Business services are a subset of economic services that focus on the building of systems to deliver value to their customers. They differ from product businesses in that they are not concerned about the production of tangible goods but with the building of service systems that support business goals and facilitate profitability.
Business-to-business or B2B service businesses help other companies in a wide variety of industries at a flat fee or on an hourly basis. They might provide services like accounting, marketing, or human resources.
These types of businesses are often staffed with highly trained professionals who have extensive experience in their fields, says Susan Spinelli, author of “Anatomy of a Service-Based Business.” The work may require close collaboration with clients and requires a strong knowledge base. It also can be a stressful and demanding career, she says, so those who suffer from high stress or a lack of well-developed interpersonal skills might not be the best fit for this type of work.
There are several different ways to become a business services professional, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. You can enter the industry as an entry-level employee or work your way up to a supervisory or management role over time.
To be a business services professional, you typically need a degree in a field such as accounting, computer programming, or information technology. You might also need some additional certifications or training to qualify for your position.
You can find a business services job by browsing online or looking for listings in your area. Some positions are available directly through businesses while others require a referral from someone who has experience with the company.
A business services industry is a growing sector of the economy, especially in the United States. Its growth rate is expected to be above average over the next five years, with a projected increase of 16% in the number of jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Those who work in this field are likely to be involved with the management of large teams and a number of projects. They will need to know how to communicate and collaborate with people across departments to ensure everyone is on the same page.
They are also likely to need to understand how to schedule meetings and keep track of project deadlines. They will need to be able to multitask, as they may need to attend conferences or trade shows as well as handle customer calls and emails.
Many business services employers offer training programs and workshops to help workers grow in their careers. They may even offer mentoring and coaching to help new hires transition into their jobs.
There are also a number of job opportunities within the industry that allow you to get hands-on experience in your field. For example, if you are an IT specialist, you can begin by working for a computer technology firm as a tech support technician and gain the experience you need to land your own position.