Newsletter Issue #407

Entrepreneur & Author

JeffCorbett.com

Big Business & Valentine’s Day!

“$27 billion spent in the United States alone!”  

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Valentine’s Day is celebrated in many countries around the world, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, India, France, Mexico, Brazil, Japan, and many others. It’s a widely recognized holiday for celebrating affection. Many countries, however, celebrate it with different customs. For example, Brazil does not celebrate Valentine’s Day on February 14, as it falls too close to the weeklong Carnival celebration. They reserved June 12^th as Lover’s Day.  Argentinians set aside an entire week in July to celebrate “Sweetness Week.”  In Germany, chocolates are often gifted in the shape of a good luck pig.  As you can see by these examples, the methods and time of celebration differ with cultures, but no matter where you reside, a form of Valentine’s Day remains a very profitable holiday for consumer products.

In the United Sates it truly is big business!

A survey from the National Retail Federation (NFR) – which has been conducting this analysis since 2004 – is projecting that Americans will spend 27.5 billion on Valentine’s Day in 2025.  That projection averages out to approximately $190 per consumer. Fifty-six percent of those surveyed stated that they pan on celebrating.

Here’s how the 56% that plan to celebrate will spend their money:

* 56% Give Candy

* 40% Give a Greeting Card

* 40% Give Flowers

Even the most ardent Valentine’s Day enthusiast, however, might not know just why this day designed for lovers to express their affections for one another is celebrated in mid-February. According to the Library of Congress, it’s hard to pinpoint exactly why Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14, though the date might have ties to the ancient Roman celebration of Lupercalia. Lupercalia was a spring festival celebrated each year on February 15.

The holiday was moved to February 14 after the spread of Christianity. The Christian faith had several early martyrs named Valentine, and each of them were celebrated with a saint day on February 14^th.  But the unique history of Valentine’s Day and its association with February 14th as well as its romantic sentiments does not end there. The Library of Congress also notes that, in the Middle Ages, people believed birds selected their mates on February 14^th. As a result, it was not uncommon for lovers to recite prose to one another on this date.

In his 1382 poem, “Parlement of Foules,” English poet Geoffrey Chaucer became one of the first known to connect romance with St. Valentine’s Day. Over the next several centuries, the day’s connection to romance only grew stronger, and by the Victorian era in England, it was not uncommon for lovers to profess their affections through songs, poetry and even the giving of roses as gifts.

It was during the Victorian era that British chocolate manufacturer Richard Cadbury began searching for ways to use the cocoa butter that his company was extracting during the production of their drinking chocolate. In 1861, Cadbury decided to produce edible chocolates, which he even sold and marketed in heart-shaped boxes decorated with images of Cupid and rosebuds. It would be a few more decades before edible chocolates caught on in the United States, where they remain a must-have item for many Valentine’s Day celebrants more than 150 years after Cadbury first began selling them.

Happy Valentine’s Day this Friday!

• To review other editions of our newsletter please see our website:  GlobalCommonCents.com
• For more about my personal wonderings please see my blog:  JeffCorbett.com

Read a Book to Reduce Stress

“A good book reduces business stress.” 

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Millions of people across the globe enjoy curling up with a good book. Though entertainment value might be the force behind books’ popularity, the benefits of reading on long-term cognitive health provide another great reason to read. In a recent study published in the journal International Psychogeriatrics, researchers reported that people age 64 and older with higher reading frequencies had a reduced risk of cognitive decline.

It’s important to note that reading also may help improve mental and physical health. With so much to gain from reading, now is a great time to embrace those book clubs, resolve to read more and explore how picking up a good book may be just what the doctor ordered.

Reduces stress

Immersing yourself in a story requires focus and concentration. According to researchers at the University of Sussex, it took just six minutes of reading for study participants to experience slower heart rates and reduced muscle tension.

Stress is one of the biggest threats to overall health, as the stress hormone cortisol can lead to inflammation in the body that may impede the immune system, according to Piedmont Health. Finding ways to reduce stress, including through activities like reading, is a win for anyone who wants to improve his or her health.

Impacts longevity

According to the 2016 study, “A chapter a day: Association of book reading with longevity,” by Bavishi A, Slade M.D., reading exerts its influence on longevity by strengthening the mind. Reading positively impacts the way the brain creates synapses, optimizing neurological function. It also expands vocabulary, and helps with memory.

