Cheers to progress!

Over a month into my dive into Dutch life, I'm feeling more adjusted and confident about being able to pull together new beginnings here in Amsterdam.

My days are spent filling out job applications and working on conceptualizing a consulting practice, Roberson Business Development, under which I can secure contracts in exchange for providing advice and deliverables for marketing and sales optimization at startups and small businesses.

I also managed to find a potential work opportunity through a connection back in Austin with a company that develops and implements software/middleware solutions for the hospitality industry. The organization would be an excellent fit based on my passion of IoT as it relates to reduction of energy use and sustainability.

Meanwhile, I keep myself busy keeping in touch with friends and family. I'm also training for the Amsterdam Marathon, which will take place in mid-October, and focusing on health and fitness in general.

As far as play goes, have been lucky to go on the occasional cruise through Amsterdam's canals and have also attended a few music festivals in both Belgium and in the Netherlands. Benelux is absolutely gorgeous during the summer!

Reinforcement of an Epiphany

Today I woke up realizing one of my purposes.

To provide you with a little background, I studied advertising in college, where I became aware of the rise of mass production and increases in consumerism.  The more manufacturing that occurs, the more materials are mined and distributed across the world. Pollution ensues from the production and acquisition of goods. Air quality and climate change cause harm to human health and our ecosystem. The cycle needs to be corrected so future generations can thrive (or, as an alternative, move to another colonized planet...).

The concept of sustainability has fascinated me for the past several years. I am also becoming mesmerized by the emergence of the "Internet of Things" (IoT) and how a network of connected devices and data can create efficiencies in modern day manufacturing and distribution. Furthermore, I believe the IoT has the potential to help re-engineer consumer behavior to reduce waste and energy consumption.

Ultimately, my mission is to make the world a better place. As I develop myself and my profession, I will aim to merge my interests in sustainability and IoT, including how both are related to commerce.

Banksy Inspo

PRIDE in Amsterdam

What a beautiful life this is!

Ready, set, Dutch!

READY, SET, DUTCH!

I arrived in Amsterdam nine days ago. This will be my fourth time being in the city, and I come with a mission of obtaining a visa through the Dutch American Friendship Treaty. The treaty will allow me to begin a sole proprietorship and stay in the Netherlands for at least two years with the possibility of a visa renewal.

I've always been extremely self-motivated, but the concept of self-employment did not stick on me until this opportunity became known. I'm excited to have a kick in the rear to move in me in the direction of working for myself. For the next several weeks I will conceptualize and plan the business I will build to support myself while living in the Netherlands. Step one will be listing out my passions, talents, and existing experience.

Here's a start on my strengths and interests:

• Health & Wellness
• Sales & Marketing
• Strategic Planning
• Art & Design
• Influencing/Motivating 
• Writing

Building out my network will also be key. I met a few really amazing characters at the New Dutch Wave at South By Southwest who have already opened doors to new contacts in Amsterdam, including an American named Ashlee who has a very similar background to me. 

I am living with an American named Matt, who was introduced to me via my running partner in Austin, Texas. Matt is walking me through the Dutch American Friendship Treaty and has also offered to introduce me to his colleagues at a dental product manufacturing facility. His company needs help with sales, so I am excited for an opportunity to apply my knowledge and skill-set as needed. 

VISA ROADBLOCKS 

While I am very optimistic about my new Dutch life, I acknowledge that the transition will be filled with roadblocks and let-downs. Pivots may be needed at times, but I am determined never to be discouraged beyond the point of being able to forge forward.

One slight bump in the road so far has been putting together the documentation I need to start the visa and company registration process. Apparently an "apostilled" birth certificate is required to apply for a BSN, or Dutch citizen service number required for tax and residency purposes. For any Americans reading who plans to immigrate to the Netherlands, I highly recommend researching how to request an apostille for your birth certificate from the state it was issued prior to leaving the US. 

BIKES, BIKES, BIKES

I was an avid bicycle commuter back in Austin, and I've told many people I am extending my lifespan potential by moving to a place where cycling is the norm, as road cycling can be quite dangerous in America. 

A defining moment of my settlement here in Amsterdam was purchasing a bike. You can buy a basic new bike for around 350 Euro, but it is advised to purchased a used bike for riding in Amsterdam since they are stolen often. After doing research online, I learned about several Facebook groups where used bikes can be found. I also found out about the Flea Market at Waterlooplein in Amsterdam, where used bikes can be purchased for between 70 and 90 Euro.

Not my bike above, but it's worth of sharing!

I'm loving the Dutch's appreciation of flowers.