AABC Blog

By: Stef Prein, www.studiofets.com Remember the good old days, when we only had a TV in the living room and maybe a computer upstairs, hidden in a study because it was an ugly machine you didn’t want to see? Remember when the central place in any household was that TV? Remember when videos on the internet looked like a mosaic pattern of colored squares? Know that those days are definitely over… In today’s world no day goes by with having seen a least one video. On the internet. On your phone. In an app. On Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, or maybe even Snapchat. But very unlikely on your TV.

Why video

Research from Nielsen shows that especially the so called “millennials” and generation after them watch 23-32% less TV, than they did six years ago. At the same time online video is growing rapidly. Cisco Systems predicts that 82% of all internet traffic will be video by 2020. That’s less than three years from now. Around the time YouTube was founded, the argument to use video was that it communicates more information in a shorter period of time. Our brain processes a combination of images and sounds easier and faster than it processes text. And the information communicated is better stored in our memory, so we remember more of the information for a longer period of time. That all still stands today, but the rapid growth of online video makes it hard to stand out of the crowd. So more important is to know what you can do to benefit from it. Let me try to give you some insights and tips to help you.

The most important question to keep in mind is: who do I target and what can I tell them that would interest them?

Have a reason

Make sure you have a reason for the need of video. Don’t just do it “because everybody is doing it.” Creating a good video takes more time than you’d expect, so it would be a waste of time if it disappears in the vast ocean of videos that the internet is today. So first think of “why.” What stories can you tell, or information can you provide? Who is your audience and what are they interested in? Does your subject better fit a so called live-action video (the filmed content you mostly see) or would animation work better? These are important questions to find answers to before you start even planning a video. More on that below. When you start planning one or more videos, the following questions are also import to answer for yourself: What budget can you spend on one or maybe more videos? And what would that budget get you? Are you going to do it all by yourself, or are would you rather hire a production company to create it? When you’ve answered these questions, don’t start just yet, but create a strategy first. You could think of a strategy just for video or a one for all of your (online) content. By creating this, you combine the questions you’ve answered for yourself above. For example, if you have a computer repair business, instead of trying to get people in the door with small problems and easy fixes, create video’s on how people can fix those problems themselves. This will make you an expert in your field and people will come to you with more interesting and harder problems to solve. That also brings in more money. If you want to create a strategy for this, you need to figure out where your audience is, what type of video fits that audience and channels, also in terms of length and style, and figure out how many videos you need to create, to get the attention you’re looking for. But if you want a broad content strategy, you could also think of other content you can create around the same subject, such as a blog post, a photo, or (info)graphic. This way you can spread the same information in different ways on different channels and platforms. So with a bit of extra effort, you get a ton more content to spread! When your strategy is in place, it’s time to make a plan. Think of how much content you have and on how many moments you can spread this during the week. And don’t be afraid of paid content. Start a campaign on Facebook or Instagram for example to make your videos visible to your (highly) target(ed) audience. But always keep in mind that only good content, a good video, will be viewed by people.

What to create

This is the million-dollar question. Really, it is. It’s great that people watch more video, but that also means that there is a lot out there. How do you stand out of that crowded and make sure your video is not just a drop in a bucket. After you’ve answered the questions above and you’ve figured out what to create for what audience, find a form that makes your videos stand out. And this is really the hard part. A good strategy for content creation is the 3 E’s: Entertainment, Education, Engagement. A great example is the TruTV show (that started online) Adam Ruins Everything. In every episode show host Adam Conover debunks urban myths. For example, why guys give diamond rings to their loved ones when they propose, not knowing diamonds are completely worthless minerals. The format of the show is a comedy, which makes it entertaining. It educates the viewer about urban myths. And it engages viewers by telling stories that completely go against their nature and the things they know. There are countless examples of videos online that worked and helped businesses get a bigger audience, engage with their followers and grow their revenue. The most important question to keep in mind is: who do I target and what can I tell them that would interest them? Share this article:

By: Kirsten van Rijn, www.kirpunt.nl

“Choose a job you like and you will never have to work a day in your life.”

