Too often our customers and potential customers can see the holes in our first impressions much easier than we can. As a matter of fact, we are so familiar with our own business that it is hard to see with the eyes of an outsider.

Every now and then we all need a reality check. This month I would suggest a customer service reality check in the form of a call to your own office and a visit to your own website. When you do this, here are a few things you should look and listen for.

Read more: Have You Called Your Office Lately?

When you're a small business owner, it might feel like you can't compete with the big guys. Not only do they have all kinds of resources, but they get all the best graduates each year, too, it seems. But it doesn't have to be that way. A small business can get the best, most talented people, too--you have a lot to offer to anyone, and some unique advantages that a mega-corporation can't match. For a small business, the size means opportunities to be involved in more things, and for the culture to be more friendly to individuals. Karen Klein offers tips for small business owners looking to recruit the best new graduates, including finding grads before they graduate by working through your own alumni networks and internship positions year-round. Social networks also offer opportunities to connect and get talented individuals.

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