Exporting to Germany? Brilliant Work will help you further!
If your company is planning to enter the German market, it is wise to get help. Because there are big business differences between Germany and the Netherlands. Brilliant Work can help you and your company every step of the way.
We are a coaching and consulting firm specializing in exporting to Germany. We understand that starting to export can be complex and that it is important to be well informed before you begin.
Our expertise and experience enable us to help your company analyze the challenges of the German market. Whether you are a small or large company, we are here to support you and ensure your success.
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The Dutch economy has always benefited greatly from trade with Germany
Brilliant Work’s team has the expertise to export to Germany
Steps before entering the German market
German market research
Before you start exporting to German companies or German consumers, it is important to conduct a thorough market research. At Brilliant Work, we know where you can have this done for free. We also help your company gather market information and identify potential customers and competitors. This will give you a good idea of the opportunities and challenges in the German market.
Legal advice on rules & laws in Germany
If you are going to export to Germany, it is also important to comply with all laws and regulations that apply to the introduction of products and services. We can help your company by having you research which German laws apply to your business. Then we will take the right steps to meet all the requirements.
German culture & communication
Understanding the German language and culture is essential when doing business in Germany. Our coaches have experience in and trading with our eastern neighbors. They will help you develop effective communication strategies and understand German business culture. This will help you communicate successfully with German customers and partners.
Export plan for Germany
At Brilliant Work, we understand that every business is different, which is why we work with you to develop a customized export plan. An export plan is important because it helps you in clear, simple steps to effectively start exporting to Germany. The plan includes strategies for entering the market, developing products and services, finding possible resellers or agents and building customer relationships.
Training and coaching entry German market
We also offer specific training and coaching for entry into the German market at your company to prepare everyone for doing business with our eastern neighbors. Our training and coaching are based on years of experience and expertise in exporting to Germany.
Subsidies for exporting to Germany
We are aware that exporting to Germany involves costs. This is why we almost always work with export subsidies. These were instituted by the government so that almost every ZZP-er and SME that wants to enter the German market can do so at reduced costs.
Want to learn more about our expertise on Germany and how we can help your business with subsidies? Then feel free to contact us at info@brilliantwork.nl.
And immediately check out the tips Germany coach Jan Willem Temmink has written about doing business in Germany: Doing business in Germany, how do you approach this correctly? – Brilliant Work
Thanks to Brilliant Work, Ralph Rademakers of QCS was able to start exporting to Germany
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Curious about the possibilities around business coaching for your company? You’re always welcome for a free consultation.
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Germany has strong economic growth
The benefits of exporting to Germany
Germany is one big market
Germany has one of the largest economies in the world, making it an attractive market for companies looking to export internationally. The country has a population of more than 83 million people, providing many opportunities for companies to sell their products and services.
Germany has strong economic growth
Germany has strong economic growth compared to other European countries, providing many opportunities for businesses to grow. The country has an advanced and well-developed infrastructure and is known for its highly educated and motivated workforce.
Favorable trading conditions in Germany
Germany is a member of the European Union, giving it access to the largest single market in the world. Moreover, there are no import restrictions on products coming from other EU countries. This makes exporting to Germany relatively attractive and easy for companies.
Challenge in the German market
At Brilliant Work, we understand that exporting to Germany can be challenging for companies unfamiliar with the German market. Fortunately, we have the expertise and experience to help companies do business in Germany. We specialize in providing customized solutions that meet the specific needs of your requirements.
Customized export plan for Germany
At Brilliant Work, we understand that every business is different, which is why we work with you to develop a customized export plan. This plan includes strategies for entering the market, developing products and services, and building customer relationships. We also offer training and coaching to help your company export to Germany.
Our coaching and consulting firm has been around since 2016 and since then we have helped hundreds of clients export to all kinds of countries such as Germany, France, UK, USA, Spain. Italy and more.
Doing business in a market other than the Dutch is always exciting
“Thanks to Brilliant Work, I was able to further develop our sales and export strategy.”
Experiences of our clients who used export consulting
“I was not alone,” Berrique Willmott of Marber Products says when asked about her experience with Brilliant Work. She was coached by Willem van Putten. “He is a passionate coach, who himself was very enthusiastic about the product and made nice links with other companies,” Berrique reveals. “In addition, Willem helped me set certain priorities, which made the plans clearer and more manageable. This allowed me to grow more focused and faster.”
