Corb7 International September 21st, 2022 Newsletter

International Business

Editor's Note

It's Time to Diversify

It’s time to diversify.  If you are like me, you find it hard to watch the news.  Political instability is everywhere with some of the world’s most hypocritical people holding public office.  May I suggest that instead of feeling hopeless and vulnerable to the next radical fade, consider placing some of your business or personal assets in an environment of stability and appreciation.   It’s not just in the United States, many other countries are experiencing political strife. Hong Kong Taiwan, South Korea, Mexico, Canada, Australia, New Zealand to name just a few have major political concerns which are either related to new world order of post COID-19 and other major economic concerns.  Again, it’s time to diversify.

For anyone who is a regular reader of this column, you would most likely know that our jurisdiction of choice for the last 25 years has been Switzerland.  Today, that position stands firm and has been enhanced by legislation over the recent years which includes the new “Swiss Light Banking License” and business-friendly regulation surrounding the Crypto Currency sector.  Long gone are the illusions of numbered accounts and hidden money often promoted in movies.  Switzerland is one of the world’s largest financial centers with a sophisticated infrastructure and where language is almost never a challenge since English, French, German, and Italian are commonly spoken.  It is a stunningly beautiful location offering asset protection and a potential European flagship for profit.  If you are concerned about the future, now would be the time to move part of your assets in this direction while still meeting all your reporting requirements at home.         

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International Business 

Business Psychology

The Comfort Zone

by Toni Delos Santos
90% Mental
90percentmental.com

All change is hard at first, messy in the middle and gorgeous in the end“.”  - Robin Sharma

Babe Ruth once said, “don’t let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.” This statement is very powerful because when you think about what holds you back from making a change, the answer is most likely the fear of failure. Baseball is well known as a game where you are guaranteed to fail more than you will succeed when you are up to bat. Knowing this fact, it would lead you to wonder how players get motivated to want to bat when there is a 70% chance they are not going to get on base. The answer lies in their mindset.

Being in sales is like baseball in that it is a game of percentages. The more accounts you call on, the higher the chance that you will earn more business. When you call on a new customer, you know that there is a possibility that you might fail to convince them to use your product or service. If the worst happens and they do not see the value in switching to your product, you don’t look for another job because you failed. You will go back to your presentation and think about what you could have done differently to get a different outcome. Each appointment is an opportunity to learn and improve on what you can do differently next time you meet with a similar client.

The first step is to have a clear understanding of the goal that you want to reach. Once you have the vision of what that success will look like, you are ready to implement a strategy.  Next, you must understand and accept that failure is going to be part of the process. Whenever you learn a skill, you are not going to automatically be an expert. It takes practice, discipline, and hard work to reach that level. After you have put in the time and you see the improvement and then finally hit your goal, I would be willing to bet it was worth it. Putting yourself out there into the unknown can be scary. It is much easier to stay in your comfort zone. This means that you will be content to live a life of mediocrity. The challenge with staying in your comfort zone is that humans are meant to keep evolving. Learning and growing are what makes us interesting and motivated.

You will never reach your true potential both personally and professionally by taking the easy road. There is no doubt that getting out of your comfort zone can be scary, but in the end, the satisfaction of knowing that you had the confidence to take the leap will be worth it! Ray Lewis once said, “Before anything great is really achieved, your comfort zone must be disturbed.”

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International Business 

Offshore Perspective 

Americans are Welcome in Switzerland

by Anne Liebgott, Founder
AW Switzerland 
Americans Welcome 

Since the United States is the world's largest national economy, it is understandable that US investors think that it is fine to hold all of their investments within US borders in US dollars. Over-weighting investments in their home country is understandable, but a home-bias isn't optimal.

While the American stock market has been incredibly strong, and by some definitions qualifies for having the longest bull market in history, it hasn’t always been that way and it's unlikely to maintain that streak forever. It’s impossible to predict what will happen with the US stock market going forward, but, historically, US stocks have also seen long periods of under-performance compared to international stocks.

Owning an US-centric portfolio can lead to sub-optimal risk-adjusted returns. According to best practices in portfolio management the volatility of an investment portfolio is reduced by adding international diversification to the overall wealth strategy. Global diversification helps to mitigate the risk of local downturns while capitalizing on growth over the long term.

