Well in general local seo is now way more harder to be done. Earlier you could only buy links or use some semi/full automatic tools to make a lot of backlinks from public directories or PBN.
Now, after Google cut everything (or a lot of possible options to make links) webmasters need to rethink their idea of getting links.
I've read nice article recently: http://www.linkresearchtools.com/case-studies/link-building-tips-small-business-smb/ which provides some nice ideas.
Personally I'm working a lot offline to make contacts, help people and promote my business. You won't believe - it works for online too.
Also it's important to find and use proper local directories. Most of them allow us to add map, address or get ratings from users. And also they are doing SEO too so if they rank high they can bring traffic to you (traffic > rank) - it's better to own referalls sometimes instead of spammy linkbuilding tactics).
About global SEO - well it depends on niche. But also here quality over quantity and it will work.