Want to know more about Berrique? Then read on here .
“When we heard what Brilliant Work does for entrepreneurs, it seemed like a very good match for our challenge,” explains Gysbert Wind, commercial director of Eva Solutions. “Through Brilliant Work we got information about our competitors and the legislation that applies to our application. That also helped us tremendously.”
Check out Eva Solutions‘ entire story here.
Ralph Rademakers, sales director of AirInternet by QCS says, “By applying the building blocks from Willem’s sales and account management method to our business, we were able to successfully roll out our product and program in Germany,” Ralph explains. “Thanks to the tools Brilliant Work gave us, in two years we grew from 50 partners in two countries, to 750 partners (!) in six European countries.”
Now read Ralph’ s experience.
Please feel free to contact us
Curious about the possibilities around business coaching for your company? You’re always welcome for a free consultation.
Free consultationWhat does export coaching for Germany from Brilliant Work cost?
Did you know that as a company of 1- 250 employees, you can take advantage of several export subsidies? This is because the government wants you to succeed as an entrepreneur, your company to grow at home or abroad, and your employees (if you have any) to grow with you. This applies to both start-ups and older companies, self-employed and SMEs.
Brilliant Work currently helps entrepreneurs supported by 15 (!) types of subsidy. A coaching or consulting program is often 33 to 92% subsidized. It is also possible to apply for several export subsidies in a row. Of course, Brilliant Work also helps teams and companies without subsidies.
How long does export coaching take?
An average interview usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours. This of course depends on the needs of your company and your challenges. How often you meet depends on your schedule and that of your coach. On average, it is about once a month. Usually we pull the agenda at the end of the meeting to schedule the next appointment right away. Just what you want.
A process with an export coach consists of several conversations. Brilliant Work has already helped hundreds of clients. When it comes to simple questions, you usually have everything in place after about three months. But many clients also like to have a regular sparring partner and therefore stay longer. Moreover, as your business develops, you are faced with new choices, challenges or ambitions every time.
There are several types of grants available for export coaching
Ensure proper market research before entering the German market
What can you export to Germany?
As a Dutch company, there are several products and services that you can export well to Germany. We give some examples, but almost anything is of course possible:
- Webshops with B2C products: precisely because Germany is such a large market, it is a good idea to launch your webshop in Germany as well.
- Technical & sustainable knowledge: The Netherlands is the country of water and construction and therefore the technical knowledge of engineering firms here is high. Also in terms of sustainability products, such as solar panels and wind turbines, the Netherlands leads the way and they would like to learn from that in Germany.
- ICT services: The Netherlands has a strong ICT sector and can therefore compete well in the German market. We have already helped several companies with great IT solutions make an introduction to the German market
What goods and services are widely exported to Germany?
A variety of goods and services are exported to Germany. Here are some examples that are in the top 10:
- Cars and auto parts
- Machinery and machine parts
- Business services, such as consulting, engineering and IT services
- Pharmaceutical products
- Electronics and electrical equipment
- Logistical services, such as transportation and warehousing
- Plastics and plastic products
- Textiles and clothing
- Metals and metal products
- Financial services, such as insurance and banking services
4 helpful tips if you want to do business in Germany
Are you thinking about doing business in Germany to market your product or service there as well? Then it is good to know that there are some differences, especially in the area of communication.
- Did you know that Germans are generally more indirect and diplomatic in their communication? So just saying what you think is not something you can do.
- Germans also tend to be much more formal and attach importance and titles and ranks. This is partly because in Germany hierarchy in companies is often important.
- In Germany, punctuality and efficiency are also highly valued. On business, it is therefore important to arrive on time and keep appointments.
- And, although most Germans speak English well, they often value it when you speak German and try to communicate in their own language.
“Coaching has helped me tremendously me,” says Simen Brunia
Why a business coach from Brilliant Work?
Rated best
Our clients rate us with 5 stars. In addition, we have been named the best consultancy for 2 years in a row and were chosen as the best business coaching consultancy in the Netherlands 2022 by AI.
Experienced coaches
Our team consists of experienced coaches who use their expertise and experience to support your business.
Flexible & bespoke
Your journey with us is completely bespoke! You can choose how often and with which coach(es) you meet.
Subsidies
Many entrepreneurs are entitled to subsidies. We are familiar with numerous possibilities and know immediately what you can take advantage of.
