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. http://www.foreignstaffing.com/about/international-business-etiquette/dutch-business-etiquette/

1. Foreign Staffing, Inc.

2.  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.

3.  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.

4.  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.

5.  Go that extra 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 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.

8.  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.

9.  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.

10.  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.