Business services encompass a large segment of the commercial world, helping companies with many areas that are outside their expertise or core products. The industry is vital to the economy in most countries and often makes up a significant portion of a nation’s GDP.
Business service providers assist businesses in areas like marketing, production, safety and cost, and they are particularly important to large firms because they often have a hard time keeping up with business needs due to size and staffing constraints. For example, a company may hire a third-party provider to handle all the logistics of online sales, which requires a lot of skill and coordination.
There are several different types of business services, with the most common being business-to-business (B2B) services. A few examples include accounting, IT support and shipping services. Business accounting services include bookkeeping, invoice processing and making payments based on various payment terms. A B2B accountant can also help companies prepare tax returns and advise on financial planning and investment advice.
Another type of business service is IT support, which involves a firm providing troubleshooting, installation and training for computers and other tech devices. This includes hardware and software, as well as email, voicemail and cloud computing support. A good IT support team can help companies stay productive by resolving problems quickly. Companies often hire third-party companies to provide these services because they can’t afford to hire their own IT employees or keep them on staff full-time.
Other business services include shipping and warehouse management, which involve a third-party company handling all aspects of the supply chain. This can include warehousing, inventory control, order processing and fulfillment, packaging, labeling, and even performing light assembly tasks for some products. This kind of business service is increasingly becoming more common as the internet and globalization have made it easier for companies to expand into new markets and sell their products online.
Some companies require the assistance of professional construction services when they need to renovate or expand their workspace. These professionals can build or renovate offices, factories or warehouses and often bring their own equipment to the job site. This can save companies money by eliminating the need to purchase and maintain expensive construction tools.
If you’re interested in a career in business services, it’s best to have strong interpersonal skills because working with clients is a big part of the job, Spinelli says. Also, since some of these jobs can be highly stressful and fast-paced, this might not be the right career path for someone who struggles with stress. Still, a job in this sector can be ideal for someone who loves variety and likes to work with a diverse group of people.