No matter what type of business you have, it's hard to know absolutely everything about running it the best way possible. What's more, when you are emotionally attached to what's happening, it's sometimes difficult to see solutions that might be clear to impartial observers or subject area experts. And, of course, some people just have more experience or know-how than you do.

This is the kingdom of consultants. They come in every imaginable size, shape, form and flavor, but knowing where to find the best ones, and how to work with them, isn't easy. Our WhatWorks how-to guides this week offer details on consulting basics, plus finding and working with consultants in the areas of telecommunications, customer service, human resources and turnaround situations.

Consulting Basics
Guide to Management Consulting
By Selena Chavis
Is your company outperforming your competition or racing against the wind? Whatever your current status an effective management consultant might help you reach the next level. Management consultants help companies analyze existing problems and strategically improve future performance. It often overlaps with more narrowly defined business management and consulting services that cover such areas as risk management, IT, and human resources. Here are some tips and resources for finding and working with management consultants: Read Full Guide

Communicate Better
Telecom Consultants
By Marianne Cotter
As business data and processes go digital and migrate to the web, the expertise of telecommunications specialists becomes more and more integral to business success. If you don't have a telecommunications manager on staff, a telecommunications consultant can help get you on track. Telecom consultants provide everything from strategic planning to cutting-edge systems and processes. When hiring a telecommunications consultant, consider the following: Read Full Guide

Toward Better Service
Customer Service Consultants
By Matt Alderton
If customers are always right -- and they are -- then customer service training is always important. In fact, improving customer service is in everyone's best interest, company and customer alike. Customer service consultants can help save businesses that are struggling to better satisfy consumers and grow revenues. When it works its magic, after all, customer service consulting can turn even the curtest companies into the most courteous. Here's how: Read Full Guide

Digging Out
Turnaround Consultants
By Jennifer Baljko
While many executives hope their businesses will never fall apart at the seams, the reality is that any number of missteps could start a downward spiral ending in bankruptcy, layoffs, or debt problems. One way to get back on track is to use turnaround consultants to help with major business decisions. Your company may need a turnaround consultant if it: Read Full Guide

Your Employees
Human Resources Consultants
By LaRita Heet
Human resources consulting - or HR outsourcing - can help your small business profit from human resources (HR) management. HR consultants can handle a variety of tasks, including hiring, firing, performance reviews, benefits administration, payroll and more. What makes this arrangement even better is that you only have to pay human resources consulting fees rather than a full-time salary. Here are the top three considerations in human resources outsourcing: Read Full Guide