Here's a free eBook I made for you! With a catch... this is a gift I'm giving away as part of a survey. The survey is for a new software product I have been designing.

So to get the a free download of the book, I invite you to fill out the Mindfolder 'early adopter' survey. The book will be delivered to you by email upon completion of the form there.

Now, with that out of the way: why "The Idea Book"?

First and foremost, this is a book to read for inspiration & motivation. The things you need to make your ideas; your dream project; your vision - a reality.

Secondly, and this is my own personal method, use this book strategically - as an initial spark- to energize you when you are about to focus on the task at hand; when you are about to take-on the very challenges & obstacles along the path to achieving your goal.

For example, I reserve a set amount of time each day to focus on my dream project. You might check out my 30 minutes a day article to learn exactly how I do it (it's super simple technique that works amazingly well).

Anyway, focus is key to manifesting reality. Yet our minds are easily distracted by the issues of the day.

So I found this book an awesome way to instantaneously sharpen focus. The powerful words included are a sobering reminder of the incredible opportunity we have before us. We really can make our ideas happen.

Fill out the Mindfolder early adopter survey to get a free download of the book.

Oh, and one more thing! By completing the survey you'll also receive a 50% discount code to use for Mindfolder v1.0 (my yet to be released software product).

Tomboy is simple note taking software. Runs on Windows, Mac and of course, Linux. It's included in Ubuntu as a default application.

I have been using it every day as part of my own personal GTD strategy. This strategy is a system I've developed over the years as a freelance entrepreneur. If you've read my recent post on how to keep daily notes on the iPad you'll know the gist of it.

Anyway, iPad Notes is really basic - truth be told, I much prefer Tomboy Notes. I'm quite happy with how it integrates with my GTD strategy. Here's a brief tutorial on how to set it up for yourself.

I have a confession to make. After years of being an avid user and advocate of OneNote, Microsoft's note taking software, I have completely switched to an alternative. A superior alternative. And it's called myBase.

The search for a better note taking program began as a result of a desire for more power. It wasn't that OneNote didn't do its job. Far from. OneNote is designed to work like an everyday life notebook; and it does that exceptionally well. But I wanted something more.

Hell, something tells me there should be more to modern day note taking programs beyond the capability to search and paste images. I mean, I get that Microsoft is trying to emulate the concept of a notebook: but this is 2010. I want something dynamic!

And so, the search for a better note taking program led me to myBase. Here is an in depth review. Along with tips on how to effectively use it.

Here is s a little known method on making your Blog posts look great. The technique involves using a graphics editor to design the layout, add images, and tweak the overall presentation of the article. This way we can achieve the perfect "flow" of text and images to ensure the article looks perfect before it's even published.

Interesting enough, by using this method the whole process of writing becomes easier too. Fireworks is a layered, vector & bitmap graphics editor that makes it easy to drag around paragraphs and images. So it's a great way to structure 'rough draft' ideas as you bring the whole article together. Let's get started.

For this tutorial, I'll be using a case study example - to help capture the essence of my entire article making methodology: from the initial initial idea to designing the article and finally publishing it to my Blog. The software used is: myBase (any note taking method will do), Adobe Fireworks CS4, and a Blog platform such as Wordpress or Drupal. Feel free to follow along.

For keeping track of what you plan to accomplish on a day to day basis, nothing beats a good old notebook. Specifically: a Microsoft OneNote notebook :)

There are several good agenda related programs available. Including Outlook, Sunbird, or even Google Calendar. These are especially good at reminding you of important dates for such things as upcoming meetings, events, or deadlines. Where they are lacking however, is in the context of your daily schedule.

Above: screenshot of my daily notes from OneNote

Microsoft OneNote is easily the best note taking tool available. In this article, I'll show you how to effectively use OneNote to organize your life's information. Ideas, daily notes, business projects, clients & contacts and anything else worthy of typed notes on your screen.

Above: screenshot from Microsoft OneNote