In this newsletter

Software Tools for Creativity and Innovation

October 2008

When you want to be productive we use productivity software like wordprocessors, spreadsheets and graphics programs. But what do you use whenproductivity is not enough and our current task or project requiresoriginality, creativity and innovation?

Twenty years ago when I started the pioneering and legendary Mindwarecatalog, we saw the introducton of a new kind of software that couldaccelerate our ability to brainstorm new ideas and concepts and evaluatethe results systematically. Recently, there has been an explosion of thesekinds of programs which now benefit more powerful computers and theability of software to hook into the Internet and its bountiful resources.

In this issue of the Mind Media review, we feature the best of these newcreativity tools:

1) Thoughtoffice Web Enabled Windows Creativity Processor -- Video andFREE Full-Featured Evaluation Download

Thoughtoffice is a breakthrough new software program in the category whichcould best be called "creativity software" or "innovation software" Thisnew class of software emowers you to generate more and better ideasfaster, solve problems, and hone and refine your thought processes.

On an individual level Thoughtoffice helps in personal and executiveproblem solving, coaching, advertising, branding, marketing, developingstrategies and more.

ThoughtofificeboxOn an organization level, the program assists businessleaders in optiimzing their organizations to get the most from theirpeople -- while giving them the best environments in which to perform..

This amazingly effective brainstorming software also provides a road mapto how an idea or solution was developed. The development of this guide isessential in moving from "creativity to productivity": making ideasactionable.

ThoughtOffice is web-enabled software used by executives, coaches,students and Fortune 5,000 organizations to find opportunities, capitalizeon their ideas, solve seriously critical issues. this unique, cutting edgeprogram is the result of pulling together 200 geniuses in 16 fields.Harnessing the creative power of 7,390,000 words, phrases, images, quotes,definitions, lyrics. Growing at more than 12,000 new, fresh elements perweek.

For more information and an instant download of a full-featured 15 dayevaluation copy of Thinkoffice, please visit this link.

2) New FlashBrainer eTool Software Generates Breakthrough Ideas in aFlash!

The folks at SolutionPeople have developed a new software program thatturbocharges your creativity. It's called FlashBrainer eTool. Some peoplecompare it to a search engine for the brain. Here is what the softwaredoes and how it does it.

FlashBrainer trains your brain to use proven innovation and creativitytechniques and processes. This new eTool contains thousands of words andimages strategically organized on hundreds of color-coded cards that canbe “Flashed” to stimulate ideas, cultivate creativity and inspireinnovation. It includes all the content of the award-winning KnowBrainertool with additional questions and unique music to inspire thinking. (Readthe rest of this story at this link)

3) Become a Better Writer -- WhiteSmoke "Writing Enrichment" Software forWindows Can Help -- New Coupon

WhiteSmoke is a windows software program designed to enrich your writing.The program offers a 30-day evaluation of the full version of the softwareand so I recently took them up on their offer.

Maybe some day we will get to the point where all we do is think and thewords appear on the screen as we imagine them. However we are not at thatpoint I am sorry to report. Microsoft Word and other word processors havea built in grammar and spelling checker. Past that, you are on your ownwhen it comes to putting the words down and editing them. So softwaretools like WhiteSmoke (and some others that I talk about on this blog) arewelcome in making the writing process a bit smoother. Find out more anddownload download Whitesmoke instantly by visting this link!

4) Soar to New Heights of Creativity, No Matter What the Task

Introducing the software edition of the Creative Whack Pack— based on thebest-selling book A Whack on the Side of the Head. Using this program will"whack" you out of habitual thought patterns and have you generatingbreakthrough ideas, whether you're trying to come up with a new idea for awriting project, a new design, product name, invention or wherevercreativity is needed. The list of uses is endless!

The Creative Whack Pack consists of 64 different creative strategies. Somehighlight places to find new information. Some provide techniques togenerate new ideas. And some give you the "whack" you need to put yourideas into action. Find out more and download this software by vistingthis link!

5) ConceptDraw MINDMAP Software v4 Powerful Mind-Mapping Tool for Windows& Macintosh -- Free Windows 30 Day Trial Added

If you're seeking a powerful yet easy-to-use mind mapping program thatalso offers other useful tools for drawing and brainstorming, thenConceptDraw MINDMAP Pro 4 is for you.

both outlines and mindmapsNot only does the software allow you to do mind-maps but it also produces outlines. You can flip between the Outline Viewand the Map View and the two are synchronized each other allowing toswitch between graphic and text representation of the information

Another unique benefit of is that the software is available for both theWindows and Macintosh platforms and the files can be exchanged betweenthem. Best of all -- ConceptDraw MINDMAP is the most user friendly of allmind mapping programs I have looked at! Find out more and download a freetrial by visiting this link.

6) Boost Your Creativity by Thinking 'In Riddles' Word Juxtapoz

Can speaking in riddles make you more creative? Will thinking in cypherssend your IQ to new heights? Find out by visiting Word Juxtapoz throughlyhis link! This is how the site describes Word Juxtapoz:

This is a revolutionary new way to communicate. A new language. A newapproach to thinking. Called Word Juxtapoz®, this provocative art form hasbeen described as creative, artistic, genius, refreshing, mind-blowing,out-of-the-box, out-of-this-world; or simply "Wow!". (Read more)