Janou Advies

Founded in 2024, Janou Advies is a fresh, agile communications consultancy based in Amersfoort, Netherlands. The agency was created by Janou van Rheenen, an experienced interim and freelance advisor who saw a clear need for rapid, no-nonsense support in communication, participation, and organizational change. With a background steeped in political and administrative environments, van Rheenen built Janou Advies around the principle of being able to step into a team at a moment’s notice, providing immediate value without a lengthy onboarding period. The firm’s location in Amersfoort places it at the heart of the Netherlands, well-positioned to serve clients across the country.

Core Focus and Approach

Janou Advies specializes in bridging gaps—whether those gaps are in communication strategy, team capacity, or organizational alignment. The agency’s sweet spot is helping organizations navigate change, particularly when a team member has suddenly left or when a project requires an extra, experienced hand. Van Rheenen’s approach is hands-on and results-driven: she prides herself on adapting quickly to new environments while maintaining a fresh, critical perspective. This blend of speed and objectivity is especially valuable in high-stakes settings, such as during crisis communication or when managing sensitive public participation processes. The agency’s work is grounded in practical project management, ensuring that even complex communication initiatives stay on track and on budget.

Services and Specialties

While Janou Advies is a small, independent operation, it offers a focused set of capabilities that address common pain points in corporate and public-sector communications. Based on the agency’s stated keywords and background, its core services include:

• Interim communication management and team support
• Crisis communication and spokesperson training (woordvoering)
• Strategic positioning and messaging
• Internal and external communication strategy
• Public participation (participatie) processes and stakeholder engagement
• Organizational change communication (organisatieveranderingen)
• Project management for communication initiatives
• Advisory services for political and administrative environments

These services are delivered with a strong emphasis on structure, clarity, and the ability to build networks quickly. Van Rheenen’s experience in political and administrative contexts means she understands the unique pressures of working with government bodies, councils, and other public-facing organizations. For clients in these sectors, Janou Advies offers not just communication expertise, but also a nuanced understanding of how decisions are made and how to navigate complex stakeholder landscapes.

Ideal Clients and Collaborative Style

Janou Advies is best suited for organizations that need immediate, reliable communication support without the overhead of a long-term hire. This includes teams facing a sudden vacancy, a tight deadline, or a challenging communication crisis. The agency is also a strong fit for public sector bodies, municipalities, and non-profits in the Netherlands that require experienced guidance on participation and change management. Van Rheenen’s preference for working within a team—and her ability to quickly become a trusted member of that team—makes Janou Advies a practical choice for managers who need someone who can hit the ground running. Based in Amersfoort, the agency serves clients throughout the Netherlands, offering a blend of local insight and professional agility that larger firms often struggle to match. For organizations seeking a communicator who combines strategic thinking with hands-on execution, Janou Advies provides a straightforward, effective solution.