Business

• Many Dutch are familiar with doing business with
  foreigners since the Netherlands has a long history of international trade.
• The Dutch like to know your academic credentials and the amount of time your company has been in business.
• The business community is rather close and most senior level people know one another.
• It is wise to have a third-party introduction if possible, although it is not mandatory. The important thing is to demonstrate how your relationship would be beneficial for both sides.
• The Dutch take a long-term perspective when looking at business, so be clear what your company's intentions are. 
• Since the Dutch value their personal time, do not ask them to work late or come in over the weekend if you want to foster a good working relationship.
• In business, the Dutch tend to be reserved and formal.
• They do not touch one another and appreciate it when those they do business with maintain the proper distance, do not demonstrate emotion or use exaggerated hand gestures.
• The Dutch are extremely direct in their communication.
• They may sound blunt if you come from a culture where communication is more indirect and context driven.
• They do not use hyperbole, and likewise they expect to be told yes or no in clear words.
• In general, ideas will be discussed quite openly at meetings, with everyone entitled to their opinion.
• Information is shared across departments and corporate strategies and goals are usually communicated to all employees, especially in more entrepreneurial companies. Decisions are often consensus-driven in these cases.
• Always appear modest and do not make exaggerated claims about what you or your company can deliver. Your word is your bond and making claims that later prove to be untrue will brand you as unreliable.   

Dining

• Dining is fairly formal in the Netherlands.
• Table manners are Continental — the fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating.
• Remain standing until invited to sit down. You may be shown to a particular seat.
• Men generally remain standing until all the women have taken their seats.
• If you have not finished eating, cross your knife and fork in the middle of the plate with the fork over the knife.
• Do not begin eating until the hostess starts.
• Most food is eaten with utensils, including sandwiches.
• The host gives the first toast. An honored guest should return the toast later in the meal.
• Salad is not cut; fold the lettuce on your fork.
• Always start with small amounts so you may accept
  second helpings.
• Finish everything on your plate. It is offensive to waste food in the Netherlands.
• Indicate you have finished eating by laying your knife and fork parallel across the right side of your plate.

Gift Giving

• If invited to a Dutch home, bring a box of good quality chocolates, a potted plant, a book, or flowers to the hostess.
• Flowers should be given in odd numbers, but not 13, which is unlucky.
• Avoid giving white lilies or chrysanthemums, as these are associated with funerals.
• Gifts should be wrapped nicely.
• Wine is not a good gift if invited for dinner, as the host may already have selected the wines for dinner. 
• Do not give pointed items such as knives or scissors as they are considered unlucky.
• Gifts are usually opened when received.

Greeting

• The handshake is the common form of greeting.
• It is firm and swift, accompanied by a smile, and repetition
  of your name.
• Shake hands with everyone individually including children.
• Very close friends may greet each other by air kissing
  near the cheek three times, starting with the left cheek. 
• Most Dutch only use first names with family and
  close friends.
• Wait until invited before moving to a first-name basis.