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What you will find in this edition

  • Feature:
    Breaking the Comfort Zone for 2024! 
  • Business Psychology:
    You Need a Good Laugh 
  • Business Relocation:
    10 Effective Ways to Declutter Before You Move
  • Business Etiquette:
    How to Find the Perfect Holiday Pet Sitter 
  • Fitness & Health:
    How to Safely Shovel Snow 
  • Spirits & Cuisine:
    10 Unique Gifts for Your Favorite Foodie   
  • Leisure & Travel:  
    2023 Holiday Road Travel Tips   
  • Corb7 Publications: 
    Two Free E-Books
  • Corb7 Funding Service: 
    Worldwide Funding Starting at US$10 Million
  • Corb7 Acquisition Services:
    Swiss Trust Companies for Sale

International Business 

Editor's Note


Entrepreneur & Author
JeffCorbett.com

Breaking the Comfort Zone for 2024!

“Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were
to success when they gave up.”

– Thomas Edison      

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December 2023 is almost here. Towards the end of the month, people become reflective and inevitability turn towards the next year with idea to set personal goals and resolutions.  Estimates vary depending on the year and scope of the study, but research into New Year's resolutions has generally found that fewer than 10 percent of people who make resolutions each year stay the course until they've accomplished their goal. In fact, a 2020 poll conducted by OnePoll in conjunction with Crispy Green found that the average person has abandoned his or her resolution by February 1. 

Here are some ideas to avoid those pitfalls.

We all have an imaginary safe haven often referred to as a comfort zone. From our youth to our senior years, we create a corridor allowing us to function within the daily perception of safety. Everyone expands and contracts this area through different experiences. Some are content at 200 miles per hour circling a racetrack, while others will faint on a Ferris Wheel. Nevertheless, each person’s comfort zone is important for a sane and productive existence.


Many individuals, however, choose to hold onto their comfort zone as they mature with clenched fists. As a result, they create a very unhealthy disdain for new adventure. Ironically, many of these same people gladly teach their children to try different things.

Why, then, do so many become entrenched in their personal routines and cynical about reaching beyond? Even high achievers can find themselves stuck on personal plateaus resulting in depression.

Instead of being a crutch, the comfort zone can be prodded in many interesting ways leading us to discover almost limitless boundaries. Allow me to provide a personal example. My experience has been that personal growth often occurs as an unintentional reaction to a planned event which is one reason I love to travel.  Once during a summer fishing trip to Canada, several friends and I inadvertently had such an encounter in the sub-arctic. We reached our destination by traveling eight hours north of Toronto by car and then sixty miles into the wilderness by seaplane. I can vividly recall the pilot dropping us off with a cigarette dangling from his lips (under a no smoking sign) and with a cynical smile. “You’re here for five days-hey, no radio-hey, if someone breaks their leg just string him up in a tree, and we’ll pick him up on the way back-hey.” He made his point. This place of awesome beauty had no way out except, by the way, we got in. It was priceless. Lifelong bonds of friendship were forged and now, us whenever we get together, that trip always comes up in conversation.

You do not need to be so dramatic. Stretching is critical and can be easily accomplished. Perhaps that is where the problem lies. Our human condition does not like commonsense answers. We like to make things complicated. Let’s give it a try anyway. Besides, as my father is apt to say, “without common sense, education is no more than books piled on the back of an ass.”

The solution is in your organizational skills. All you need is 2 minutes a day. Write one item in your daily planner that will break your ordinary patterns. You will want to make it easy at first and repeat this each day for a week. At the end of the first week, you should review what you accomplished. This item could be as simple as making candlelight dinner or talking with a stranger. If you are successful be sure to congratulate yourself. If you fail, who cares? At least, you tried and next week offers another opportunity. You can strengthen comfort zone muscles like training with weights, which will allow you to experience your life.

Simple solutions work and by expanding your comfort zone the goals for the new year might be easier to reach.


For more content regarding international business, motivation &  lifestyle,  
please see my blog:  JeffCorbett.com


International Business 

Business Psychology

You Need a Good Laugh 

There are many health benefits to laughing.   

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Most people have heard the adage that "laughter is the best medicine." There are many indications that laughter can be beneficial to the mind and body, and that the perks of laughter and humor are far-reaching.

Various professionals have studied the clinical benefits of laughter, including Dr. Lee Berk and Dr. Stanley Tan at Loma Linda University in California. Here is what these experts say in regard to the benefits of a few good belly laughs.

