If you want an ally to help you better manage and expand your business, consider a small-business consultant. Consultants offer an objective view of your business and many come with years of valuable experience.

Some consultants are generalists. They can provide general ideas and guidance on various aspects of your small business. Other consultants specialize.

For instance, a consultant who specializes in marketing can help you develop strategies for pricing, product positioning, marketing research and advertising campaigns. A management consultant can aid you with financial analysis, credit and collection procedures and cash flow analysis. Other consultants can help you develop systems for your business, such as a business plan, record keeping and job costing and quoting. You’ll even find small-business consultants who specialize in sales and personnel.

You’ll also find different work styles among consultants. Some are hands-on and want to get intricately involved in your business. Others provide specific ideas to help solve particular problems, then turn you loose to implement the ideas on your own.

Before you decide who to hire, know a consultant’s specialty and style. Also look for strong credentials, including education and experience. Thoroughly check references. When you call on references, ask what problems the client had, what advice the consultant gave and whether it worked to the business owner’s satisfaction.

Small-business consultants may charge by the hour, by the project or by retainer. Ask and get direct answers before you hire.

Or maybe you can get the help you need for free.

Two great sources are the Service Corps of Retire Executives (SCORE) and the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC).

SBDCs, www.sba.gov/sbdc, offer courses, workshops, seminars and conferences at almost 1,000 locations across the United States. So chances are you can find an SBDC close to you. Get to know the offerings and the staff in a nearby office. Then take advantage of the expertise. It’s free.

At SCORE, you can get teamed up with an experienced volunteer who will give you free personal business counseling. There are 389 SCORE chapters across the country with about 11,500 volunteers. These are retired or working executives and business owners dedicated to sharing their knowledge with small-business owners.

To find the SCORE office nearest you, call 800-634-0245 or visit the SCORE Web site at www.score.org.