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Going Dutch
Text: Complied by Nisan Danisman from www.executiveplanet.com
Photograph: Ibrahim Göksungur
Turkey has good economic relations with Holland. In the listing of Turkey's 50 major trading partners, Holland comes 6th among countries to which Turkey exports goods. So, what should you bear in mind when doing business in Holland? Even if you're on a business trip, make sure to visit the town of Delft, famous for its porcelain. And spend one night on the town in Amsterdam!
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Tips on making appointments
Meetings are carefully planned and last minute changes are frowned upon.
The Dutch stress importance on the efficient use of time. Arriving even a few minutes late to a business meeting may cause your Dutch counterparts to doubt your reliability. Planning, regulating, and organizing are prevailing values.
Any company that cannot promptly deliver a service will not be successful.
Tips on how to dress
Dutch society is very egalitarian. Generally, the wealthy do not wear beautiful designer clothes, drive luxury cars, or live in opulent homes. The wealthier and more successful a Dutch executive becomes, the more they make an effort to appear "ordinary".
In certain industries, you may be surprised to find that the higher a person's rank, the more informally they dress. In some offices, the sales clerks wear suits and the boss wears jeans and a sweater.
Dutch men remove their jackets when working. Follow their lead.
Tips on making conversation
Be aware of recent political events since the Dutch tend to be keen on discussing politics. Don't get involved in a political discussion if you are not well informed.
Avoid mispronouncing names. Flemish is difficult to pronounce but Dutch people will appreciate your efforts.
Avoid boasting about your income and possessions, criticizing the Dutch Royal Family or talking about drugs in Holland.
Written correspondence tends to be very formal. Learn the recipient's correct professional title and use it in the letter.
Contacts are vital to doing business, so make a point of remembering the name of every possible person who could give you or your company a good reference.
Don't call the Netherlands "Holland" since that term specifically refers to only two of the 12 provinces.
Tips on making a deal
> There is a deep respect for higher education; be sure to include any university degree on your business card.
Generally, the Dutch will not spend a lot of time socializing before a meeting or other business discussion. Often, as soon as the necessary introductions are made, they proceed with the business at hand.
When talking, the Dutch usually stand quite far apart. Furniture arrangements reflect this practice, and you may find yourself seated in a chair that seems unusually far away. Do not move your chair closer, however, if this occurs.
Honesty and straightforwardness are an essential part of doing business. Instead of saying "I'll consider i", "We'll see", or "perhaps", you'll find that your Dutch counterparts will prefer a candid reply.
You will have to be sensitive to Dutch attempts to have the decision-making appear egalitarian; to do this, the Dutch company must be open to suggestions from all workers, so that everyone is given access to information. The Dutch are generally uncomfortable with secrets.
Once a decision has been made, you can be assured that the organization will quickly get to work and maintain a strong commitment to reaching the objective.
Egalitarianism is a central tenet of Dutch society. Everyone in a Dutch company, from the boss to menial labourers, is considered worthy of respect.
Privacy is of key importance in the Netherlands. Whether at home or in the workplace, doors are kept closed. Moreover, always knock on a closed door and wait to be admitted.
Tips on business entertainment
There is no need to feel slighted if you don't get invited out to lunch. The Dutch lunch period is frequently brief and hurried, leaving time for only simple fare such as a sandwich.
Regardless of the occasion, it's essential that you arrive on time and bring a small, quality gift. Always keep in mind that modest gifts are appreciated; the Dutch tend to frown upon excessive displays.
Always use utensils when eating. During your stay, you'll see people eating foods such as fruit, bread, sandwiches, and pizza with a knife and fork. You will be expected to do the same.
Hollanda Netherlands Going Dutch Dakik, planlı: Hollanda
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