Business services are the various support activities that assist a business yet do not produce a tangible commodity. These intangible services are offered to help businesses meet their objectives, goals and strategic business outcomes. Some of the most popular business services include IT, finance and shipping. In recent years, the business services industry has been transformed by technology and digitalization. This has resulted in new jobs and career opportunities in the field. The career path of a business services professional offers many options, from working for large companies to starting a small firm. Some business services jobs can even be done remotely.
A company may use business services to complete a project that is not part of their core competency. This can save the company money by allowing them to focus on their strengths while outsourcing non-core tasks. In addition, business services can provide a way for a company to obtain specialized labor and expertise that would be difficult for them to afford on their own.
The definition of a business service is broad and includes anything that helps a company operate, maintain its infrastructure and improve productivity. This can include IT, human resources, marketing and supply chain management. These services can be offered to other businesses (B2B) or to consumers (B2C).
One of the most important characteristics of a business service is that it is intangible, meaning that it does not involve producing a physical product. This also means that it cannot be stored like inventory for future use and that service consumption is usually simultaneous with production. Another notable characteristic of business services is that they are not standardized. This allows for customization by different customers with different needs, wants and expectations.
Careers in business services are numerous and varied, but most involve a combination of interpersonal skills, knowledge of the law and corporate policy, and technical expertise. In addition, many of these roles are in the growing field of outsourcing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects a faster than average job growth rate in this sector between 2019-2029.
Some of the most common business services include IT, HR, financial, logistics and marketing. However, there are many more. These can be delivered through web platforms, systems and apps or through direct contact between a customer and a provider. Some of these services are offered as a subscription, while others are paid for on an hourly basis.
A growing area of business services is centered on the internet and cloud computing. These services offer companies the ability to scale up or down based on demand and to access data remotely. This can save time and money by reducing travel expenses, lowering overhead, and avoiding the need to buy expensive hardware and software.
The career path of a business services professional can vary from an entry-level position at a corporation to managing a team. Some positions require a bachelor’s degree, while others can be completed through self-education and on-the-job training. In addition, many jobs in this area can be done from home or any location with a good internet connection. This is an ideal option for people who want to avoid the commute or work from a remote location.