Best On Demand Services for Small Business

Best On Demand Services for Small Business



•••

Providing On Demand Services Could Be Your Next Business Opportunity

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BY SUSAN WARD

 

Updated April 24, 2018

As more and more businesses both large and small take advantage of outsourcing to reduce costs, increase flexibility, and maintain their competitive advantage, the need for on demand services for business continues to rise, creating plenty of opportunities for freelancers ready to take advantage of the trend.

In fact, according to the Freelancing in America: 2017 survey by Upwork and Freelancers Union, freelance consultants will constitute the majority of the U.S. workforce majority within a decade, with nearly 50 percent of millennial workers already freelancing.

Small businesses are particularly likely to make use of on demand services, as they typically do not require (and cannot afford) full time expertise in various disciplines such as accounting, technology services, human resources, bookkeeping and accounting, legal, and general consulting. According to the Wasp Small Business Survey, for instance, 70 percent of small businesses outsource tax preparation. 

What Business Owners Look for in On Demand Services Providers

As well as the required skills, certifications and/or educational background a consultant must:

Be a reliable self-starter who can step into a role with a minimum of training





Have excellent verbal and written communication skills





Be highly adaptable, as every work environment and company culture is different





Be outgoing, motivated and enthusiastic



If you are looking to start a business as a freelancer here are some of the best on demand service opportunities:

01

 Technology Services



•••

With the continuing rise in the use of various technologies in the workplace there is a strong demand for skilled technologists to provide on demand services such as:

Consulting on computer purchases





Installation and repair





Systems upgrades





Smartphone repair





Hardware/software lessons and training





Network design and implementation





Cloud services consulting





Web page design and maintenance





Custom software development





Social media consulting



If you have good "techie" skills why not consider providing your services to businesses?

Continue to 2 of 7 below.

02

 Marketing



•••

As Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban famously said: "no sales, no company". For most businesses, marketing is the key to success. However, many small business owners are not proficient at marketing and/or don't have the time.

A good marketing consultant can develop strategies to boost existing sales and/or take a business to the next level.

If you have a flair for marketing and a track record of helping businesses achieve their sales goals your services will always be in high demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the demand for advertising and marketing managers is expected to grow by 10 percent between 2016 and 2026.

Continue to 3 of 7 below.

03

 Accounting and Finance



•••

Bookkeeping and accounting are two of the most commonly used on demand business services. Bookkeepers perform general accounting duties such as data entry, payroll processing, and banking reconciliation.

Accountants typically operate at a more analytical level—preparing and analyzing financial reports, providing advice on improving profitability, and preparing and submitting tax returns.

04

 Headhunting and Human Resources



•••

Human resources (HR) consultants provide a variety of on demand services to businesses, including:

Assistance with recruitment strategies, posting job advertisements and conducting or sitting in on job interviews





Advising on employer-employee relations, regulations and legal matters to minimize liability risks to the business





Assisting with implementing employee benefit schemes such as medical, dental, and retirement plans





Providing strategic advice on issues such as the benefits of outsourcing or whether to hire contract or permanent employees

Continue to 5 of 7 below.

05

 Training



•••

Statistics show that proper training and development of employees helps boost morale and improves customer retention. Unsurprisingly, training is one of the most common on demand services for business. 

Business training encompasses a huge range of disciplines, such as:

Software





Effective communication





Time management





Customer service





Negotiating





Industry regulations





Accounting/bookkeeping





Marketing





Project managment





Technical training on equipment or machinery



If you have teaching skills and expertise in a one or more business topics you might consider offering professional training services to businesses.

06

 Temporary Staffing



•••

For many businesses staffing needs tend to fluctuate and it is less expensive in the long run to employ temporary workers when needed rather than hiring full-time employees. 

While this has historically been the case in industries such as retail or construction that have higher seasonal demands for workers it is now becoming more common in other fields such as healthcare, education.

If you have a trade or skill, sufficient experience, and prefer temporary employment your services may be in demand. For example, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the healthcare field is expected to grow by 18 percent from 2016 to 2026.

Continue to 7 of 7 below.

07

 How to Get Started as a Business Service Provider



•••

Starting your own business as a services provider begins with analyzing your skills and deciding what you have to offer to prospective clients. Do you have the necessary academic credentials, training and prior experience?

The next step is researching the market and determining whether there is sufficient demand for your services, particularly in your area if you are operating locally.

Once your market research is complete, put together a solid business plan. Having a business plan is essential if you need startupcapital such as debt financing from a bank or equity financing from investors.

With a business plan and startup capital in place, select a winning name for your business and register it with your state or province.

Next, decide what type of business ownership works best for you. Do you want to be a sole proprietor or start a partnership? Or do you need to incorporate?

Get any business licenses or permits that are required, and register for taxes if this is necessary in your state or province. Make sure you have business insurance if required.

Then start promoting your business. If you have no prior experience you may have to initially offer your services at a very low rate or on a commission basis in order to make a name for yourself and develop a list of clients.

Best On Demand Services for Small Business

•••

Providing On Demand Services Could Be Your Next Business Opportunity

Share





Flip





Pin





Email



BY SUSAN WARD

 

Updated April 24, 2018

As more and more businesses both large and small take advantage of outsourcing to reduce costs, increase flexibility, and maintain their competitive advantage, the need for on demand services for business continues to rise, creating plenty of opportunities for freelancers ready to take advantage of the trend.

In fact, according to the Freelancing in America: 2017 survey by Upwork and Freelancers Union, freelance consultants will constitute the majority of the U.S. workforce majority within a decade, with nearly 50 percent of millennial workers already freelancing.

Small businesses are particularly likely to make use of on demand services, as they typically do not require (and cannot afford) full time expertise in various disciplines such as accounting, technology services, human resources, bookkeeping and accounting, legal, and general consulting. According to the Wasp Small Business Survey, for instance, 70 percent of small businesses outsource tax preparation. 

What Business Owners Look for in On Demand Services Providers

As well as the required skills, certifications and/or educational background a consultant must:

Be a reliable self-starter who can step into a role with a minimum of training





Have excellent verbal and written communication skills





Be highly adaptable, as every work environment and company culture is different





Be outgoing, motivated and enthusiastic



If you are looking to start a business as a freelancer here are some of the best on demand service opportunities:

01

 Technology Services



•••

With the continuing rise in the use of various technologies in the workplace there is a strong demand for skilled technologists to provide on demand services such as:

Consulting on computer purchases





Installation and repair





Systems upgrades





Smartphone repair





Hardware/software lessons and training





Network design and implementation





Cloud services consulting





Web page design and maintenance





Custom software development





Social media consulting



If you have good "techie" skills why not consider providing your services to businesses?

Continue to 2 of 7 below.

02

 Marketing



•••

As Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban famously said: "no sales, no company". For most businesses, marketing is the key to success. However, many small business owners are not proficient at marketing and/or don't have the time.

A good marketing consultant can develop strategies to boost existing sales and/or take a business to the next level.

If you have a flair for marketing and a track record of helping businesses achieve their sales goals your services will always be in high demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the demand for advertising and marketing managers is expected to grow by 10 percent between 2016 and 2026.

Continue to 3 of 7 below.

03

 Accounting and Finance



•••

Bookkeeping and accounting are two of the most commonly used on demand business services. Bookkeepers perform general accounting duties such as data entry, payroll processing, and banking reconciliation.

Accountants typically operate at a more analytical level—preparing and analyzing financial reports, providing advice on improving profitability, and preparing and submitting tax returns.

04

 Headhunting and Human Resources



•••

Human resources (HR) consultants provide a variety of on demand services to businesses, including:

Assistance with recruitment strategies, posting job advertisements and conducting or sitting in on job interviews





Advising on employer-employee relations, regulations and legal matters to minimize liability risks to the business





Assisting with implementing employee benefit schemes such as medical, dental, and retirement plans





Providing strategic advice on issues such as the benefits of outsourcing or whether to hire contract or permanent employees

Continue to 5 of 7 below.

05

 Training



•••

Statistics show that proper training and development of employees helps boost morale and improves customer retention. Unsurprisingly, training is one of the most common on demand services for business. 

Business training encompasses a huge range of disciplines, such as:

Software





Effective communication





Time management





Customer service





Negotiating





Industry regulations





Accounting/bookkeeping





Marketing





Project managment





Technical training on equipment or machinery



If you have teaching skills and expertise in a one or more business topics you might consider offering professional training services to businesses.

06

 Temporary Staffing



•••

For many businesses staffing needs tend to fluctuate and it is less expensive in the long run to employ temporary workers when needed rather than hiring full-time employees. 

While this has historically been the case in industries such as retail or construction that have higher seasonal demands for workers it is now becoming more common in other fields such as healthcare, education.

If you have a trade or skill, sufficient experience, and prefer temporary employment your services may be in demand. For example, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the healthcare field is expected to grow by 18 percent from 2016 to 2026.

Continue to 7 of 7 below.

07

 How to Get Started as a Business Service Provider



•••

Starting your own business as a services provider begins with analyzing your skills and deciding what you have to offer to prospective clients. Do you have the necessary academic credentials, training and prior experience?

The next step is researching the market and determining whether there is sufficient demand for your services, particularly in your area if you are operating locally.

Once your market research is complete, put together a solid business plan. Having a business plan is essential if you need startupcapital such as debt financing from a bank or equity financing from investors.

With a business plan and startup capital in place, select a winning name for your business and register it with your state or province.

Next, decide what type of business ownership works best for you. Do you want to be a sole proprietor or start a partnership? Or do you need to incorporate?

Get any business licenses or permits that are required, and register for taxes if this is necessary in your state or province. Make sure you have business insurance if required.

Then start promoting your business. If you have no prior experience you may have to initially offer your services at a very low rate or on a commission basis in order to make a name for yourself and develop a list of clients.



Best On Demand Services for Small Business



•••

Providing On Demand Services Could Be Your Next Business Opportunity

Share





Flip





Pin





Email



BY SUSAN WARD

 

Updated April 24, 2018

As more and more businesses both large and small take advantage of outsourcing to reduce costs, increase flexibility, and maintain their competitive advantage, the need for on demand services for business continues to rise, creating plenty of opportunities for freelancers ready to take advantage of the trend.

In fact, according to the Freelancing in America: 2017 survey by Upwork and Freelancers Union, freelance consultants will constitute the majority of the U.S. workforce majority within a decade, with nearly 50 percent of millennial workers already freelancing.

Small businesses are particularly likely to make use of on demand services, as they typically do not require (and cannot afford) full time expertise in various disciplines such as accounting, technology services, human resources, bookkeeping and accounting, legal, and general consulting. According to the Wasp Small Business Survey, for instance, 70 percent of small businesses outsource tax preparation. 

What Business Owners Look for in On Demand Services Providers

As well as the required skills, certifications and/or educational background a consultant must:

Be a reliable self-starter who can step into a role with a minimum of training





Have excellent verbal and written communication skills





Be highly adaptable, as every work environment and company culture is different





Be outgoing, motivated and enthusiastic



If you are looking to start a business as a freelancer here are some of the best on demand service opportunities:

01

 Technology Services



•••

With the continuing rise in the use of various technologies in the workplace there is a strong demand for skilled technologists to provide on demand services such as:

Consulting on computer purchases





Installation and repair





Systems upgrades





Smartphone repair





Hardware/software lessons and training





Network design and implementation





Cloud services consulting





Web page design and maintenance





Custom software development





Social media consulting



If you have good "techie" skills why not consider providing your services to businesses?

Continue to 2 of 7 below.

02

 Marketing



•••

As Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban famously said: "no sales, no company". For most businesses, marketing is the key to success. However, many small business owners are not proficient at marketing and/or don't have the time.

A good marketing consultant can develop strategies to boost existing sales and/or take a business to the next level.

If you have a flair for marketing and a track record of helping businesses achieve their sales goals your services will always be in high demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the demand for advertising and marketing managers is expected to grow by 10 percent between 2016 and 2026.

Continue to 3 of 7 below.

03

 Accounting and Finance



•••

Bookkeeping and accounting are two of the most commonly used on demand business services. Bookkeepers perform general accounting duties such as data entry, payroll processing, and banking reconciliation.

Accountants typically operate at a more analytical level—preparing and analyzing financial reports, providing advice on improving profitability, and preparing and submitting tax returns.

04

 Headhunting and Human Resources



•••

Human resources (HR) consultants provide a variety of on demand services to businesses, including:

Assistance with recruitment strategies, posting job advertisements and conducting or sitting in on job interviews





Advising on employer-employee relations, regulations and legal matters to minimize liability risks to the business





Assisting with implementing employee benefit schemes such as medical, dental, and retirement plans





Providing strategic advice on issues such as the benefits of outsourcing or whether to hire contract or permanent employees

Continue to 5 of 7 below.

05

 Training



•••

Statistics show that proper training and development of employees helps boost morale and improves customer retention. Unsurprisingly, training is one of the most common on demand services for business. 

Business training encompasses a huge range of disciplines, such as:

Software





Effective communication





Time management





Customer service





Negotiating





Industry regulations





Accounting/bookkeeping





Marketing





Project managment





Technical training on equipment or machinery



If you have teaching skills and expertise in a one or more business topics you might consider offering professional training services to businesses.

06

 Temporary Staffing



•••

For many businesses staffing needs tend to fluctuate and it is less expensive in the long run to employ temporary workers when needed rather than hiring full-time employees. 

While this has historically been the case in industries such as retail or construction that have higher seasonal demands for workers it is now becoming more common in other fields such as healthcare, education.

If you have a trade or skill, sufficient experience, and prefer temporary employment your services may be in demand. For example, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the healthcare field is expected to grow by 18 percent from 2016 to 2026.

Continue to 7 of 7 below.

07

 How to Get Started as a Business Service Provider



•••

Starting your own business as a services provider begins with analyzing your skills and deciding what you have to offer to prospective clients. Do you have the necessary academic credentials, training and prior experience?

The next step is researching the market and determining whether there is sufficient demand for your services, particularly in your area if you are operating locally.

Once your market research is complete, put together a solid business plan. Having a business plan is essential if you need startupcapital such as debt financing from a bank or equity financing from investors.

With a business plan and startup capital in place, select a winning name for your business and register it with your state or province.

Next, decide what type of business ownership works best for you. Do you want to be a sole proprietor or start a partnership? Or do you need to incorporate?

Get any business licenses or permits that are required, and register for taxes if this is necessary in your state or province. Make sure you have business insurance if required.

Then start promoting your business. If you have no prior experience you may have to initially offer your services at a very low rate or on a commission basis in order to make a name for yourself and develop a list of clients.



 https://www.thebalancesmb.com/best-on-demand-services-for-small-business-4161336