I know most are not lawyers on here, but...

My business partner and I are going to hire a consultant - however, some of our proprietary business practices, techniques, and trade secrets will have to be revealed in order for the consultant to complete their work. We thought it best for the consultant to sign a non-disclosure agreement - which basically obligates the consultant to hold the information as confidential and not to reveal it to anyone.

My problem is this: although the ND agreement obligates towards keeping the information confidential, is that enough to keep them from using the information for themselves for personal advancement? So I thought about the party also signing a non-compete agreement - but the restrictions need to be somewhat narrow in order for most states to honor it as legally binding.

Please help.