The Business Services Industry is a broad industry that encompasses many different categories of business operations, including advertising, marketing, consultation, logistics (including travel and facilities services), waste handling, staffing, shipping, administration, and security. Nearly every company in operation has need for at least one of these types of services.
The Value of a Service
A service is a non-physical good that does not result in a commodity or a tangible product. These services are valued because they provide something to customers that they cannot get from a physical good. This value can be measured by the level of customer satisfaction or a perceived level of value.
Some businesses may be able to offer a number of service-oriented business models that are not necessarily geared toward generating sales, such as pet grooming or home health care. This allows them to focus their efforts on a small, specific clientele rather than spreading their resources too thin by trying to reach other potential clients.
These companies are also able to build relationships with their clientele, which can be helpful when they want to change their offerings or target new markets. This is a great way for service businesses to stay in business while allowing them to adjust their focus as they see fit.
Developing a Product Business Model
The first major challenge that a service business faces is to develop a product that is attractive to an attractive set of consumers. This requires managers to think about the qualities that buyers will value and a way of delivering those attributes in a way that is convenient, friendly, and competitive.
It also requires managers to understand that in a difficult economic climate, services are often cut back. This can lead to a decline in service revenues, which means that it is vitally important for business owners to evaluate the value of their services and make sure they are offering them at a reasonable price.
There are four main areas that a manager must pay attention to when creating a service-based business: design, pricing, delivery and promotion. Each area must be considered as part of a comprehensive working plan to ensure that the business meets its objectives and is profitable.
Identifying a Niche
The business owner should take time to research the market to determine which services are in demand and how to provide them at a price that will be profitable. This can be done by looking at other businesses that have similar products and services, as well as finding out how much people are willing to pay for the type of service that the business offers.
Defining the Need for a Service
The main objective of a service business is to satisfy the needs of customers. This can be a personal need, such as a home care provider who offers housekeeping services to individual homeowners, or it can be a business need, such as a pest control company who caters to commercial establishments. It can also be a social need, such as a restaurant that offers free meals to the homeless or a company that provides childcare in an office setting.