In the past, I used to draw my ideas out on a piece of paper until I discover a software that will allow me to draw my ideas for my business and in turn to demonstrate to my clients. This tool is known as the mind mapping software. With that in mind, there are so many different types of mind mapping tools to use but I have pointed out four free mind mapping tools that can be useful for your business.

XMind. XMind is open source software that you can use to brainstorm your ideas. I like the fact that XMInd is simple to use without a lot of instructions and that it can be used on Macintosh, Linux, and Windows. In addition, XMind can be saved as a .jpg, text file, or even an .html file to post on your website. You can also create an account to benefit from other features as well as download the software and start using.
Cost: Free
URL: http://www.xmind.net/

Free Mind. FreeMind is used on Windows platform. This software can be downloaded and used as well as exported out into different formats like that of XMind such as .png, jpg, .html, .pdf and if you use Open Office; it gives you the option to export to Open Office Writer. For me, this one took a while to understand how to create or illustrate my ideas. However, below I have noted some Free Mind tutorials.
Cost: Free
URL: http://sourceforge.net/projects/freemind/

The Brain. The Brain is one I just found out from another group I belong to. The Brain allows you to type in your thoughts or ideas. This is simply done by dragging and dropping/importing files and web pages that you want to use. I like this one because you can not only import files such as a Word Outline but some of your bookmarks as well. The Brain has the capability to export your information out to a .html file to upload to your web page for others to see your ideas. In addition, I like this one in which it is cross platform accepting Windows, Macintosh, and Linux users and provides a free version and a paid version.
Cost: Both free and paid version
URL: http://www.thebrain.com

Sticky Sorter. This one is more like sticky notes but you can still express your thoughts, concepts, or ideas with this one. Once you click on the Sign On button; it directs you to your Hotmail account to sign in. The Sticky Sorter allows you to include Notes in. The Sticky Sorter is used basically for Windows XP or Vista.
Cost: Free
URL: http://www.officelabs.com/projects/stickysorter/Pages/default.aspx

There are so many useful tools to use to draw out your concepts, ideas, or just brainstorm for your business or clients. Have you thought about using mind mapping software to draw out your ideas? or Do you already use mind mapping software and if so, what type of mind mapping software do you use?