Before there were telephones, how did multinational companies in the 17th century gather data to make business decisions?

Question

Before there were telephones, how did multinational companies in the 17th century gather data to make business decisions?

In: Economics

Answer 1

It’s my understanding that the Dutch invented modern insurance. It had to do with gathering investors to build and send a ship to some profitable colony, and hope it comes back.

 Storms and pirates cut into profits, but if everyone paid a little insurance, everyone benefitted.

They discussed these things in high-class ale-houses. Later, these evolved into coffee houses, which were considered more business-like.