Considering that world's equity assets make up over 50% of invested assets versus the US' 43%, it makes sense to include a good portion of diversified international assets in a portfolio to reduce the risk of over-weighting one particular country.

What percentage of an American investor's portfolio should be invested internationally? Some advisors will claim that 50% is fitting, while others suggest anywhere between 5 and 30%. Beginners may choose a smaller percentage, others more comfortable with going global up to 30% or more.

True international diversification means that a portfolio will never be the portfolio with the highest returns, but it will also generally be better equipped to handle local crises and downturns. Appropriately designed, an internationally-diversified portfolio not only helps to avoid the risk of local downturns, but also to capitalize on global growth over the long term.

Holding some emerging market mutual funds at a local bank, even in other currencies, is not true international diversification. Going to another jurisdiction outside of the United States, to other non-American financial institutions, holding other foreign investments and other currencies is the real thing when it comes to effective risk diversification. Engaging a wealth manager with in-depth international experience and a global outlook with a different perspective than a local investment adviser leads to true international diversification.

US financial professionals for the most part, understandably focus on the US market, American financial institutions and US dollar investments. However, to achieve greater resiliency for an overall portfolio through international diversification, a global-oriented wealth manager will target different investments than a domestic advisor. Holding a portion of a portfolio in a bank outside of the American banking system provides institutional risk diversification and greater flexibility. Currency diversification provides a hedge against a falling US dollar. The prudent investor shouldn't walk around blindfolded but should prepare for bumps which may arise along their home-market roads.

Where to Go? Welcome to Switzerland!

With the turbulence of the past left behind, Switzerland remains the global leader for cross border private wealth management with a world share of over 25%, of which about half is from investors abroad. 

The highest level of economic and political stability, neutrality, high-quality services and extensive expertise and experience is Switzerland's claim to fame for its long-term success as a leading, innovative financial center. Especially during times of crisis and increasing volatility, the world's wealthy turn to Switzerland as a safe haven for their assets. Recently, Switzerland has been named the world's most resilient country best able to handle the pandemic crisis and it's aftermath.

The Swiss traditions of reliability, continuity and excellence and a high regard for privacy and discretion in an increasingly transparent world are qualities appreciated by astute international investors concerned about the preservation of their assets.

Switzerland: Perhaps the safest place for assets
in an increasingly unsafe world!

Swiss wealth managers registered as an Investment Adviser with the Securities and Exchange Commission in the United States focus on providing US tax-compliant wealth management services to US persons domiciled in the United States and abroad.

Providing services, giving advice, telephone calls, correspondence and personal meetings with clients, or promotional activities for potential clients and strategic agreements with US business partners are allowed without restrictions. US reporting requirements are also clear and the necessary, accurate documents are provided in a timely manner to fulfill reporting requirements and tax obligations.

Americans are welcome!

A relationship can easily be established with a Swiss SEC-registered wealth manager and an internationally-diversified portfolio held with a Swiss bank that welcomes American clients can be set up without leaving home. The Swiss wealth manager of choice handles every step of the way.

Swiss SEC-registered wealth managers range from larger, bank-associated firms to the US-focused entities of Swiss private banks as well as smaller and more personal independent wealth management boutiques. Minimum amounts of investment start at USD 100,000, USD 250,000, USD 500,000 or 1 mn or more depending on the individual wealth manager. While travel to the US to meet with clients and advisers was regularly on the program, it is on hold at the moment. Nevertheless, Swiss wealth managers are up-to-date with online meetings and conferences and Switzerland is never more than a phone call or click away.

Swiss SEC-registered investment advisors are also happy to collaborate with American financial professionals and other advisors in co-counseling their clients to develop an internationally-diversified portfolio to complement a US-based portfolio already in place.  

Finding a suitable Swiss SEC-registered wealth manager is easy.  The Swiss platform, AW★SWITZERLAND lists them all, in an easy-to-access manner, individually, alphabetically and regionally.

Getting the touch and feel of a wealth manager of choice before an initial contact by comfortably and efficiently browsing through their listings with access to their websites, SEC registrations, ADV Part 2 and Part 3 brochures with information on company size, assets under management, minimum amounts of investment, strategies, fees etc. makes doing the homework and narrowing down the wealth manager of choice easy. An initial email or conversation will start the process.  

