Things I Carry: Why Orange is The Best Color

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LinkedIn asked me this month to write about something important that I carry with me each day. I could have written about my iPhone -- my electronic communications device of choice that I not only carry each day, but sleep with, right beside my wife. But I figured that would be boring – many businesspeople I know are inseparable from their phones these days. I could have written about the handwritten thank you cards I carry in my backpack, so that I can write and send three per day – more interesting, for sure, but I just wrote about that two weeks ago here.

Instead, I decided to write about one color, which is represented in many of the things I carry each day as well as my shoes- all 19 pairs of them. I always wear orange shoes, and I usually carry an orange backpack, wallet, phone cover, business cards, pen, and any other orange items I can get my hands on.

Yes, it’s true: My name is Dave and I’m addicted to the color orange.

It wasn’t always this way. I did grow up a huge New York Mets fan – so I was always partial to blue and orange. But it wasn’t until our first company, five years ago, that my love of orange took off – and even then, it was an accident.

We were creating the logo for Likeable Media, and our designers had drafted a beautiful blue “thumbs up." My wife and business partner, Carrie, took a look at it with me – and we loved it – but we were afraid the logo looked a little too much like the thumb from a little social network you’ve probably heard of. A designer recommended the complementary color orange, the new logo stuck, and I was in love. It didn't hurt, of course, that orange is also the color of my beloved favorite baseball team, the New York Mets, as well.

While our company logo is a great excuse to wear and carry orange, the truth is, I love the color for how it makes me feel as a leader and how it affects others. I believe orange stands out in a positive way, and makes people feel positive, energetic and full of hope. But don’t take my word for it – after all, I’m an addict. Let’s ask the experts!

The Examiner writes:

“The color orange evokes strong emotion and is a color that people seem to either love or hate. Color experts agree that orange radiates warmth and energy, and it’s also the color of our sacral chakra, which stimulates our sexuality and emotions. The color orange stimulates activity and our ability to socialize.”

Author Michael Patrick Shiels writes:

“Orange, it seems, may be the best color choice for the competitive player. Though rare in golf apparel and only the seventh most popular color among American consumers, orange is jovial, warm, energetic, forceful, and has a subjective impression of exuberance. It is associated with fruitfulness, adventure, vigor and wholesomeness.”

Frank Sinatra once said, “Orange is the happiest of colors.”

Color expert Kate Smith writes, “Fun and flamboyant orange radiates warmth and energy. Interestingly, some of the tones of orange such as terra cotta, peach or rust have very broad appeal.”

Color psychologists write: “The color psychology of orange is optimistic and uplifting, rejuvenating our spirit. In fact orange is so optimistic and uplifting that we should all find ways to use it in our everyday life, even if it is just an orange colored pen that we use. Orange brings spontaneity and a positive outlook on life and is a great color to use during tough economic times, keeping us motivated and helping us to look on the bright side of life. With its enthusiasm for life, the color orange relates to adventure and risk-taking, inspiring physical confidence, competition and independence. Those inspired by orange are always on the go.”

Wow. I didn’t even know there were color psychologists before I sat down to write this article, but that sure sounds a lot like me. (Another example of why writing is so valuable, but that’s another story.)

Of course, as with any addiction, there’s a downside to orange. Those same color psychologists write, “Orange is also stimulating to the appetite.”

No wonder I’m always trying to lose those last 10 pounds.

So there you have it – I love to wear and carry orange, and I’m not afraid to admit it. Hmm… What’s for lunch?

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Now it’s your turn. How do you feel about the color orange? What is your favorite color to wear and carry? And how does that color make you and others around you feel? Let me know in the comments below!

Dave Kerpen is the founder and CEO of Likeable Local. He is also the co-founder and Chairman of Likeable Media, and the New York Times-bestselling author of Likeable Social Media and Likeable Business, and the new collection, Likeable Leadership. To read more from Dave on LinkedIn, please click the FOLLOW button above or below.

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