Business services are additional activities that support a company’s main business. They may include activities such as information technology, insurance, communication, etc. These services do not produce a tangible product, but are critical to business success and function. Companies like banks, airlines and software companies are examples of businesses that provide business services. They can also be provided to other businesses, known as business-to-business (B2B) services.
Unlike goods, which can be stored and conserved, business services are not able to be saved for future use. This is because service delivery occurs as the work is performed. The intangibility of business services, coupled with the fact that they are delivered as a process rather than as an object, makes them distinct from goods. Another characteristic of business services is that customers can be involved in the delivery of a service to some extent, and their input can influence the quality of a service experience. For example, a customer who dithers at a fast-food counter may slow down the service for everyone behind him.
In order to improve productivity, a company can outsource some of its business services. This allows employees to focus on the more important tasks and allows a business to save money by avoiding paying overhead costs. Outsourcing can also help businesses scale up or down their operations as demand changes. This is especially helpful when dealing with seasonal output fluctuations.
The business services industry is a vital part of the economy. It contributes 11% of the EU GDP and includes a wide range of sectors. These include IT, engineering and architecture as well as legal services and employment services. It is also a key component of the European economy’s transformation towards ‘servitisation’, whereby value added to products and services is increasingly being achieved through new combinations of services rather than by adding more materials or complexity.
As a result of the growing importance of this sector, the number of jobs in business services is expected to grow significantly in the next few years. The most in-demand roles are for analysts, project managers and IT engineers. Other job opportunities in this field include positions related to the financial industry, such as sales, marketing, human resources and accounting.
A career in business services can be lucrative, rewarding and challenging. It can be a great choice for those who want to make a difference and are interested in helping businesses grow. Many of these jobs require a high school diploma or GED certificate, but others can require a bachelor’s degree or even graduate level degrees. Those interested in a career in this field should research the industry and find a company that offers the type of work they are looking for. In addition, it is important to consider whether this type of work suits your personality. If you are not comfortable working with people, a career in business services is probably not for you. On the other hand, if you are a natural leader and have strong interpersonal skills, this could be a perfect opportunity for you.