Boosts immune system

A recent study titled "The Laughter Prescription" and published in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine found that the amount of laughter a person experiences is related to the immune system's ability to fight off infections, among other benefits. The study references additional research that indicated spontaneous (not forced) laughter boosts the immune system by increasing natural killer (NK) cell activity. Levels were measured after participants watched a one-hour humorous video. NK cells are lymphocytes with a unique ability to kill a broad spectrum of cancerous and virus-infected cells, according to the National Institutes of Health. Laughing out loud improves immune system function and increases heart rate and oxygen levels.

Lowers blood pressure

Individuals who laugh often have lower blood pressure than those who laugh less often. Lower blood pressure reduces the risk for stroke and heart attack.

Helps heal the brain

Laughing can help reverse symptoms of grief or depression by increasing the pleasure-enhancing neurochemicals in the brain, according to the Dr. Sears Wellness Institute. A good laugh also may help people recovering from chronic illnesses by helping to alleviate fear and anxiety that could otherwise preoccupy the mind.

Suppresses stress hormones

Drs. Berk and Tan found that the stress hormones epinephrine and cortisol decrease following laughter. Laughter may help people feel less stressed and overwhelmed.

Provides a small body workout

Hearty laughter can exercise the diaphragm, contract the abdominals and even work the shoulders and muscles in the face. Laughter also gets the heart pumping at a rate that burns a similar amount of calories per hour as walking slowly.

Provides natural pain relief

Research suggests that laughter decreases inflammation that may contribute to pain. Researchers at the University of Maryland found that laughing also increases blood flow, which may help to reduce pain as well.

Finding ways to laugh more is an easy and fun way to improve overall health. 


International Business 

Business Relocation 

10 Effective Ways to Declutter Before You Move!

The Art of the Move. 

by Morayma MaKay
Corporate Relocation Consultant & Coach
Get-Ready-Set-Move

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Are you gearing up for a big move? Whether you're relocating to a new city or just a new neighborhood, one thing's for sure: it's time to declutter!

Moving is the perfect opportunity to clear out the old, make space for the new, and start fresh in your new home. In this blog post, we'll explore the 10 best ways to get rid of clutter and streamline your belongings before your big move. Let's dive in!

1. Start Early: Don't wait until the last minute to declutter. Begin the process well in advance of your move so you can tackle it systematically and without stress. Start with one room or area at a time.

2. The Three-Box Method: As you go through your belongings, use the classic "Three-Box Method." Label three boxes as "Keep," "Donate/Sell," and "Trash." This simple system will help you make quick decisions about each item.

3. Declutter by Category: Another effective approach is to declutter by category, not by room. For example, go through all your clothes at once, then books, kitchen items, and so on. This method allows you to see the full extent of each type of item you own.

4. Donate and Sell: Items that are in good condition but no longer serve you can find a new home through donation or selling. Consider donating to local charities or selling items online through platforms like eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace.

5. Digitize and Go Paperless: Minimize paper clutter by digitizing important documents. Scan and store them securely in the cloud to free up physical space and ensure you have access to critical paperwork.

6. Sentimental Items: Sorting through sentimental items can be challenging. Keep what truly holds emotional value, but be selective. Take photos of items you want to remember but can't keep.

7. Minimalist Mindset: Embrace a minimalist mindset by asking yourself if an item truly adds value to your life. If it doesn't serve a purpose or bring you joy, it might be time to let it go.

8. Plan for Unwanted Items: Have a plan for disposing of items you can't sell or donate, such as old electronics or hazardous materials. Research local disposal options or consider recycling programs.

9. Use Up Consumables: Before moving, try to use up perishable items like food, cleaning supplies, and toiletries to reduce the number of items you need to transport.

10. Get Professional Help: If you're feeling overwhelmed or have a large amount of stuff to go through, consider hiring a professional organizer. They can provide guidance and support throughout the decluttering process.

Remember the Benefits:

Decluttering before a move not only lightens your load but also offers several benefits. It reduces moving costs, saves time and energy during packing and unpacking, and helps you start fresh in your new space with a clean and organized home.

So, roll up your sleeves, put on your favorite playlist, pour of a cup of coffee or glass of wine and start decluttering with a smile. Your future self will thank you for making your move smoother and your new home clutter-free! Happy decluttering!                                                      


International Business

Business Etiquette

How to Find the Perfect Holiday Pet Sitter

by Candace Smith
The Etiquette Blog
Candace Smith Etiquette 

Biography:  Candace Smith, wife of Nobel Prize-Winner Professor Dr. Vernon Smith and owner of the extraordinary blog, “Etiquette for the Business of Life” as featured by BBC, Chicago Tribune and USA Today offers her insights.

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Hiring a pet sitter is a given in our busy world.  As devoted as you are to your pet, leaving them overnight will be necessary at some point and often during the holiday season.   Are you prepared?

Finding the Right Person

Some occasions may lend themselves to what I call a “built-in pet sitter”.  This is a trusted close friend or family member who knows you, your pet, and your home well enough to easily step in and take care of things while you’re away.

But when an angel such as this isn’t available, who will you turn to?  Finding the right person can be a challenge.  I recommend starting with a list of what you will need from the person you hire.

  • Do you want them to stay in your home, or are daily visits sufficient?
  • Will they be needed for household tasks or only for caring for your pet?
  • What skills will they need in order to care for your pet?  If your pet has special needs or requires medications, this is a big consideration.
  • What is your budget for paying this person?
Listing your answers to the above questions will give you a good starting point.  
Getting to Know You
Meeting the person who will be visiting your home and caring for your pet (or pets) while you are not present is absolutely necessary. So is getting to know them – at least a little.

On the other side of the coin, it’s also necessary for you, the pet sitter, to get to know your client.  Will this be a person or family and pets that you will enjoy working with?
A preliminary phone conversation will reveal whether or not you have a good feeling about this potential relationship.  Do you find their voice, demeanor, and phone etiquette satisfactory? Are you comfortable speaking with them?  You can tell a lot about a person from a phone conversation.

Once they pass the phone conversation evaluation, it’s time to meet in person.  Both parties should make it clear that the meeting is for consideration purposes only. And make sure that your meeting includes the following:
  • A proper introduction to the animals that will be cared for.  The caregiver should see them up close (cats are terrific at hiding) and should be given the pets’ names.  
  • Observation of interactions.  Does the pet seem comfortable with this new person?  Does the comfort level improve as the visit goes on?  
  • Assessment of skills.  Does the pet sitter indicate in conversation that they have certain care methods and techniques that will be compatible with your pet?  Find an opportunity to see this in action by making your meeting time in line with feeding or medication time and ask your potential care giver to help with the task to see how your pet responds.  You might also take your dog for a walk as you interview the person, letting them take the lead to help assess compatibility with your dog.
  • A tour of the home.  Show the person who will care for your pet where food and water dishes, food, medications, treats, toys, etc. are kept and how they are given.  If they will be staying full-time while you are away, show them the sleeping arrangements, bathroom, and what is off limits.
  • Don’t skip the details.  Even though this is a preliminary meeting, if detailed questions arise, don’t put off answering them.  If your care giver isn’t allowed to park her car in the driveway, go ahead and tell her.  If you are curious about how often the litterbox should be cleaned, go ahead and ask.  Details from either the client or the care giver can only be helpful.
Once you’ve met and consider moving forward with a good working relationship, it’s time to dig a little deeper.  Both parties should find out more about each other.  References and mutual acquaintances should be called.  And a scroll through social media accounts may reveal more as well.
A Great Pet Sitter
So, you’ve found a pet sitter you like and trust.  Or you’ve found a client whose pets you look forward to spending time with. Ensure everything goes smoothly with these tips. For the Pet Parent:
  • Before the day of arrival, provide a key, code, and any other entry instructions, including alternatives – just in case.
  • Make sure your care giver has the name of your vet and the name of an emergency veterinarian clinic.
  • Write down food quantities, feeding times, and medication times.  Especially if you have multiple pets, it’s important to also label food containers and medications.
  • Leave the names of neighbors, friends, or back-up pet sitters in case they are needed.
  • Provide all available forms of contact for yourself while you are away.
For the Pet Sitter:
  • Communicate!  Let the pet parent know when you leave and arrive, or if you are staying in the home, what your daily schedule looks like.  Have all questions regarding the pets and the home answered before your client leaves.
  • Keep the home tidy.  Even if cleaning isn’t on your task list, ensure that your client comes home to a neat and clean place.  Or at least as neat and clean as it was when they left it.
  • Send pictures.  Sending the pet parent pictures of a happy, well cared-for pet will give them comfort.  However, do not post these pictures on your social media without the pet parent’s permission.
  • Follow safety rules.  Make sure all food and cleaning supplies toxic to pets are put away appropriately, lock doors and windows, set alarms as directed, etc.
  • Leave a daily log of events.  A written log of events, food consumption, medication reactions, behavior issues, and even cute anecdotes, will be helpful for pet parents.