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International Business

Business Tools

Swift Membership Alternative 

Alliance Lite 2 

Alliance Lite is a Service Provider that offers low cost SWIFT access on a “pay-as-you-go” basis.  Alliance Lite 2 - the newest version - which was released in 2012 and is a Cloud based type - requires very little equipment at your workplace but yet offers you highly secure and reliable messaging.   Easy to use, cost-effective and reliable, it lets you exchange all SWIFT messages and file types and use secure browse services from SWIFT and market infrastructures. 
 
Alliance Lite- 2 meets the needs of all types of SWIFT customers including: banks, trust companies, investment managers and broker/dealers.
Salient points and Benefits:

Connect to SWIFT with little upfront investment
Low operational costs and overhead
Connect directly to SWIFT without using a third party
No need for to maintain costly SWIFT infrastructure at your site 

Alliance Lite2 Website
 
Video 1
 
Video 2
 
Please keep in mind that you must apply and be accepted to use this platform and Alliance Lite 2 has their own specific protocols for approval which are always subject to change.  Also, it is of critical importance to keep your Swiss Administrator informed if you plan on implementing such a format alongside Swiss Trust Company ownership.

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International Business   

Business Etiquette  

When You Receive a Message
Intended for Someone Else

by Candace Smith
The Etiquette Blog
Candace Smith Etiquette

People report that when they receive a message intended for someone else their first response is to delete it.  However, the mannerly rule when receiving messages is to respond, regardless.

When we’re young we learn that if something isn’t ours, and we have it, we give it back.  This rule also applies when a message is received, and it wasn’t yours to get.

An Appropriate Response
As with all rules, there is an exception to the above statements.  When you receive a message from an individual whom you do not know within an unfamiliar context, it is probably spam.  In some cases, spam can be problematic, so it is best to not open any attachments or click any links that may have come with it and delete the message immediately.

If you are the single recipient of a message, and you know the person, reply quickly, as the message may be time sensitive.  

“John, I’m sure this is meant for someone else.  I hope getting it back to you soon helps in the process.”  

If there is more than one person who received the message in error, “reply all” with your response. 
 
“John and All, please remove me from this communication string, as my name was included by mistake.”  If one of the people on the string happens to not have noticed your message or forgets to take it out, reply to all again and repeat your requests not to be included.  
It is not uncommon to receive a message that is clearly meant for someone else, especially if you work with a person who has a similar name or email address.  When this happens, respond as indicated above in a timely way.  But also know that you face an added responsibility.  The urge to gossip about it or forward the message is absolutely not appropriate. 
 
If it is crystal clear that the message was intended for a particular person or persons and does not contain confidential information, forward the email to those persons, and copy the original sender. 
 
“Marie and Sally, I’m sure John meant to send this to you as you are in charge of the upcoming office dinner.  John, please correct me if I am in error.”

If the Wrong People Receive a Message from You
A worst-case scenario: you sent an off-the-cuff message and it contained words that were not sensitive, kind, accurate or private.
 
These are face-saving moments because you must say something.  It’s practically impossible to meet one on one to explain or apologize, or persuade others that you don’t really mean what you have said or implied.  You may need to make amends.

• Stop what you are doing and think through what you need to say.  Do not send until you have composed what is necessary.
• Be direct.  Be brief.  Correct errors you made.  Make no excuses. 
• Be clear and generous on the apology.  Using adverbs like “extremely”, “sincerely”, or “absolutely”, help you convey sincerity.  
• Talking too much leaves the impression that you aren’t telling the truth, so avoid warm up sentences or lengthy closings. 

If a person who received a message in error asks you to discuss the content of the actual message, decline.  “Jim, I am just so sorry that I erred as I did.  Please accept my apology.”
We live within a world of relationships.  Much of our communication is digital, though it’s always a great tip to imagine ourselves being face-to-face.  Forgiveness for the mistakes of others by imagining what it is like to be in their shoes, can go a long way. “Kristen, seriously don’t worry about this.  I’ve made this kind of mistake myself.  Like you, I was horrified.”

