Corb7 International July 29th, 2021 Newsletter

International Business 

Editor's Note

Business After COVID-19

Vaccines have enabled many parts of the world to regain a sense of normalcy after more than a year of living under restrictions instituted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The challenges individuals faced in that time, including staying healthy, dealing with the consequences of social distancing and virtual schooling, may be subsiding. But various long-term challenges could affect businesses for years to come.

Consumer trust and loyalty

Businesses spend years developing trust in their brands and services. Businesses that were forced to close or limit their offerings during the pandemic may need to start rebuilding the trust and loyalty of their customers all over again. One factor that could make that a bigger challenge after the pandemic is how businesses that remained open handled restrictions. Those that insisted customers wear masks in their stores and establishments may not be quick to regain the trust and loyalty of customers who disagreed with those practices. That could prove especially challenging for small businesses that work on thin margins.

Reduced demand

A 2020 survey of leading European companies conducted by the European Central Bank found that reduced demand for products and services is a significant concern for business owners going forward. Roughly 30 percent of survey respondents cited reduced demand as one of the foremost consequences of the pandemic for their businesses. More than 20 percent indicated lasting changes in the structure of demand will prove challenging in the years ahead. That change in the structure of demand, which includes increased consumption online, could force business owners to make potentially costly adjustments to how consumers access their products.

Staffing

Businesses may find the competition for talent is especially competitive after the pandemic. Workers who worked remotely during the pandemic may be reluctant to leave their jobs if they're allowed to continue working remotely as economies reopen. That means fewer qualified candidates for open positions, especially if those positions do not offer the remote work option. In addition, firms based in large cities may not have as many applicants for their openings in the immediate aftermath of the pandemic. A June 2020 study from the Pew Research Center found that 28 percent of the 10,000 adults surveyed who relocated during the pandemic did so because they feared getting COVID-19. Cities where maintaining distance from others was difficult were viewed as riskier than less populous areas. It might be some time before people who left cities or planned to move to cities prior to the pandemic are comfortable living in such crowded places again. That could make it more challenging for city-based businesses to attract qualified job applicants.

Businesses could face some new, long-term issues as the world emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic.  It is very likely that these challenges will continue for years to come.

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International Business 

Business Psychology

The Power of Preparation

by Toni Delos Santos
90% Mental
90percentmental.com

“If you want to be the best, you have to do things that other people aren't willing to do.”
Michael Phelps
   
Every four years we have the privilege of watching the best athletes in the world compete for a gold medal in the Olympics. All the years of training and preparation can come down to a 30 second vault, 40-meter sprint or a 3-minute race in the pool. There are so many factors that can wrong, how do they set themselves up to give their best performance? Why do some athletes score a perfect 10 while others experience, “the agony of defeat?”

Successful athletes have prepared both mentally and physically and have the same approach when they enter a competition. They prepare for all types of situations and train through adversity. Michael Phelps, USA Olympic swimmer, has won 23 gold medals, 3 silver medals and 2 bronze medals. He holds the record for most medals won in the history of the Olympic games. Michael’s trainer was very tough on him and in an interview admitted that he would have Michael swim a whole training session with his goggles filled up with water. He stated that he wanted Michael to be able to prepare and swim at his best no matter what adversity he came up against.

Business professionals can learn so much from athletes and their mental preparation because in competition, there is always the expectation for the individual to be able to perform their best to win the business for their company. Often what holds people back from peak performance is the self-doubt that can come into play. The self-talk starts with, “what if.” What if I don’t present well? What if the competition performs better? These are some examples of the “what if’s” that pull our focus away and create a perception of every scenario that might go wrong. The best way to combat this is to reframe the question to, what is it going to take to win the business? It doesn’t matter who you are competing against, your goal to win the business does not change.

Much like Michael Phelps prepares for possible adversity, you can prepare by thinking of all the possible questions that can be asked and preparing to handle objections and prove why your company is the best option to help them reach their goals. Once you feel ready, you can now utilize your breathing and power poses to feel confident that you will deliver your best presentation and reach the finish line first!

