Idea Mapping: How to Access Your Hidden Brain Power, Learn Faster, Remember More, and Achieve Success in Business [Hardcover]

Jamie Nast (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 22, 2006 | ISBN-10: 0471788627 | ISBN-13: 978-0471788621

Praise for Idea Mapping


"Nast's work in Idea Mapping enables those with creative minds to clearly lay out their thinking process and those who are more process-minded to become creative. If your organization is looking for a pragmatic, step-by-step guide to idea mapping, this is it."
--Chris Brown, Executive Vice President, DTE Energy Resources

"I have used idea maps for thirty years and have taught MBA students, employees, and my children how to harness their power. I strongly recommend this book and believe you will feel it to be one of the best investments you have ever made in your own growth."
--Stephen C. Lundin, coauthor, FISH!

"This is a book that everyone should read. It's an interactive, thought-provoking book about the brain and learning that will expand your mind. Nast, an accomplished and well-respected instructor, has guided me into a new realm of learning experiences and possibilities. I'm sure you will feel the same upon reading her insightful work."
--Simon Tai, CEO, Buzan Centre Taiwan and S&J Media Intergration Co. Ltd., Host of News Discovery on NEWS 98 Taiwan

"Nast shows you a revolutionary method to capture your thinking processes. Don't underestimate the simplicity of idea mapping because therein lies its genius."
--Scott Hagwood, four-time USA Memory Champion, author, Memory Power

"The ability to visually capture and organize thoughts and ideas has enabled millions of people around the world to do their work with greater creativity and productivity, run their businesses more strategically, and manage complex projects more efficiently--even map out a sales process or new product roll-out. Nast's very practical, readable book will get you quickly up to speed on one of the simplest but most powerful ways to organize your ideas, your work, and yourself."
--Mike Jetter, cofounder and CTO, Mindjet Corporation, coauthor, The Cancer Code

"The principles Nast writes about in Idea Mapping have become a staple for me over the past fourteen years. I was turned onto the concept of idea mapping in 1992 and have been a student and practitioner ever since. This has absolutely transformed the way I learn, design learning, and prepare for public speaking. I have never been more confident in my recall, knowing the content is nicely tucked away in my brain as it was designed to be. Get ready for a life-changing experience for yourself and those you influence."
--Will Flora, Senior Manager, Chick-Fil-A University, Atlanta, GA

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

In this busy world, we're constantly asked to do more in less time. But how do you cope with the pressure? Idea mapping is the answer. It's an effective and revolutionary tool that enables you to meet the demands of life and work by improving your ability to plan, think, and learn.

Designed to help you use more of your brainpower with less effort, an idea map is a colorful visual representation of a particular issue, problem, or idea—among other applications—on a single piece of paper. Our brains are much better at absorbing, processing, and remembering information presented in the form of an idea map as opposed to information presented in a multi-linear document. Because idea maps represent facts and issues visually—engaging both hemispheres of the brain—they foster more efficient learning, enable you to approach problems more creatively, and help you think more systematically.

Author Jamie Nast has trained thousands of people at dozens of high-profile organizations on using idea maps. In Idea Mapping, she explains how you can apply the power of idea maps to your professional life—helping you and your teams plan better, increase productivity, organize complex information, save time, and develop new ideas and solutions.

To guide your way, this book includes actual idea maps created and used by twenty-one businesspeople from around the globe—as well as other handy resources you'll find on the CD-ROM. Nast explains the rules and logic of idea mapping and leads you through every step of the idea mapping process. She begins with simple idea maps and moves onto the more complex maps, while showing you how to understand and utilize idea maps to get the most benefit from them. In order to maximize the effectiveness of your maps, as well as your thinking, Nast guides you in overcoming potential obstacles when learning this valuable skill. More than just the theory of idea mapping, she provides a multitude of specific examples from which readers can gather ideas to begin practicing their own idea mapping skills.

The idea map is the ultimate tool for achieving more in business and in life. Whether you're an overwhelmed businessperson, an overworked entrepreneur, or someone who just wants to solve problems better and faster, Idea Mapping is a perfect tool for anyone who wants to work more efficiently—and succeed more spectacularly.