A Final Note
Always check the recipient list carefully before sending any message.  Be wary!  Our devices are built to assist us and too often they seem to read our minds—incorrectly.

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Lifestyle

Executive Fitness 

The Basics of Interval Training

Routine exercise is a key component of a healthy lifestyle. When attempting to incorporate exercise into their lives for the first time or after a long layoff, adults may go through a trial and error period as they attempt to find a routine they enjoy. Interval training is one approach to exercise that may be worth consideration.

What is interval training?

Sometimes referred to as high-intensity interval training, or HIIT, interval training involves alternating between short bursts of intense exercise and brief periods of rest or less intense activity. The Mayo Clinic notes that periods of high-intensity exercise may be as brief as 30 seconds, while the less intense portions of the routine typically last between one to two minutes.

What are some benefits of interval training?

The time constraints of traditional workouts may compromise busy adults' ability to exercise regularly. But interval training sessions don't tend to take as long thanks to the periods of high-intensity exercise. According to the Harvard Medical School, an interval training session that lasts 15 to 20 minutes can produce the same cardiovascular results as a more traditional, moderate 30-minute exercise session.

Interval training also can help people who are not constrained by time get better results. The Mayo Clinic notes that, as a person's body adjusts to more high-intensity exercise, his or her aerobic capacity will improve. That should enable them to exercise for longer periods of time at a higher intensity, producing better results over the long haul. Before increasing the intensity of their workouts, adults can consult their physicians to ensure they're capable of doing so safely.

Interval training also can be beneficial to people without access to exercise equipment, a position many fitness enthusiasts found themselves in during the COVID-19 pandemic. Without access to weights due to gym closures, some people may have found their workouts lacked the intensity they had grown accustomed to. By interval training when running, cycling, walking, swimming, or using cardiovascular machines, adults can make their workouts more intense.

Can anyone utilize interval training?

Getting a physical prior to beginning an interval training regimen can help people determine just how much intensity they can handle. But alternating between intensity levels during a workout should be something most adults can handle, especially after they consult with their physicians about the level of intensity their bodies can handle. The Mayo Clinic also urges people to consider their risk for overuse injury. Muscle, tendon and bone injuries can occur if exercise regimens become too intense too quickly, so take things slowly at first and readjust intensity levels depending on how your body reacts.

Interval training can be a great way to get vigorous exercise even when time is limited.

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Lifestyle  

International Spirits & Cuisine  

Fall Harvest Vegetables

Food is a big part of fall, and farms play a significant role in seasonal celebrations. Each fall, families plan apple picking excursions with their eyes on baking homemade apple pies. And while Halloween is made even more fun when carving jack-o'-lanterns, savvy celebrants know that carving sessions are not complete without some roasted pumpkin seeds.

The fall harvest is a great time to indulge in some freshly picked healthy foods. While the picking season may vary depending on where you live, and specifically the climate in your region, the following are some fruits and vegetables that might be ripe for the picking this fall.

· Apples: Apple-picking season typically begins in late summer and extends into fall. Many farms offer a variety of apples, which may be harvested at different times. For example, in the northeastern United States, Gala apples tend to be harvested in late summer, while Granny Smith apples may be best picked in early October.

· Beets: The Spruce: Eats notes that beets may be in season in temperate climates from fall through spring.

· Broccoli: Fresh broccoli makes a healthy addition to any dinner table, and Pickyourown.org notes that broccoli can have a lengthy harvesting season. Early harvesting may begin in May in some regions, though it's still possible to pick fresh broccoli in late October. If you want to pick fresh broccoli, The Old Farmer's Almanac recommends doing so in the morning when the buds of the head are firm and tight.

· Cabbage: If you're looking to do some late fall picking, cabbage might be for you. The online resource Harvest to Table notes that cabbage can survive under snow without being harmed, making it an ideal late fall vegetable. Spoiled outer leaves can be pulled away after harvesting without affecting the quality of the remaining cabbage.

· Peaches: People who can't wait to whip up a peach cobbler may need to do so before fall even begins. According to Pickyourown.org, peaches can be ready for picking as early as July in the northeastern United States, and the picking season generally ends around mid-September. The season is even earlier in places like Georgia, a state known for its peaches where the picking season can begin in mid-May and extend through early August depending on the variety.

