoughts out of my head. I’m not there yet, but that picture to the right of this text gives you a sense of how I started. The next version of that picture really let me see what needed doing.

Have you used drawing in this fashion before? I’m finding it so useful to what I’m doing.

Again, if you want to check out Mark Dykeman’s work on the topic, I think it’s really useful. I’ll also be putting up a video review that I did recently that might be of interest on a related book.

Unstuck Focused Organized

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  • http://www.danieldecker.net Daniel Decker

    “It’s a growth mindset” is the big idea for me. Trying to always stay growth minded. Scale and residual focused. I’m learning / being forced into that even more as my business grows and as I begin to pull some new initiatives into the mix. Fun times.

    Question… when you hire people like Rob and Merlene are they contracted or are you actually hiring them as “employees”? Just curious of the structure you are using.

  • http://www.danieldecker.net Daniel Decker

    “It’s a growth mindset” is the big idea for me. Trying to always stay growth minded. Scale and residual focused. I’m learning / being forced into that even more as my business grows and as I begin to pull some new initiatives into the mix. Fun times.

    Question… when you hire people like Rob and Merlene are they contracted or are you actually hiring them as “employees”? Just curious of the structure you are using.

  • http://twitter.com/deb_orton Deb Orton

    Chris, I enjoyed this post and would add that it isn’t only entrepreneurs who would gain from following this advice. Each day I write on my to-do list…What can I do today to move the needle? You’ll see in some of my recent blog posts that I believe mapping a plan is critical, along with understanding outcomes and objectives.
    If our companies, our teams, ourselves, are not in growth mode then they will move the opposite direction. That is the way of nature.

  • http://geoffreywebb.wordpress.com/ Geoff Webb

    Thanks for sharing, Chris – I’m excited to check out Dykeman’s book. This is definitely how my brain works. I have a big roll of drawing paper near my desk at all times and the phrase, “uh oh, he’s going to the whiteboard” is heard at least once during every meeting.

  • http://thoughtwrestling.com/blog Mark Dykeman

    Thanks for the shout out, Chris!

    By the way, everyone, I recorded an interview with Chris specifically about mind mapping that I included in this product. I could almost see his arms waving with excitement as he talked – he’s really in to this stuff!

  • http://trafficcoleman.com/ TrafficColeman

    Chris for all the activities you have going on..you don’t need an map..you need an personal assistance. But It does shows you are an business guy who is expanding his business..

    “TrafficColeman “Signing Off”

    • http://www.paydayadvanceloan.co online

      I am a big fan of the mind mapping strategy for brainstorming and creatively putting a business plan in place

  • Mari

    Chris I love your writing style and crystal clear thought processes. I have been in marketing for both Fortune 100 and now online for many years and it is so refreshing to see someone straddle both with elegance like you. Looking forward to reading more and can’t wait to check out Mark’s book.

    Thanks for setting a great example! Mari

  • http://www.TheArtfulBusiness.com MonetteSatterfield

    I’ve seen this technique called “Mind Mapping” and use it myself when I’m starting a new book or project. It’s great to get it all on the page where you can study it instead of having free-form bits of ideas floating around your head. It works on almost any scale – from an article to a life plan!

  • http://linkedin.com/in/joesorge Joe Sorge

    Chris, this is truly inspiring Sir.
    Some of my favorite posts of yours are when you share “stream of consciousness” with us.

    Thank you.

  • Anonymous

    I learned this technique 20+ years ago when it was called “clustering” from the book “Writing the Natural Way” by Gabriele Lusser Rico. I used it then to help me write articles when I wrote a newspaper column and I continue to use it to explode new ideas, pull together odd thoughts and thoroughly map out an idea, concept, post, product, strategy, whatever.

    Whenever I get stuck, I cluster, sometimes on huge sheets of paper or rolls of paper so I can give my imagination and thoughts free run. I often paste them on the wall in my office to guide me.

    I’m so pleased to see this incredibly useful technique has taken on new life through mind-mapping, on paper and on screen. I’d suggest trying it if you haven’t yet.