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International Business 

Offshore Perspective

What's Trending 

* Switzerland 
FINMA allows Bank of China to open subsidiary in Geneva.
Click Here for Story

* Switzerland
Plan to pull plug on Swiss FM radio delayed.
Click Here for Story

* Luxembourg
Approves first asset manager for crypto strategies.
 Click Here for Story

* Bahamas
No decision yet on COVID State of Emergency  set to end August 13th
Click Here for Story

* Bermuda
Re-insurance reaction to corporate global tax initiative 
Click Here for Story

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International Business   

Business Etiquette

 Facial Expressions are More Important than Ever

by Candace Smith
The Etiquette Blog
Candace Smith Etiquette

  Facial expressions say a lot, which is why face to face communication has always been important.  When traveling culture to culture, it’s natural to study facial expressions and to surmise what others are thinking or feeling.  A lifted brow or glance that darts away is always read as a signal. 

It turns out that in the virtual world of work the same rule is wise to follow.  What we communicate nonverbally via facial expressions are being read by others.  Knowing this, we make sure not to touch our mouth, face, or head, and we avoid fidgeting. 

As we continue to conduct business in a video-centric environment, more attention is being given to nonverbal communication and its various aspects.  Which begs the crucial question – do you know what your face is telling other people? 

Historically, in 1897, Charles Darwin was the first to formally study nonverbal cues, and was first to examine the expression of emotions through facial cues and gestures. The research tradition continues in working to understand the relationship of nonverbal language and the accuracy of judgments of emotion and personality.  Latest research,  “Contributions of Nonverbal Cues to the Accurate Judgment of Personality Traits,” reveals that facial expressions and other nonverbal behavior contribute to the accuracy of personality judgments. 

Recognizing the reality that we create and seal as impressions in others’ minds can serve to remind us that giving full attention when someone is talking is a guideline of etiquette and recognizably polite behavior.

In the icebreaker phase of a recent teleconference meeting, a participant shared an experience that left a vivid impression:

“I thought I was in my practice Zoom window, using the screen as a mirror, checking my make-up, hair, teeth.  But alas, I wasn’t there!  I had clicked on the “view in video” phase on my scheduled meeting. Yes, others were watching me primp.  It is now a long-standing joke with this particular group.  And of course, I always smile and let myself enjoy the teasing, as I do want to leave a good impression of myself.” 

We’re doing our best to engage and be present and we want to “show up,” even when we have an email or contract to finish, so listening tangentially may be tempting.  Some people report wanting to mask the fact that they are in and out in “face only,” with an occasional smile at the videocam as others are talking or screen sharing.  However, we can’t help but wonder if keen eyes are able to see the faking.

Here is a creative way to bring oneself back to a state of being present in the here and now when we are engaging in tele-meeting mode.

• Imagine that you are an impartial spectator, watching what you were actually doing during a video conference.  The sense of having a wise and kind self brings you back into alignment with how you want to be seen, assessing yourself from within and judging your conduct by imagining what you would feel if you saw yourself as a spectator of your own action.  

Other tips for showing up facially ready:

• Stay focused on letting your face be natural and open and pleasant.
• Take deep slow breaths often and smile inside knowing you are doing your best in staying with the meeting.  
• Avoid random gestures of touching your face or hair. 
• When you look at the web cam, remember there is an audience there, face to face with you. 

In the very first televised presidential debates between John F. Kennedy and Richard M. Nixon, voters were reportedly influenced by the future President Kennedy because he, unlike his opponent, looked directly into the camera with pleasant facial expressions, and he was read as focused and sincere with definite leadership qualities.  The appearance of being present counts!

Having a “poker face” might work when playing cards, but whatever leadership role you play in your organization, remaining focused and aware that your face is being read, might help you in being deliberately present and openly available. 

Remember, everyone is watching!

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Lifestyle    

Executive Fitness

How to Safely Lose Weight

People have many options when they seek to lose weight. Fad diets may promise quick results, but highly restrictive eating plans or marathon workout sessions can be dangerous. Taking shortcuts or risks in the hopes of losing weight can lead to various health issues and ultimately put people's overall health in serious jeopardy. Thankfully, there are many safe ways people can lose weight.

The first step in safe weight loss is to visit a doctor and let him or her know your plans. The doctor can help determine if a specific eating plan or exercise routine is safe based on your current health. Certain medications can affect metabolism and even contribute to weight gain, so a discussion with the doctor can help ensure people aren't putting their health in jeopardy when their goal is to get healthy.

It's also vital that people trying to lose weight do not believe everything they read online. Research published in The American Journal of Public Health found that most people who search the internet for tips on how to lose weight come across false or misleading information on weight loss, particularly in regard to how quickly they can shed some pounds. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises the safest amount of weight to lose per week is between one and two pounds. People who lose more per week, particularly on fad diets or programs, oftentimes are much more likely to regain weight later on than people who took more measured approaches to losing weight. In addition, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics notes it is better to lose weight gradually because if a person sheds pounds too fast, he or she can lose muscle, bone and water instead of fat.

