Corb7 International October 6th, 2021 Newsletter

International Business

Editor's Note

October's Crashes

October can be tough on the stock market.  Known as the “October Effect,” it is the perception that stocks tend to decline during October.   It is considered by many to be an investor psychological hurdle rather than a statistic phenomenon.  In any case, it is something that can have real outcomes and worth being aware of should markets start dramatic price swings. On Black Monday in 1987, I was working as a stockbroker at Kidder Peabody & Company and had the chore of reporting markets for a local radio station that day.  From that experience, I can assure you that it felt very real.

Courtesy of Investopedia, here are some of the largest historical crashes that happened during this month:

The Panic of 1907

Black Tuesday (1929)

Black Thursday (1929)

Black Monday (1929)

Black Monday (1987)

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International Business

Business Psychology

Sell the Facts

by Toni Delos Santos
90% Mental
90percentmental.com
.
"Approach each customer with the idea of helping him or her to solve a problem or achieve a goal, not of selling a product or service”    -  Brain Tracy

The ability to sell someone a product is based on many different factors. There is a big difference in just trying to “make a sale” to receive a commission check and building a relationship based on trust. People do not like the feeling of being sold something that they do not really need or believe will be beneficial to them in the long term. When they think there is an agenda or they are being pressured into buying something before they can do their research, they feel uneasy and tend to distrust the person that is doing the selling. A prime example is going into a car dealership! The process starts with a salesperson and when you show an interest in looking for a car it eventually turns into a full court press. Before you know it, the manager is coming in to talk to you and then the finance person and instead of giving you the price of the car, they ask how much you want to pay monthly. The point being, is you feel as though you are being manipulated so everyone can make money. You wonder why they can’t just tell you the price and give you the details on what that includes. You may or may not end up purchasing the car, but you would at least be able to make an informed decision based on the facts.
What is the best way to build trust with a client?

• Show how the product or idea will be beneficial to them. People want to know, “What’s in it for me?”
• Give them the facts of your product or idea so they can decide if they feel confident it is the right fit.
• Have an extensive knowledge of your competitor’s product.
• Sell with passion because you truly believe it will benefit them and you want to help them to be more successful.

At the present time, there has been a big divide in America amongst people that are vaccinated and people that are unvaccinated. The government wants everyone that is eligible to receive the COVID 19 vaccine to get the vaccinated. I am not expressing my opinion either way but rather using this example to better understand what causes different responses when trying to persuade someone.  Based on what we know about sales, lets look at how this issue could have been presented in a way that built trust.

• Show how the product would benefit each individual person, “What’s in it for me.” Be clear and consistent in presenting the science and data.
• Keep the issue out of politics. When people feel there is an agenda, it creates mistrust.
• Persuade people with the percentages and benefits and the big picture.
• When people are not respected and do not feel that their concerns are valued, creates mistrust.
• When people feel pressure and are mandated to do something, it automatically makes a certain amount of people rebel.

Draymond Green, NBA player for Golden State Warriors, summed up all of this in his response to why he feels it is not his place to tell another player on his team what is best for him and his family.

“We’re dealing with something that, to me, feels like has turned into a political war. When you’re talking about [vaccinated] and non-vaccinated, I think it’s become very political. And for someone who’s not extremely into politics, when you make something so political and not everyone is into politics, then you can also turn those people off, you know?” “I think there is something to be said for people’s concern about something that’s being pressed so hard. Like, why are you pressing this so hard? Like, so much, just pressing and pressing and pressing. I think you have to honor people’s feelings and their own personal beliefs.”

If you follow the basic rules of sales, everyone will benefit. Controversy creates emotional decisions. Be lead with your emotions, not by your emotions. The best decisions are made when you take a step back and look at the facts.

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International Business

Cross-Border Business

The Cook Islands a South Pacific Paradise

Located in the South Pacific, the Cook Islands is a nation of 15 islands which are scattered over a vast area, with political links to New Zealand. In 1901, the Cook Islands became a New Zealand colony but after a push for self-government in the 1960's, it developed an autonomous free association with New Zealand in 1965. As a result, it administers its own affairs, nevertheless, Cook Islanders are also New Zealand citizens.  As a point of geographical reference, the Cook Islands are an approximate 10-hour direct flight from Los Angeles on Air New Zealand.

