importance of marketing to a small business

Your essay should have reference to theory , and should show knowledge and also application for the importance of marketing for a small business.
you should also explain what marketing is, the benefits that it brings to a small organisation. please look at the point below to know what to include :

-Clearly define what is marketing ,proving at least 3 quotes.
-You will need to explain the changing nature of marketing from the idea of product focused through to current views such as relationship and ethical marketing.
-explain why understanding the need of consumers is so important, where possible highlight with example .
-Explain the concept of relationship marketing, use quotes to support your answer, explain that where appropriate marketing can help build and maintain a relationship, provide examples on how it can build that relationship.
-Explain what marketing planning is and highlight briefly some of the elements in marketing plan.