    Thanks for sharing the inner workings of your mind and planning, Chris. Very helpful to see the process unfolding.

  • http://mydarabell.com/ Dara Bell

    Sounds like like your onfire. Having the right people seems to be ticket. I was just in the shop and the guy behind the counter said you look like you have alot stationery in your pocket. he was refering to my coloured pensils I use for mindmapping. Think he was taking the piss, but I proudly said no I mindmap.

    I used mind mapping to get my book fire-up and recieved a deal from a publisher. I mapped out the processes for completing it. I knew the project aims were large from the beggining as I wanted it to be an integrated experience. I found people to help in my own networks and the tricks I have learnt from Social Media people like, Trust Agents I think helped me up my following on Twitter and connect with new audiences. I think having it on paper meant I can or could see all the angles. I feel it will progress more smoothly.

    Thanks

    Dara

  • http://mydarabell.com/ Dara Bell

    Sounds like like your onfire. Having the right people seems to be ticket. I was just in the shop and the guy behind the counter said you look like you have alot stationery in your pocket. he was refering to my coloured pensils I use for mindmapping. Think he was taking the piss, but I proudly said no I mindmap.

    I used mind mapping to get my book fire-up and recieved a deal from a publisher. I mapped out the processes for completing it. I knew the project aims were large from the beggining as I wanted it to be an integrated experience. I found people to help in my own networks and the tricks I have learnt from Social Media people like, Trust Agents I think helped me up my following on Twitter and connect with new audiences. I think having it on paper meant I can or could see all the angles. I feel it will progress more smoothly.

    Thanks

    Dara

  • http://mydarabell.com/ Dara Bell

    Sounds like like your onfire. Having the right people seems to be ticket. I was just in the shop and the guy behind the counter said you look like you have alot stationery in your pocket. he was refering to my coloured pensils I use for mindmapping. Think he was taking the piss, but I proudly said no I mindmap.

    I used mind mapping to get my book fire-up and recieved a deal from a publisher. I mapped out the processes for completing it. I knew the project aims were large from the beggining as I wanted it to be an integrated experience. I found people to help in my own networks and the tricks I have learnt from Social Media people like, Trust Agents I think helped me up my following on Twitter and connect with new audiences. I think having it on paper meant I can or could see all the angles. I feel it will progress more smoothly.

    Thanks

    Dara

  • http://mydarabell.com/ Dara Bell

    Sounds like like your onfire. Having the right people seems to be ticket. I was just in the shop and the guy behind the counter said you look like you have alot stationery in your pocket. he was refering to my coloured pensils I use for mindmapping. Think he was taking the piss, but I proudly said no I mindmap.

    I used mind mapping to get my book fire-up and recieved a deal from a publisher. I mapped out the processes for completing it. I knew the project aims were large from the beggining as I wanted it to be an integrated experience. I found people to help in my own networks and the tricks I have learnt from Social Media people like, Trust Agents I think helped me up my following on Twitter and connect with new audiences. I think having it on paper meant I can or could see all the angles. I feel it will progress more smoothly.

    Thanks

    Dara

  • http://mydarabell.com/ Dara Bell

    Sounds like like your onfire. Having the right people seems to be ticket. I was just in the shop and the guy behind the counter said you look like you have alot stationery in your pocket. he was refering to my coloured pensils I use for mindmapping. Think he was taking the piss, but I proudly said no I mindmap.

    I used mind mapping to get my book fire-up and recieved a deal from a publisher. I mapped out the processes for completing it. I knew the project aims were large from the beggining as I wanted it to be an integrated experience. I found people to help in my own networks and the tricks I have learnt from Social Media people like, Trust Agents I think helped me up my following on Twitter and connect with new audiences. I think having it on paper meant I can or could see all the angles. I feel it will progress more smoothly.

    Thanks

    Dara

  • http://mazakaro.com Rahul @ MazaKaro

    I use Mind mapping in my projects as well It helps synchronize things

  • http://mazakaro.com Rahul @ MazaKaro

    I use Mind mapping in my projects as well It helps synchronize things

    • http://socialprattle.wordpress.com Joshua Barnes

      Rahul, I’ve used mind map, but something about drawing it out by hand makes it more effective to me. Perhaps it’s the tension created by knowing you can make a mistake and care must be taken in drawing. I think digital art is just as beautiful as analog, but something about putting it on a piece of paper or canvas just feels way different…more valuable maybe?

    • http://socialprattle.wordpress.com Joshua Barnes

      Rahul, I’ve used mind map, but something about drawing it out by hand makes it more effective to me. Perhaps it’s the tension created by knowing you can make a mistake and care must be taken in drawing. I think digital art is just as beautiful as analog, but something about putting it on a piece of paper or canvas just feels way different…more valuable maybe?

    • http://socialprattle.wordpress.com Joshua Barnes

      Rahul, I’ve used mind map, but something about drawing it out by hand makes it more effective to me. Perhaps it’s the tension created by knowing you can make a mistake and care must be taken in drawing. I think digital art is just as beautiful as analog, but something about putting it on a piece of paper or canvas just feels way different…more valuable maybe?

  • http://www.theemotionmachine.com Steven

    Chris, I always love seeing your hand-drawn mind maps. I too have been using these a lot lately to brainstorm ideas for products, product launches, blog marketing, and writing new content.

  • http://socialprattle.wordpress.com Joshua Barnes

    I love art like this; it’s kind of a cult-phenomenon that inspires people to think. Of course I think UPS probably is most well known, of late, for this little bit of personality.

    I actually find that drawing the ideas out conceptually helps me solidify what I can read or articulate into a form of permanence. I usually think that other people are going to think I’m a little crazy, because I’m always drawing workflows and relationships to help me be more efficient and effective.

    • http://thoughtwrestling.com/blog Mark Dykeman

      Mind Mapping works well with or without technology – whatever works best for you.

    • http://thoughtwrestling.com/blog Mark Dykeman

      Mind Mapping works well with or without technology – whatever works best for you.

    • http://thoughtwrestling.com/blog Mark Dykeman

      Mind Mapping works well with or without technology – whatever works best for you.

    • http://thoughtwrestling.com/blog Mark Dykeman

      Mind Mapping works well with or without technology – whatever works best for you.

    • http://thoughtwrestling.com/blog Mark Dykeman

      Mind Mapping works well with or without technology – whatever works best for you.

    • http://thoughtwrestling.com/blog Mark Dykeman

      Mind Mapping works well with or without technology – whatever works best for you.

  • http://twitter.com/frankmireault François R. Mireault

    Mind mapping also helps me because it always feels like “playing”. Your work becomes a game, and it’s usually a good thing ! :)

  • http://twitter.com/frankmireault François R. Mireault

    Mind mapping also helps me because it always feels like “playing”. Your work becomes a game, and it’s usually a good thing ! :)

  • http://twitter.com/frankmireault François R. Mireault

    Mind mapping also helps me because it always feels like “playing”. Your work becomes a game, and it’s usually a good thing ! :)

  • http://twitter.com/frankmireault François R. Mireault

    Mind mapping also helps me because it always feels like “playing”. Your work becomes a game, and it’s usually a good thing ! :)

  • http://twitter.com/frankmireault François R. Mireault

    Mind mapping also helps me because it always feels like “playing”. Your work becomes a game, and it’s usually a good thing ! :)

  • http://twitter.com/frankmireault François R. Mireault

    Mind mapping also helps me because it always feels like “playing”. Your work becomes a game, and it’s usually a good thing ! :)

  • http://twitter.com/IdeaSandbox Paul Williams

    Chris – I have found some analytical minded people are resistant to the idea of mind mapping… it seems almost too ‘artsy’ for them. While it may appear haphazard or artsy, as you know it is built on a very logical flow of one concept into the next.

    I’m sure this is pointed out in the book. But there is great value to getting ideas onto paper where you can see them – not just concepts in the head – and work with these ideas as if they were objects.

    Thanks for the post!

    • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

      Mark is a good one to answer that. : )

    • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

      Mark is a good one to answer that. : )

    • http://thoughtwrestling.com/blog Mark Dykeman

      Hi Paul. Absolutely, we talk about the flow, or decomposition, of one topic into its components. There are also some case studies in the product which describes a simple thought process by which a person takes an initial draft of a mind map and uses it to find holes and other connections, much in the way that Chris told me that he uses his mind maps.

      Good point to mention, Paul!

    • http://thoughtwrestling.com/blog Mark Dykeman

      Hi Paul. Absolutely, we talk about the flow, or decomposition, of one topic into its components. There are also some case studies in the product which describes a simple thought process by which a person takes an initial draft of a mind map and uses it to find holes and other connections, much in the way that Chris told me that he uses his mind maps.

      Good point to mention, Paul!

  • http://twitter.com/IdeaSandbox Paul Williams

    Chris – I have found some analytical minded people are resistant to the idea of mind mapping… it seems almost too ‘artsy’ for them. While it may appear haphazard or artsy, as you know it is built on a very logical flow of one concept into the next.

    I’m sure this is pointed out in the book. But there is great value to getting ideas onto paper where you can see them – not just concepts in the head – and work with these ideas as if they were objects.

    Thanks for the post!

  • http://twitter.com/TheSnarkShark MattB

    Does that say “Human business wolves?”

    • http://chrisbrogan.com Chris Brogan

      Wish it did. : )

  • Rhonda S Rice

    Another timely post from you Chris. I am joining a workshop with a client this week am prepping by mind mapping. Iopine to do it on paper and then finalize in something like iThoughts HD if I wish to share with others. Visual thinking, idea mapping, and visioneering are invaluable skills. One of the most memorable strategic planning sessions I’ve ever been a part of included storymapping facilitated by The Grove. As you’ve pointed out, all the details, collective ideas, connecting points (or lack thereof), and the BIG picture was clearly visible to all. See also David Sibbet’s book Visual Meetings for taking this to use in a group .

  • http://www.wilkiecraft.com Bill

    Chris, you are obviously a visual person, as am I. I love whiteboards and flip charts. I am always making charts and graphs, outlines and drawings. Something I have learned, though, is that these techniques are not intuitive for everyone. If I am going to draw a picture for my wife, for example, I need to explain it verbally. She needs to hear how the pieces fit together. She needs to discuss the interactions. She needs to talk about the drawing to make sense of it. It is not a matter of a right way and a wrong way, just an example of the wonderful diversity in human intelligence.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_V2APRK7AMP2CFXDMMMB4CVHHB4 Claud Jenifer

    visual thinking, concept mapping, and Visioneering are valuable skills. One of the most memorable meetings for strategic planning that They never been a part of storymapping included facilitated by The Grove. As people have pointed out all the details of collective ideas, points of connection.

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    Very useful and true information. Thanks a lot for this post.

  • http://www.giftsspace.com/blog Online Strategies

    Mapping a project has its own advantages. It’s like a dashboard that will remind you all the aspects related to a project. If it is mapped very well, then the project management is going to be very easy. Great Article.

  • http://www.giftsspace.com/blog Online Strategies

    Mapping a project has its own advantages. It’s like a dashboard that will remind you all the aspects related to a project. If it is mapped very well, then the project management is going to be very easy. Great Article.

  • Mmarket545

    I totally agree that mapping project steps will simplify the execution of it.

  • http://www.blackfridayplanet.com/ William Hushburn

    An entrepreneur should be a risk taker.

  • http://amsherpa.com/ Andrea Goodsaid

    Was just chatting about this article on Facebook – were your ears burning? :)

  • http://amsherpa.com/ Andrea Goodsaid

    Was just chatting about this article on Facebook – were your ears burning? :)

    • http://twitter.com/incomepower Jae Smith

      We sure were!

    • http://twitter.com/incomepower Jae Smith

      We sure were!

  • http://www.printmeashirt.com/design-your-own design your own t-shirt

    Map each new piece of work and work out therefore where you would like to run with it.