Keeping pets and humans happy is a big job.  But when you show care and attention to both, you can consider it a job well done!


Lifestyle   

Fitness & Health  

How to Safely Shovel Snow

Tips to avoid injury. 

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The beauty of freshly fallen snow is undeniable. Such beauty compels millions of people across the globe to ski and snowboard each winter, while millions more enjoy simply looking out their windows at snow-covered landscapes.

If it was as convenient as it is beautiful, snow would likely be welcomed with open arms whenever the local weatherperson includes it in his or her forecast. But heavy snowfall can be inconvenient, making it difficult to travel and even creating more work for individuals responsible for shoveling their driveways and walkways.

Shoveling snow can increase a person's risk for injury, and some may be surprised to learn just how frequently such injuries happen. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission notes that, in 2022, more than 137,000 people needed medical assistance for injuries that happened while shoveling snow or using snow blowers.

Sprains and strains in the back and shoulders are the most common injuries when shoveling snow. But people also can suffer lacerations and injuries related to below-freezing temperatures when shoveling snow. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons recommends people keep these safety precautions in mind when shoveling snow this winter.

· Stretch before shoveling. Just like you would do before exercising in a gym, stretch prior to picking up your snow shovel. Warm up your muscles with some light exercise for 10 minutes to reduce your risk of sprains, strains and muscle tears.

· Stay hydrated and take frequent breaks. The AAOS notes that snow shoveling and snow blowing are aerobic activities. Such activities require participants to be hydrated. In addition, taking frequent breaks can help prevent injuries.

· Avoid shoveling snow if you're at risk for heart attack. Some people should avoid shoveling snow entirely. According to the Harvard Medical School, researchers correlated hospital admissions and deaths due to heart attack the day after it snowed in Canada between 1981 and 2022. Researchers found that the deeper the snow, the more men died of heart attacks. In fact, researchers found that there was a 34 percent increase in heart attack deaths the day after an eight-inch snowfall, and those rates increased when snowfall increased. Most deaths were men, but both men and women who are at risk of heart attack should avoid shoveling snow, particularly after heavy snowfall. Adults who are unsure of their heart health should consult with their physicians prior to shoveling snow.

· Use the right equipment. Ergonomic snow shovels can make shoveling less taxing, reducing your risk for sprains and strains. Spacing hands on the tool grip can increase leverage, making shoveling easier and less likely to lead to injury.

· Pushing snow instead of lifting it. The AAOS recommends pushing rather than lifting snow when possible. If snow must be lifted, squat with your legs, knees bent and back straight. When lifting, lift with your legs and do not bend at the waist. Scoop small amounts of snow at a time and walk to where you want to dump. The AAOS warns against holding shovels full of snow with arms outstretched, as doing so puts too much weight on the spine. Snow should not be thrown over the shoulder, as such a technique requires a twisting motion that puts stress on the back. In addition, the AAOS notes that heavy wet snow should be removed in pieces and not all at once.

Anyone can get injured while shoveling snow. Such injuries are preventable when certain safety measures are taken.


Lifestyle

Spirits & Cuisine

10 Unique Gifts for Your Favorite Foodie

Time for Holiday shopping.   

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 Many people know someone who loves spending lots of time in the kitchen. Certain home cooks may enjoy whipping up favorite recipes, while others might get excited about experimenting with new flavors and ingredients.

A love of cooking paves the way for many different gifting opportunities. Food-related gifts also come in a wide variety of price points, making it easy for shoppers to spend as little or as much as they want. Check out these 10 gift ideas for the foodie on your holiday shopping list.

1. Sheet pans: They may not seem like the most sexy or high-tech tools of the kitchen, but sheet pans are among the most versatile. They can be used for cookies, sheet pan cakes, oven-frying cutlets or fries, or even serving as the perfect bases for candy brittles.

2. Air fryer tool set: By now many people have hopped on the air fryer bandwagon, but they may not have all of the accessories to take air frying to the next level. From spatulas to tongs to silicone brushes, an air fryer tool set can make meals even more delicious.