Unkown

Since I started my own business, this is how I feel about what I do. By turning something negative, a serious back injury, into something positive, choosing the job I really like, I made one of the best decisions of my life. After completing my Bachelor Business Administration I started working as an Office and Account Manager at Cava Barcelona, where I sold Spanish wine and beer to restaurants and bars in Amsterdam. At that time they were working with a very talented graphic designer and web designer to get the new website live. This was my first introduction with the design process and I already felt I had my own ideas to do it better or at least different. After coping with a serious back injury I chose to start doing what I thought was best for me. Not the safest decision for my career, but definitely the one that made me happy at that time. And it still does. I started an additional study, web design, and I started with my own business: Kirpunt Webdesign, a wordplay, which means ‘turning point’. From the moment I officially started I felt like my plan was working out. It appeared I had a good network, which brought me a lot of work right from the beginning. Of course it helps that a lot of people start working for themselves, and they all need a website. These clients are the most special to me, ‘cause for them it is a very exciting time. When their website goes live that’s the starting point of their new journey. I love it that I can contribute to this moment. I know how exciting but also scary it is to start your own business and I like to take the client by the hand and advise them where I can. I don’t see myself as a hardcore ‘coder’. The aspects I love the most of my job are the combination of design and coding, communication with my clients, meeting new and inspiring people from all over the world who are following their dreams. Nothing makes me happier than having a satisfied client who is full of positive energy to start their new journey with a website he or she is proud of. Even though we live in a time where everything is digital, some people still underestimate the importance of having a digital presence. A website that is responsive and user friendly is important. This is the showpiece of your business and often the first thing that people will see of you. If you do not have a modern and professional website you will lose your customers in the blink of a click. There are some obvious steps when choosing a web designer, like looking at their previous work, are there any hidden/additional costs, can you update content yourself, will the website be responsive, is there support when needed? My other advice when choosing a web designer is to follow your gut feeling. Do you have a good connection? Do you feel he or she will really listen to your needs or do they just want to ‘take over’ your project? If you feel your communication is clear and effective than that’s the one you want to be working with!

“Nada grande se ha hecho en el mundo, sin una grande pasión.”

Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel

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By: Cristina Stoian Portraits, www.cristinastoian.nl

You are already a brand. Everyone is. Even if you don’t always feel it…

Whether you are a small business, a single professional, or a creative - your personal brand matters.

A professional portraiture session lets you steal the show, which in my eyes, is your show anyway. Casual photographs (like ‘selfies’) aren’t right in many places nowadays, and to move onto the next level, you might need something that captures you naturally, professionally, with your best side on show for all to see.

How?

You and I direct the scene, we capture the public face, and we get to work in a relaxed, fun place that lets the inner you shine. This is an experience that will show off whatever we choose, and may just get you earning the million dollars you feel during the shoot.

First, let me dispel some myths:

• Professional shots can still be good-looking natural photographs.
• You can use a photo that captures your energy, as if a friend were taking the photo, on a bright sunny day.
• Your personal brand does matter, even if you’re just starting out. It gives you that edge.

More about the Cristina Stoian personal branding shoot experience

Once we’ve met and you’re ready for a shoot, it’s the chance for us to plan everything – it can be as creative or straightforward as you’d like. This is not a place where you need to feel scared of a having ‘bad photo’, but rather somewhere you feel comfortable with everything, partly because you have planned it with me. As a portrait photographer, it’s my role to capture that inner winning brand inside of all of us. You could call it your true essence. You don’t have to do anything except just be who you were meant to. Through fun, relaxation and coaching from me we let the magic happen, until we end with a photo that says, ‘successful, winning,’ or simply ‘hire me’. Social media has made all of us aware that we have to show a certain side to people – why would you be so careful on Facebook and not on your own personal websites or social media channels? It’s a question more people should ask. Good photography on a site, Linkedin profile or even Twitter page definitely ups your saleability and shows that you are a professional with a determination to succeed.

What is included the personal branding shoot experience with Cristina Stoian?

• Full hair, make-up and style consultation session
• A studio location that best showcases our shoot idea
• A collection of stunning and sassy photos that show off your success to the world

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do. It's not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own lights shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

Marianne Williamson

If you’re still reading this and are feeling apprehensive, then I have one last thing to tell you. I’ve worked with many different women whose fears are basically the same: I’m not good enough I don’t look good on camera I need to lose weight before you take photos of me I HATE having my photo taken I look old nowadays… The list could go on and on. Let me reassure you that these fears and more have been dispelled with a set of amazing photographs that most definitely do show your best side off (professionally and otherwise) to the world. Thanks for reading this. Now let's get even more successful together, and send me that email.

