Mind maps are tools that help us think and remember better, creatively solve problems and take action. The mind map encourages creativity and flexibility, and you need these to make your resolutions happen! Mind maps help you think outside box.

If you’ve already made your list, try turning it into a mind map. If you haven’t made your list yet, try this strategy.

WHY MIND MAPS WORK

·They help you avoid thinking linearly ·They open you up to creativity and new ways of thinking ·They’re more realistic, because most things aren’t orderly to begin with ·They help you get big picture ·They naturally hook into your right brain, where creativity and intuition can help you

Not all ideas organize themselves tidily into an outline format, and linear thinking is limiting. HOW TO DO A MIND MAP

Using an unlined piece of paper, work quickly without pausing, judging or editing. If you pause, judge or edit, you’re encouraging linear thinking and analysis-paralysis and idea that things have to be perfect before you can begin. The idea behind mind map is to think creatively in a non-linear manner. Using unlined piece of paper, start with your resolution, central idea, in middle. Write it down in center, and then think up new ideas, action points and strategies that relate to it and can make it happen. Let these radiate out from central idea. Focus on key ideas, using your own words, and then look for branches. Using this visual method helps you understand and remember better, be open to possibilities, and avoid restrictions of an outline or list format.

Later on you can modify information, but first just get every possibility into mind map. Once you’ve got central idea down in middle, use lines, colors, arrows, or branches to complete idea. You’ll see how freeing it is not to have to worry about “order” they’re in. After all, when you’re working on a resolution, you’ll most likely be working on several things at same time. The mind map helps you avoid that paralyzing thought of where to begin. Begin anywhere; point is to begin.

Turn your piece of paper landscape style. This gives you maximum amount of room to work with. Leave lots of space so you can go back and add to them. You may want to highlight something, add information or questions later on.

EXAMPLE

It is NOT merely an announcement that your business exists. It is NOT simply about attracting new customers. And it is NOT your greatest source of generating profits.

Promotion IS, however, active portion that fuels sales cycle of your business. It is last domino to be placed in line, and yet one that starts chain reaction bringing them all down.

Let me explain.

IT'S NOT ABOUT YOU

Before you can focus on increasing your customer base, you've got to start out by defining exactly what it is you are offering them. However, don't make fatal error of describing your product or service in terms of what you do, but rather in terms of how your customers benefit.

Your products cannot simply be items, but rather solutions for your customers problems, answers to their questions, improvements to their lives, savings on their time or money, or deliverers of their dreams.

By first defining those distinct purposes you then have power to promote using subjects people actually search for, read about, and pay attention to.

DON'T ANNOUNCE, INFORM

No one really cares about your business but you. Others only care about what it can do for them. So when it comes time to do your promotion, focus on providing exactly that type of information. You'll attract more attention by focusing on end result provided to your customer than you ever will describing how your product or service works.

MORE THAN JUST ADVERTISING

Most view promotional efforts as a process for attracting new customers. While that is a large part of it, there should be far more involved.

Not only can promotion attract attention of new people, it also:

*brands your name on minds of customers and non- customers alike. *demonstrates continued activity of your business *reminds existing customers of your products and services *establishes credibility *furthers existing business relationships or partnerships *and reinforces your business's position in your industry

A COMMON MISTAKE

Focusing solely on attracting new potential customers is actually a common mistake among businesses.

A greater source of continued revenue, and fastest way to increase profits, is through retention of repeat customers. All promotion should be aimed, right from beginning, at not only attracting new clients, but in keeping them around.

Getting new customers is most expensive aspect of business. Continued selling to existing customers, however, is most profitable.