I am a MindManager Pro 6 user and use it on a daily basis for both business and in my personal life. I like MindManager's ease of use and intuitive User Interface. The export to MS Word function comes in handy when I use MindManager to take minutes or Business Requirement Specifications during a workshop. I taught a few people how to mind map and they took to MindManager like a fish to water.
	I am also in the process of evaluation other mind mapping software and will publish my recommendations on this page. I have downloaded a trial copy of NovaMind and am in the process of writing a review on it.

For people new to mind mapping, I have written the following bit of information.

What you need before you start:

1. Blanks sheet of paper. Preferably an A3 sheet.

2. Coloured pencils

Turn the A3 sheet into landscape mode.

Now you should draw an object in the middle of the sheet. Here you can let your creative juices flow. The objective of this drawing in the middle of the page is to use as the main theme for the map. In the beginning I used to start with a square or a circle in which I wrote the heading or main theme.

Now start drawing branches out of this middle object and write a word or a few words to describe the branch. You may draw many smaller branches out of the main branch, and you may also draw many main branches. As long as each branch represents an idea or fact, you should record it.

The nice thing about computer mind mapping packages is that you can cut and paste branches. Unlike a paper drawing where you will have to erase and redraw if you need changes or additions done to your drawing. See below for a simple map.

Congratulations! You have created your first mind map! You should now experiment and create whatever you need.

While you are at it, why don't you have a look at the following mind map created with NovaMind?