Changes the brain

A study published in Neuroreport determined reading involves a complex system of signaling and networking in the brain. As one’s ability to read matures, these networks become stronger and more sophisticated. MRI scans found that brain connectivity increased throughout studied reading periods and for days afterward.

Increases empathy

Through literary fiction, readers are exposed to the situations, feelings and beliefs of others. This can help a person develop a greater ability to empathize with others, according to Healthiline.

Helps improve sleep

Reading is an effective way to wind down and relax before going to bed. It can be a positive nighttime ritual, provided one reads a paper book or utilizes an e-reader that is not backlit, as bright lights from digital devices may hinder sleep quality. In fact, doctors at the Mayo Clinic often suggest reading as part of a regular sleep routine.

Reduces depressive feelings

Individuals diagnosed with depression may feel isolated and estranged from other people. Books may reduce those feelings by helping a person temporarily escape his or her world into another. Also, books can serve as a common ground through which conversations over shared interests can begin with others.

Reading has many positive health benefits, which is why resolving to read more can be beneficial.  This is especially true for anyone responsible for running a business.

Why Switzerland is Still an Outstanding Location!

“A great business location”  

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Switzerland

Switzerland is often called “the world’s premier business haven” with its exceedingly friendly business culture and a world-class infrastructure second to none.   One of the most important industries within Switzerland is the iconic banking sector.  One-third of the world’s wealth resides in this tiny nation.  Tradition, integrity and trust are adjectives that all aptly describe this international business destination.

GREAT LOCATION:

Switzerland is an internationally recognized financial center. Though relatively small, Switzerland has only 8.85 million inhabitants – 16% of those living in Switzerland are foreign citizens, pointing to the cosmopolitan nature of the population – the World Economic Forum’s “Global Competitiveness Report” recently ranked Switzerland’s economy as the most competitive in the world.  While the four national languages of Switzerland are German, French, Italian and Romansch, most professionals speak working English. In addition, Switzerland is one of the oldest democracies in the world, established in 1848. For the last thirty years, the Federal Executive has consisted of a coalition between the country’s main political parties, assuring balance neutrality and free-enterprise.  This tiny landlocked country has been successfully competing in favor of Direct Foreign Investment for seemingly countless years.

With a long-standing history of neutrality – it has not been in a state of war since 1815 – an iconic banking infrastructure has been developed.  Even through the resent global economic crisis not one Swiss bank approached failure.  There can be little doubt that the stability of the Swiss banking system and its financial institutions have contributed mightily to this country’s success.  Controversies aside, the Swiss have become the world’s banker with a standing estimate that one-third of all current wealth resides here.

Several universal factors contribute to this relatively small nation’s ability to compete on the global scale which enhances its reputation:

• Social peace and political stability
• A leading economy with currency and price stability
• Highly professional international banks that focus on privacy
• First-rate infrastructure
• High productivity combined with extraordinary product and service quality
• First-class and world-renowned universities and technical institutes

Easing Cultural Differences

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.

“Good manners cost nothing.” 

——-

People being themselves exemplifies the essence of a culture.  But placed side by side in our experiences with others from various cultures, the edges sometimes feel very rough.

Traditions are laced with rules, guidelines, and wisdoms.  When a person from one country or region interacts with someone from another, it’s the little moments that call for open-mindedness, patience and pause.

This is what etiquette can do for us – ease those cultural differences.

Appreciating Cultural Differences

As our world becomes “smaller” through increased travel and business opportunities, technology, and immigration, the need for acceptance and understanding is greater than ever.

Visiting or working in other countries requires that you familiarize yourself with customs and etiquette know-how.  Learning the bare essentials of another language to meet and greet in that country’s tradition is appreciated.

Problems occur, and discord created, when our differences are personalized.  If I were to take it personally that someone is not doing something that I view as completely necessary and mannerly, I could be offended.  For example, if I am visiting Korea, I need to know that greetings are hierarchical, and I would hesitate to be the first to offer a handshake.

That we all have mindsets is something humans have in common.  Barging into a mindset is rude, and we do it a lot of the time.  When we assume someone shares our way of thinking, or shares a certain custom, tension or friction is inevitable.

How can etiquette ease tensions when we don’t necessarily know all of the manners and etiquette norms of each group, or the mindsets associated with them?

This is where the most basic of etiquette rules can be applied: remaining mindful of the people around you.  With this in mind, let’s review specific guidelines for keeping everyone comfortable in the midst of cultural differences.