· Pumpkins: Thanks in part to Halloween decor and the popularity of pumpkin pie as a Thanksgiving dessert, pumpkins are synonymous with the fall harvest. And pumpkin picking season aligns perfectly with each of these holidays, typically beginning in early or mid-September and extending deep into October.

Fall is a great time of year to pick fresh fruits and vegetables at a local farm. 

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Lifestyle 

Leisure & Style 

 

Planning Early Retirement

A lifetime of working compels many people to look forward to their retirement. Some people even work to retire early. But what are the advantages of early retirement beyond starting a life of leisure? And are there any detriments to this plan?

A  recent survey by the financial services provider TIAA-CREF found that 37 percent of Americans plan to retire before age 65. However, many of them will not have control over the matter. Those who do may want to consider the pros and cons of early retirement.

Advantages

Many people seek early retirement so that they can live a life free of the constraints of schedules. In retirement, time becomes, more or less, a retiree's own.

Leaving a job can be a boon to a person's health as well. Relieving oneself of the pressures and stresses of professional life can free up the mind and body. Stress can affect mental and physical health, taxing the heart and contributing to conditions such as depression or anxiety. According to the Mayo Clinic, stress can cause headache, muscle and chest pain and contribute to trouble sleeping.

The earlier the retirement, the more opportunity to travel before health issues begin to limit mobility. Early retirement also can be a way to volunteer more or even start a new job opportunity - one where workers have greater control over their schedules and careers.

Disadvantages

One of the disadvantages of early retirement is a loss of income. Contributions to retirement accounts also ceases at retirement. This can lead to financial setbacks if adequate savings were not allocated for retirement. According to the resource Wealth How, some people who retire early fear outliving their savings.

While retiring early may be good for health, it also can have negative consequences. An analysis from the National Bureau of Economic Research found that retirement can lead to declines in mental health and mobility as well as feelings of isolation. Retiring early may jump start these health implications.

Another consideration is that health insurance provided by an employer typically ends at retirement. That means having to pay out of pocket until a person ages into government-subsidized healthcare, such as Medicare in the United States, at age 65. 

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Lifestyle

Travel 

Advantages to RV Travel

Recreational vehicles are great ways for people to get out and about. An RV is more than just a way to get around; for many people it becomes a lifestyle. According to the RV Industry Association, about 10 million American households own RVs.

There have been more RVs on the road in recent years, and there are now more facilities to accommodate them. RVIA says there are now roughly 18,000 campgrounds around the country, and certain facilities are pushing to improve and upgrade campgrounds in national parks and on federal lands.

Individuals considering if the RV lifestyle is for them can refer to this list of RVing benefits.

· Inexpensive travel (or living): RVers may be attracted by the idea of low-cost travel that doesn't involve hotels and airfare and greatly reduces their reliance on restaurants while traveling. RVs can be rented for roughly $100 to $500 per day, and RV parks usually run between $35 and $50 per night, according to Allianz Travel Insurance. To keep the costs down even more, certain truck stops, big box retailers, churches, hotels, movie theaters, casinos, rest stops and other roadside locations will allow free overnight parking. Just verify before staying to avoid being ticketed.

· Freedom to come and go: When traveling in an RV, there are no set check-in-/check-out times to follow or boarding times to meet. RV travel can be strictly on your schedule.

· Plenty of help: Others who have embraced the RV lifestyle tend to be very friendly and ready to make new acquaintances at campgrounds and other stops. Those with more experience may be willing to share their expertise and pitch in to offer tips for better excursions.

· Creature comforts: People who vacation or choose to live in their RVs tend to keep familiar items and essentials on hand. Those can include preferred linens, clothing, toiletries, books, games, and more. When taking such items along, there's no need to pack and unpack much for any trip.

· Follow the weather: If desired, RVers can pick up and follow the jet stream. If 70-degree days are your thing, then follow those temperatures coast-to-coast. If you like skiing or snowboarding, you can head to colder climates.

· Downsize: The RVIA says that RVs are available across a wide range of price points. So if the idea is to trade in a stationary house for an RV, you may be able to do so for as little as $6,000 to as much as $500,000.

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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