Business services are a broad set of activities that support a business, but do not produce a tangible product. They are used in almost every industry, and they benefit large firms in many ways, such as production, cost, marketing, and management.
The most common service types are information technology, professional services, transportation, medicine and wellness, and convenience services. There are also social services and personal services that are not directly connected to a company.
IT services: These services align technology assets with business needs, enhancing the overall effectiveness of an organization’s operations. They include IT infrastructure management, computer systems and software maintenance, and network support.
Software services: These include the enhancement of features and upgrades for technological devices like computers and phones. They also include anti-virus protection and updated applications that enhance user experience and performance.
Tech support: These services help individuals and businesses troubleshoot technological problems that can prevent productivity. For example, if an employee’s laptop doesn’t work, tech support workers provide assistance for the device.
Professional services: These services include the hiring of legal consultants, engineers, accountants, and other professionals who perform tasks for a client that may not be within their expertise or ability. They also provide training, counseling, and other forms of guidance that may not be within a client’s area of expertise.
Travel: These services involve planning and arranging flights, cars, hotels, and other travel arrangements for employees. They can be particularly important for companies that are expanding or moving locations, and have to coordinate with multiple airline carriers and other travel vendors.
Other business services: These services include security and emergency response, facilities management, travel arrangement, and waste disposal. They are typically offered by professional agencies that specialize in these areas, such as ADP, Allegis Group, ManpowerGroup, and Waste Management (all based in the US).
Personal services: These services provide employees with things that make their lives more convenient, such as a dog walker, gardener, or massage therapist. They are often hired by businesses that want to offer flexible schedules or provide their employees with a more relaxing work environment.
These services are also helpful for those who need a break from their routine, such as the elderly or people with physical disabilities. They can be especially beneficial to people who have difficulty traveling long distances, or who need a place to stay while they are on vacation or at a conference.
The Department of Business Services provides a single point of contact for resolving issues with city agencies, obtaining permits and licenses, accessing financing and incentives, bidding on government contracts, and hiring and training staff. The Department also works with communities and organizations to invigorate neighborhoods and improve business climates, making New York City a better place to do business.
Unlike product businesses, which are all about selling physical goods, business services focus on providing value for customers. They must get the four critical elements of service design—intangibility, consistency, inseparability, and interconnection—right to be successful.