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| Name: Renee’ Groskreutz | |
| Title: Vice President/Creative Barista at Ralph’s Design & Deli | |
| Started using Mindjet: 2012 | |
| Social links: Twitter, Twitter, reneeooutofoffice.com, ralphsdesignanddeli.com |
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How did you hear about Mindjet?
Last July I was looking for a note that I had taken about a client’s blog design and realized that I had left it at my other office. This was quite frustrating for me because this was an issue I had often. I would take notes on pieces of paper and then either be unable to find the paper later on, or realize that I had left it elsewhere when I needed it most.
At that moment, I decided that I was going to go paperless. My first goal was to find an app for my iPad that would allow me to take handwritten notes, but in that journey I ran across Mindjet. I immediately downloaded the app and as cheesy as it may sound, my life has never been quite the same. As a matter of fact, I am still using my original iPad (Gen 1) and I will likely only upgrade if and when Mindjet no longer works on it.
What do you primarily use it for?
I cannot say that I have a primary use for Mindjet because it has basically become my second brain. When someone says to me, “I have a great idea,” I tend to whip out my iPad and immediately start mind mapping it. I use it to map out blogs on a quarterly basis or just as a place to brain dump as I have ideas. And I use it to organize process and procedures for my business.
What is your favorite feature and why?
My favorite feature is how incredibly easy it is to use. It does not require a great deal of setup. I can basically create a map and then just start mapping. For me, this means that it never gets in the way of my creativity. It allows my ideas to flow as they come.
However, as far as direct features go, I like the fact that I can easily add my own notes and that I don’t have to go to another app for that. The best part is that when I print out my map later, my notes are right there.
Is there anything the tool helps with that was unexpected?
Yes, it has helped me be even more organized than I could have imagined. When I bought this tool I also purchased a note-taking app and a really great calendar tool but Mindjet has become my go-to. When I am mind mapping a new project, the early stages are generally analytical in nature and I greatly appreciate the fact that Mindjet allows the creative and analytical process at the same time. It’s easy to move bubbles around and reorganize — I can brain dump pieces and organize them better later is where it helps me the most. It’s so forgiving.
Tell us about your map.
This is a map of a brainstorming session about a blog post for Ralph’s Design & Deli. In this map you will notice that there is a red arrow pointing from one idea to another. This is another great feature of Mindjet because it allows me to associate ideas without cut/paste repetitive info. When blogging it is important to have internal links from one post to another, but it can sometimes be difficult to remember what should link to what and Mindjet makes this easy.
[Click for full sized image]
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As the Chief of Creative, Renee supports and strategizes the design needs of clients’ social media platforms, blog builds, brand activation and creative strategy. She is the co-author of 15 Twitter Tips for Authors & Other Grownups (who don’t know what the h?ll to do), writer for “90-Day Social Media Plan for Small Business” and understands how authors need help automating their marketing efforts so they can keep writing. She is also a monthly columnist for Authorlink.com. She runs her own blog called Renee Out of Office that highlights her journey in alternative work solutions. Learn more about her (and check out her own blog design) at http://ReneeOutofOffice.com
Here at Mindjet, we know the value of sharing ideas. It’s just like philosopher Michel de Montaigne said way back in the 1500s: “It is good to rub and polish our brain against that of others.” The Mindjet User Spotlight series aims to help that little endeavor along by bringing your stories and experiences with Mindjet to the forefront. If you’ve got one to share, don’t be shy! Give us a shout.
