Marketing in literature versus marketing in small enterprises: concepts of entrepreneurs of small enterprises in a town of Minas Gerais

Abstract

Small enterprises have had their importance recognized in countries' economic scenarios. Sebrae’s (2000) studies show that these businesses represent, in Brazil, 95% of establishments in the industrial sector, 98% in the commercial sector and 99% in the service sector, and are responsible for about 60% of jobs (ALVIM , 1998). Aiming to identify the conception that entrepreneurs of small enterprises (which are more than five years on the market) in a town located in Minas Gerais have about the marketing, this paper makes a comparison of this conception with the concepts presented in the literature. As theoretical reference, it’s presented a brief review of the literature on the concept of Marketing as function, process and philosophy; and on small enterprises; and on marketing for small enterprises. As results, it’s showed that even without mastering concepts and tools of marketing, the entrepreneurs have market orientation in relation to the management of their enterprises. The results confirm that while the marketing concept in unfamiliar to many entrepreneurs, they implement it without being aware they are doing it, managing to keep on the market through informal actions that invest in customer relationships.