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THE NEXT STEP: MANUFACTURING BUSINESS CONSULTANTS

The Next Step: Manufacturing Business Consultants

how we can help

Our Consulting Agency Drives Results

Experts in sales, operations, marketing, and product development

We help manufacturing businesses of all sizes grow and succeed. We tailor our strategy to your specific needs, whether you want to improve marketing, sales, operations, or product development. We will work closely with you to understand your goals and drive results. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work.

Who we are:

GLOBAL BUSINESS CONSULTANTS SERVING MIDWEST MANUFACTURERS

As a team of manufacturing industry experts, we help Minnesota and Midwest manufacturers grow their businesses. We have a proven track record in managing international sales and marketing teams, developing new products, leading market research, implementing lean initiatives, executing turnarounds and growth projects, and managing acquisitions. We know what it takes to succeed in the manufacturing industry. What challenges do you face? With our extensive expertise and commitment to excellence, we can take those issues off your plate, leaving you to focus on what you do best: growing your business.

Our Services

SALES

Analytics
Enablement
Execution

Operations

Strategy
Methodology implementation
Training

MARKETING

Research and Strategy
Content Creation
Channels and Automation

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

Research
Design
Commercialization

Marketing research and strategy

Building a business without a marketing strategy is like building a house without a blueprint. It’s a waste of time and money. At The Next Step, we’ll help you develop a solid marketing strategy that will help you achieve your business goals. We’ll conduct market research, craft a digital strategy, and create a marketing plan that people will remember. Let’s dive into the data together

SERVICES

    • Digital Strategy and Market Research
    • Branding and Identity
    • Marketing Continuous Improvement (CI) Meetings

Content creation

Whether your business needs a cutting-edge website, dynamic writing that generates clicks, or a tradeshow booth that will turn heads, we’ve got you covered. We’ll use our expertise to create content that leaves a lasting impression. Leverage our creativity and expertise to elevate your brand and connect with your audience.

SERVICES

    • Web Development (Programming and Maintenance)
    • eCommerce Management (Development and Optimization)
    • eCommerce (Development and Optimization)
    • Content Creation (3D, Copywriting, and Design)
    • CRM and Loyalty Programs

 

Channel management and automation

It’s time to unlock the full potential of media with The Next Step. Our team of experts excels in search engine optimization, digital advertising, social media marketing, email marketing, and marketing automation. We’ll harness these powerful tools to propel your business forward and ensure you stand out in today’s dynamic digital landscape.

SERVICES

    • Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
    • Digital Advertising
    • Social Media Marketing (SMM)
    • Email Marketing
    • Marketing Automation
    • Tradeshows and Merchandising

Sales analytics

We can help you forecast and reach your sales goals. We use proven sales strategies, optimized processes, and data analysis to help you make informed decisions about your sales pipeline. With our help, you can navigate the unpredictable terrain of sales with confidence.

SERVICES

    • Sales Strategy and Planning
    • Forecasting and Analytics
    • Performance Management
    • Sales Continuous Improvement (CI) Meetings

Sales enablement

Sales success isn’t luck. It takes the right skills and knowledge. We help sales professionals and teams reach their full potential through coaching, training, and CRM software consulting. If you’re not sure where to start, we can help you assess your needs and create a custom plan.

SERVICES

    • CRM Implementation and Training
    • Lead Generation

Sales execution

We help sales leaders close more deals. We offer fractional VP/SM (Vice President of Sales and Marketing) services, recruiting assistance, sales pipeline optimization, and outsourcing guidance to get you there. Partner with us to increase your opportunities and revenue

SERVICES

    • Pipeline Management
    • Training and Coaching
    • Process Optimization
    • Scorecards and KPI (Metrics)

Operations strategy

Operations professionals appreciate days free of disruptions – the result of hard work and careful planning. We can help you optimize your operations and eliminate distractions with forecasting, planning, performance measurement, and resource allocation. Let’s lean into some data-driven planning and decision-making.

SERVICES

    • Forecasting and Planning
    • Performance Measurement and Reporting
    • Resource Allocation and Capacity Planning
    • Operations’ Continuous Improvement (CI) Meetings
    • Leadership CI Meetings

Operations methodology and implementation

Operations is the backbone of manufacturing. We understand the challenges you face with managing operations and supply chains, regulating compliance, and automation. We can offer a fresh perspective to reduce waste, ensure timely deliveries, and enhance competitiveness in today’s business market. Let us help you turn your good business into a great one.

SERVICES

    • Lean Six Sigma
    • Operations Management
    • Supply Chain Management
    • Compliance and Regulatory Management
    • Workflow Design and Automation
    • Lean Methodology Training
    • Value Stream and Kaizen Training Events

Operations training

Sometimes, businesses discover they have made an unexpectedly astute hire. You have an outstanding individual, full of motivation and untapped leadership capabilities. They’re primed for growth with the guidance of a seasoned mentor. Elevate them to the next level through expert coaching and training from industry veterans at The Next Step.

