Do you suffer to organize your ideas prior to a sales strategy? If so, you need to rely on creative tools like a conceptual map to land all the information you have in mind and start working more easily.
Close your eyes for a moment. Remember those times when to do school work, you had to work with a concept map and thus develop a theme.
Now back to the present. Did you ever think that all these activities were going to help you develop sales strategies for your business? If your answer is negative, it’s time to change the chip and start using technology in your favor to exploit —and remember— everything you learned during your school years.
In the next lines you will know What is a concept mapits characteristics and the elements that compose it so that you can use it in your business.
are you coming with me? 🚀
What is a concept map?
a concept map is a diagram in which ideas and related data are broken down on a specific topic, for example to know . These concepts are presented hierarchically and are connected by lines with keywords that explain their relationship.
They are also known as conceptual diagrams and should not be confused with mind maps. Later I will explain the differences with the latter.
Characteristics of a concept map
The characteristics of a concept map are:
- Main topic
- focus question
- Hierarchy
- Concepts
- Links and key phrase
Keep reading to know the details of each point.
1. Main theme
The most important point before working on a concept map is to define the topic to be developed. It may seem a bit obvious, but many people leave this point at the end and it becomes an impossible task to complete.
2. Focus question
This Focus Question will define the problem you will be solving and allow you to give direction to your conceptual diagram. It should go at the top, always as a point of reference to break down the data.
3. Hierarchy
The hierarchy of information is the most important part for create a concept map that does work. The most general data is placed at the top, while the most specific data is at the bottom; in this way whoever reads it will do it from top to bottom.
4. Concepts
The concepts encompass everything related to the topic. From definitions or important dates, to specific events or actions,
5. Links and key phrases
Here the lines that join each concept are taken into account so that they are related to each other. In the case of keywords, they should be as short as possible without forgetting to add a verb.
Types of concept maps
The types of concept maps that exist are:
- Scenery
- Spider
- Chronological or hierarchical
- Systematic
- Multidimensional
Here I explain more details of each one.
1. Landscape
In this concept map type Concepts are placed within shapes that come together to create a particular design or image.
2. Spider
East conceptual map is one of the most common. The main theme is placed in the center and from there “spider legs” come out with each of the secondary ideas and concepts. It is very easy to read and create with various online tools.
3. Chronological or hierarchical
To create a chronological or hierarchical map, the concept must be at the top and all the additional information is placed below it, making it very easy to create and interpret.
4. Systematic
A systematic conceptual framework is more complex than the previous ones since the data have reciprocal relationships, they have more links and keywords that indicate the connection between theory and practice.
5. Multidimensional
Usually this online concept map it requires more knowledge in design since two-dimensional or three-dimensional figures are used. Its structure is very similar to the hierarchical conceptual map, with the difference that it is more dynamic and attractive to readers.
Conceptual map and mental map, are they the same?
How? Aren’t a concept map and a mind map the same thing? I must tell you no. The main differences between mind map and concept map are:
Conceptual map
mind map
The concepts are related to each other.
The ideas do not have a hierarchy and are placed randomly. It has a hierarchical order of information. Develop data that is generated within a team. Use connectors and keywords to give context.
It has a free design with a radial structure.
Tools to create a concept map for your business
If you have reached this point, you are probably wondering what the best tools to make a concept map. Fortunately, there are now several platforms that can help you create incredible results in just a few minutes.
The following options will help you answer the million dollar question: how to make a concept map online for your business. Do you want to meet them? Here we go! 🚀
- I look
- lucidchart
- canvas
- Creately
- Mural
- kinopio
1. looked
Miró has the support of 35 million users, who in addition to create concept maps they can easily exploit other features to design organization charts and work plans.
With its collaborative virtual whiteboard, more than one person can work on the same document, something that will be very useful for sharing ideas synchronously. If you don’t know where to start, you can lean on one of the templates they have available to work quickly.
2.Lucidchart
If you want to make a diagram that combines data visualization and teamwork, this platform is what you always dreamed of.
The keys to create a concept map with this tool are:
- Identify the main topic.
- Know the key concepts and write them on the platform.
- Add the links to connect the information.
- Review the hierarchy of concepts and present your work with the rest of your team.
3. Canvas
Canva is the salvation of entrepreneurs who do not have advanced notions of design. Its ease of use and templates make it possible for any user to have a professional result in no time.
For create a concept map You have the option to choose from more than 20 designs, adapt them to your needs, add information in a few clicks and download the result to use in a presentation or send it by email to the rest of your company.
4.Creately
This tool can help you create free online concept maps in a few minutes. Being very intuitive, you will begin to capture images, definitions and even documents without any advanced technical knowledge.
One of its great advantages is the drag-drop tool, which allows you to add concepts and link them in a few seconds.
5. Wall
Mural is very similar to Miró. They practically have the same characteristics, so if you have already worked with the previous one, developing a diagram with this platform will be much easier.
The functions of inserting shapes, stickers and images are very intuitive, so you only have to worry about organizing all the concepts you have in mind.
6. Kinopio
Do you want a concept map different from the rest? With Kinopio you will have spectacular and trendy designs that will help you to have a single document with all the necessary information to promote your business.
With this tool you can insert images, icons and even videos to organize the concepts with multimedia material.
Concept map: example to inspire you
Now that you know what a concept map is, its characteristics and what tools you can use to create them, it’s time to share an example to inspire you.
For the following diagram I worked with one of the Canva templates and developed some key concepts to discover, an important topic that you must master to create a successful business.
This was the result:
What do you think of the concept map? Pretty clear, right? Once I identified the main and secondary concepts, working on the tool was fluid and intuitive. Create yours and share the result with us!
have a concept map for your business It is very useful to create sales strategies on specific dates -such as-, organize tasks and give training to your work team.
Do not hesitate to rely on them to achieve incredible results and if you do not have an online store yet, . For only $99 MXN per month you have the opportunity to sell throughout Mexico, accept card payments and connect your product catalog with Instagram, Facebook, Google Shopping and more.
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