dutch business etiquette

Foreign Staffing, Inc.

Practicing proper Dutch business

etiquette will greatly benefit you

when expanding into new Dutch

markets.

To ensure your success with modern

Dutch business transactions, be

familiar with proper Dutch business

etiquette.

When you are confident in the proper

Dutch business etiquette procedures,

you will gain new partners and clients

in this northern country that will bring

success for your business.

Easily impress your Dutch colleagues with your awareness of their values

and your confidence in proper etiquette to further enhance your

network across the Dutch market.

Do not address your Dutch colleague by first name unless told otherwise, and

always use titles.

Do not expect small talk, as Dutch negotiators like to get to business.

Shake hands with everyone

separately. This includes even

children.

Your handshake should be brief and

always firm.

Be sure to repeat your name as you

shake hands.

Pay attention to details: Dutch culture is very detail oriented, highly

structured, and quite conservative

Personal questions from outsiders is considered rude and your questions

may be met with no answer at all. Dutch people prefer to keep their

personal lives and their business lives separate.

Use rational arguments: Dutch

culture is founded on facts and

rationality and their discussions

are well supported.

Be prepared with all of the

information.

Go that extra mile and impress

your Dutch colleagues by getting

a Dutch translation of all pertinent

documents, including your

business card.

When abroad, it is vital to be

punctual with your Dutch

colleagues.

In fact, the most appropriate

action if you find yourself running

late, please call your Dutch

colleagues.

Failure to adhere to schedules may

be seen by the Dutch as an

indication that you are unreliable.

Do not schedule meetings from

June through August. Many Dutch

people vacation during these

months.

It is also important to respect family

and personal time so avoid asking

the Dutch to work on the

weekends.

As the Dutch are very conservative,

avoid the use of exaggerated

speech or gestures. Whatever is

said is considered at its face value,

so do not make exaggerated

promises you will be unable to

keep.

It is important to respect personal

space and not touch or stand too

close to your Dutch colleagues.

Also, keep your hands out of your

pockets, as it is considered rude. Be

modest in your dress, your speech

and your behaviors, the Dutch do

not appreciate displays of wealth

or status. Showy displays are seen

as bad taste, and not classy.

Dutch people do not brag about

material possessions and to best fit

in with the culture, avoid claims of

largesse.

Men and women should dress

neatly.

The Dutch value a conservative

and polished appearance.

Cleanliness and neatness are very

important to their culture,

especially in the business world.