SERVICES

    • Operations Coaching and Mentoring  

Product development research and Strategy

Launching a new product without proper research is a recipe for disaster. Our product research services can be the ace up your sleeve, helping you uncover critical insights, refine your concept, and ensure that your product meets the needs of the market. Use our detailed data to guide your product development decisions. 

SERVICES

    • VOC Research and Product Roadmap
    • Product Feasibility Analysis
    • Cost and Pricing Analysis
    • Market Testing and Validation
    • Product Development Continuous Improvement (CI) Meetings
    • Project Management CI Meetings

Product Development Design

In the product development process, the power of good user experience (UX) design cannot be overstated. A well-crafted UX design not only enhances usability but also fosters customer satisfaction and loyalty. We have experts in visual and interactive design and gurus ready to work their magic with words to ensure clean and clear communication.

SERVICES

    • Product and User Experience (UX) Design
    • Product Documentation and Compliance

Product devel0pment commercialization

We’ll rigorously test and validate your products to ensure they meet the highest industry standards and are ready to launch, and We can craft strategies that will get your product the attention it deserves. From compelling narratives to strategic channels, we’ll help you build awareness and drive excitement.

SERVICES

    • Product Quality Review
    • Marketing and Communication (MARCOM) Planning
    • Marketing and Sales Support

Who we are:

GLOBAL BUSINESS CONSULTANTS SERVING MIDWEST MANUFACTURERS

As a team of manufacturing industry experts, we help Minnesota and Midwest manufacturers grow their businesses. We have a proven track record in managing international sales and marketing teams, developing new products, leading market research, implementing lean initiatives, executing turnarounds and growth projects, and managing acquisitions. We know what it takes to succeed in the manufacturing industry. What challenges do you face? With our extensive expertise and commitment to excellence, we can take those issues off your plate, leaving you to focus on what you do best: growing your business.

Our Services

Sales

SALES ANALYTICS

We can help you forecast and reach your sales goals. We use proven sales strategies, optimized processes, and data analysis to help you make informed decisions about your sales pipeline. With our help, you can navigate the unpredictable terrain of sales with confidence.

SERVICES

    • Sales Strategy and Planning
    • Forecasting and Analytics
    • Performance Management
    • Process Optimization

SALES ENABLEMENT

Sales success isn’t luck. It takes the right skills and knowledge. We help sales professionals and teams reach their full potential through coaching, training, and CRM software consulting. If you’re not sure where to start, we can help you assess your needs and create a custom plan.

SERVICES

    • CRM Implementation and Training
    • Sales Enablement
    • Training and Coaching

SALES EXECUTION

We help sales leaders close more deals. We offer fractional VP/SM (Vice President of Sales and Marketing) services, recruiting assistance, sales pipeline optimization, and outsourcing guidance to get you there. Partner with us to increase your opportunities and revenue

SERVICES

    • Pipeline Management
    • Outsourcing
    • Recruiting Services
    • Fractional VP/SM

OPERATIONS

OPERATIONS STRATEGY

Operations professionals appreciate days free of disruptions – the result of hard work and careful planning. We can help you optimize your operations and eliminate distractions with forecasting, planning, performance measurement, and resource allocation. Let’s lean into some data-driven planning and decision-making.

SERVICES

    • Forecasting and Planning
    • Performance Measurement and Reporting
    • Resource Allocation and Capacity Planning

OPERATIONS METHODOLOGY AND IMPLEMENTATION

Operations is the backbone of manufacturing. We understand the challenges you face with managing operations and supply chains, regulating compliance, and automation. We can offer a fresh perspective to reduce waste, ensure timely deliveries, and enhance competitiveness in today’s business market. Let us help you turn your good business into a great one.

SERVICES

    • Lean Six Sigma
    • Operations Management
    • Supply Chain Management
    • Compliance and Regulatory Management
    • Workflow Design and Automation

OPERATIONS TRAINING

Sometimes, businesses discover they have made an unexpectedly astute hire. You have an outstanding individual, full of motivation and untapped leadership capabilities. They’re primed for growth with the guidance of a seasoned mentor. Elevate them to the next level through expert coaching and training from industry veterans at The Next Step.