The full personal branding shoot experience with Cristina

What's included:

• A day-long Personal Branding Photography Experience personally designed to visually represent YOU & your brand
• Personal styling and clothing direction
• The best professional hair & makeup services
• Relaxation techniques and coaching around how to look and feel your best in front of the camera
• Recommendations for how best to use your personal brand photographs on your channels
• Photos that are finished “money shots” to use on your channels

Photo credit: Cristina Stoian Portraits www.cristinastoian.nl Share this article:

Every year, the Internal Revenue Service announces cost-of-living adjustments that affect contribution limits for retirement plans, thresholds for deductions and credits, and standard deduction and personal exemption amounts. Here are a few of the key adjustments for 2017.

Retirement plans

• Employees who participate in 401(k), 403(b), and most 457 plans can defer up to $18,000 in compensation in 2017 (the same as in 2016); employees age 50 and older can defer up to an additional $6,000 in 2017 (the same as in 2016). • Employees participating in a SIMPLE retirement plan can defer up to $12,500 in 2017 (the same as in 2016), and employees age 50 and older will be able to defer up to an additional $3,000 in 2017 (the same as in 2016).

IRAs

The limit on annual contributions to an IRA remains unchanged at $5,500 in 2017, with individuals age 50 and older able to contribute an additional $1,000. For individuals who are covered by a workplace retirement plan, the deduction for contributions to a traditional IRA is phased out for the following modified adjusted gross income (AGI) ranges:

	2016	2017
Single/head of household (HOH)	$61,000 - $71,000	$62,000 - $72,000
Married filing jointly (MFJ)	$98,000 - $118,000	$99,000 - $119,000
Married filing separately (MFS)	$0 - $10,000	$0 - $10,000

The 2017 phaseout range is $186,000 - $196,000 (up from $184,000 - $194,000 in 2016) when the individual making the IRA contribution is not covered by a workplace retirement plan but is filing jointly with a spouse who is covered. The modified AGI phaseout ranges for individuals making contributions to a Roth IRA are:

	2016	2017
Single/HOH	$117,000 - $132,000	$118,000 - $133,000
MFJ	$184,000 - $194,000	$186,000 - $196,000
MFS	$0 - $10,000	$0 - $10,000

Estate and gift tax

• The annual gift tax exclusion remains at $14,000. • The gift and estate tax basic exclusion amount for 2017 is $5,490,000, up from $5,450,000 in 2016.

Personal exemption

The personal exemption amount remains at $4,050. For 2017, personal exemptions begin to phase out once AGI exceeds $261,500 (single), $287,650 (HOH), $313,800 (MFJ), or $156,900 (MFS). These same AGI thresholds apply in determining if itemized deductions may be limited. The corresponding 2016 threshold amounts were $259,400 (single), $285,350 (HOH), $311,300 (MFJ), and $155,650 (MFS).

Standard deduction

These amounts have been adjusted as follows:

	2016	2017
Single	$6,300	$6,350
HOH	$9,300	$9,350
MFJ	$12,600	$12,700
MFS	$6,300	$6,350

The 2016 and 2017 additional standard deduction amount (age 65 or older, or blind) is $1,550 for single/HOH or $1,250 for all other filing statuses. Special rules apply if you can be claimed as a dependent by another taxpayer.

Alternative minimum tax (AMT)

AMT amounts have been adjusted as follows:

	2016	2017
Maximum AMT exemption amount
Single/HOH	$53,900	$54,300
MFJ	$83,800	$84,500
MFS	$41,900	$42,250
Exemption phaseout threshold
Single/HOH	$119,700	$120,700
MFJ	$159,700	$160,900
MFS	$79,850	$80,450
26% on AMTI* up to this amount, 28% on AMTI above this amount
MFS	$93,150	$93,900
All others	$186,300	$187,800
*Alternative minimum taxable income

Prepared by Broadridge Investor Communication Solutions, Inc. Copyright 2016. This article has been contributed by Beacon Financial Education. Interested in receiving more financial education news? Then sign up for their newsletter here. February 8th Beacon Financial Education will host another of their Financial Awareness Seminars in Amsterdam. Entrance is free, please pre-register here. Beacon Financial Education does not provide financial, tax or legal advice. None of the information in this article should be considered financial, tax or legal advice. Always consult your finance, tax or legal advisers for information concerning your own specific situation. Share this article:

By Jessica Lipowski, jessicalipowski.com Stark white walls and bare cubicles do not create a comfortable and inspiring workspace. However, it is hard to justify investing in art and other decorative fixtures when budgets are tight and the long-term value is not immediately apparent. Most view art as a luxury or an added bonus, not a necessity. While works of art certainly liven up sterile spaces, art adds more to an environment than aesthetically pleasing eye candy. According to a 2012 study sponsored by the British Council for Offices (BCO), “There is growing evidence to suggest that, as well as boosting staff morale, a conducive and appealing working environment can significantly up productivity.” Whether in the form of a painting, sculpture, or photograph, art can stimulate creativity, which in turns prompts problem solving and productivity. The colors, shape, and movement of a piece can even alleviate stress, as well as leave a lasting impression on both employees and visitors. Art inspires. “Art always adds to an environment,” said Petra Benach, a mixed media artist originally from California. “It creates mood, enhances a room, and ideally creates an impression, namely that it invests in creating it's home.” Petra, who currently resides in Amsterdam, designed two interactive art programs that aim to personalize art on the walls. Made to Measure (M2M), for instance, is a collaborative project between the artist and the client. The end goal is to ensure the final piece reflects the collector’s personality, as well as the (work) space. “M2M is a way to get intimate access to an artist. Having a piece of art specifically made for you creates a really deep relationship to the work,” said Petra. “When we look at buying a piece of art, the artist is secondary because they're not present … it's usually just luck that you got to see it and that it resonated with you. When you get access to the artist and their process, the piece you end up with is incredibly unique and absolutely yours.” The M2M process is tailored to each person. The collector first identifies the paintings that speak to them, paying particular attention to color, textures, and compositions. The artist, Petra, also encourages the client to remember what they played with as a child and what inspires them now. Exploration helps create. Petra then visits the collector’s space, taking into account the measurements, mood, and current palette. The customer can then participate as much or as little as they’d like and provide both feedback and direction along the way. For the longest time, Ashley Cowles was not satisfied with her home office. She always felt like something was lacking. Ashley provides translation services to a variety of clients. She met Petra through the Amsterdam-American Business Club, and when she heard about the M2M initiative, Ashley felt it was the perfect opportunity to spruce up her space. “I look at [the art] whenever I'm stuck; the composition is both soothing and inviting. I always feel better after looking at it for a while and just letting my thoughts wander,” said Ashley, “and the best part about having it on the wall behind me is that clients see it whenever I'm on Skype with them, so it's a great conversation starter.” Overall, she feels the piece adds a deeply personal touch to her office, helping to make it her own. “It's not just any office,” remarked Ashley. “By hanging Petra's work on the wall, I have really claimed this space as mine.” Oscar Wilde once said, “Art is the most intense mode of individualism that the world has known.” Let the art on your walls talk. Whether you are a one-person company or national corporation, allow your employee’s personalities and your company’s values to shine through and inspire. Make your workspace your own inspirational oasis through art. Photo credit: Petra Beanch, www.petrabenach.com Share this article:

By ICAP Have you got something to say about what could be done to make Amsterdam a more attractive place to live or do business? The International Community Advisory Panel would like to hear from you. ICAP has been set up by a group of international Amsterdammers, including AABC supporter and DutchNews.nl editor Robin Pascoe. The aim is to provide a platform to give the city’s 100,000 expats a voice in city affairs. In particular, ICAP aims to collect and reflect the views of the international community on issues which have an impact on the city’s attractiveness as a location in which to live and work. ‘The city regularly scores very highly in international comparisons – facts which officials are keen to promote whenever possible,’ says Robin, ICAP Amsterdam chairwoman. ‘However, these glowing reports do not always reflect the reality on the ground. Most expats, for example, simply can’t afford the sky-high rents which some landlords think they can charge for a simple one bedroom flat. And I am sure many AABC members have ideas about what could be done to improve the business and living climate.' ICAP will focus on four main issues: education, housing, healthcare and work/inclusion. To kick off, ICAP is focusing on education and has launched a survey to find out more about parents' views and experiences, whether their children are at Dutch or international schools. Take part in the survey here. And to find out more about ICAP, please visit the website www.icapamsterdam.com Share this article:

By Rob Lacroix, Expat Coaching Company

Those who were there when I made my pitch at the previous AABC meeting might remember I am a life coach. What I did not tell you is that I also have another activity within my company. I am also an “idea coach” at VINS. You might be wondering what it is an idea coach does.  

