Can colour impact your business presence?
Short Answer: ABSOLUTELY!
Each colour has an emotion attached to it therefore makes a psychological impression, thus playing an indirect role in your corporate presence.
When we think corporate, we think of traditional colours like black, grey, brown, and navy blue.
Ever wondered why we gravitate towards one over another on different days?
Each colour and shade alternative project something different. As you navigate through different roles in your career or within your organisation, each interaction will require you to project a certain image, one that is appropriate for the given role
Let’s talk about the colour BLACK
On days one wants to display authority and power, the subconscious mind is more inclined to choose a ‘Black’ suit, preferably a suit. Putting on a black suit automatically adds authority to the way one walks, carries themselves and square shoulders and a strong stance.
If you are a CEO / Managing Director or someone in a position of authority and want to appear totally in charge, black is your colour. Pair a black suit it with a white or a light colour shirt to draw attention to your face and what you are saying. Finish off the look with a red tie/scarf/lipstick and you’ve nailed the brief.
So, the next you see a CEO or a lawyer, dressed in black, you’ll know exactly why!
“Colour is the power which directly influences the soul”
What are your thoughts on GREY?
Grey is usually associated with settlement or ‘a middle ground’.
If you are frequently in the position of negotiations, grey is your ‘best mate’.
Grey is made up of black and white and is inherently a colour of balance. It is the colour that compromises between black and white. Depending on the shade of grey, you can display authority (dark grey) or malleability (light grey).
If you are unsure, go with medium grey as it creates a nice balance. Pair a grey suit with a white shirt & a blue tie and you are automatically conveying the message of ‘trust’. By doing this, you have given the other side a subtle impression of someone who is lenient and friendly even if you are a tough negotiator.
Let’s talk about BROWN, shall we?
Brown is associated with earthy, grounded and ‘authentic’
Professions where you require clients or staff to be on ‘your side’ and ‘trust’ you, medium shades of brown is an excellent colour to wear.
Professions like human resources, counselling, sales etc where a client is drawn to you, they are best served by wearing a colour that is considered approachable. The lighter the shade, the less authority is projected, so pick a shade of brown depending on how you need your client to perceive you. Pair it with a cream or a muted toned shirt and tie and your client will instantly drop their guard and be more open to what you have to say.
“One can speak poetry just by arranging colours well. ”
Finally, the perfect balance of success, authority, and approachability NAVY BLUE
Navy blue is one of the most effective colours to project confidence and competence and has the perfect degree of approachability.
This colour is suitable for financial advisors, accountants, attorneys, business executives or anyone who wants to depict the above characteristics. So, the next time you have a presentation to make, pick a navy suit.
It’ll never blend into the neutral walls of presentation rooms in most offices.
Pair it with a crisp white shirt or a fine print shirt with a blue or pink tie and you’re approachable and taken seriously.
Remember, each individual plays different roles within the same position so a wider range of colours might be appropriate. These are guidelines to give you the widest appeal to your client base.