SERVICES

    • Operations Coaching and Mentoring

MARKETING

MARKETING RESEARCH AND STRATEGY

Building a business without a marketing strategy is like building a house without a blueprint. It’s a waste of time and money. At The Next Step, we’ll help you develop a solid marketing strategy that will help you achieve your business goals. We’ll conduct market research, craft a digital strategy, and create a marketing plan that people will remember. Let’s dive into the data together

SERVICES

    • Digital Strategy and Market Research
    • Branding and Identity

CONTENT CREATION

Whether your business needs a cutting-edge website, dynamic writing that generates clicks, or a tradeshow booth that will turn heads, we’ve got you covered. We’ll use our expertise to create content that leaves a lasting impression. Leverage our creativity and expertise to elevate your brand and connect with your audience.

SERVICES

    • Web Development (Creation and Maintenance)
    • eCommerce (Development and Optimization)
    • Content Creation (3D, Copywriting, and Design)
    • CRM and Loyalty Programs

CHANNEL MANAGEMENT AND AUTOMATION

It’s time to unlock the full potential of media with The Next Step. Our team of experts excels in search engine optimization, digital advertising, social media marketing, email marketing, and marketing automation. We’ll harness these powerful tools to propel your business forward and ensure you stand out in today’s dynamic digital landscape.

SERVICES

    • Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
    • Digital Advertising
    • Social Media Marketing (SMM)
    • Email Marketing
    • Marketing Automation
    • Tradeshows and Merchandise

Product Development

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH

Launching a new product without proper research is a recipe for disaster. Our product research services can be the ace up your sleeve, helping you uncover critical insights, refine your concept, and ensure that your product meets the needs of the market. Use our detailed data to guide your product development decisions. 

SERVICES

    • Voice Of The Customer Research and Product Roadmap
    • Product Feasibility Analysis
    • Cost and Pricing Analysis
    • Market Testing and Validation

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT DESIGN

In the product development process, the power of good user experience (UX) design cannot be overstated. A well-crafted UX design not only enhances usability but also fosters customer satisfaction and loyalty. We have experts in visual and interactive design and gurus ready to work their magic with words to ensure clean and clear communication.

SERVICES

    • Product And User Experience Design
    • Product Documentation and Compliance

PRODUCT DEVEL0PMENT COMMERCIALIZATION

We’ll rigorously test and validate your products to ensure they meet the highest industry standards and are ready to launch, and We can craft strategies that will get your product the attention it deserves. From compelling narratives to strategic channels, we’ll help you build awareness and drive excitement.

SERVICES

    • Product Quality Review
    • Marketing and Communications Planning
    • Marketing and Sales Support

Certified:

 

Why Our Manufacturing Clients Love Us

I started working with The Next Step Inc. as I was entering a new company and new role. Their understanding of the markets and ability to map out what buyers are thinking was critical for me to get up to speed quickly. It’s great to have a metric focused marketing firm that is always pushing to drive value and uses the data to bring clarity to where we need to put our resources. I have really been impressed and enjoyed working with them.

TONY NORRIS
VP Sales and Marketing, Lion Precision

 

I was given Jeff’s name as a recommendation from a friend. The front-end assessment of our business and market helped align our team quickly. Within a matter of a week, they built out the highly professional content with a clear value proposition message. They helped us focus on a few key materials that would drive value in the sales process. The Next Step team managed everything so I didn’t have to, and we also were able to get grant money in the process to help pay for the efforts.

DAVID KESINGER
President, Tower Solutions

We have been working with Jeff at The Next Step for a few months and we have made more progress than over the last five years. He was able to come in and work with our Team and create systems to eliminate wasted time and effort. He was also good at working with the different personalities involved and uncovers the underlying issues. I would highly recommend him.

DENNIS STOFFELS
Owner, Ursa Major
2022

As a member of a small manufacturing business, I can confidently say that the Next Step has been a game-changer for our team. After a recent leadership change, we were feeling a bit lost and unsure of how to proceed with our sales and manufacturing strategies. (…)

Thanks to the Next Step Help, we were able to get our team on the same page and moving in the right direction. They provided us with clear, actionable steps that helped us set up forecasting for sales and marketing strategies for our products. It was like having a personal consultant right there with us every step of the way. (…) Jeff and his team are incredibly helpful and have made a huge difference in our business. Thanks, Next Step!

Abdi Karbassi,
President, EarthWalk Communications

Jeff and his team have created a tailored solution for adding to our Sales team that included the use of the Objective Management Group candidate assessment tool. We used the tool to interview, select and train our latest candidate. We couldn’t be more pleased.

Phil Allen
VP Sales and Marketing, Lowell

We cater to the manufacturing community. Whether you have a manufacturing business, channel partner, or service provider, we’ll guide you to your growth.

WE’RE HERE TO HELP

As those who have run technical product and service businesses, we understand you’re already strapped for time and pressed for growth and execution. The Next Step, Inc. brings a team of battle-tested, driven simplifiers who are wired for problem-solving. Our motto is pretty simple: No homework for the customer and one less problem to solve.

What business problems do you need help with? We’ll deliver the results. Contact us today.

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