“Imagine this: You have a great idea”

You have a great idea for a startup or for a new service to be introduced within your already existing firm. It is such a great idea that you are completely and over the moon enthusiastic about it. In those moments it is hard to keep your cool, and keep your professional distance and ask yourself those confronting, but so necessary difficult questions to make sure you went over everything correctly. And after you asked yourself those questions, it might still be hard to shape that great idea in a clear and structured base for further steps, like a business plan or an action plan. How do you prevent chasing your own tail, as the Dutch proverb says?

“Ways to keep a professional and analytic view on things”

At such a moment it might be useful to look for someone who can help you to keep an open mind and who will coach you, in order for you to keep a professional and analytic view on the matter. You might turn to a friend or relative. This is always good to start with. They will be able to give you a first feedback on your idea. Important to keep in mind is that, your friends and relatives will mean well, but the risk with that is, that they care for you and might not be objective to what you say, in order not to hurt your feelings. Therefore, they might be (to) positive, where they should be more critical.

Here are some examples of questions to ask them: would they buy your product or service? If so, what do they think is the most compelling reason for doing this? Was this what you tried to achieve? On the other hand, if not, then this is a moment for reflection. Why not? Did you explain your idea well? Might they just not be part of your potential market? Is there a market? Or is your idea still so vague, that you were not able to explain it to them in such a way that they “got it”. In this case you could seek out a professional coach, in this case an Idea Coach. An Idea Coach, with the use of regular coaching techniques, will help you structure your idea in such a way, that you will be able to decide whether it is viable, if you are able to explain it to others in a clear and comprehensive way, and if it is viable, know how to proceed in putting it in a business plan.

“How does that work?”

You (you single or you plural) sit down with the coach and go over your general idea. The purpose is to get the idea structured in your head, by asking you questions and engage in exercises in order to help/force you to think deep level about the essence of what you want to deliver. Different coaches use just as many different techniques.

I work with a system of three, a first glance, simple questions. The questions are important, but not the most important part of the exercise. What is really important, is that you get to the essence of each question and to the connecting answer. What usually happens without professional guidance is, that questions are asked, and sometimes even the right ones, but the answers are to easily found, without any real soul searching and effort. This is usually a good sign that you have to ask again and again that same question, until you are sure you have reached an answer, that will give you a solid base to build your business plan on. A friend or relative, with nothing but good intentions, might accept these easy answers. A good coach will never settle for an easy answer and will keep “badgering” you with the question on hand, until you are both convinced that you have reached the essence. Only then you move on to the next question, etc. This sounds easy, but it is not. And this is why it takes up to 4 hours to do this exercise.

“Three certainties”

I have been doing these exercises for a while now and there are a few certainties. First, I still have to meet the person who had it all clear in his or her head, in such a way that he or she could answer all 3 questions without difficulties and straight to the essence, even though some of them thought they did. Second, it takes a lot of effort and it is quite confronting. Most people are quiet tired after one of these session. But who said it is easy to be an entrepreneur. And third, most people will have more clear and structured and sometimes, surprisingly different, thoughts about their idea.

“So I sat down with a coach, what’s next?”

Then it is time for homework. Because you have to take those new insights and let them first sink in. Chew on them and then work with them. What are they telling you and what can you do with that? Part of following up on a session with a coach could/should be returning to your friends and telling them your “updated” idea. See what, if any, has changed in how they respond and what does this tell you. After talking to your friends, you could do a follow up with your coach. Either in another mini session or in a monthly reflection session, in which you can address the issues you run into during the further panning out or execution of your idea. Here also the approaches differ over the relative coaches. Ask your coach what he or she things will work out best for you and your situation, but make your own decision, because as always with coaching, it has to feel good for you.

