Business services are an important part of the economy, from your local coffee shop to your dentist and tax adviser. They help businesses function and thrive, and they include everything from marketing to logistics and technology services.
These services may be delivered by an individual or by a business organization, such as a consulting firm. The delivery method is often the primary differentiator between services and goods. Unlike goods, which can be stocked in warehouses for future use, services must be provided when demanded. This creates unique challenges for service providers, as the quality of a service depends on the customer’s involvement in the process. For example, a customer who dithers at a fast-food counter makes the experience less quick for everyone behind him.
The types of business services vary widely, but some common examples are insurance and warehousing. Others are more complex, such as a logistics company that integrates warehousing with transportation and other logistical functions to deliver value-added solutions to its customers.
Another emerging business service is “product as a service.” In this model, products are sold for a monthly fee along with operation, maintenance and support services. This type of business service has emerged to meet the needs of a growing number of customers that want to pay for only the services they need.
Anyone considering a career in business services should consider their strengths and interests carefully, says Spinelli. For example, some of these jobs are stressful and require high levels of interaction with clients. Also, if you don’t enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, business services might not be the right fit for you.