business growth

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of marketing strategies on entrepreneurial risks and determine their ranking. It is possible to rank marketing strategies to make the best decision to deal with the risks facing businesses. Methodology: Based on preliminary studies conducted on SMEs in Iran, a four-part questionnaire with a five-point Likert scale was provided to entrepreneurs and managers of SMEs in Tehran. Data related to 20 questionnaires were analyzed using SPSS software. Cronbach's alpha method was used to determine the reliability of the questionnaire. Finding: The results reveal that financial strategies, customer, relationships and online marketing do not have the same effect on entrepreneurial risks and we can rank them. Also, in examining the impact of business strategies on risks, the results showed that planning strategy has the greatest impact on reducing credit, operational and liquidity risks whilst relationship strategy has the greatest impact on reducing market risk. Online marketing strategy has the least observed effect on reducing credit risk and operational risk, and direct marketing strategy and financial strategy have the lowest effect on reducing liquidity and market risks. Conclusion: The effect of business strategies on reducing entrepreneurial risks is confirmed and we can rank strategies based on their impact on the risks facing businesses. Entrepreneurial risks can be reduced by using marketing strategies, and in conditions of uncertainty, the use of knowledge and expertise of marketing consultants can lead to improved decisions of entrepreneurs, resulting in sustainability and growth of businesses.

This study aims to explore the role of e-commerce platforms in facilitating market entry for emerging entrepreneurs, examining the benefits, challenges, and overall impact of these platforms. This qualitative study utilized semi-structured interviews with 25 emerging entrepreneurs to gather in-depth insights into their experiences with e-commerce platforms. The interviews focused on various aspects of platform usage, support and resources provided, challenges faced, and the outcomes of utilizing these platforms. Data were analyzed using NVivo software to identify key themes and subthemes, with theoretical saturation guiding the data collection process. Five main themes emerged from the data analysis: (1) E-commerce Platform Usage, encompassing platform selection, initial setup, features and tools, user experience, and integration with other systems; (2) Support and Resources, including educational resources, financial support, technical assistance, marketing support, and networking opportunities; (3) Challenges and Barriers, such as technical issues, financial barriers, competition, and regulatory issues; (4) Outcomes and Impact, highlighting business growth, market access, brand development, and diversified revenue streams; and (5) Entrepreneurial Experience, covering the learning curve, work-life balance, community support, motivation and goals, and adaptability. E-commerce platforms play a crucial role in enabling market entry and supporting business growth for emerging entrepreneurs. These platforms provide essential infrastructure, tools, and resources that simplify business operations and enhance market reach. However, entrepreneurs face challenges related to technical issues, financial constraints, competition, and regulatory complexities.