The calories in, calories out concept is something to keep in mind when attempting to lose weight. But metabolism and other factors, including body composition and physical activity levels, also are factors. How well one's body turns calories into fuel also needs to be considered. The best ways to experiment are to start slowly.

· Calculate the average daily calories consumed in a day using a tracker. This can be a digital app on a phone or simply writing down calories on a piece of paper. Track over a few days and see, on average, how many calories you've been consuming.

· Notice extra calories. Many diets can be derailed by eating extra calories that you don't realize you're consuming. That cookie a coworker insists you eat or the leftover mac-and-cheese from your toddler's plate can be sources of extra calories. Be mindful of what's being consumed, including sweetened beverages.

· Explore the science. According to the Scotland-based health service NHS Inform, one pound of fat contains 3,500 calories on average. Cutting calorie intake by 500 calories per day should see you lose 1 pound per week. The same goes in the other direction. Eating 500 more calories per day for a year can result in gaining close to 50 pounds. Small changes really add up.

· Eat filling foods. Choose low-calorie, high quality foods, like vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Meals that provide satiety can help eliminate between-meals snacks that can derail your weight loss efforts.

· Seek support as a way to create accountability. Share weight loss plans with a friend or relative who can help monitor your progress and keep you on track.

· Incorporate strength training. Good Housekeeping says the more lean muscle you have, the faster you can slim down. Start slowly with strength training, using free weights or body weights. Aim for strength workouts three to four times per week and alternate with calorie-blasting cardio.

Explore safer ways to lose weight, including taking a gradual approach that promotes long-term weight loss. 

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Lifestyle  

International Spirits & Cuisine

Simple Tips for Successful Slow Cooking 

 The Crock-Pot®, dubbed the original slow cooker, was invented in 1940 by Irving Nachumsohn. This slow cooker was created to cook a traditional stew eaten on the Jewish sabbath. Because faithful Jews are forbidden from cooking on the sabbath, Nachumsohn found the stew could easily be prepared prior and allowed to cook unattended, then carried to dinner, meeting the sabbath requirements. It was another 30 years before the slow cooker garnered widespread acclaim. That newfound popularity developed when more women entered the workforce and needed convenient ways to prepare meals at home without affecting their work schedules.

While slow cookers can make for successful meals, knowing how to use them to their fullest potential can increase the propensity for delicious, easy dishes. Here are some tips and tricks.

Slow cookers can be found in many homes. Slow cookers are great for busy individuals who prefer to prepare meals in advance and then arrive home in the evening to a hot, homecooked meal.

People new to slow cookers may want to gain some knowledge before diving in to improve their chances of preparing tasty meals. The following are some slow cooker tips that can benefit home chefs.

· Treat the slow cooker like an oven and preheat it. Putting food into an already warmed crock can make the difference in cooking time and taste.

· Choose the right cuts of meat to use in the slow cooker. Lean toward chuck roasts, short ribs, pork shoulders, and lamb shanks. Fatty and tougher meats will tenderize nicely with the moist, low heat of a slow cooker. When slow cooking poultry, choose dark meats, which tend to respond better to slow cooking.

· Take the time to brown meat for a couple of minutes and saute vegetables before adding them to the crock. This will provide a deeper layer of flavor.

· Many manufacturers recommend filling the crocks inside a slow cooker no more than two-thirds full. This helps ensure food is cooked all the way through and prevents potential food-safety hazards.

· Begin with room-temperature meat. As with other cooking methods, let meat come to room temperature rather than using it straight from the refrigerator to ensure juicy, flavorful meals.

· The Food Network suggests layering carefully and first cutting food into uniform-size pieces. Then place firm, slow-cooking root vegetables like potatoes and carrots at the bottom of the crock and pile the meat on top.

· Adjust seasoning as the meal nears completion. Some seasonings may lose their punch during the slow cooking process. At just the end of simmering, add fresh herbs and salt and pepper to taste. Similarly, dairy can break down in the slow cooker, so stir it in during the last 15 minutes of cooking.

· Do not add frozen ingredients to the slow cooker, as it can keep food in the danger zone where bacteria can flourish (40 to 140 F). Therefore, make sure meat and vegetables are fully thawed before turning the cooker on.

