sure.. because 60% internet promotion come from google, I think you know about it. and Google place take part of the 60%
If you have a local business, even regional it's awesome! You know sometimes you see those pesky "top ten" business links in a SERP for a locally targeted keyword? Thats where your link would appear but with some additional work. First you have to get your listing verified. Submit your info and they'll either send a postcard to your address or call your business phone line attached to that address ( quickest ). Once this is done start posting your Google places business listing link to your friends and ask them to comment. Send emails to clients asking them to visit the link to your listing in Google and comment. Those comments are roughly 80% of the battle getting to the top. Next make sure you take advantage of every aspect in the listing from Original Images, Original Videos, and very thorough content. We get attorneys listed at the top all the time.