Good morning,

I just downloaded some project management/task software called Mindjet MindManager (30-day trial). It looks pretty cool so far. It has a MS Office 2007 type interface and allows you to create mind maps and other mapping type things (org charts, to-do lists, projects etc.). I've only just started playing with it to create a To-Do list (I've got a lot of things going on at the J.O.B and wanted to organize my very long To-Do list into something a bit more project based) but I think that I really like it so far and it seems to be doing what I want. I like Outlook but it wasn't really working for me the way I wanted to view things so I wanted to try something else out.

Here are just a couple of things that I think are pretty cool so far:

• Map View or Outline View - allows me to either look at the over all big picture or I see a more traditional style list
• Event/topic information - I always feel like Outlook forces me to schedule everything, I can do that with this but it feels more like an afterthought rather than "I have to do it" (I only put one date so far because I know when it's due but the others just show up as a To-Do item without all of the "event" junk that Outlook seemed to tie me to...start-time, end-time, etc.)
• Outlook Integration - There's a "module" on the ribbon that looks like it allows you to add contacts and such right into Outlook rather than having to go into Outlook
• Organization/related materials - this is probably my favorite thing so far. You can "attach" notes, images, or other documents right to the topic to keep everything right there at your fingertips! (hint: I think this would be a great tool for designing a website)

So, anyhow, that's my very basic review of what I've experienced with Mindjet MindManager. I'm not sure, but I think you can also collaborate with clients or colleagues as well. (ok, maybe I should have done more research before posting this...lol)

Here's a what their brief website blurb says...

"Our award-winning mind mapping software lets you create big picture maps to brainstorm, organize information, manage meetings, deliver presentations, manage projects and much more. Now enhanced with a map player, integrated Web browsing and search, automated task management and real-time database linking.

Added Value! Electronic purchase includes free MindManager 8 Fundamentals Training, a $29.95 value. Get productive faster with this self-paced, Web-based course. Watch your order confirmation email for details."

As I've said, I'm using the 30-day trial right now and it costs a hefty $349 for the regular version + an extra $129 if you want to upgrade it (I'm not sure what that does). But, it does seem like a really good tool so far.

QUESTION: Has anyone else ever tried this out? What are your thoughts? Are there other tools that you tried that seem to do the same things? Do you think the cost would be worth it (maybe not just starting out but down the road when you have a lot more going on that needs to be organized)?

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Stephanie
New VA in the research phase :daisy:

I was just about to close the site and saw this. It's the add-on that you need in order to collaborate with other people on the team. Here's what it says:

Mindjet Connect is a Web-based collaboration add-in for MindManager for Windows (version 7.2 or higher required) that promotes teamwork, saves money by reducing travel expenses and decreases data loss risk by storing your documents securely online. Users can create, manage and share MindManager maps and other documents online and access them anytime, from anywhere. Other MindManager users from around the world (or just in different rooms) can simultaneously work on the same map and see each other's changes as they happen.

For as little as $10 per month per user, you get:

* Collaborative multi-user mapping with MindManager Windows and MindManager Web
* Online workspace to store and share maps and documents more efficiently (includes 200MB of storage per user)
* Web conferencing to collaborate online
* MindManager Web for browser-based online mind mapping and information diagramming

So, this would mean that I would have to pay $10 per month AND each of my clients that wanted to use it would have to pay $10 per month as well. PLUS, I would imagine, they'd have to purchase the software as well since it's not web based.

I haven't done a whole lot of research into these tools yet (Basecamp etc.) so what do you think? Is that outrageous? I'm thinking something like this might be great for larger organizations or people who have the type of projects going on that involve a lot of VA/client collaboration and team work but is it too much for what most of us probably do?

(by the way, I'm starting to think this isn't the most practical of solutions due to cost. Although, I do love what I can do with it. Sorry if I wasted your time )

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Stephanie
New VA in the research phase :daisy: