Bringing Information Mapping to Your Organization
Do you see a real value in bringing Information Mapping into your organization but don't know where to begin? How can you help others see this value? This page offers some suggestions.
1. Get Management Buy-In - The first step in bringing Information Mapping into your organization is to get management buy-in. Here are some ideas to help you get started.
- Tie Information Mapping to an Important Challenge or Objective - Identify how Information Mapping can help your organization achieve an important goal or objective, such as cutting costs, improving customer service, reducing errors, improving communication effectiveness, or reducing calls to the help desk. To get some ideas, try browsing the Solution Center section of our Web site, reviewing some of our success stories, or checking out our Mapping Research Results.
- Build a Business Case - Take the time to write down how you think Information Mapping can help your organization and why. Try to include facts and figures that will justify the expense of investing in Information Mapping training. Take a look at our IMAP demo to see just one example of how you could present potential savings. Don't forget to include an estimate of the resources and budget you think will be needed to support your ideas.
- Develop a Before & After Example - Use your Information Mapping skills to develop a Before & After example that shows how Information Mapping can improve the effectiveness of an important policy, procedure, or business communication. Select a document that is currently used by many people and is difficult to access and use. See our Before & After examples for ideas.
- Find a Sponsor - Identify some potential management sponsors who have responsibility for the challenge or objective you plan to address. Ask around to make sure you understand their issues, concerns, and decision-making style before you approach them. When you are ready, set up a meeting to present your ideas, answer questions, and ask for the support you need.
- Get Some Help - Talk to an Information Mapping Learning Solutions Executive and other in your organization who use the Information Mapping method. Ask them to help come up with ideas, review your materials, talk to potential sponsors, and spread the word about what you are trying to do.
2. Build Support
Once you have approval to begin an Information Mapping program, you will want to build more wide-spread support within the organization. Building a group of supporters for your program will help streamline acceptance of the method. You may want to try some of the following ideas.
- Create a Task Force - Create a task force of people who can help implement your Information Mapping program. You may want to include on your team experienced Mappers, managers, and instructors.
- Sponsor a Pilot Seminar - If Mapping is completely new to your organization, sponsor a pilot seminar or other learning program. Invite a few key people such as thought leaders or representatives from different functional areas to participate. These early participants can help spread the word and support your program.
- Start a Mapping User Group (MUG) - A Mapping User Group (MUG) is an affiliation of people trained in the Information Mapping method who meet on a regular basis to improve their communication skills. Information Mapping can help with meeting topics and providing speakers.
- Identify Internal Mapping Mentors - Identify some experienced Mappers in your organization who have good editing and coaching skills. Work with Information Mapping to Train These Individuals as Mapping Mentors. Your Mapping Mentors can help and support new Mappers as they get started using the method on the job.
3. Spread the Word Once you are ready to launch your Information Mapping program, there are many communication vehicles you can use to spread the word. Here are some ideas for getting the message to your audience.
- Host a Lunch 'n Learn - Information Mapping will provide a speaker to give a free informational session to educate key people and managers about the method. Lunch is on us.
- Set up an Informational Webinar - Information Mapping will conduct a free informational session over the web. Participants dial into our toll-free conference number to hear the speaker, ask questions, and participate in discussion.
- Post information on your Intranet - Use your Intranet to post seminar schedules and descriptions, explain the Information Mapping initiative, and share examples of documents created using the Information Mapping method.
- Circulate flyers - Circulating and posting flyers about Information Mapping and your upcoming programs can generate a lot of interest. Distribute them via e-mail, by hand, on tables in strategic locations, on walls and bulletin boards, or in mailboxes.
- Extend a Personal Invitation - Identify key people who can support the Information Mapping program and extend a personal invitation to each of them to attend the training. Explain that you value their participation and hope they will help spread the word to others.
How Information Mapping Can Help - Information Mapping can help you plan and implement every aspect of your Information Mapping program. We can provide you with content, materials, speakers, and ideas. To get started, contact us by
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