Regarding cross-border business planning, this jurisdiction is best known for its Asset Protection Trust construct.  In review, an Asset Protection Trust is a legal structure that splits the beneficial enjoyment of trust assets from their legal ownership. A Trust is simply a contract between the people who wish to protect assets (the Grantor) and the person who will manage the assets (the Trustee) for the benefit of all Beneficiaries.

Cook Islands
Location:  1850 miles NE of New Zealand
Capital City:  Avarua
Population:  17,459
Language Spoken:  English
International Time:  EST + 16 1/2 hours
Airline Service:  Air New Zealand, Virgin Australia
Currency:  New Zealand dollar
Type of Government:  Self-governing under Constitution, in free association with New Zealand
Main industries:  Agriculture and manufacturing
Tax Treaty:  Yes
OECD:  Approved

Additional Notes:  Passed legislation in the early 1980s that allows for a high degree of flexibility, simplicity and administrative ease for offshore sector.

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International Business

Business Tools

Asset Protection for Non-US Citizens

Shelf corporations in the United States have many profound business purposes. They are frequently used for holding personal or business assets.  Another common purpose for the creation of a shelf corporation is as a turn-key business package that can later be sold to someone who wants to start and operate a company without going through the effort to form a new one.   Others might benefit who may not qualify for a bank loan, line of credit, or government contract because they or their existing company does not have the required credit scores or a two to five year established business history.  By purchasing a shelf corporation, an entrepreneur now instantly owns an established company that has been "in business" for several years without debts or liabilities.

For Non-U.S. citizens, owning a shelf corporation in the United States may enhance privacy and open new markets.  Since the United States is not a participant in the OECD Common Reporting Standards, it is often looked upon as a privacy haven for non-citizens looking to invest here.  The Common Reporting Standard (“CRS”),  was created by the OECD in 2014 pursuant to a meeting of the G-20 nations in Australia and calls for the automatic exchange of financial account information between agreeing jurisdictions. It should also be noted, however, that to open a bank account, Non-U.S. citizens will likely need to travel to the United States and meet with potential banks.

* Supporting Articles:

Financial Times Article

The World's Largest Tax Haven

United States Not Participant in CRS

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International Business

Business Etiquette

Time Management & Etiquette

by Candace Smith
The Etiquette Blog
Candace Smith Etiquette

Regardless of your age or profession, time management helps in living a rewarding life. When you are etiquette-ful, others take you seriously and are comfortable around you. Being mindful of your and others’ time is a major responsibility when aiming for success.

The Time is Now

Everyone wishes there were more time, and of course we don’t know what the future will bring.  But we are here now, and this moment will never come again.  Being mindful that time is scarce and that we only get so much of it can be an inspiration to make time your friend.

You might think, “Managing time leads to mindfulness?”  It’s true, even though it sounds paradoxical.  Enjoying our lives, getting work done, planning for the future, taking care of business, the house, kids, pets, can feel overwhelming if lumped together in the mind.

That’s why we need to have a plan, a timeline, to manage our moments and avoid distractions that can ruin the closing thoughts of the day and keep us from meeting goals in tune with our priorities.  In the words of Benjamin Franklin, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.”

However, it’s difficult to plan your time when you aren’t certain of your priorities. The busy-ness of life can sometime cloud our priorities because we tend to prioritize in the moment. Whatever squeaks, squeals, or screams the loudest, becomes our current priority at the time.

But if you can generalize your priorities, and focus on them in every moment, you always know what you’re working towards.  This keeps you focused so that when something distracts you, you can more easily decide if it deserves your attention.

What are your priorities right now?

• Ask yourself, “What is most important and meaningful in my life today that I am not willing to compromise or sacrifice in pursuit of something else?”
• Write down your top three things and place them where you can see them several times a day as a reminder.

Practical Scheduling for Time Management
Even with a priority list firmly in mind, attention to time management with a daily to-do list helps keep us in balance.