3. Dutch oven: You'd be hard-pressed to find a more hard-working tool in the kitchen than a Dutch oven. These heavy, often enameled cast iron vessels come in various quart sizes. They can be used to cook stews, breads, cakes, and much more.

4. Kitchen compost bin: Home cooks who want to cut down on waste will appreciate a countertop compost bin to gather food scraps.

5. Serving board: The rise in cheese and charcuterie boards means cooks will need something attractive to serve their spreads. Wooden and stone boards are attractive when serving sliced cheeses, crackers, chutneys, and other appetizer.

6. Electric wine opener: Wine is the perfect complement to many dishes, and what easier way to open bottles than with an electric wine opener? Many are compatible with almost any bottleneck and can open several bottles on a single charge.

7. Spiralizer: The trend for pasta alternatives continues, and having a spiralizer that can turn vegetables like zucchini into spiraled "noodles" will be handy in most kitchens.

8. Apron and accessories: Home cooks need to protect their clothing in the kitchen. A fashionable apron and matching oven mitts can make a statement and keep clothes clean.

9. Meat delivery: The number of direct-to-home meat shipping providers continues to grow. Have quality cuts of meat delivered right to a home cook's house so that he or she can cut back on trips to the store.

10. New blender: Today's blenders can crush ice, process foods, puree, and chop foods. These versatile appliances make a welcome addition to any kitchen.

Stock up on food-related gifts now for those people on your holiday shopping list who love to cook.


Lifestyle  

Leisure & Travel 


2023 Holiday Road Travel Tips!

Here are a few tips to make your travel more enjoyable & Safe.

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Many people will head home for the holidays this year, and the vast majority will take to the highway to do so. Here are a few tips to keep in mind. 

The U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics says the Thanksgiving and Christmas/New Year's holiday periods are among the busiest for long-distance travel. The highways will be busy with motorists crisscrossing the country to visit loved ones. Holiday travel may require covering a long distance in a limited amount of time. Finding ways to be efficient in regard to time management can reduce stress and improve safety.

Travel at night

If you can safely manage it, you may experience considerably less traffic in the evening hours than during other times of day. In addition, if kids are in tow, they may sleep much of the way, helping to reduce the number of times they ask, "Are we there yet?" Share driving responsibilities with another person so that each driver can take a break to prevent drowsy driving.

Get a vehicle maintenance check

No one wants to get stranded on the side of the road with a car filled with gifts and treats. It's well worth the investment to have a mechanic give a vehicle a checkup prior to leaving. Get an oil change even if it's a little early to do so. Look at tire tread wear and ensure that you have the right tires for the road conditions where you'll be headed.

Plan your route

People often rely on mobile phone or dashboard GPS systems to get where they need to go. However, it helps to have a general idea of the route so that if service drops out you can still find your way. Scout out rest stops or acceptable restaurants online prior to leaving so you have a plan for making stops in safe areas.

Stock the car

While presents may be taking up valuable real estate, pack a cooler with snacks and beverages to help reduce how many times you need to get off the highway. Also, games or other forms of entertainment can keep children occupied on long trips.

Slow down in inclement weather

The holiday meal can be reheated if you're late, so don't feel compelled to speed or drive erratically when the weather is stormy. It's not worth the risk of getting into an accident that can cause serious injuries. Travelers United, a nonprofit organization that represents all travelers, also warns that quick storms that pop up after a long dry spell can immediately make road surfaces extremely slippery. Use caution.

Planning and preparation are essential to getting home safely this holiday season.


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"The Complete Guide to Swiss Trust Company Ownership"
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"Global Common Cents"
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Jeffrey H. Corbett

How to Achieve Successful Cross-Border Business Structuring for Profit & Asset Protection.

About the Author:   Jeff Corbett is an entrepreneur, author, and magazine publisher with extensive experience in the global marketplace.  He remains an unwavering advocate for international business and personal freedoms.  With more than two decades of operational and management experience, Jeff Corbett has developed a keen understanding of how international businesses can get bloated with redundancies, inefficient networks, and exposure to frivolous litigation resulting in the loss of both time and money.  To that end, he has promoted an approach which allows an entrepreneur to retool achieving a sleeker, smoother and more strategically focused organization. A believer in bringing critical functions in-house, his clients range from small to mid-cap international concerns that can appreciate the additional control and cost reductions.


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