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.

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!

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.

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