NextStep Parnters helps entrepreneurs move from concept to profitability
The Patriot Entrepreneur recently caught up with Doug Jerger and Dave Dobel, Principals of NextStep Partners. NextStep Partners, LLC is a management consulting firm helping emerging and established companies to develop customer-focused strategies for financing, commercializing, marketing and profiting from advanced technology. NextStep Partners will also serve in interim management positions until the company reaches the point where it can add those key executives in full-time positions. NextStep Partners is located in McLean, VA.
This sounds like a wonderful service for any growing company. What makes NextStep Partners so unique?
The experience of our associates which was gained working at some of the Washington areas most successful start-up companies that grew into industry leaders - e.g. MCI, UUNET Technologies and Digex, Inc.
After seeing that market niche, how did you get your company going?
The downturn in new venture funding in 2001 made it much harder for entrepreneurs. The founding partners joined together to leverage their extensive start-up experience to help entrepreneurs sharpen their business models.
What examples can you share with our readers of your business helping emerging and established companies? (i.e., success stories)
NextStep Partners has helped a wide range of companies software, systems and service both strategically, i.e., to develop and refine business plans and pitches, and tactically (to develop sales & marketing strategies and pipelines).
Mason has recently launched the "Invention to Innovation Project" to move disclosed or patented IP at George Mason University closer to commercialization, making it more attractive for licensing or company formation. Is there a role that NextStep partners could take on in that process?
Yes. NextStep has helped develop commercialization strategies for inventions developed at Mitre, APL and the Naval Research Lab.
What advice would you offer to faculty, students, and alumni that want to become entrepreneurs?
The old adage "1% inspiration and 99% perspiration/determination" seems to be a common theme of the successful start-ups we've seen. That, and the ability of an entrepreneur to recognize both his/her strengths and limitations and his/her willingness to let experts fill the gaps and help him succeed.
For more information about NextStep Partners:
http://www.nextstep-partners.com