From the Back Cover

Praise for Idea Mapping

"Nast's work in Idea Mapping enables those with creative minds to clearly lay out their thinking process and those who are more process-minded to become creative. If your organization is looking for a pragmatic, step-by-step guide to idea mapping, this is it."
—Chris Brown, Executive Vice President, DTE Energy Resources

"I have used idea maps for thirty years and have taught MBA students, employees, and my children how to harness their power. I strongly recommend this book and believe you will feel it to be one of the best investments you have ever made in your own growth."
—Stephen C. Lundin, coauthor, FISH!

"This is a book that everyone should read. It's an interactive, thought-provoking book about the brain and learning that will expand your mind. Nast, an accomplished and well-respected instructor, has guided me into a new realm of learning experiences and possibilities. I'm sure you will feel the same upon reading her insightful work."
—Simon Tai, CEO, Buzan Centre Taiwan and S&J Media Intergration Co. Ltd., Host of News Discovery on NEWS 98 Taiwan

"Nast shows you a revolutionary method to capture your thinking processes. Don't underestimate the simplicity of idea mapping because therein lies its genius."
—Scott Hagwood, four-time USA Memory Champion, author, Memory Power

"The ability to visually capture and organize thoughts and ideas has enabled millions of people around the world to do their work with greater creativity and productivity, run their businesses more strategically, and manage complex projects more efficiently—even map out a sales process or new product roll-out. Nast's very practical, readable book will get you quickly up to speed on one of the simplest but most powerful ways to organize your ideas, your work, and yourself."
—Mike Jetter, cofounder and CTO, Mindjet Corporation, coauthor, The Cancer Code

"The principles Nast writes about in Idea Mapping have become a staple for me over the past fourteen years. I was turned onto the concept of idea mapping in 1992 and have been a student and practitioner ever since. This has absolutely transformed the way I learn, design learning, and prepare for public speaking. I have never been more confident in my recall, knowing the content is nicely tucked away in my brain as it was designed to be. Get ready for a life-changing experience for yourself and those you influence."
—Will Flora, Senior Manager, Chick-Fil-A University, Atlanta, GA

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Wiley (September 22, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0471788627
• ISBN-13: 978-0471788621
• Product Dimensions: 6.4 x 1.2 x 9.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #135,983 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Jamie Nast is committed to guiding individuals and organizations towards overcoming barriers to achieving success -- including those which reside in one's own mind.

To date over 19,000 people have been through Jamie's Idea Mapping Workshop. She is an accomplished conference speaker and has consulted for a wide array of clients both domestically and internationally including: Abu Dhabi Oil Company, ACH (Automotive Components Holding, LLC), AIB (American Institute of Banking), ABA (American Bankers Association), Association of Christian Schools International, BMC Software, Boeing, BP, Chattanooga Advertising Federation, Communities in Schools of Florida, ConocoPhillips, CPPIB (Canadian Pension Plan Investment Board), CSHET, Diabetes Partnership of Cleveland, Dow Chemical, DTE Energy, The Dwight School, Farmington Hills Public Schools, Forward Training & Consulting (Amman, Jordan), Franklin Templeton, Ford Motor Company, GM, General Physics, HSMAI, IIBA, Institute of Management Accountants, L.L.Bean, Larimer County Government, Macomb Intermediate School District, MARC Advertising, Matrix Imaging, Mayo Clinic, Mercy High School, Middle Tennessee State University, Mindwerx International of Australia, Ontario Teachers Pension Plan, Operation Smile, Pennsylvania College of Optometry, PMI INPD Community of Practice, PMI New Jersey Chapter's Annual Conference, Psychotherapy Networker, RMC Project Management Bookstore, Saline Leadership Institute, Software Spectrum, Takreer, Tranquility du Jour with Kimberly Wilson, U.S. Army Ammunition Management, University of Pittsburgh Institute For Entrepreneurial Excellence, University of Warsaw in Poland, VHA Inc., VizThink, and Willow Run High School.

Jamie's first book Idea Mapping: How to Access Your Hidden Brain Power, Learn Faster, Remember More, and Achieve Success in Business (published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.) was released September 20, 2006. It is currently being sold around the globe and is translated into Japanese and Russian and being translated into Serbian, Bulgarian, and Korean. This book combines her real-world business experience with her teaching and Idea Mapping skills. Using her unique, results-oriented coaching strategies, she brings her workshop right to the reader. Jamie was published in the October 1996 issue of Personal Excellence, was a guest on VoiceAmerica.com in February 2004, and had a column featured in Purdue University's Krannert Magazine in November 2006. In January 2007 she was a guest on both the Rolanda Watts Show (Hollywood, CA) and A Closer Look hosted by Leslie Stone of Summit City Radio (Ft. Wayne, IN). She was a guest on BCTV's Michigan Entrepreneur Show in both July and September of 2007.

