[TigerMike]

1) good public relations/customer service, and the lost art thereof. Communicating effectively with customers and resolving problems.

2) Perception of the business with the community (why maintaining a good perception and image is good for business). I think of banks in this regard, as they are constantly promoting community involvement and participating in social events, which ultimately is to drive business.

3) Maintaing good employee relations, at the management/employee level, and/or among all employees. Good work rapor creates a positive working environment, and people will want to work for a company.

4) Business demographics, i.e. locating a particular business withing a certain "social class" of an area. As an easy example, you wouldn't locate a Bently dealer in small town America. In other words, locating near your customers and why it's important.

5) Hiring practices (I'll let you research these sensitive issues)