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Dutch Business Etiquette
Understanding proper Dutch business etiquette is crucial for success in Dutch markets, including using titles and maintaining formality. Punctuality, detail orientation, and separating personal from business matters are key cultural aspects, while modesty in appearance and speech is highly valued. To impress Dutch colleagues, prepare detailed and translated materials, and avoid making exaggerated claims or promises.
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Dutch Business Etiquette
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- 2. Practicing properDutch 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.
- 3. Do notaddress 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.
- 4. Pay attentionto 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.
- 5. Go thatextra mile and impress your Dutch colleagues by getting a Dutch translation of all pertinent documents, including your business card.
- 6. 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.
- 7. Failure toadhere 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.
- 8. As theDutch 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.
- 9. Also, keepyour 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.
- 10. Men andwomen 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.