Exploring some marketing practices in management consulting firms: evidence from small service firms in Italy

Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to investigate the marketing and communication activities carried out by small management consulting firms and how they relate to customers. Design/methodology/approach – After the framing of the literature on the subject, the study is based on the results of a survey carried out through an online questionnaire. The sample under investigation is represented by 914 small consulting firms located in central Italy. Findings – Results show that half of the sample carried out marketing and communication activities, mainly through the website and social media, while others participating in events as speakers at conferences. It also emerges that management consulting firms carry out activities aimed at maintaining relationship with customers even if they do not invest time in market research in order to find potential and new clients. Practical implications – The study suggests that management consulting firms should adopt a systematic and strategic approach to communication and should develop a complete and integrated digital communication strategy, as well as to rethink the consulting business model. Originality/value – There are no previous studies that provide insight into the everyday practice of marketing and communication of small management consulting services in today’s dynamic and changing economic environment.