Running a business has many moving parts that can get unorganized and cause chaos. When you have chaos, you have serious problems with planning, meeting deadlines, and building your business to sustain your life. But, there are ways to conquer the issues associated with organizing your thoughts. Choosing the right tools just depends on what type of thinker you are: linear or visual.
If you’re a linear thinker, you prefer lists over mind maps. The following tools will offer every type of organization that you need to get your thoughts and ideas in order.
* Evernote – This software has many features, such as the ability to sync all your saved notes and so forth among all your devices. This means you can capture and organize information from anywhere.
* Paper – That’s right; you can use a combination of paper, files, and notebooks to organize your life. Some people do better this way. That’s why the old-fashioned FiloFax still sells well. Some people just like the feel of paper; it makes them feel accomplished.
* Zoho Notebook – This is part of the entire Zoho suite. Individuals can use it free, but businesses can choose between a few different price points. It has many different ways to get organized and you can also, depending on the level you choose, use it for team management.
* UberNote – This tool works with the programs you already use, and lets you add notes, files, bookmarks, clips and more from anywhere. You can use it free or pay about 8 dollars a month for premium.
* Webasyst – You put this app on your own server, and then you add different functions to it with modules. If you’re technologically inclined, this might work for you.
* Wridea – This is a cloud-based idea management service that lets you save your ideas, clips and more online in an organized manner so that you can find the ideas when you need them most.
* Wunderlist – An organization app that works cross platforms, literally on any device, to help you manage your tasks. While it’s more for organizing tasks, it’s still a good app for those who are partial to lists.
* Asana – This is really a full-fledged project management tool that lets you get more organized and collaborate with others, but it should be included in this list for those of you who need reminders about ideas.
* Reddit – One of the few remaining bookmaking sites that exists, and that’s because it works well. Of course, it’s more than that, but if you like one place to read everything you want to save for later, this is it.
* FreeMind – This mind-mapping software is downloaded onto your computer for use free of charge. It offers all the features of other mind-mapping software, but without the cost. But, you will need to be technologically wise to use it.
* Wisemapping – This is easy-to-use free cloud-based mind-mapping software to use for organizing your thoughts and expanding your ideas.
* Bubbl.us – More mind-mapping software used by several high ranking colleges and business. It has several price points so that anyone can use it. You can save your work to image or even HTML, which offers many different opportunities.
* Mindomo – A very full-featured cloud-based mind-mapping solution that allows you to create, collaborate, and share your mind maps with others. There are plans for individuals and teams.
* Gliffy – Do you need professional flow charts, organizational diagrams, technical drawings or other organizational tools such as these? If you do, this software is for you. Together with Confluence you can add diagrams to your Wiki to be even more organized.
There are numerous software solutions and apps that you can use to organize your thoughts and ideas. Which one you like is going to depend on how your mind works, and how you think best. Some people shine with mind maps, others feel like poking their eyes out. Which one are you?