Business services are intangible goods and services that businesses offer to other companies (B2B) or to consumers directly (B2C). These are typically offered by firms that specialize in a certain area, but not all firms produce their own business services.
Some of the most common types of business services include utility services such as a solar panel installer that charges commercial customers based on their power consumption, and real estate services such as office and retail space rental. These businesses often employ specialized staff to ensure the highest levels of quality and service.
Other common business services include those related to employee quality of life, such as medical, daycare and fitness services. These help employees maintain a healthy work-life balance and are often offered in conjunction with an employer’s health insurance plan.
These services are often a key part of any successful business and can be a competitive advantage in many industries. The benefits of these services range from cost reduction to improved service and better controls and insights.
Defining Business Services
The first step in defining any service is to understand the needs of your customers. This is the foundation for successful service design. Using some powerful techniques, you can translate these needs into simple measurable requirements that provide a solid starting point for service design. This will then enable you to determine your Service Value Proposition, and the assets and resources required to develop a competitive position in the market place.