Thoughts by Dmitriy Kozlov
NEXT Summit was a huge success! We had 35 unique and accomplished “25 and under” entrepreneurs from all over the world in attendance. Their companies ranged from early stage startups, to unique non-profits, to those doing 7 figures in annual revenue with a wide range of industries, talents, and expertise. We were joined by about a dozen Maverick Mentors who helped make this an unforgettable event.
You can catch the recap video here: http://
After three days of masterminding, listening to speakers, and adventures in Boulder, the NEXT’ers along with other young entrepreneurs at Summit had a transformational experience. Activities included a scavenger hunt around Boulder, ATV’ing in the mountains, and an XArena experience. We also learned from business sessions such as Yanik’s in depth Evolved Enterprise workshop, panels on management, hiring practices and workshops, KPI’s, customer service, a group meditation, contract negotiation, and more. This was the first major dedicated Maverick NEXT event since it’s launch in November of 2011.
Since the Summit, NEXT has expanded to 25 members and is still actively growing. We’re also in the process of developing many new and evolving member benefits.
All the Mavericks at Summit were excited to contribute. In fact, we’re seeing more collaboration and mentorship between Mavericks and NEXT’ers, which is truly helping us cultivate the NEXT Generation of Maverick Entrepreneurs.
While the entire Summit was the most exciting thing I’ve worked on all year, my own personal presentation there was a new growth edge and discovery for me, as I delivered half of it in poetic (spoken word) form.
Beyond the massive personal and business growth for everyone involved, I was elated to see the kind of deep bonds the young entrepreneurs formed as the tribe came together. Many who came into this community for the first time, barely knowing anyone, left with new best friends, an accountability partner, and a deep sense of belonging. You could feel the Love in the room. Entrepreneurship can be a lonely road, especially for the young business owners who are stepping into the unknown and massively differentiating themselves from their peers. I believe the NEXT Network is the best platform and community to empower them to step into their greatness while enjoying the journey with peers who love and understand them.
It certainly has been for me.
Shortly after Summit, I got really honest with myself as I reflected on the past year, and became even more invigorated for the future. You can see what I mean in my Open Letter to NEXT Members here: http://mavericknext.com/
Over the past year, NEXT has been an incredible ride, with Summit as the pinnacle so far – and our vision for the future is greater than ever. Thank you to all those who have been on the journey and everyone who attended or contributed at Summit. We couldn’t have done it without you.
With Love and Gratitude,
Dmitriy (Dima) Kozlov
How Can Mavericks Get More Involved With NEXT?
As a Maverick, there are several unique benefits from being involved with NEXT. First and foremost, you get to contribute your talents and wisdom to impact the NEXT Generation of Maverick Entrepreneurs, creating a powerful long term impact on the world.
Second, you get to work with young and bright minds in technology, marketing, and business who have tactical skills, business models, and insights that can be valuable for your own business growth. This is the perfect opportunity for cross-generational idea exchange.
Here are several ways that Mavericks can get involved with Maverick NEXT:
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Join and participate in the NEXT Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mavericknext/. Review the posts and answer questions, post your own suggestions and resources, or just pop in the group every once in awhile to see where you can help with your connections. You might even find great collaborative opportunities.
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Participate in a monthly “Maverick Mentor” Google Hangout. These will be on a new topic each month, based on what the NEXT Members need most support with, and will range from one Maverick to a panel of members and experts, depending on the topic. If you have something specific you would like to share with the NEXT group in a presentation or Q&A format, please email dima@mavericknext.com
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Make yourself available for a one on one mentorship session. Much like Mavericks have 40/40, NEXT Members will have the Maverick Mentors Board, where they can schedule individual 30 minute calls with participating Mavericks. This commitment can be as small or big as you’re comfortable with. The Mentor Board is still in development. In the meantime email dima@mavericknext.com if you’re interested in contributing a time slot.
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Join for a local event as a Maverick Mentor. We intend to hold small mastermind events in 2015 in San Diego, Austin, New York, and London. If you live in any of these areas and are open to dropping by for a mastermind or a dinner, please email dima@mavericknext.com – the event calendar is still in development.
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Offer perks (freebies, discounts, resources, etc) for NEXT Members. This can range from event tickets to software discounts and more. Please email rose@maverick1000.com if you have a perk you’d like to provide.
Maverick Mentorship is a huge part of NEXT, and we deeply appreciate anything you do to support this amazing group of young entrepreneurs. If you have any additional ideas, please email Dima anytime.
Welcome New Maverick NEXT Members!
The tribe is growing! Please join us in welcoming our newest fun-instigators and business-collaborators.
Daniela Plattner, 25
Leadership coach, social entrepreneur, and movement facilitator.
Learn more at http://danielaplattner.com/
Zion Kim, 23
Tech entrepreneur, writer, speaker, and event/meetup organizer.
Learn more at http://zionkim.com/about-me/
Lawrence He, 23
Videography entrepreneur
Learn more at http://www.tonymacphotovideo.com/
Allan Edwards, 24
Musician/producer, entertainment entrepreneur
Dustin Briggs, 25
Serial entrepreneur, main company: Roof Revivers
Learn more about main company at http://roofrevivers.com/
Chris Monery, 24
E-commerce entrepreneur
Learn more about main company at http://www.mobymemory.co.uk/
Jessica Fisher, 23
Entrepreneur in apparel and women’s empowerment, designer
Main companies in development: http://warriorkidstraining.com/ and http://lionessathletics.com/
Sean Staub, 24
Social entrepreneur, sustainability consultant
Learn more at http://about.me/joyouspresence
Michael Jacobs, 22
Transformational coach, author
Learn more at http://www.michaelaustinjacobs.com/