Sales coach Saul Janssen with client Menno Kortbeek
What should you really pay attention to if you want to export to Germany?
Don’t rely solely on online communication
While e-mail and videoconferencing are useful, it is important to also build personal relationships with your German business partners. Attending trade shows and conferences, and organizing face-to-face meetings are important for building trust and relationships in the German business world.
Don’t neglect the importance of quality
Germans are known for their attention to quality and accuracy. Make sure your products or services are of high quality and that you provide strong customer service. Failure to meet these standards, can lead to a negative reputation in the German market and reduce sales.
Don’t underestimate the value of references and testimonials
Germans value references from other companies. It is important to work on positive relationships with existing customers and partners and use their experiences to attract new customers.
Work with local partners
It can be advantageous to work with local partners, such as distributors or agents, to help you enter the German market. Local partners can help you navigate the local market and build relationships with German customers and partners. It is important to choose the right partner and make clear agreements to protect your business interests.
Brilliant Work can help you with this. We have a large network of distributors and agents in Germany. Ask about them when you request a no-obligation consultation!
Please feel free to contact us
Curious about the possibilities around business coaching for your company? You’re always welcome for a free consultation.
Free consultationDo you need to establish a GmbH if you want to export to Germany?
If you want to export to Germany from the Netherlands, setting up a GmbH can be useful. This is the most common business form or legal form in Germany. In full this abbreviation means “Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung” and it can be compared to the Dutch B.V. Because different rules and procedures apply to entrepreneurs in Germany, starting a GmbH works differently than a Dutch B.V. We have listed the pros and cons of setting up a GmbH for you here.
Advantages:
- By establishing a GmbH, you have alocal presence that can build trust with potential customers, suppliers and partners in Germany. This allows you to be more responsive to local needs and expectations.
- A GmbH is entitled to various tax benefits in Germany, such as deductions for operating expenses and investments. Setting it up can also result in lower taxes for you as the owner, because the GmbH’s profits are taxed according to German corporate income tax instead of Dutch income tax.
- A GmbH is a separate legal entity that protects the owners from personal liability. This means that the owners of the GmbH are only liable for the amount of their investment in the company.
- Establishing a GmbH in Germany may provide easier access to financing from German financial institutions because, as a German company, the GmbH fits German lending criteria better.
Brilliant Work also advises you on setting up a GmbH in Germany
Whatever your plan for Germany, Brilliant Work will help you with it!
Disadvantages:
- Establishing a GmbH in Germany can involve high start-up costs and administrative burdens, such as notary fees, registration fees and annual taxes.
- It can also take a lot of time and effort: articles of incorporation must be drafted, a notarized deed drawn up and a bank account opened.
- Establishing a GmbH in Germany means that you have to deal with double administration and taxes, as you have to comply with administrative obligations and tax regulations in both the Netherlands and Germany.
Want to know what is the best thing to do for your business? Then talk to us and get advice:
Free consultationHow do Germans use social media and do they use it for business?
However, the use of social media in Germany is relatively low compared to other European countries. Facebook is (still) the most popular social network, though: some 65% of Germans have a Facebook account. It is an important channel for companies to connect with customers and promote their brand. However, German companies are more reluctant to use Facebook as a marketing channel than companies in the Netherlands and other countries. They often see Facebook as a platform for consumer brands and prefer to focus on B2B networks such as LinkedIn.
Using LinkedIn in Germany
LinkedIn is primarily used in Germany for business purposes. Germans use LinkedIn primarily to establish professional contacts and to keep abreast of developments in their field. Compared to the Netherlands, however, Germans are less active on this platform and use it mainly as an online resume and to search for job openings. For companies, LinkedIn is an important channel for making business contacts and networking. German companies often use it as part of their B2B marketing strategy and focus on building relationships with potential customers and partners.
Instagram is also popular in Germany
Meanwhile, nearly half of Germans are on Instagram, but even here people are more cautious about sharing personal information. It does become an increasing source for brands to share product information, fashion and lifestyle inspiration. Pinterest is also widely used, with some 30% of the German population having an account here. The same goes for TikTok, which is also gaining popularity in Germany.
Business coach Lizanne Jakobs gives workshop
Experiences of our customers
In the past, we have had the pleasure of guiding many entrepreneurs toward their successful businesses. Read more about the experiences of our satisfied clients.
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