Asinta’s Business Etiquette Insight: Netherlands

Is your company looking to set up a new business in the Netherlands? We have compiled some useful business etiquette insights to help guide you in the right direction:

#1 Brazilians need to know who they are doing business with beforehand and prefer face-to-face meetings to written communication so they can build up a relationship with an individual. This person is considered more important than the company they represent. Communication is informal and there are no strict rules of protocol.

#2 Always confirm appointments in writing as they can be changed or cancelled at the last minute. Meetings may start late but never show any impatience or frustration. Be prepared for interruptions when you are speaking or making a presentation and never do anything to embarrass or criticize those present.

#3 If necessary, hire a translator if your Portuguese is not fluent and use local lawyers and accountants for negotiation. Brazilians resent an outside legal presence. Do not change your negotiating team at any point or you may have to start from scratch.

Contact Asinta’s partner in the Netherlands, Schouten Zekerheid, to know more.