Working with International Clients: Netherlands & Beyond

## Expanding Beyond Borders

Working with international clients opens opportunities but also presents unique challenges. Our projects with clients in the Netherlands (like Yuaia Haircare) and our ongoing work with Smart Learning Arabia have taught us valuable lessons about successful cross-border collaboration.

## Understanding Cultural Differences

### Communication Styles

Different cultures have different expectations:

**Northern European (Netherlands)**
- Direct and explicit communication preferred
- Time-consciousness is crucial
- Written documentation valued
- Formal initially, relaxed once trust established

**Middle Eastern (UAE, Saudi Arabia)**
- Relationship-building important
- Flexibility with timelines expected
- Personal connections matter
- Respect and courtesy emphasized

### Business Practices

Adapt to local norms:

- Meeting scheduling and punctuality expectations
- Decision-making processes and hierarchies
- Contract and payment conventions
- Holiday and working hours awareness

## Communication Strategies

### Overcoming Time Zone Challenges

With clients across different time zones:

- **Establish overlap hours** - Find windows where both parties are available
- **Asynchronous communication** - Use tools that don't require real-time presence
- **Clear documentation** - Written updates reduce need for meetings
- **Recorded demos** - Share video walkthroughs for review anytime

### Language Considerations

Even when working in English:

- Avoid idioms and cultural references
- Be explicit rather than implicit
- Confirm understanding of key points
- Use visual aids where possible

### Tools That Help

We've found these tools valuable for international work:

- **Project management** - Asana, Notion for async collaboration
- **Communication** - Slack, Teams for quick questions
- **Video calls** - Zoom, Google Meet for face-to-face
- **Documentation** - Loom for video updates, Google Docs for shared documents

## Market-Specific Requirements

### Netherlands/EU Considerations

When creating content for European markets:

- **GDPR compliance** - Data privacy is paramount
- **Advertising standards** - Stricter rules on claims
- **Language requirements** - Dutch or English depending on audience
- **Cultural sensitivities** - Different standards for imagery and messaging

### Middle Eastern Markets

For Arabic-language projects like Smart Learning Arabia:

- **Right-to-left interfaces** - Design considerations for Arabic
- **Cultural appropriateness** - Content that respects local values
- **Religious considerations** - Awareness of prayer times, holidays
- **Quality expectations** - High production values expected

## Project Management Adaptations

### Setting Expectations

With international clients, be extra clear about:

- Deliverables and scope
- Timeline and milestones
- Communication frequency
- Review and approval processes
- Payment terms and currency

### Progress Updates

Regular updates build trust across distances:

- Weekly written summaries
- Visual progress demonstrations
- Clear status on each deliverable
- Proactive flagging of issues

### Handling Feedback

International feedback loops require patience:

- Time zones extend response times
- Cultural differences affect feedback style
- Language barriers can cause misunderstandings
- Build extra time into revision cycles

## Building Long-Term Relationships

### The Value of Ongoing Partnerships

Our best international relationships become ongoing partnerships:

- Smart Learning Arabia: Continuous video production partnership
- Repeat clients in multiple markets
- Referrals to other international businesses

### How to Build Trust Across Borders

**Deliver on Promises**
International clients can't check on you in person. Reliability is paramount.

**Over-Communicate**
When you can't have casual check-ins, formal communication fills the gap.

**Understand Their Business**
Learn about their market, challenges, and goals beyond your specific project.

**Be Culturally Sensitive**
Small gestures of cultural awareness build significant goodwill.

## Practical Tips

### Before Starting

- Research the client's market and culture
- Establish clear communication channels
- Set expectations for response times
- Agree on tools and platforms

### During the Project

- Send regular, unprompted updates
- Confirm understanding of feedback
- Document everything
- Be flexible with meeting times

### After Delivery

- Follow up on results and satisfaction
- Maintain the relationship
- Ask for referrals
- Stay aware of future needs

## Conclusion

International work expands your opportunities and perspectives. While it requires extra effort in communication and cultural awareness, the relationships built across borders often become the most valuable and enduring.

Our work with clients from the Netherlands, Arabia, and beyond has enriched our capabilities and understanding. The key is approaching each engagement with curiosity, respect, and a commitment to understanding your client's world as well as your own.