Exploring a creative mindset with mind mapping tools

If you're getting serious about blogging or content writing, you might face the problem of not knowing how to continue with posting. It's a common rule that you should write down what comes to your mind, make a list of the ideas you'd like to discuss. It's a really good way to get a fresh perspective on your older thoughts  and you can avoid to shift away from your main topic.

Modern brainstorming tools

Most of the times I really like to stick to old-fashioned things like taking notes with pen and paper or my antiquated mobile phone, but then again, I'm really into hot new tech stuff as well. I thought I'd search for some crazy mind-mapping tools and see how they'd ease my thinking.

I've found a great number of creative tools, but I've chosen three that I'm thinking of using regularly:

MindMeister

You can sign up for free and try lots of great functions to plan a whole project in detail. This tool is dedicated  for companies mainly, but I think it can be useful for bloggers as well. You can add notes, different kinds of icons and images, tasks and due dates and the 'ideas' can be shared and edited simultaneously.

MindMeister

Bubbl.us

This one is way simpler than MindMeister and you can start brainstorming without registering. There are no fancy icons or images here, but you can easily export the sheet with your precious ideas.

Bubbl.us

Gliffy

Very professional, my personal favourite. While looking at this one I realized I could use this tool not only for brainstorming, but to do more. The landing page has convinced me in such a way that I felt a certain urge to create a flowchart, a floor plan and a venn diagram as well, even though I don't really need them right now.

Gliffy

Freelance copywriting or not?

Writing for me is like revealing my creativity and using it for creating something. Not so long I was playing a little with the idea of becoming a copywriter, so I started to read forums about it. I've met someone who's into this profession and I thought I'd interview her, then share it with you.

I would like to mention that I was thinking about copywriting as an alternative money-making option, but didn't know if I'm ready to give up my freelance career, so I asked Diana if it's worth it.

She explained that she has started freelancing about 7 months ago after deciding to give up her 9-5 job (she was a content writer for a website about fashion, lifestyle and beauty). So, with the knowledge and experience gained as a writer, it seemed a fun idea to her to write articles for different people from all over the world.

The Office Beatnik: How did you become a freelance writer?

Diana: I've always loved writing, so it quickly became my primary means of expression. After graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in English, I knew I wanted to write and give voice to my creativity. I've been a translator, then I started to write articles about fashion and beauty. It was a 9-5 job and after a while I felt that I wanted to work by my own rules. I am working for clients from Freelancer.com 

The Office Beatnik: What are you writing about right now?

Diana: People ask me to write about different things. I often write reviews for diet pills, various beauty products, SEO articles for different websites, IT, lifestyle articles or articles promoting different travel destinations.

The Office Beatnik: How many working hours do you have in a week?

Diana: It depends. In the past couple of months I had the chance to work 40-44 hours per week. However, the time I spend with freelance writing depends on the complexity of the various projects.

The Office Beatnik: Do you stick to a strict schedule?

Diana: The greatest advantage offered by freelance writing is that I can organize my schedule for the week. In the past I had a similar job, so I know how to organize my schedule to work more efficiently.

The Office Beatnik: Could you give me some pros and cons of being a freelance writer?

Diana: The pros: you have the freedom to organize your schedule; you can run your own business from home; you can charge different prices from different people; your work is really versatile and fascinating.

The cons: you are deprived from any chances of socializing if you work from home; you might meet people who want to steal your content instead of paying for it.

Well, that's a pretty objective opinion about copywriting, but I think I'll stick to the busy life at office and keep blogging. At least for a while. Until then, a nice job post from 1964.

(Image from Bentlocker)