Rock the Rainbow; put color theory in your toolkit

Visual cues help people make many of life’s decisions. The subtle and often subconscious effects of color can serve as a remarkably strong factor in one’s initial impression (and we all know how important that first impression is).

I work with bankers- I see lots of blues in my clients attire, which (according to color theory) is right on target: “Blue is known for its trust and dependability. It’s reliable, responsible, and mentally soothing. For that reason alone, it’s one of the most-liked colors across the entire world. Overall, blue is a well-liked color that can bring a sense of calmness and trust when building relationships, especially in marketing.”

Fast food chains, big box stores and car dealers all seem to capitalize on the effects of color- we can take advantage of these benefits in our own careers too:

·     maybe paint a conference room green (stress relief, growth, wealth) and use that room to negotiate new deals. My company, a digital banking firm, actually uses a lot of green in our branding.

·     wearing something pink if you have to have a tough conversation with an employee as pink can bring to mind understanding and compassion.

·     bringing some red accents into your office to portray strength and friendship can be a good option for those who often have clients visit (once we get back to in-person visits).

By becoming more mindful of how the majority of the population perceives a certain color or hue, you can help set the right tone for the desired outcome.