An analysis of strategic marketing practices of high-growth U.S. family firms

Abstract

This paper presents an analysis of strategic marketing factors of Fast Growth family firms from the United States. Data reveal that Fast Growth Family Firms (FGFFs) prefer a differentiation strategy in general and are more likely to adopt an early follower strategy when marketing new products or services. We found that rely on existing products, those that are older than three years to a great extent. However, they commit almost a third of sales to new products and services revealing that the businesses are adept at finding subsequent products and services to maintain their momentum in the marketplace. Further, it seems that about a third of new products are sustaining the hyper-growth rate of these firms. In addition to finding new products and services, fast growth family businesses must pursue new customers. Although some researchers have pointed to globalization as the impetus for fast growth, others have noted that family firms avoid the global marketplace. Our sample reveals that U.S. FGFFs are most likely to gain the majority of sales within the U.S. We found international sales significantly correlated with several factors including having an outsider on the board of directors and the use of agents and brokers.