Business services are activities that help a company operate its business but do not produce any tangible commodity. They include IT support, shipping, procurement, and finance. These activities are necessary for a company to function. Unlike goods, which can be stored for later use, services are intangible and must be delivered as demanded. Companies in the business services industry often outsource these tasks to external providers to save money, gain specialized expertise and experience, and improve overall efficiency.
The qualifications for a job in the business services industry depend on the role. Some roles require only a high school diploma or GED certificate and good work ethic to be successful, while others require a bachelor’s degree. For example, an IT manager needs a bachelor’s degree in computer science or information technology. For a customer-centric role, such as a call center agent, you need excellent interpersonal skills and prior sales or customer service experience.
Businesses can benefit from outsourcing their business services to third-party providers because they can focus on their core products and customers. Outsourcing also allows companies to save money by reducing overhead costs and freeing up employees’ time for other tasks. In addition, companies that outsource their business services can scale up or down their service levels in response to demand. This flexibility is especially helpful for seasonal companies.