Jamie was born and raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and currently lives in Plymouth, Michigan, where she and her husband founded NastGroup, Inc. in 1998. NastGroup is a training and consultancy organization. She has specialized in mind potential optimization since 1992. Her workshops augment mental aptitudes and maximize individual and organizational productivity. Her range of expertise spans Idea Mapping, speed reading, leadership, creating personal missions, memory, presentations, tapping creativity, strategic planning, and graphic facilitation.

From 1992 until 2006 Jamie directed Buzan Centres USA and was the only Senior Master Trainer representing Buzan Centres world-wide for mind mapping and other mental literacy skills. During that time she mentored over 15,000 people world-wide towards better mental productivity and certified 109 Qualified Buzan Instructors from 24 countries. She also wrote the Think, Learn & Create Workshop instructor training manual for the Buzan Centres.

She spent 12 years at Electronic Data Systems in management and leadership training capacities and was certified as a trainer for Steven Covey's Seven Habits of Highly Effective People in 1996. She is a graduate of Purdue University with a BA in Industrial Management and a minor in Computer Science.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

104 of 116 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars The author, regrettably with all her good intentions, did not focus on the true power & value of 'idea-mapping' in this book!, February 3, 2007

By 

Lee Say Keng "KNOWLEDGE ADVENTURER/TECHNOLOGY... (Ho Chi Minh City/Singapore) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Idea Mapping: How to Access Your Hidden Brain Power, Learn Faster, Remember More, and Achieve Success in Business (Hardcover)

Frankly, I regret to point out that this book is just another 'how-to' mind-mapping book. Essentially, it's no different from what Tony Buzan or Vanda North or Joyce Wycoff had written earlier.

Except for one: The author has now fully incorporated the use of MindManager software to go with it. Undoubtedly, MindManager can expedite the mind-mapping process. [With all the available third-party add-ons, MindManager is really a godsend!]. In some way, you can say reading this book is like reading any of Tony Buzan's mind-mapping books, syntopically with the 'MindManager for Dummies' book! In reality, this book is not ground-breaking & does not offer any new insights into idea generation.

I must add, however, for a beginner into techno-savvy mind-mapping, this book is still great stuff. I also want to compliment the author for listing out a series of 28 mind-mapping applications & suggested practice activities in the Idea Mapping Menu at the end pages!. For beginners, this is obviously a very good place to start.

My only adverse comment about mind-mapping as envisioned by Tony Buzan & his staunch followers is that every topical idea must seemingly take a radial approach & commence from the centre. This book doggedly follows the same approach.

Nancy Margulies, in her debut book, Mapping Innerspace, during the early eighties, took a radical departure from the Buzan routine. She created 'mind-scaping' - your topical idea can start from anywhere you like - which I thought is really great!.

To some extent, 'Idea-mapping' as the book title is quite a misnomer. It is obvious to me that the author has a somewhat narrow perspective, arising from her only chosen exposure to Buzan's mindmapping routines & the MindManager software.

A truly 'idea-mapping' book should provide readers with a smorgasbord of options to go beyond traditional mind-mapping & just MindManager alone. To illustrate a quick point, 'mind-scaping' routines appear exceptionally wonderful with SmartDraw Pro (with its abundant templates & cliparts) or even Microsoft Visio.

'Concept mapping' routines, with the topical idea starting from the super-ordinate hierarchy as postulated by Joseph Novak, & 'causal loop diagramming' routines (from the field of systems thinking) are pieces of cake with 'Inspiration' software. 'Fish-bone diagramming' & 'flow-charting' (which are other forms of idea-mapping) with either 'Inspiration' or 'SmartDraw' softwares are some good examples, too. There are too numerous other software examples to cover in this review. [For readers who are visual thinkers with a high propensity towards conceptual modeling, I would even suggest the AXON Idea Processor. It has an impressive 3-D modeling capability, with a 500-level depth migration. Incidentally, it's also a Singaporean thoroughbred!]

