Business services are activities that support a company’s operations without producing a tangible product. They include IT services, human resources functions and other supporting work. Businesses of all sizes use business services to manage day-to-day operations and ensure their growth. This is different than consumer services, which are classified in the retail industry.
The success of a service business depends on how well managers design its core offerings to meet customers’ needs. In contrast to the approach taken by product designers, there is no single “best practice” in service design. Instead, the successful execution of the four critical elements — customer focus, operational flexibility, employee empowerment and design flexibility — determines whether a business will succeed or fail.
A company’s business services must be designed to make the organization efficient and effective at its fundamental mission, while simultaneously supporting other organizational goals. This is a complex and challenging task, particularly in times of economic uncertainty when consumers typically cut back on non-essential expenditures, including those on services.
Several types of business services are available to help businesses reduce costs, improve productivity and increase their competitive edge. For example, technology services provide assistance in identifying and deploying the right hardware, software and network solutions for a company’s business processes. Business services also include translation and interpretation, which help companies reach a wider range of customers and overcome language barriers. Other types of business services include insurance, which provides protection against the risk of loss and property damage; and landscaping, which helps a company maintain its facilities and create an attractive workplace.