by Marilize Jacobs
Imagine stepping into an office that instantly calms your nerves, or presenting your brand in a way that speaks volumes without saying a word. This is the subtle, yet powerful impact of color psychology or chroma-preneurship, a concept not widely recognised in traditional vocabulary, representing the ingenious application of colour psychology to entrepreneurial endeavours.
As entrepreneurs, we often focus on the nuts and bolts of business, but the hues we surround ourselves with can be just as crucial to our success.
The Green Effect: It's not just about aesthetics; it's about attention and productivity. Research from the University of Melbourne suggests that a mere 40-second glimpse of roof - or ceiling greenery can rejuvenate the mind. Think about it – a flash of foliage could be the difference between a good and a great business decision. As an interior decorator myself I have been wondering about the current trend of greenery hanging from ceilings?
Colour Psychology Unveiled: Each colour wields its own influence. The shade of your office walls, the tint of your website, even the colour of what you wear sends a message.
Let's delve into the hues that make business sense:
The perfect match: Blue and Green: The Productivity Palette
Blue brings a sense of serenity, while green ushers in a wave of tranquillity. Together, they create the perfect backdrop for an entrepreneur's hustle. A study by Creighton University found that employees in blue spaces felt more centered and optimistic about their work. So, when designing your workspace (may it be your home office or co-working space) let the blue and green tones set the stage for innovation.
Branding with Purpose
Your brand's colours are your silent ambassadors. They embody your message and values. Choosing the right palette is a strategic move that can set you apart in the marketplace. Take a cue from the “giants” – the colors they use not only reflect their identity but also influence how we perceive those hues.
Marketing Magic: Up to 90% of snap judgments about products are based on color alone. It's a critical decision that can make or break your brand. The key is to find a balance between fitting in and standing out. Customer feedback, even just a quick survey amongst friends, can guide you in selecting a palette that resonates with your audience and your brand's ethos.
Dress for Success
What you wear is just as important as what you market. Choose your wardrobe with the same care as your brand colours – it's all part of the entrepreneurial package. According to Vanessa van Edwards, a world renowned expert in scienced based people skills, the colours you choose for your outfit each day will affect your mood, behavior, and how others perceive you. Below is a cheat sheet of when to wear each colour. Colours can empower or undermine your presence.
Blue
This colour has a calming effect linked to lowered blood pressure and heart rate. It’s also the most stable color. Blue is also a crowd-pleaser since it is most frequently voted as people’s favourite color.
Red
People across cultures associate red with love. People perceive females as more attractive when they wear red blush and lipstick.
Yellow
Yellow clothes are an excellent option for casual summer wear; however, yellow is considered an unstable color, so it can be over-energizing for the office and make the wearer look weak.
Green
Green is restful on the eyes and produces the least amount of eyestrain, reminding people of leaves and trees. It’s also associated with the colour of money, luck, and the “go” signal for a traffic light—all great characteristics in the workplace.
Brown
Like the trunk of a tree, brown conjures up feelings of strength and stability. But at the same time, brown can seem boring and safe. Brown is also seen as masculine. Wearing a chocolate brown suit can give you credibility if you’re a woman in a predominantly male workplace.
Orange
Orange is the colour of fire, citrus fruit, and safety vests. Orange is also the color of autumn and can be associated with melancholy. Orange is not a crowd favourite and is most commonly marked as people’s least favourite color.
Purple
Purple reminds people of royalty and luxury. Statistically, males tend to avoid wearing purple, so it has stronger gendered connotations than most colours. It’s also the colour of magic. The unnaturalness can make purple seem either mysterious or artificial.
Pink
We associate pink with youth and innocence. It can also represent femininity. In nature, we find pink colour in flowers. Pink is Barbie and Victoria’s Secret, creating an unlikely pair out of youthful innocence and romance. A pink feminine garment can help you feel either sweet or ... seductive.
White
This colour is associated with cleanliness, perfection, freshness, and simplicity. White is always a safe choice for a shirt or scarf. Wearing all white is a statement of purity, which can have a hopeful feeling but is not best for the workplace.
Black
This power colour can convey feelings of mystery and seriousness. It is also considered elegant and has a thinning effect. Black can mean authority and prestige, so if you want to be treated seriously, the typical black suit with a splash of green or blue works wonders. Black makes an excellent colour for a villain. And if you want to channel your inner badass, donning a black leather jacket is a good start.
Gray
Gray is neutral and balanced. It’s the colour of concrete and can give an urban aesthetic. But grey is also ... blah. It can imply that people are passive and lack energy. If you like wearing gray, pairing it with a brighter colour, such as blue, can help offset the negative connotations.
A World of Colour: Our environment is a mosaic of colours, each sending subconscious signals. What colour is your screensaver? It might be more significant than you think.
Conclusion
Colour psychology is more than a theory; it's a practical tool for entrepreneurs looking to elevate their business. From that greenery that sustains your focus to the palette that defines your brand, colour is a powerful ally on the journey to success.
After all, when it comes to entrepreneurship ... every hue counts.
Marilize Jacobs is the founder of two businesses, Pigs Can Fly Interiors & VocalCord Reputation Management in South Africa. She is a reputation strategist with a BCom Marketing Management (UP) and a career spanning interior design, marketing, and PR. Clients, especially in the Financial Services, Legal, Pharmaceutical, Hospitality and Retail industries which revere her strategic skills, thoroughness and tenacity when it comes to building and maintaining reputations. On the personal front, she is a boat skipper and avid cyclist, and also has a pro bono involvement with The Star Academy, an international institution for children with Autism.
Reach her at: marilizeb@mweb.co.za / 082 418 6767
Facebook: facebook.com/pigscanflyinteriors
Instagram: @yespigscanfly
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