“Being successful is always within reach, but it certainly helps to give yourself a head start”

Every year loads of people have ideas for new businesses or new products or services. Only a small part of those get to the stage of execution. From those, some will not succeed, because the idea owners did not structure their idea thoroughly and therefore were not prepared right. I am sure a lot more of those ideas would have been executed successfully, if they only would have had the right (idea) coaching. So if you have a great idea for a startup or for a new service within you already existing firm and want to turn the odds in your favor, consider to give your idea a head start with the right professional guidance and contact an Idea Coach.

Dare to life your own life and be happy!

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By José de Boer, De Boer Financial Consultants De Boer Financial Consultants are specialized in expat mortgages. José de Boer is the owner and director and has many years of experience dealing with a wide variety of expat-related legal and financial matters. Earlier this year the Dutch Government adopted new European legislation regarding mortgages, the Mortgage Credit Directive. In this new European regulation for mortgage financing it is stipulated, for instance, that if you earn your salary in a foreign currency (other than euros) you could actually ask your bank for a mortgage in this particular currency. And although I would always advise anyone against financing a house in another currency from the one in which the house is bought, these new regulations had unintended consequences.

No euro income? No mortgage

The result was that it effectively scared off the banks altogether from financing anyone with a different currency income, despite the fact that their fears are based on a misinterpretation of the legislation. Banks are not forced to give you the non-Euro mortgage if you have a non-Euro income. But they are refusing you just in case you would possibly ask for a different currency mortgage in the future. All Dutch banks have now collectively decided to turn down all mortgage applications from clients who are not earning their salary in euros.

An obstacle for house hunting expats

In my opinion, which many people share, this misinterpretation of legislation is a problem for the expat community, but also for the Dutch economy that has always been so welcoming to internationals who want to work and live here. The Netherlands needs expats. Migrants of all types enrich this country in so many ways, so it is important to do everything we can to welcome them and to keep them here.

Solutions

Luckily we have found solutions for many clients with non-euro income, but not for everybody. The reason is that we work with a bank outside The Netherlands (excellent interest rates and conditions). If you are earning in USD, Swiss Francs, Norwegian Kronen or any other currency outside the EU we can probably be of assistance. If you are facing limited mortgage options, don’t hesitate to contact De Boer Financial Advisors. They are able to find solutions for many internationals with non-euro incomes. "Dutch House" photo credit: piningforthewest on Flickr Share this article:

By Joanna Ioannidou, Entrepreneur Setting up a business in the Netherlands holds promise. Though small in size, the country is strategically positioned in Europe and has an internationally-oriented economy. What about the reality of running your own business here however? I've grown to like lists, so looking back at my experiences as a business owner in the Netherlands I put together the following list of pros and cons.

The Pros

You can work in English. As a rule the Dutch speak English almost fluently, and many don't mind doing business in English. You will encounter the occasional client that won't feel comfortable speaking anything other than Dutch in a work setting, but overall that should not hinder your business potential much. You can find good associates/employees. There are many talented people in the Netherlands - both Dutch and internationals - and you will have an excellent pool of resources to draw from. In addition, much of the country's workforce is operating on a freelance basis (ZZP's), so if you are not ready for employees you can still get access to many talented co-workers. You will know where you stand. The Dutch are direct — to the point of occasionally coming across as blunt. Expect honesty and openness in both in their personal life and at work. Though this may take some adjustment, all in all it is a benefit as you will likely always know where you stand with your Dutch clients and/or collaborators.

The Cons

It's challenging to figure out legal and financial matters. The official language of the Netherlands is Dutch, so that is the language in which you will find almost all documentation provided by the government. This makes it difficult to figure out tax rules and legal issues on your own, especially when you are starting up and there are many things to learn about they Dutch system. Dutch law favors employees significantly. The employment law of the Netherlands is relatively complex, and all in all it gives employees a strong legal position. Although this is generally good, it can be unfair to small businesses and startups where consistent funds are a challenge. Dutch employees feel more entitled. Employees working under Dutch law enjoy relative job security and many benefits — such as 40-hour work weeks, and at least 20 days of paid leave a year. These employee conditions help ensure increased employee satisfaction, but tend to be taken for granted resulting in a mentality of entitlement in many Dutch employees. In the end, it is up to you to decide if the pros outweigh the cons and start your business here. In my experience, if you plan right and pick your partners and clients carefully, you can certainly make it work! "The Netherlands" photo credit: Nicola Albertini on Flickr Share this article: