A Belgian entrepreneur in America: the best of both worlds

As a Belgian living in California and the head of a company that spans two continents, I’ve found a way to capture the best of both worlds when it comes to doing business. Both countries have their strengths, and I’ve found that customers really appreciate how we combine them. Here’s how Qcify came up with the perfect blend of European and American values:

Fast & efficient, but thorough

There’s a reason why I’m based in the US, and not in Belgium. I like doing business in America because people make decisions faster. It’s more dynamic and vigorous. You sense that dynamism everywhere in daily life, in business and in politics.

One thing about Belgians is that they tend to be kind of secretive about what their company is up to. That protectiveness can lead to time being wasted. It’s soo time and energy consuming to always watch your words and hold back. And what does it add?

On the other hand, Americans often cut corners, and don’t always make substantiated decisions based on research. In Belgium the opposite is true: sometimes we’re a bit too thorough, which can slow things down. This is typically due to a lack of clear vision or a lack of courage to show real leadership. So I like to capture the go-getter energy of the Americans, while carefully thinking things through like a Belgian. 

Tried & true transparency

I think you can only move forward quickly and in a well-founded way if you’re transparent. That’s our approach at Qcify. Some consider it a risk, but I think it’s the best approach. That’s why we have a bit of a different mentality when it comes to our competition. We don’t hide what we’re doing: instead we reach out to the competition and start a dialogue. Sometimes we end up collaborating, and other times we are neck to neck, but in any case everyone ends up knowing more about what’s cooking and that’s how we all progress at a faster pace. It’s the opposite of the tired, inefficient old tendency to work in silos.

In Belgium there are huge differences in the degree of transparency from company to company. Some can be very secretive, as I explained above. In the US we’ve had a lot of open dialogue with different companies, though once in awhile you get the odd guy who wants you to sign an NDA (Non Disclosure Agreement). That really turns me off, it’s not a good basis upon which to start a professional relationship. No matter what country you’re in, I think transparency wins every time.

Money mindsets

In the US there is of course a whole different outlook on money and the economy. Belgium is a bit more careful, which I can appreciate. We like our social safety nets, and we’re a little more risk-averse. In America it’s more of a capitalist, everyone for themselves philosophy. You go big or go home. Of course that’s also what makes it a great country.  

The thing is, Americans don’t always plan for the lean years. You see that in full relief right now, with how badly the corona crisis is hurting all of us. On the other hand, people in the US tend to live more in the moment, and I think Belgians can learn something from that. I try to walk that middle road when it comes to money. I think it’s great to see Qcify’s sales booming, but everything that comes in goes right back into the company. In other words, we go for it, but we’re always investing in the future.

Our happy medium

I think both Belgium and the US have their strong points, so I try to find a happy medium and apply the best aspects of both countries to how I run our company. I was born a Belgian and I hold certain European values close to my heart, but I also love the pioneer mentality of my gutsy, audacious adopted homeland.

I try to keep an open mind, and I’m modest enough to know I don’t have a monopoly on the truth. These days Belgians are told not to be so modest, but I take that with a grain of salt. Because when you combine Belgian modesty with American guts, you can build something really great.