4 colors that helped me identify specific types of personalities
By: Barry Gipson
Tags: Microsoft, Colors, Veterans, Microsoft Teams, Branding Strategy

Moreover, the most exciting thing about the symbol was that the famous four-box icon not just represented a color-coded suite of Office applications (blue for Word, green for Excel, red for PowerPoint, and yellow for Outlook) it also served the success of Windows. H/T Inkbot Design

The Brand That Windows Built

Years ago I shared with you I was introduced to the multi-level marketing game while on active duty as a Navy recruiter. Recruiting UP was the name of the game in Los Angeles, CA. Prior to enlisting in the Navy in ‘93, the movie Colors hit theatres which only focused on two of these 4 colors.

While attending a multi-day training symposium in the Long Beach Convention Center I learned the value of all 4 colors. In addition, what they can represent in terms of personalities. I'm not certain where exactly this model came from. I do remember each color and how it was defined.

When you’re in the people business you have to train hard to become better than your competitors. Thinking outside the box. Blue-sky thinking. Any edge I could get recruiting usually came moonlighting while networking at night.

Understanding how to define these colors and use them can be very crucial in building rapport with strangers. As well as learning how to communicate with them more effectively as a result. Especially when it comes to branding.

Did Microsoft know something about these colors before we did?

Blue — Loves to connect with all colors. A Social butterfly who is usually the DJ of the party. Extroverts. Yellow- Very emotional and values all colors. High emotional intelligence. Think about global warming. Introverts. Red- The corvette. Just show me how and where to go. Makes decisions fast. These colors normally hang together. Extroverts. Green — The technical color who wants to know every part of the automobile and who manufactured every part. Introverts.

Hindsight is always 2020

Until I began to write this story I didn't realize that the Microsoft current logo captures each one of these colors. I wanted to keep things simple. Once you can view people as colors when it comes to personality you're a step ahead. Maybe Microsoft knows more than us on the matter.

Remember the last time you met someone new at a function and they would not shut up? What about the guy in the sales department that always wins the annual bonus checks?

When it comes to working with people communication has always been my greatest challenge. Listening twice as much and learning to color code personalities can help you tremendously.

Not only can colors help you communicate with potential clients better, imagine what kind of thought goes into picking the colors of your own brand. If you’re thinking of creating a brand in 2021 place my Thumbtack on your corkboard today for later use.

I prefer the color green however I am a red at heart. Over the years I learned to become blue. Yellow has become the most challenging to date. Here I am pictured at Planet 13 in Las Vegas in June 2020.

Got Vision?

Over the last 15 years, I have accumulated very unique interpersonal skills. With increased social distancing on the horizon for almost twelve months, we have been separated. How can we maintain these skills for the time being?

Many stores in the malls here locally have remained open for the holiday season. There are lines at doors to enter now, employees maintaining body counts, and shoppers alike both wearing masks. Communication has been challenged for all hands on deck.

Maybe just skipping the interpersonal skills part of the game and becoming an e-commerce gig economy trapper might suit you better. Will the colors help you with social media users in 2021? I doubt it. That's a new 2021 story.

No matter which color you are above this little matrix helped. Many of you might even be multiple colors. Either way knowing how to spot them is key. The next time you talk to a stranger ask yourself what color are they.

Are you a veteran who wants to create more for yourself in 2021? Follow me today on Medium Barry Gipson for more stories like this one. In addition, check out my newsletter “Weekly Smoke” designed just for you each Monday.

Use the brand that windows built to help you learn how to communicate with people more in 2021. Until we meet here in this window again on the next story be sure to stay Bullet Proof.