Local Businesses seem to have overemphasized the value of the “Like”s as well .. It is still advisable for small businesses to operate a fan page – for the direct line to fans, information sourcing and the “like”.
As for most small businesses using a “local business” page.. i would ask you have a quick look at your fan pages and see “where” your fans are. A recent study revealed that less than 15% of people who “like” a local business page are actually located locally for that business.. the that means that over 75% of the “like”s that local businesses receive are for “support” rather than happy and/or potential customers.
This isn’t what most local business pages want to hear by any means.