• Be deliberate with goals coming from your priorities and what you need to do to meet them.  Having a realistic expectation of what it takes helps map out a practical timeline for accomplishment.
• Make a list of appointments, tasks, or activities as they come up.  At the end of each day, plan your next day.  Review your notes and adjust your timeline if needed.  (Writing things down frees you from the worry of remembering.)
• Be realistic and avoid overloading your schedule.  Knowing how to prioritize will be most helpful here.
• Always schedule time for yourself and for “doing nothing.”  Free time is time to relax, have fun and “Just be.”

A time-organized-you is a more friendly you.  The feeling of being organized and having your priorities built into a calendar feels good.  Priorities-based, you know what is important to you.  By default, this brings a sense of confidence and well-intendedness to your goals and making you a kinder, more relaxed person to others.  And there is a bonus: people are bound to be nice in return!

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Lifestyle

Executive Fitness

CBD Oil vs. Pain

CBD oil is usually extracted from industrial hemp does not produce a euphoric "high" or psychoactive effect.  Anecdotal evidence suggests that it can be used to help manage chronic pain in many cases. CBD oil is especially promising due to its lack of intoxicating effects and a possible lower potential for side effects than many other pain medications.  Thomas DeLauer is one of our favorite online fitness source above we offer this video of his insights.

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Lifestyle

Spirits & Cuisine

Know Your Wines

A glass of wine makes a nice accompaniment to a meal or something to enjoy and sip while conversing with friends in social situations. Many people have a favorite style of wine, and some even have a favorite vineyard. In addition, the popularity of wine makes it a versatile gift for the holidays or something to bring along to a holiday party as a hostess present.

Novice wine enthusiasts may be interested in learning more about wine so they can choose their wine selections for gifting and enjoyment more readily. According to the experts at Wine Enthusiast, learning to taste wine and differentiate between flavors is similar to appreciating art or music. Understanding the varietals can simplify the process of selecting wines.

· Cabernet Sauvignon: This is a full-bodied red grape heavily planted in the Bordeaux region of France. Cabernet generally has high levels of alcohol and tannins.

· Merlot: The smoothness and mild flavor of this red wine make it a great option for those who need an introduction to red wine. This wine is lower in tannins than Cabernet Sauvignon, and it tends to have a more fruity flavor profile as well.

· Cabernet Franc: This is a light- to middle-weight wine that features a high acid content and savory flavors.

· Malbec and Carménère: Similar to Merlot, these grapes originated in France but then made their way to other regions of the world. Malbec is most popular in Argentina, while Carménère is grown in Chile.

· Zinfandel: Although mostly associated with the rosé wine White Zinfandel, Zinfandel is actually a medium-bodied red wine that originated in Croatia.

· Pinot Noir: Soft tannins and high acid give this light-bodied red wine its appeal. The grapes were first widely planted in France but can now be found elsewhere.

· Chianti: Chianti is the most famous Italian red wine in North America. It's a dry red that pairs very well with food. Chianti, which comes from the Chianti region in Tuscany, is made exclusively with Sangiovese grapes, or at least 80 percent of them and other blends.

· Chardonnay: This is a medium- to full-bodied dry white wine. The Chardonnay grape is a white grape from the Burgundy region of France.

· Sauvignon Blanc: Citrus-driven and often light-bodied, Sauvignon Blanc is another dry white grape planted widely in France. It also is a parent grape to Cabernet Sauvignon.

· Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio: Pinot Grigio is a zesty, dry white wine that is particularly associated with Italy even though it originated in France, where it is thought to be a mutation of the Pinot Noir grape. Pinot Grigio skins are not green like other white grapes, but have a gray hue, hence the name.

· Reisling: Those who prefer a sweet white wine can opt for Reisling, which can be traced to Germany. It can be a good match for those who appreciate other sweet white wines, such as Moscato or Gewürztraminer.

There are many wines to tempt palates. When gifting, the selections mentioned above can tempt foodies and budding sommeliers alike.