Greetings

Attire

Conversation

Dining

Giving Gifts

Gifts may be given to honor a host or a guest. It is wise to study ahead and learn the traditions and norms of giving gifts. They can be deal-breakers if viewed as inappropriate.
No matter the traditions and values in force, we all know when someone is acting with kindness, generosity, and sincerity.  Whatever differences between people and between the cultures they claim, easing the moments of tension whenever we can is always a good thing.

To put one at ease means to calm, comfort, or reassure another, to help make one feel comfortable or relaxed or to feel welcome.  This is the essence of etiquette.

10 Things No One Tells You About Moving to a New City!

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

“The art of the move.” 

——-

One Moving to a new city is often painted as an exciting adventure—new sights, fresh opportunities, and a chance to hit the reset button. Those are all true,  but while there’s plenty of fun to be had, relocating also comes with its fair share of surprises. Beyond packing boxes and hiring movers, there are a ton of little things that no one really warns you about—things that can catch you off guard but also make the journey uniquely yours.

Here are 10 surprising things no one tells you (until now!) about moving to a new city:

Making Friends Takes Longer Than You Think
You might assume that meeting new people will be as simple as saying hello at your local coffee shop or gym, but in reality, forging meaningful connections can take time. Established friend groups, busy schedules, and the general hustle of life can make it harder to break in socially. To make things easier try joining local clubs, classes, or meet-up groups based on your hobbies. Volunteering is also a great way to meet like-minded people and feel more connected to your new community.

You’ll Miss the Familiar—Even Things You Thought You Wouldn’t
You may have been excited to leave your old city behind, but don’t be surprised if you find yourself missing the little things: your favorite grocery store, the barista who knew your order, or even just the predictable route to work. Nostalgia sneaks up when you least expect it, so give yourself grace and time to adjust. Create new routines and discover new favorite spots to fill the gap.

Every City Has Its Own Unspoken Rules
From traffic patterns to social norms, each city operates on its own set of unwritten rules. You might notice different attitudes towards tipping, recycling, or even how people greet each other on the street. Observe and adapt by spending time getting to know local customs, and don’t be afraid to ask locals for advice—most people are happy to help newcomers!

You’ll Become Hyper-Aware of Your Budget
Moving often comes with unexpected costs, and once you’re settled, you might find yourself shocked by the cost of living. From utility rates to grocery prices, things can add up quickly in a new city. Track your expenses for the first few months to get a clear picture of your spending, and adjust your budget as needed.

Your Sense of Direction Might Take a Hit
Even if you were a human GPS in your old city, navigating unfamiliar streets and neighborhoods can be very confusing. You’ll likely get lost (more than once), and that’s okay! Use navigation apps, but also give yourself permission to wander and explore—getting lost is often the best way to discover hidden gems!

The Weather Might Affect You More Than You Expect
You might think you can handle a colder winter or a hotter summer, but a new climate can really impact your daily life. From wardrobe changes to adjusting to shorter daylight hours, weather plays a bigger role than most people anticipate. To help ease into things, prepare for the climate before you move by investing in the right clothing and gear and learn to embrace seasonal activities to make the most of your new environment.

Finding New Health Care Providers Is a Hassle
Setting up new health care can feel overwhelming. Finding doctors, dentists, and specialists you trust takes time, and navigating new insurance policies can add to the stress. Start the process early by checking with your insurance provider for in-network options, ask for recommendations from coworkers or neighbors, and transfer your medical records ahead of time.

You’ll Discover Quirks About Your New Home
Every city has its quirks—maybe the local bagels just don’t taste the same, or the city’s idea of public transportation leaves much to be desired. These little surprises can be frustrating at first but often become part of what makes your new home unique. Learn to embrace the quirks! They’re part of what gives your new city its charm and character…and you just may grow to love them!

You Might Feel Like a Tourist in Your Own City
Even after you’ve unpacked, you might still feel like an outsider. It takes time to feel like you truly belong somewhere new, and that’s completely normal. Play tourist on purpose—visit local landmarks, try new restaurants, and attend community events. The more you engage, the sooner you’ll feel at home.

You’ll Grow in Ways You Never Expected
Relocating isn’t just about finding a new home—it’s about personal growth. Moving challenges you to step outside your comfort zone, build resilience, and embrace new experiences. You might surprise yourself with how adaptable and adventurous you become. Keep an open mind and a positive attitude. Remember that every challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow.

