Mind mapping an e-commerce business model

A challenge I often encounter in filling up the business model canvas (lesson 1) is its limited space. As a result,  the documentation of one’s understanding becomes limited.

This is when I though of integrating mind map for this exercise.

Mind map helps you to plot or map out your ideas. It also helps putting information into our brain using imagination and association.

Looking at the example above, a mind map typically has the following:

1. It has the topic at its center and branch out from there.
The central idea, ideally, must be represented by an image.

2. Create branches and sub-branches out of the central idea.

  •  Don’t hesitate to play around with the branches by making them curvy or use other presentations.
  •  Use a different color per branch to make it more appealing.
  •  Put images in the branches

3. Use one keyword per branch for flexibility.
I must admit that the use of images and curvy lines is partly dependent on the software you have and how creative you are in coming up with images. The one keyword per branch is also tough at times. But with regular practice, you’ll get used to it.

You also don’t need to be dependent on software. You can have colored pens, crayons, or pencils in your carry on. Get a piece of paper whenever an idea hits you and want to start documenting it. Mind map style.

If done with the right images and text balance, you can use mind maps to:

1. Communicate ideas and lessons learned.
In 2008, I used a mind map to analyze how the DigitalFilipino Club has grown and what should I do to build or “break” it.

2. Mind map a book project
In 2006, my attempts in writing Blogging from Home began. It was frustrating as I kept abandoning my draft manuscripts after layout then. After attending a mind mapping course in 2008, I was able to use mind maps in crafting my book outline and include it in the book.

Just a warning though. If a person is not used in reading mind maps, they can confuse rather than help especially if it is too big, text-based, and hardly has images. So don’t overdo it. Keep it neat and simple.

Some sites with free mind mapping tools include:

For inquiries about this lesson, contact Janette Toral by sending her a private message via Facebook.

Questions