Last
updated December, 2002
Color Yourself Successful
Colors have an impact on the way we communicate with and
react to the world around us. In the business world, choosing
colors to represent a company and communicate an image is
important. The use of consistent colors in the company logo,
printed materials and perhaps physical surroundings can make
impact on the bottom line.
Graphics that align with your choice of
colors can deliver a clear and concise image to your potential
customers and clients. Studies show the right color scheme
can actually increase business opportunities! Therefore
choosing the right logo design, corporate image standards
and key colors is important in building a successful image.
In our society (North America), the following
colors are associated with certain emotions or qualities:
Red: excitement, passion, danger,
speed, strength, sex, emotion
Yellow: warmth, cheer, happiness, sunshine, joy, playfulness
Blue: trust, reliability, calmness, coolness, belonging,
sturdiness, logic
Orange: vibrancy, warmth, playfulness
Green: nature, refreshing, cool, growth, abundance, profit
Purple: royal, spirituality, dignity
Pink: security, sweet, nurture, softness
White: purity, clean, youthful, mild
Black: mystery, seductiveness, elegance, sophistication,
shadowing
Gold: prestige, expensive, abundance
Silver: cold, scientific, prestige, hope
Overall, blue has been listed as one of
the most popular colors. Impulse shoppers respond more
readily to red-orange, black and royal blue. Budget minded
people respond best to pink, teal, light blue and dark
blue. Those with conservative tastes seem to be attracted
to pink, rose, sky blue and other pastel colors. Remember,
each color creates different emotions and effects in different
cultures.
Thank You! Thank You!
Everyone has a choice...the choice to do business with
your company, the choice to do business with your competitor,
or the choice to replace your product or service with a new
or different product or service. Therefore, expressing appreciation
to the clients and customers that choose to do business with
you is important!
The words "thank you" can mean a lot to
customers and business clients. But there are also other
ways to express your appreciation. The following are just
some ideas to help you build stronger customer relations
that will ultimately result in more profit and more referrals:
- Write a "thank you for your business" note
to your customers.
- Offer a discount to existing customers
during a yearly promotion.
- Write a personal note to, and possibly
offer a discount or special gift for, customers/clients
that make referrals.
- Keep in contact with customers even when
they have not purchased items or requested your services
for a while...you never know when a customer's needs
will change.
- Send holiday messages and/or gifts to
clients/customers with an appreciation card.
- Offer free special services to existing
customers/clients. (Example: newsletter with tips or
special information, free refills on items, sales leads
with other clients/networking.)
- Provide fun promotional materials from
your company that they can use personally or in their
office (logo embellished items such as: pens, pads of
paper, candy, etc.) These items give you top of the mind
awareness and help your customer or client.
- Send cookies, doughnuts, candy or other
treats to the office for everyone.
Above all, say thank you!
Thank YOU for your time and Happy Thanksgiving
from your friends at MCS!
Critical Communication
Communication is critical in the business world. Whether
you're meeting with a colleague, customer or employee, the
following communication tips will be helpful in connecting
with others.
Delete One Negative Word...
Many times when you are communicating with
others, you are trying to build rapport, share ideas or
work toward an agreement. One simple word that can cast
a negative shadow on communication or build a wall between
you and the other person is the word "but." Try other words
like "or," "and," or "also" instead of the word "but" in
a sentence. For example, instead of, "Your idea is a great
solution, but, let's think about other ideas," try "Your
idea is a great solution and let's think about other ideas."
"Fax" on Phone Tag
Are you trying to get a hold of someone
but not getting through to them with phone messages? Try
enlarging a phone message sheet, filling it out with your
name, phone number and a clever (and respectful) message
and fax it to the person you are trying to get a hold of.
Think and Communicate On Your Feet
Ever had someone surprise you with a question
you are not prepared for? Here is a quick way to prepare,
organize and communicate your response on the spot:
Statement. First share your thoughts,
point, or statement effectively and clearly. Keep it concise
and on one topic. Avoid bouncing around to avoid the question.
Substance. Secondly, give substance
to your statement or share your reasoning.
Evidence. Next, provide information
that supports your opinion, idea, or response. The evidence
may include statistical information, data or examples that
reinforce your response or point of view.
Repeat. Reinforce or repeat your
statement or point again. Sometimes rephrasing your words
or summarizing your ideas is helpful.
Wrap Up. Communicate an action that
you will take (such as sharing written data for your audience
or giving a website or source for listener to follow up
on). The wrap up can lead into action or simply close your
opinion. If you believe in your point or statement, be
sure to keep your voice strong and clear.
Active Listening
Listening is key to effective communication.
Wait to think about responding until after the person who
is speaking completes their statement. Spend your listening
time actually listening and thinking rather than listening
to only the first part of the information and spending
the rest of the time preparing your response.
One easy way to make sure you are listening
effectively is to rephrase or reflect to the speaker what
you heard to make sure the communication is clear.
