Short story first:
I have a friend who wants to be on first page of G,like many
He already have two websites,one his company name and second one serviceinthecity
both of them came from directories, he is spending around 17k a year for both sites btw
(included directory listing and paper ads) however, he is not very happy with the internet presence of his sites.he get no access to the web files for both sites too.
So, he asked me if I can help.Sure I can make new site to get on front page
also I can get video plus GPlaces.
Well,here is a problem with GP I see:
His company name is one word but some directories have it as two words (as for citation)
some of them pick up his company site, some pickup serviceinthecity site and some directories have no website information.
Since everything needs to match up between citations, website and Google Places
I can see problem with his company.
I can correct business name but on citation I will have problem with the website.
I know it wont help but do you guys know how much it will hurt GPlaces listing?
the good news is, his competiton have no more than 5 reviews in total
(as far as I can find)
I never had a problem to get local business on front page but I've never worked in such messy situation lol.
The only reason I want to work with him is, he is good referral machine for me (I know, who he knows and if they know that I know, what I know, you know what happen lol)

Thanks
Tom
PS sorry for English mess ( I am not english) my copywriter is out on holiday.