Rahul: Differentiate Yourself w/ Mindmaps
Interview #012
Rahul is a software testing professional, blogger, speaker, and author from Jaipur, India. With 7 years of experience in web, desktop, API, and mobile testing, he’s passionate about sharing knowledge in the software testing community through my blog, technical writing, and speaking engagements. Visuals are his favorite way to simplify complex ideas and engage with my audience effectively.
Here’s his interview with us, where he shares his creative inspiration and insights.
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Tell us a little bit about yourself and your business. How did you get started, and what inspired you to use visuals to help grow your business?
I’m Rahul. I’m a software testing professional, blogger, speaker, and author based out of Jaipur, India. I have been mostly working on software testing for web, desktop, API & mobile-related stuff for the last 7 years. Occasionally, I also get involved with events & things related to the software testing community, technical writing, and public speaking.
In the past, I was associated with Capgemini as an Associate Consultant (2016-2019). Currently, I am working with IFM engineering as a Senior Software Engineer. Sometimes, I also create testing-related mindmaps and share them through my blog posts, Twitter feed, and LinkedIn posts.
I like knowledge sharing at conferences about software testing and other engineering-related stuff. I have also given talks at some international testing conferences.
During this journey of creating, and sharing things; I have found visuals to be one of the most effective mediums to say more in less.
It makes conveying ideas simple and easy.
It also helps me to engage with my audience quickly with crisp and apt visuals for broader concepts.
How do you use visuals to communicate your ideas or products to your audience?
I am a mindmapping fan. I consider Xmind to be an excellent tool for problem-solving and thinking, and I don’t limit their use to just the professional world. I often use mind maps for a lot of personal things, too, like:
Planning out my holidays/trips/expenses
Creating Birthday Cards
Creating Thank You Notes :)
Creating Personal Task Tracker
Summarizing Courses
I also use XMind for writing articles. Before writing an article, I make a detailed, free-flowing mind map of the concept. This helps me to create an outline of what I want to convey to my audience. I then convert the mind map to a word document (*.docx) and extend every node where necessary. It has helped me with my writing.
I also use YVisuals app to express more in less for my presentations, and blogging work.
Social media platforms where you share your content
Twitter, Linkedin, Instagram
Can you share some specific examples of how using visuals has helped you attract new customers or clients, or helped you stand out from competitors?
In the realm of Computer Science & Engineering, where the ability to visualize and communicate effectively is paramount, I've harnessed the power of visuals, specifically mind mapping, to not only engage my stakeholders / customers but also to differentiate myself from others.
When I engage with customers, I don't bombard them with technical terms and complex specifications. Instead, I invite them to an interactive presentation centered around mind mapping.
As we delve into the intricacies of the project requirements, I leverage mind maps to visually outline the entire software development process. Each branch of the mind map represents a distinct phase: from the initial concept and design stages to development, testing, and final deployment.
This approach resonates deeply with my customers. The visual representation I provide is far more intuitive and engaging than traditional written work. By simplifying intricate concepts and presenting them in a straightforward manner, I bridge the communication gap and make it easier for customers to grasp the complexities of projects.
What tools or software do you use to create and edit your visuals?
Canva, YVisuals, Xmind
Are there any tips you have for someone who is just starting out and doesn't have a lot of design experience?
Here are some tips for beginners:
Start with Manageable Goals: Begin by setting small expectations to build your confidence gradually.
Choose User-Friendly Tools: Utilize tools like Canva, YVisuals, or Xmind that are easy to navigate, enabling you to create visuals without intimidation.
Put Pen to Paper: Begin your design journey by sketching your ideas on paper, translating your initial thoughts into a visual format.
Craft Your Initial Visual: Take the leap and create your first visual representation based on your sketches and ideas.
Share Your Work: Utilize platforms like Twitter to showcase your creations and connect with others who share similar interests.
Gather Constructive Feedback: Actively seek feedback from peers and mentors to refine your skills and enhance your designs.
Embrace Iteration: Continuously refine and improve your work based on the feedback you receive, embracing the iterative process of growth.
Wishing you the best on your creative journey!
How do you measure the success of your visual content? Do you track metrics like engagement, clicks, or conversions, and how do you use that data to inform future visual content?
No personalized metrics yet. I would like to explore this area more in future. For now, I just check my LinkedIn, Twitter, and Website analytics.
Do you have any advice for other creators/ solopreneurs who are just starting out and want to use visuals to help grow their business?
Visuals are a power hook for people.
Just try them once and see the magic!
What are some common mistakes to avoid, or tips for creating visually engaging content on a budget?
Tips:
Be Spontaneous
Avoid overdoing it
Try these with a small audience if possible
Blend it with Fun / Humour
Use it to tell a Story
Demonstrate Real-World Examples with it to create a direct connect with your audience.
Finally, where can we go to learn more about you and your business, and see some examples of your visual content in action?
Check that out on my website: https://testingtitbits.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rahul-parwal/
Website/ Social media
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rahul-parwal/
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