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Lifestyle

Leisure

Audio Books for Book Lovers

People who love to read often get lost in a good book. Reading is a beloved hobby across the globe. But even avid readers cannot be immersed in books all of the time , or can they?

Reading while driving or engaging in other tasks is challenging or even dangerous, but audiobooks provide a way to enjoy a good story even when you're otherwise engaged. Though dedicated readers may feel like they're "cheating" by turning to audiobooks, these alternatives to traditional books can be beneficial in various applications, particularly among learning-disabled individuals or second-language learners.

Audiobooks have grown in popularity. Data from the Audio Publishers Association indicates that audiobook sales reached $1.2 billion in 2019. That figure supports the notion that audiobooks can provide a host of benefits to people who can't wait to begin their next page turner.

· Improve punctuation and fluency: Audiobooks tend to be read by professional narrators or even well known actors and actresses. Listening to audiobooks can help people learn proper pronunciation of words, how to read with punctuation in mind and also to take notice of speed, stresses and pauses that are important in developing reading fluency.

· Introduce new material: Reading Rockets, a resource for teaching reading, says audiobooks may introduce readers to books above their reading levels or to subjects they may not normally delve into.

· Expand vocabulary: Listening to audiobooks can introduce readers to new words and teach readers how to pronounce unfamiliar dialects or old literary styles.

· Experience vivid images: Audiobooks may evoke feelings of what it was to be read to as a child. According to Psychology Today, listeners can use the narrator's words and form mental pictures of characters and the plot.

· Escapism: Rather than listening to music while commuting, exercising or doing work that doesn't require much concentration, people can use audiobooks to stimulate their minds.

· Relax and relieve stress: Audiobooks can help people feel happy, thus improving their overall health. Relaxing voices and vivid scene descriptions can soothe a person and even help them get ready to sleep.

· Manage time more effectively: A notable benefit of audiobooks is that they can be utilized as people perform other tasks, helping to free up time throughout the rest of the day while still ensuring people get to enjoy a good story.

Audiobooks may be the answer for busy book lovers.

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Lifestyle

Lifestyle & Travel

Best Countries for Retirement

Many couples look to downsize once they retire. Empty nest retirees may no longer need their large family homes, which can be expensive and difficult for seniors to maintain. While some retirees choose to move into senior living communities or condominiums, some opt to be a bit more adventurous and venture further from home.

A number of retirees choose to spend their golden years abroad. Doing so can equate to a more adventurous retirement, a lower cost of living and the ability to stretch retirement savings much further than if you decided to stay closer to home. Many of the more popular international retirement locations offer beautiful climates, culture and health care systems that are hospitable to retirees.

Affordability is a key consideration for men and women mulling whether or not to retire internationally. According to U.S. News and World Report, retiring overseas may run the average person anywhere from $700 to $1500 USD per month. Those who can offer higher budgets may be able to retire to any location of their choosing.

Before you make any drastic changes, first calculate your retirement budget. Add up retirement savings, Social Security income (if applicable), pensions, and any other investments or savings you may have. Have an estimate of the market value of your current home and any other property you may own. These figures will be your working numbers. Subtract your age from your estimated life expectancy and divide the retirement funds sum by that many years to see how much per month you will have to spend.

Once you have established your budget, begin investigating where you would like to live. Argentina, Ecuador, Belize, Costa Rica, and France are some of the more popular retirement locations among North Americans. Once you've selected a potential location, take a vacation there and explore. In addition to the climate, check out the infrastructure, shopping, medical services, amenities, and crime rates. Try the place on for size and figure out if this is an area where you can comfortably spend your retirement.

Once you have narrowed down your prospects, contact your native country's embassy to determine what will be needed to legally live in a foreign country and obtain a visa. Some places are more accommodating than others with regard to residency visas.

It also pays to contact an accountant or tax professional to see what, if any, taxes you will still be required to pay even if you move abroad. Your obligation may be less than if you chose to stay closer to home.

Another consideration is health insurance. Government-sponsored plans may not cover services overseas, requiring you to find an alternative insurance source. The good news is that many international plans may be more affordable than ones found in the United States.

