Colour surrounds us and effects our lives every day, in a myriad of ways. However, do you really understand the power and impact of colour when branding your business and choosing a professional business wardrobe? It is a subconscious effect not only on our own mindset but also on the opinions of others looking at us. Often people are aware of colour in their own choice dress, but very few are aware of the psychological impact colour has on clients, target customers or at an interview.
It is vital in building your business wardrobe and is one of the most important aspects to a successful image and personal brand. It is another business tool you can use successfully if you understand how. Did you know others are six times more likely to notice colours you are wearing than anything else about you? Colour psychology is not an exact science, but if you understand your target market, there are some colours that will get a better response than others.
Your business dress and image sends out silent signals the minute you walk into a room, people make judgements about you very quickly, based on first impressions of how you look. Be in control of those signals to achieve the results you want. You need to ask yourself, what is the message you wish to get across to the people you see in your daily business life? Be it as an employee or business owner, or for interview situations.
Then ask yourself these questions:
- Do you understand what colours suit your natural colouring, skin and eyes?
It is vital to get this right. A poor colour on you can make you look tired, ageing, drain you and people looking at you will judge you on this. Even if you may be feeling wonderful, if you don’t look well, they will subconsciously be deciding, perhaps you are not up to the job. Maybe they will decide they don’t trust you or want to do business with you. First impressions are hard to overturn, sometimes impossible. Much easier to get it right first time and create a professional impression that inspires people to listen to you rather than be distracted by what you are wearing. You need to establish trust and credibility immediately – at a glance.
- Consider the business you are in and your target audience, be it a new client, existing client, interview panel or making a speech or presentation. What do they expect to see? What does the professional they want to deal with look like to them?
It’s all about the silent signals again. What message do you want to send to them? Of course, it’s that you understand their needs and requirements and you are the person to get the job done because you look like you will and they can see this message in the way you dress and in the choice of business colours.
Do you want to demonstrate..
Trust, credibility, confidence, dependability, authority, friendliness and approachability?
The right colour choice will immediately do this. Of course you have to follow that up with skills and a great service but you need to convince them to allow you to do so first. Each colour has a physiological and psychological element to it, understand this and you have a great business tool to use to turbo charge your success.
Having a professional advise you on colour choices for your business wardrobe is not a luxury, it is a necessity that will pay back endlessly.
