Business services are activities that benefit companies without supplying them with physical products. These include marketing, production, safety and convenience services that help a company function more efficiently. Companies use business services providers to manage the needs of the company and its employees. Business service providers can also help businesses reduce costs and improve customer relationships.
All work that isn’t considered manufacturing or production falls under the umbrella of business services, including services connected to banking, transportation, warehousing and insurance. It also includes services that are not related to the sale of a product but still aim to meet consumers’ wants.
In many cases, working in a business services career requires a high school diploma or GED certificate. However, some jobs require a bachelor’s degree or higher. Many business services workers work remotely and are free to schedule their own hours. This flexibility can be beneficial for those who want to balance home and work life.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports 2.1% annual employment growth in the Business, Professional and Other Services supersector through 2030. This increase is driven by demand for services that allow companies to focus on their core strengths while outsourcing other duties. Some examples of these include accounting, legal and consulting services; advertising, marketing and public relations services; and engineering and architectural services.
Whether it’s hiring an animal control expert to handle occasional pest infestations or employing a childcare service provider to host in-office child care, business services providers play an important role in ensuring that a company’s work environment is healthy and safe. These professionals are available to resolve issues quickly, so that the company can continue to operate smoothly.
Some of these services may not be as lucrative as others, but they are necessary to keep a business running efficiently. For example, a company might hire an IT support service to troubleshoot computer problems, which can help the organization avoid expensive repair bills and stay productive.
A business services team might also be responsible for delivering the company’s utilities, such as water, electricity and gas. This can save the company money and time by reducing the need to shop for these supplies and transport them to the office.
While business services offer a variety of benefits, they can also be challenging to deliver, especially when it comes to scalability and performance. It’s critical to choose a business service model that is aligned with the company’s IT goals.
If you’re thinking of pursuing a career in this field, consider your strengths and weaknesses before making the leap. If you aren’t able to deal with stress well or don’t have excellent interpersonal skills, a job in business services might not be right for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy collaborating with clients and providing customer service, this might be a great choice for you.