need to weigh it up. 4. Ensure that the business name can clearly be seen. 5. Lots of parking is a big plus. Rating: 4/5 Trade Longer or Different Hours If you want to get the jump on your competitors, open at a different time, or for longer hours than they do. In some cases, it won't do a thing. For example, people are unlikely to want to come clothes shopping at 1:00 a.m. In the case of a hairdresser, though, people would love a salon that was open late every night of the week. How does it relate to you? Hints and Tips: 1. Simply try it and see what happens. 2. Advertise it clearly-use it to help set you apart from the rest. 3- If it doesn't work, make sure people are given plenty of notice so they don't show up and get disappointed. 4. Test and measure. Rating: 3/5 Referrals One of the most powerful lead generators in the world. People spreading the word is a cheap and very effective means of lead generation. Obviously, this is achieved by offering exceptional value and service, but it can be further promoted by using special referral programs. For example, you may reward people who introduce their friends with a free week's membership, or it could even be a spotters fee paid in the form of a gift voucher. 89