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Relocation specialist Charlotte Buskens discovers that decisions on how best to market her business in the Netherlands can be tough. "Go for it. Take a risk and be someone that walks the talk, not talks the walk," she says.Name: Charlotte Buskens
Nationality: UK
Country of residence: Netherlands
Name of company: expat2holland
Date of company launch: 2011-2-15
Can you give us a brief description of your business and how it is going?
expat2holland is an all inclusive professional relocation and expatriate advice service taking care of every step of an expatriates needs before, during and after their stay in Holland. We provide Relocation, Immigration, House Hunts, Financial Advice, Legal Advice and HR services for International businesses and private expat clients in Holland.
What do you like about doing business in your country of residence?
I have found that the International HR and expat community although big, is also small, and paths are always crossing, networks coming together, and every day you learn a new trick or skill relating to helping professionals settle down in the Netherlands.
What do you find most frustrating about doing business in your country of residence?
Sometimes Dutch HR Managers overlook the true inportance of having an agency like me take care of their expatriate hires. As an expatriate myself I know how it feels to be the new girl in town. A Dutch Manager can easily overlook that obvious things, are not so obvious to the foreigner.
What hurdles did you encounter when setting up?
Sometimes marketing and networking can be tough. Making decisions about how to market the business has been hard. Also figuring out who the sharks are, who will help, and who not.. In business no one is your friend.
How has the economic crisis affected your business?
Luckily not so far. I think having a good network and having always given 110% to my clients means that word of mouth and personal recommendations have kept me in business.
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs setting up business in your country of residence?
Go for it. Take a risk and be someone that walks the talk, not talks the walk.
How does running a business in your current country of residence compare to running a business in other countries that you have lived in?
I have not run a business in another country than the Netherlands.
Joining Expat Voices
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