If angry business leaders threaten a ballot referendum to overturn your spanking new law, call their bluff. Forget your old opponents. Going back to them a few months after the ordinance has taken effect will often produce glowing testimonial letters about how great it's working. Randy Greenberg is a member of the Planning Commission of Tiburon, California. The main hearing is usually on first reading but in some cities is on second, meaning input to drafting takes place outside the council chamber.
Some cities make decisions in study session.
And so on. It is also wise to put as much time as possible between the first shock of raising the issue to the business community and the time the council takes action. One great experience was going up to a councilmember during a recess and learning he was considering a weakening amendment, then in the hearing making the argument that persuaded him to drop it. Always talk to your enemies. You're not going to make the deals with your friends.