Interview with Rutger Veerman - Finland

Interview with Lizzy Visser - VIAVIS

‘If no one wants to hire me, I will just do it myself.’

What does your company do and which products or services do you offer?

I am freelancer and I provide my services to small and medium businesses. I assist them with management- and office support and organizational tasks, like for example meetings, travel arrangements and administration.

How did you end up in Finland?

It is because of the boyfriend but not the traditional story! It’s not a Finnish boyfriend, he is Dutch. Three years ago, when we were living in the Netherlands, he received a message through LinkedIn from a Finnish company asking whether he would be interested in working for them. After two online interviews, we decided to visit Helsinki for a weekend. We had never been in Finland before and it felt like we couldn’t make such a big decision like moving abroad before visiting at least once. Spending the weekend in Helsinki felt good and safe and we decided to take the leap, moving to Helsinki and see for how long we enjoy it.

Why did you start your own business?

I had a hard time finding a job in the current job market. I did manage to get 2 job interviews but at the end they didn’t choose me because of not speaking the Finnish language. After receiving rejection after rejection I decided: ‘if no one wants to hire me, I will just do it myself’. In the Netherlands there is a high demand on the job market so I had confidence that I could find Dutch customers rather easily. But, funny enough, my first customer was a Finnish customer!

Do you also have experience with running your own company in the Netherlands?

No, not directly myself. My dad has his own company for a long as I remember.

What are the major differences and similarities in the field of entrepreneurship between the Netherlands and Finland?

I cannot really compare since I didn'thave my own company in the Netherlands. I did experience that in Finland it is easy to set up your own business. There is for example Business Helsinki, which is a free service, who guided me through the process of starting my own business. For example, where to register your company and how and helping with my business plan. They also provided information about getting a business grant. They have a network of experts like accountants, legal advisors etc. I have visited them a few times and they were also able to answers questions via email. Their service is for free and for example the first hour of legal advice is offered for free.

In the cooperation with my current customers, both Finnish and Dutch, I do not see major differences in the way of working.

What I do notice in working with my Finnish client is that the Finnish colleagues are more hesitant to speak out, ask questions or give their opinion.

Also I have noticed that there is low hierarchy in Finnish organisations.

In general: before we moved, we googled a lot about Finland and Finnish people. It is often said that Finnish people are very closed and introvert. We have experienced that this is not the case; Finns can be very warm and welcoming and speak English very well. As long as you make the first step and take the initiative.

The quality of life in Finland is pretty good. There is a lot of space. We love to go on hikes and nature is around the corner. The work/life balance is more in harmony.

Do you have any tips for other Dutch, or international, people who want to do business in Finland?

Well, my dad always says: “it doesn’t matter what you know but who you know”. As mentioned, Finnish people can be quite reserved. If you know the right people, you will have an entrance. That will make it easier to do business. My first Finnish customer was the company where my boyfriend works, so that is how I got started.

If you are thinking of starting your own business, I recommend to reach out to Business Helsinki.

A peek into the future: where do you see yourself and your company in 5 years?

That is a very interesting question! If you would have told me 5 years ago "you will live in Finland and have your own company, I would not have believed it". But, here we are! I am more of a person who is living in the "here and now" and enjoy as much as possible. But, to answer the question: I hope I’ll have a steady client base with interesting projects. And we'll stay in Finland as long as we like it!