Any consultant who recommends against something that would funnel credits to him is offering his best judgment, and that's another point lost on Sanson.

She said the company's consultants will offer general suggestions on products like gentle cleansers or sunscreens, but not recommend specific products by name.

The consultant reportedly offered no insights into how the Pillow could dig its way out of the financial hole.

Rather, the consultant should offer pay ideas to the company's compensation committee, which should discuss the matter only with human resources people.

"The consultants are out there offering more and more money to steal away engineers from the municipalities," he said.

A few consultants offered versions of the programs into the 1980s.

The consultants sometimes do the work themselves but generally offer detailed advice and refer start-ups to law firms, banks, recruiting agencies and others.

Some consultants offer a sliding scale based on family income, or offer pro bono services to low income students.

The consultants, after all, have visited lots of colleges and can offer suggestions in line with the skills and interests of the student.

Agencies and consultants offer a range of skills, including: