Business services are activities that assist business, despite not creating or delivering any tangible product. These services can range from IT support to marketing and consulting. The most common business services are telecommunications, IT support and data management.
The business services industry provides a large number of jobs, especially in the US. It is also a sector that offers many opportunities for career advancement, as well as the possibility of becoming self-employed. Major companies include ADP, Allegis Group and ManpowerGroup (all based in the US), Randstad and TUI Group (both in Europe). The industry also includes smaller firms that specialize in particular kinds of services, such as landscaping, waste disposal and staffing services.
Several characteristics define business services: Intangibility. This means that they cannot be touched, or even produced. Consumption and production occur simultaneously in business services, unlike with physical goods. This characteristic also makes them harder to measure than a physical good.
Another feature of business services is their ability to foster innovation. This is because external service providers often have fresh perspectives that can help a company tackle challenges and achieve its goals.
A final important feature of business services is their ability to increase operational efficiency. By outsourcing non-core functions, companies can focus on their core competencies and improve overall productivity. They can also lower operating costs by avoiding the need to invest in infrastructure and hiring employees. In addition, the flexible nature of business services enables them to respond quickly to changing needs and market trends.