In a previous post, I talked about some technology that helps me do my job. One of my most frequent needs is to capture an idea. Recently it's been: a sermon idea, ideas for the next all staff meeting, Innovation3 Conference outlines, thoughts for the next weekly email, ideas for the next series, etc.
Here's a couple of tools that I use:
1. When I'm brainstorming alone (scary thought) I use a program called Carbonfin Outliner on my iPhone.
The app allows me to capture my ideas in outline form, move them around, and collapse or expand the outline.
When I've got what I need, I can send the outline to Evernote for future reference and work, or to someone else in an email. This has been a killer app for me in helping to capture ideas on the run.
2. When I'm brainstorming in groups, and we've got a computer handy, we use a free program called Dabbleboard. It is a digital whiteboard that can be accessed by groups of people from various locations.
We use Dabbleboard along with TokBox to do our message planning meeting every Monday morning. With the combination of the two, we can include campus pastors in the process. Dabbleboard actually works better for me than a real whiteboard, because it's easier to move ideas around and capture them when we are done.
What do you use to capture ideas?
As prehistoric as it sounds, i carry around a notepad and pen…also keep a recorder handy in the car
Comment by Rick Stroud — January 16, 2009 @ 5:41 pm
This is Zohair from Dabbleboard. I’m glad you find our tool so useful.
TokBox is great too; in case you weren’t aware, we’ve integrated their service within Dabbleboard too (just click “Voice+Video Chat”), which you may find easier to bring up if you’re using Tokbox together with Dabbleboard anyway. Still, the Tokbox guys definitely deserve the mention.
Comment by Zohair Hyder — January 16, 2009 @ 6:14 pm
Microsoft OneNote – I use it for EVERYTHING, including the mobile version for smartphones. It is THE most useful, multifaceted software I’ve ever used. I also think it is the only software that harnesses the full capabilities of a Tablet PC. However, I think it only works with a Windows/Windows Mobile OS.
Comment by Rachel Reid — January 16, 2009 @ 6:27 pm
Wow… my moleskin doesn’t sound so hip anymore… Although we are looking at using tokbox some… Dabbleboard seems interesting as well.
Comment by Robert Pooley — January 16, 2009 @ 6:30 pm
Even though I’m quite addicted to the ‘puter in most areas, for brainstorming the good old pen-and-paper mindmap works best for me.
Comment by Lynn Fowler — January 16, 2009 @ 10:23 pm
Wow, amazing, thanks for sharing… praise God, He blesses us with such tools to assist us Glorify His Kingdom. Thanks for your diligence in seeking and spreading the Word of God; thanks to the Holy Spirit for His inspiration! ~ KJ
Comment by Kevin John Richardson — January 22, 2009 @ 8:40 am