How many freebies have you gotten that were actually worth something? Unless you won the lottery or hit a jackpot in Vegas (and trust me, that wasn't "free"), the answer's probably nothing. So why is it that many entrepreneurs expect that there's valuable free business consultation available?

Here's what prompted my dismay: over at CNNMoney, a reader writes their small business section asking, "I'm interested in starting a company...where can I find business consultants to help me? I'd prefer to find consultants who are willing to work for free."

What? The first tip off that something is wrong here is the writer's apparent belief that there are people who will "work for free." Sorry chief, but that just doesn't exist. Before you jump all over me though, readers, and point out that there are free SCORE counselors through the Small Business Administration—let me make a quick distinction. While I'm sure the retired execs at SCORE have helped many people, when I say business consultants, I'm referring to professionals who work closely with a novice entrepreneur to help them get their business off the ground. As the CNNMoney contributor who had to write this poor sap back notes, "When it comes to free business consultants, you may find that you get what you pay for. As with any other service, consultants get compensated in proportion to their knowledge and expertise...you're unlikely to get any worthwhile consultant to provide valuable advice or market intelligence for free."

It's simple, sound logic that a lot of smart people overlook. I understand that times are tough—and that everyone is looking for ways to cut costs. But if you choose to hire a business consultant, why skimp -particularly when you're talking about the direction of your career and your financial future?