A consultant is an experienced professional with a broad and in-depth knowledge of a particular subject matter who advises clients. Consultants are business experts who can lead clients through a fact-based analysis of their business problems and evaluate alternative courses of action. They provide expert capabilities on topics that businesses rarely face and ensure they are solving the right problem, being data-driven in their recommendation, and assisting with implementation. Consultants work on a contract basis and offer expert research, solutions, and experience to improve business performance. They may provide objective insights, help put suggested strategies into place, and even take on some or all of the implementation themselves, including building/revamping processes and training team members. Ultimately, consultants are problem-solvers who go into a business to offer objective insights and help put suggested strategies into place. Clients may acquire access to higher grades of expertise than would be financially feasible for them to retain in-house on a long-term basis by procuring consulting services. In summary, consultants are professionals who provide advice or services in a specialized area to help businesses improve their performance and solve specific problems.