How to Find the Right Consulting Firm to Grow Your Business Expert opinions and guidance can help your business soar -- but before you invest, be sure you know what you're looking for.

Q: We'd like to hire a consulting firm to help our business grow, but we've been burned in the past. How do we find a good fit? -- Bobby A., San Diego

When I first started my consulting agency, I took on every client who showed interest in our services. We were new, and I truly believed we could add value anywhere. It was a huge mistake.

Early on, we were a catch-all branding agency, trying to be everything to everyone. We offered public relations and design services, and we specialized in growth -- building an audience, creating social marketing, helping sites convert audience members into customers. We had too many clients to juggle and lacked focus. We ended up with some hits, sure, but we had way too many misses.