Our approach
At Next Step Consulting, we believe real growth happens when strategy and authenticity work together.
We don't offer generic solutions. Instead, we work closely with business owners and leadership teams to understand their vision, challenges, and market position — then build clear, practical steps forward.
Our approach is:
Strategic – Grounded in commercial insight and long-term thinking.
Practical – Built on real-world sales and management experience.
Authentic – Focused on strengthening your brand and voice, not changing who you are.
Results-Driven – Designed to deliver measurable improvements in sales performance and business growth.
Whether you are launching a new venture, refining your brand, or looking to energise your sales team, Next Step Consulting provides the clarity, structure, and momentum to move your business forward with confidence.
Elevating Sales Performance. Driving Business Growth. Taking the Next Step — Together.
Our services
First Service
Structured Sales Training Programmes
At Next Step Consulting, we deliver practical, high‑impact sales training designed to build capability, confidence, and consistency. Our programmes focus on:
Proven Sales Techniques – The 4 D's, Steps of Selling,
The Path to Purchase, Understanding Consumer Behaviour,
Account List Management, The 4 P's of Marketing, 30 & 90‑Day Roadmap Planning,
Client Briefing & Presentation Skills.
These programmes give teams the frameworks and habits needed to convert opportunities, deepen client relationships, and drive sustainable revenue.
Second service
Strategic Consulting for Start‑Ups & Small Businesses.
At Next Step Consulting, we partner with early‑stage and growing businesses to build strong foundations and unlock longterm success. Our strategic services include:
Business Plan Development,
Pitch Deck Creation,
Network & Partnership, Development of Market Entry Identification,
Sales Strategy, Development & Training.
Third Service
One-to-One Business & Sales Consulting
Whether you're a start-up, established business owner, or a sales professional stepping into a new role, personalised support can make all the difference. At Next Step Consulting, we deliver structured 1-2-1 consulting sessions designed to uncover exactly where you are now — and define where you want to go next.
Together, we will:
Review your current business or sales performance
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Identify opportunities for growth and improvement
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Clarify your goals and priorities
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Build a practical, achievable action plan
These sessions are focused, strategic and tailored entirely to you — giving you clarity, confidence and clear next steps in your business or sales journey.
About us
Next Step Consulting is a Leitrim-based consultancy focused on elevating sales performance and driving sustainable business growth.
Led by Senior Consultant Deirdre Ferry, Next Step Consulting brings over 20 years of experience across Hospitality, Retail, FMCG, and Media. Throughout her career, Deirdre has held senior management and commercial leadership roles, building and leading award-winning sales teams while delivering consistent, measurable results.
Her experience includes working with respected organisations such as Bauer Media Audio Ireland, iRadio Ltd, Musgrave Wholesale Services, The Landmark Hotel, and Bass Leisure Retail.
This diverse background has shaped a deep understanding of commercial strategy, customer behaviour, and the practical realities of growing a business in competitive markets.
In recent years, Deirdre has partnered with start-ups and scaling businesses to help them define their brand identity, create effective sales funnels, and establish strong commercial foundations from day one.
Her academic background includes:
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Degree in Hotel Business Management
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Diploma in Retail Marketing Management
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Certification in Social Media in Radio and numerous courses via Learning Waves Skillnet in sales development, multi platform campaigns for clients and creative idea's and scripting.
Testimonials
"I've worked directly with Deirdre Ferry for 17 years from my initial first years in business. She designed and delivered on-air radio campaigns for me and for many clients and what always struck me, was her investment in our success. A genuine care that has been, and remains, a signature feature of working with Deirdre.
A leader of high-performing teams, she always values training and development. I have also worked alongside Deirdre as a trainer for Learning Waves Skillnet where I developed digital marketing skills programmes for the commercial radio sector. Deirdre and her team were always advancing their knowledge and by the end of sessions had strategies developed ready to implement.
Proactive with purpose is how I'd describe her attitude and approach in any project.
Deirdre's team trust her. They value her leadership and insights. She is a leader that shows the way, by doing the doing first. I'm very excited to work with Next Step Consulting as I know that anything Deirdre works on, will be a huge success."
Joanne Sweeney
Working with Next Step Consulting was a very important part of bringing Lock10 to life. From the very beginning, they helped us understand the importance of building a strong, clear brand — not just a logo or a name, but a business with purpose and direction.
Next Step Consulting played a key role in creating the name Lock10, ensuring it aligned with our vision and would stand out in the market. Their guidance went far beyond branding; they supported us in shaping the full operation, from structure and processes to the practical steps needed to open the business with confidence.
As a new business, having experienced, straight-talking advice made all the difference. Next Step Consultancy helped us avoid costly mistakes, focus on what really mattered, and launch with clarity and momentum. We would highly recommend them to any business owner looking to build strong foundations and take the right next step.
— Lock10
Miranda Burke Foley
Owner of Lock10
"I had the pleasure of working with Deirdre very closely for 18 months when iRadio became part of the Bauer Media Group. Deirdre has been an outstanding Local Sales Director and a key contributor to the performance, development and success of our radio sales operation over the past 12 years.
Deirdre successfully delivered a structured sales programme that she originally developed during the Covid period, while also playing a central role in further refining, evolving, and embedding it across the team. Her commitment to professional standards, consistent execution, and coaching has resulted in clear improvements in sales capability, confidence, and overall performance on teams she has led.
In addition, Deirdre demonstrated exceptional leadership through the creation and delivery of a client-focused industry event, bringing together respected experts to support our long-term clients with their own business development challenges. This initiative strengthened client relationships, positioned our business as a true strategic partner, and delivered lasting value well beyond traditional media sales.
Deirdre leads with integrity, strategic thinking, and a genuine focus on long-term growth — both for the sales team and for our clients. I would highly recommend her to any organisation seeking a commercially astute leader to train sales teams and deliver results for both the commercial team and business alike."
Tim Hassett
Head of Direct Sales, Bauer Media Audio, Ireland
Order our services
Elevating Sales Performance. Driving Business Growth. Taking the Next Step — Together.