Retiring abroad does not mean you have to cut all ties to home. Some couples choose to keep dual residency and fly back and forth when necessary. But the slower pace, affordability and other draws of international retirement spots could be challenging to leave behind.

AARP, Forbes and International Living routinely rank the best international retirement destinations. Check with these sources for more information about retiring abroad.

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Business Services

Business Acquisitions 

"The Complete Guide to Swiss Trust Company Ownership"

by
Jeffrey H. Corbett

About the Author:
It is our mission to save you both time and money when it comes to implementing a successful cross-border strategy as well as make a Swiss Trust Company acquisition possible for you within the shortest possible period of time. Offering more than 25 years of hands-on personal experience, the management of Corb7 International has guided more clients to successful endeavors with Swiss Trust Companies than any other alternative source.

This operational and management experience has allowed Jeffrey Corbett to develop a keen understanding for how international businesses can get bloated with redundancies or inefficient networks resulting in the loss of both time and money. To that end, the Corb7 Strategic Development Solution was created by him. This in-depth approach allows an entrepreneur to retool achieving a sleeker, smoother and more strategically focused organization. An advocate for 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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With Corb7 international, driven leaders in international finance rely on winning strategies to cut costs, preserve wealth and capture profit from new markets within this sound business framework. A Swiss Trust Company is a rare, focused model that allows discerning entrepreneurs to employ these strategies. Whether your motivation is Profit, Privacy or Asset Protection, we are about to introduce to you a totally unique business tool - Swiss Trust Company Ownership. No other business tool is like it, offering you the capability to conduct almost limitless transactions through a prestigious European financial c enter with the assistance of highly regarded professionals.

We will provide you with a true turnkey acquisition - this will include acquiring the company, Swiss administration and a legal retainer with a top law firm located in Zurich - all for one investment. Our intent is to save you both time and money when it comes to implementing a successful cross-border strategy. The Trust Company you choose will have been walked through a strict due-diligence process and is guaranteed to be free of any present or past debts or liabilities.

Strategic Benefits:
- Asset Protection: Obtain a safe haven for either your personal or corporate wealth
- Profit: Acquire ownership of a “Non-Banking Financial Entity” in a major financial center
- Privacy: The ability to lower your financial profile and protect yourself from identity theft
- Gain Control: Avoid cumbersome red-tape in which will improve efficiency
- Potential Exit Strategy: Roll existing business into a STC and then listing on an exchange
- Portfolio Management: Manage portfolios of Real Estate or Securities

Additional Benefits Include:
- Political and Economic Stable Environment
- The Swiss Franc as an Independent Currency
- Own Subsidiaries and Hold Assets for Third Parties on Fiduciary Basis
- Tools like joining an SRO, applying for a light FINMA Banking License
- Efficient Network of Swiss Banks including communications by SWIFT
- Business Friendly Location

Investment:
Swiss Trust Companies are available for an initial investment ranging from $70,000 to $150,000. The average client invests approximately $100,000 to acquire their company. Your outlay will increase with the age of the structure since older companies are more difficult to locate. As a rule of thumb, older Trust Companies are more appropriate for clients who wish to make their STC acquisition an operational non-banking financial entity. This type of business model typically involves portfolio management or some other activity involving third parties. The age and established corporate goodwill are also of major importance when establishing corresponding banking relationships. If a client, however, is looking to benefit from owning a Swiss Trust Company solely for asset protection, then a younger company would be more appropriate and thus require a smaller investment.

Our Service & Experience:
- Experience: More than 25 years involvement with successful STC acquisitions.
- Neutrality: If there is a better option for your business plans you will be guided in that direction.
- Education: Professional and dependable source of information.
- Professional: Our Zurich based associates provide superb administrative services with in-house SRO license.

Bottom-line: with offices in Beverly Hills & Zurich we are here to serve you.

If you wish to gain a better understanding of the benefits of owning a Swiss Trust Company, then the best way to explore whether this unique structure will fit your needs is with a 15 minute complimentary phone consultation which we would be delighted to schedule for you.

Corb7 International, Inc.
a Business Advisory & Publishing Firm
www.Corb7.com

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