While the relocation process can be full of surprises—some fun, some challenging—it’s all part of the adventure. Here’s to new beginnings and all the surprises that come with them!

No More Cents?

“The end of the penny.” 

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A On Sunday, the president issued an executive order directing the treasury to stop minting 1-cent coins, a practice he called “wasteful.”

• Trump noted that each penny costs over 2 cents to produce.
• The US mint said it lost $85.3 million making billions of pennies at 3.7 cents a pop during the last fiscal year.

Other Countries Have Done It: Canada, Australia, and many European nations have eliminated their lowest-denomination coins without major issues.  There have been, nevertheless, debates about eliminating pennies for years, and even with the production stoppage they remain in circulation.

Here are few key reasons:

1. Tradition & Public Sentiment
Pennies have been around since 1793, and many Americans feel a sentimental attachment to them.

2. Rounding Concerns
If pennies were eliminated, cash transactions would need to be rounded to the nearest nickel. Some people worry this could lead to and higher prices over time, although studies suggest the impact would be minimal.

3. The Zinc Lobby
Pennies are 97.5% zinc, and the zinc industry benefits from continued production.
Lobbyists from the metal industry have pushed to keep pennies in circulation.

The debate continues but we agree with the idea that counting and handling pennies slows down cash transactions and thus are a waste of time.

Please keep in mind this information should not be considered as financial advice. Investment decisions should be based on individual research and consultation with a qualified financial professional. The value of investments can fluctuate, and past performance is not indicative of future results. Always consider your risk tolerance and financial goals before making investment decisions.

How Certain Nutrients Affect Your Body

“Protein, Carbs & Water.” 

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The effects of proper nutrition on the body are profound. When paired with routine exercise, a diet that’s rich in nutrients can lay the foundation for a long, healthy life.

Many people are aware that their bodies need nutrients like protein and carbohydrates every day, but they may not know just what these and other important nutrients do for their bodies.

Proteins

The online medical resource WebMD notes that the body uses protein to build and repair tissues. An important component of every cell in the body, protein provides the body with amino acids that help cells in the body perform various functions. Breastcancer.org notes that proteins help the body create hormones and enzymes and keep the immune system healthy. A diet that’s low in protein may make people more susceptible to illness and result in longer recovery times.

Carbohydrates

The Cleveland Clinic notes that carbohydrates, or “carbs,” are the body’s main source of energy. Carbs are found in most foods, but not all carbs are the same. Foods that contain complex carbohydrates, which include quinoa and oatmeal, are loaded with fiber. It takes awhile for the body to break that fiber down, helping people feel full and stabilizing their blood sugar levels. Simple carbohydrates, which include processed foods such as sugar-sweetened beverages and dairy desserts, are quickly digested, which raises blood sugar levels and contributes to feelings of inflammation.

Water

The body is about 60 percent water, which performs a host of important functions. Water aids in digestion, absorption of nutrients and circulation, and also facilitates the transportation of nutrients through the body. Water also helps the body get rid of waste. WebMD notes that water also helps to energize muscles, which might suffer from fatigue if the body’s fluid balance is not maintained. Water also helps the body maintain a healthy temperature.

People consume protein, carbs and water every day. And while they might not know it, people who continue to do so are helping their bodies perform essential functions that dramatically improve their health.

How Chocolate Got Tied to Valentine’s Day!

” Cadbury & Hershey built business empires.”    

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Heart-shaped boxes filled with decadent treats are coveted gifts on Valentine’s Day. Chocolate lovers typically have a favorite type of chocolate, whether it’s creamy filled truffles or chocolate pieces with fruit or nut fillings.

The tradition of gifting chocolate is anything but new. Chocolate and other sweet treats have been offered for centuries as prized gifts. Even ancient Aztecs and Mayans celebrated chocolate and saw it as a hot commodity. Drinks made of cacao beans would be given as presents to people of high status. Chocolate also would be offered to the gods as a token of appreciation. Cacao beans were even used as a form of currency at one point.

