Final answer:
The marketing process referred to in the question is 'strategy,' which is the starting point for solving problems by brainstorming and planning, and is not necessarily a linear process.
Step-by-step explanation:
The marketing strategy process is not necessarily linear. You might find a solution before all of the five steps are completed.
The correct answer to fill in the blank is strategy.
Strategy is the beginning stage of solving a problem. It involves understanding what the problem is and then developing a plan to solve it.
This stage often includes brainstorming alternative solutions and exploring the widest variety of ideas, which can come from numerous sources.
The strategy phase is about planning and problem-solving, and as is often the case in complex tasks like marketing, it may not follow a rigid, step-by-step path.
It's important to remember that the marketing strategy process can involve revising and adapting at any stage, which is why it can be seen as recursive and dynamic rather than strictly linear.