Business services are activities that benefit companies without supplying them with physical goods. They include management, legal, IT, marketing and communication services. They make up one of the largest sectors in the European economy and contribute to 11% of EU GDP. Successful service businesses have a working plan that includes four critical elements.
Customers must be involved in operational processes to a great extent, as their input is a key element of the value delivered. The customer’s behavior can also affect the cost and quality of the service. For example, if a customer dithers at a fast-food counter, that can slow the service for everyone else behind him. Moreover, because the output of service business models is intangible, there is no inventory that can be stored for future use. This is another difference from a good business model.
For this reason, the successful management of a business service company requires a different approach than a product-based company. Unlike a product company that focuses on creating a strong value proposition for its customers, a service business must create a solid value proposition for its own internal processes.
Getting started with Philadelphia business services includes deciding on a structure, applying for a tax account and commercial activity license and setting up bank accounts. To learn more, visit the City’s Business Services site. You can register your business as a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability corporation or LLC online or in person at City Hall.