During the 17th century, chocolate consumption grew considerably across Europe. Chocolate houses cropped up in London, and the French elite often indulged in chocolate. Chocolate’s popularity continued to grow, but the dessert was not linked to Valentine’s Day until nearly 200 years later. In the mid-1800s, an enterprising individual named Richard Cadbury was looking for a way to make chocolate even more popular than it already was. He sought out a method to make drinking chocolate more palatable and created “eating chocolates.” These chocolates were packaged in decorative boxes. Eventually, Cadbury saw the benefit of putting images of cupids and roses on the boxes. Cadbury even designed chocolate boxes in the shape of hearts that could be saved as mementos. These chocolates soon became intertwined with Valentine’s Day celebrations.

On the other side of the Atlantic, Milton Hershey dabbled in commercializing chocolate as well. Hershey began as a caramel maker, but experimented with covering the caramels in chocolate in 1894. Hershey would go on to develop one of the most successful brands of chocolate in the United States, which included the famous Hershey bar. In 1907, Hershey launched production of tear-drop shaped “kisses.” (The chocolates were given their unusual name because of the “smooching” noise made by the chocolate when being manufactured.) The kisses became wildly popular and made for affordable chocolate gifts on Valentine’s Day.

Many other chocolate manufacturers soon began packaging their chocolates in special boxes for Valentine’s Day. Russell Stover and Whitmans are two such manufacturers who have long specialized in heart-shaped boxes or other decorative Valentine’s gifts.

Traditionally, men have gifted women with boxes of chocolate for Valentine’s Day. However, that role is reversed in other areas of the world. For example, in Japan, women give gifts – namely chocolates – to the men in their lives to express love, courtesy or social obligation. This tradition first began in 1936 when confectioner Morozoff Ltd. ran the first ever Valentine’s Day ad in Japan through a local English newspaper. By the 1950s, other Japanese confectioners were following suit.

Chocolate has long been tied to Valentine’s Day gifting. Whether one believes that chocolate symbolizes heightened status, acts as an aphrodisiac or is just a special treat, chocolates will likely always be associated with the day of love.

Who was Saint Valentine?

1. One St. Valentine was a priest and physician in Rome. He comforted the martyrs during the persecution of Emperor Claudius II. This Valentine was arrested and condemned to death by beheading for his faith.

2. Another St. Valentine was the Bishop of what is now Terni, located 60 miles from Rome. He also was arrested and beheaded under Emperor Claudius II.

3. The third St. Valentine suffered martyrdom in Africa, but not much else is known about him.

Historians are unsure which Valentine inspired Valentine’s Day or if the day is meant to commemorate each of them. Stories about Valentine and his actions helping the faithful are used interchangeably.

According to Britannica, although the Roman Catholic Church continues to recognize St. Valentine, he was removed from the General Roman Calendar in 1969 because of the lack of reliable information about him. In addition to being the namesake behind Valentine’s Day, he is the patron saint of lovers, epileptics and beekeepers.

Sleeping at the Airport

“Flight delays and cancellations.”

——-

As Sever weather this winter seems to be the norm in the United States.

This means two things if you travel – flight delays and cancellations.    

Thanks to the bevy of online booking sites, many would-be travelers have taken to planning their own trips. However, travel agents still provide valuable services that savvy travelers know can make the difference between sleeping in an airport and a relaxing experience.

· Support: Travelers who book their own trips via online booking sites or other faceless agencies may have no one to look to for help, should something go awry on their trip. However, travel agents can be a go-to source should something go wrong with a reservation or a flight. Travel agents routinely work with airlines, hotel chains and touring groups, and they no doubt have already handled every type of problem travelers may encounter on their trips. That sense of support and security can help the travelers rest easier should anything go wrong.

As travel delays have become more frequent, it might be time to develop that personal relationship with a travel agent who knows you by name.

Global Business Funding

We are pleased to bring to your attention a service that could provide a lifeline to your business. Through our associates, we can arrange financing for companies who cannot obtain adequate bank financing.  Our proprietary associations operate as an international clearinghouse, representing non-traditional money sources that are specifically geared to fund troubled or growing companies. These are generally non-bank lenders that provide financing to companies who cannot obtain adequate capital to further develop or maintain their businesses.

Client Profile:
Any company or group that is unable to secure commercial financing through traditional sources particularly if funding needs are immediate. The client must have committed 25% of their own funds to the project and will be looking to fund 75% or less.

Clients can be located in United States, Canada, Caribbean, Mexico, or Europe.

To discover if you qualify & for a complimentary consultation:

Email: contact@corb7.com

“Challenging Traditional Thought to Gain Elite Performance”

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