The Second Page is Live!
Our second page is live... It's a small step for mankind, but it's a big step for us and our one-man team.
I'm Peter Jacobs from the Netherlands, the one who was crazy enough to start this project. So what better country to pick than my own as second in a row? Haha!
Home advantage meets global ambition:
Creating a guide about Dutch business culture gave me an interesting perspective. As a Dutch professional, I've lived these cultural patterns, the directness that shocks international colleagues, the endless consensus meetings, and yes, the inability to do business on Friday afternoons. But documenting these practices for international sales professionals required stepping back and seeing my own culture through fresh eyes.
The Netherlands represents Europe's second-largest export economy, with 99% internet penetration. We're a digitally sophisticated market where business runs on consensus and transparency. This guide translates what seems normal to us, Dutch, into actionable insights for international sales teams.
What you'll discover:
The guide reveals why our famous directness actually helps close deals faster, how our flat hierarchies change decision-making dynamics, and which communication channels work (hint: Cold calling, it's largely illegal here, but everyone does it). I've mapped our entire sales culture, from the historical merchant roots that still influence modern practices to the specific times when Dutch professionals actually answer emails.
Drawing from 66+ sources, the guide covers everything from our three-week summer holidays to why excessive enthusiasm makes us suspicious. These aren't just observations, they're practical insights that help you navigate real business situations.
Building Sales Across Borders:
Starting with my home country, let me test our research methods while making sure we stay accurate. If I got Dutch culture wrong, my network would definitely let me know!
Check out the Netherlands guide and tell me what you think. Whether you're entering the Dutch market or working with Dutch colleagues, I hope these insights prove valuable. Your feedback shapes how we build future guides.
Next stop: Tell me what country should be number three!