· Use wine judiciously because the alcohol will not evaporate as readily in a sealed slow cooker.

· Resist the urge to take off the lid and peek. This can increase the amount of time the meal will need to finish cooking.

With some handy tips, anyone can become a slow cooking expert.

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Lifestyle 

Leisure & Style

 

Plants that Keep Away Summer Bugs

Outdoor living spaces have become increasingly popular among homeowners in recent years, and that popularity grew even more over the last year. As social distancing guidelines issued in response to the COVID-19 pandemic encouraged people to stay home as much as possible, a desire for accessible, enjoyable outdoor spaces grew. A 2020 study of Google trends data from the home decor retailer Living Spaces found that searches for items such as patio daybeds and small-space outdoor furniture grew by more than 200 percent between the early part of 2020 and the middle of the year.

If outdoor living spaces are in demand, so, too, are ways to make those spaces as comfortable as possible. There's much homeowners can do to make the most of their outdoor spaces, but they might feel helpless against some unwanted, often relentless guests: insects. Insects can turn relaxing days on the patio into wars of attrition with hungry bugs like mosquitoes. Thankfully, there are ways to fight back against insects while simultaneously adding a little aesthetic appeal to the backyard. The Farmer's Almanac notes that planting these insect-repelling plants around the patio or backyard can help homeowners successfully repel unwanted insects, including mosquitoes.

· Lavender: Lavender is a fragrant plant that adds a pop of purple and has been known to repel mosquitoes, fleas, flies, and moths.

· Basil: Basil can provide the best of both worlds, as it's been found to repel flies and moths and also makes for a tasty addition to pasta sauces and other dishes.

· Thyme: Also a valuable ingredient to keep in the kitchen, thyme can help keep hungry mosquitoes at bay.

· Mint: The Farmer's Almanac warns that it's easy to overplant mint, so homeowners should only plant with care and make a concerted effort to prevent overgrowth. Also great in the kitchen, mint has long been considered an effective mosquito repellant.

· Alliums: Like lavender, alliums can add a burst of purple to your patio. And though they aren't believed to repel mosquitoes, alliums have been found to be helpful against cabbage worms, aphids, carrot flies, and slugs.

· Chrysanthemums: If ants are drawing homeowners' ire, chrysanthemums may do the trick. These eye-catching flowers also are believed to repel fleas and roaches, among other insects.

· Marigolds: The scent of this awe-inspiring plant is known to repel mosquitoes and other pests. Marigolds also attract insects like ladybugs that are known to consume aphids, which are minute bugs that reproduce rapidly and feed by sucking sap from plants.

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Lifestyle

Travel

Eight Perfect Days in Switzerland!

by Lisa Spiller
Professional Profile

It is no wonder Switzerland is called “Little Europe.” Given eight days, you can see the best of Europe by just travelling through Switzerland.

Whether seeking spectacular natural landscapes, historic architecture, gastronomy, active adventure, sophisticated luxury, the historic and cultural influences of Italy, France and Germany, you will find it here.

Armed with a first-class Swiss Travel Pass, I arrived in Zurich and boarded a train to Lausanne. The Swiss trains are comfortable and offer panoramic windows, drinks and snacks, and the conductors are all tall, young and handsome.  However, the jaw-dropping scenery steals the show. In Switzerland, the journey itself is equally as exciting as the destination.

Upon arrival in Lausanne, I checked into the Beau-Rivage Palace hotel located directly on Lake Geneva. The Beau-Rivage beckons travelers to slow down and simply enjoy the natural grandeur of the Lake Geneva lifestyle. The glacier pure water is ideal for swimming and water sports including paddleboards, kayaks and paddle boats, all readily available steps from the hotel.

Waterfront restaurants and the Olympic Museum, one of 500 museums available for free with the Swiss Travel Pass, are within walking distance. Lausanne is an excellent launch point for the Lavaux wine region, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where local farmers produce wines, cheese and chocolate.

The locals welcome visitors by private appointment to engage authentically, share wine and dairy practices, and sell their goods that never otherwise leave Switzerland.

From Lausanne, we travelled via the Golden Pass panoramic rail to Gstaad, where we were met by Swiss farmers. They smiled under the shadow of their wide-brimmed felt hats and hoisted us onto wooden wagons for a magical horse-drawn carriage ride into the hills. We trotted up a winding gravel road past towering pines, glacial lakes, sheer rock cliffs and mile-high waterfalls to the one-restaurant hamlet of Lauenen.

Please Click Here to Continue
 

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