In the course of my work, I have come across a lot of followers who are simply indoctrinated by the mindsets of mind-mapping as envisioned by Tony Buzan.

I would like to share with readers the true power & value of idea-mapping:

An idea-map is just a visual tool to jot down & organise ideas & then use it to generate insights, irrespective of whether they are from reading a book or just stretching your brain for a change. This is the initial response. Once, this map is drawn up - with or without software -, it's just an exploded-view (map) of what you have just captured. Period! Most kids at primary school level can do it very well.

After the idea- map is done, you step back, take an helicopter view & reflect on it, by seeing the bigger & broader picture as well as from the systemic relationships between what has been written or drawn on the map. You can then add to or may even subtract from the map. A lot of thinking (& reflection) on your part goes into this stage. Tactically, you also cross-pollinate from what you have read elsewhere as well as from your own &/or other peoples' experiences in connection with your reflections (or memory jogs!) from the idea map. This is what I call the reflective response.

Lastly, comes the final response, with which you readily integrate (or internalise) what you have done in the initial & reflective responses, into what you are thinking &/or planning to do. The resultant outcome is your assimilative response. Using another lingo, this is your strategic model. This is where the actual value of an idea map is primarily located! Not in the beautiful map - with or without software - you have drawn in the first place! (I also note that a lot of Buzan followers simply love to spend time & effort in beautifying their mind-maps! This is really crazy!)

I love to call this end-point process the 'water logic' of idea generation, to borrow a phrase from Edward de bono.

The true value or ROI of an idea-map is WHERE IT LEADS YOU TO.

Of course, having a beautifully drawn or crafted idea-map is good for the ego - looking good, but going nowhere!

Just as I have said earlier, this book has really great stuff for the beginner into techno-savvy mind-mapping. But, please don't just stop here because life as well as business issues are never centralised. So, keep exploring! The world is full of possibilities!

To summarise my review, the author, regrettably with all her good intentions, did not focus on the true power & value of idea-mapping in this book.

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good introduction to mapping, September 26, 2006

By 

C. Goldberg "Mapping Enthusiast" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Idea Mapping: How to Access Your Hidden Brain Power, Learn Faster, Remember More, and Achieve Success in Business (Hardcover)

I am a mapper of more than 30 years and use it daily. I collect mapping books and I truly believe that this is an excellent introductory "how-to" as well as providing real life stories of mappers from various walks of life. In addition, the 28 ideas for moving into mapping instead of linear work is a good one. Most books just provide a one or two word list. Jamie's is the idea and then several sentences explaining the idea. My only quarrel with the book was COLOR; however, a quick trip to the website provides all the maps in color. Color printing increases the cost of a book so this is a great way to solve the problem. One reviewer mentions a book by Buzan. The particular book he mentions is not available any more and the one that replaced it is not of quality.

31 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Lop off one star for not clarifying how it is different from Mind Mapping, September 23, 2006

By 

Jagadeesh K. Venugopal - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Idea Mapping: How to Access Your Hidden Brain Power, Learn Faster, Remember More, and Achieve Success in Business (Hardcover)

Jamie has written a nice book on the subject of mind mapping. Her book is replete with examples from a variety of situations, including a moving one with a person who had a terminal illness. There are excellent guidelines on how to mind map. In short, a person could learn to use this excellent tool without any additional books, or even software. Her book is much lower on the hype index than Buzan's books.

The problem I have with Jamie's book is that she calls her mind maps something different -- Idea Maps. Now that could very well be because "mind maps" is a trademarked term. But she should have been candid enough to admit that. There is some attempt at differentiating the two concepts, but the differences seem rather contrived.

For a subject as visual and colorful as mind mapping, there are exactly zero color pages depicting mind maps. For a business book with a twenty five dollar list price, the author and publisher could have bound in a few pages containing the maps in full color. The impact of her message would have been much greater that way.

Another quibble is that there are a number of mind maps that are purportedly too large to be printed. The reader is directed to a web site to download the mind maps. These could easily have been included in the CD at the back of the book, which contains trial software from a commercial vendor. Another great idea would have been to include a mind map of her book with the CD.

These quibbles aside, I consider "Idea Mapping" to be a great introduction to mind mapping. No new ground is broken, but nevertheless, it is a worthy introductory text.

Beginning readers might also wish to consider Tony Buzan's "The Mind Map Book" which is in full color, and covers the same ground.