At GLM, we believe powerful things happen when ideas connect with the right people, tools, and conversations. That’s the spirit behind our Matching Ideas with Resources series—and it’s exactly why we’re excited to highlight a brand-new project from our team: the launch of the Smart-ish: The After Meeting podcast.

Hosted by Chris, Scott, and Tom from GLM, Smart-ish brings together the insights, personality, and behind-the-scenes conversations that usually happen after the meeting ends.

A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Building Something NewIn the debut episode, the ACA Schaumburg Business Club leadership team takes listeners inside the journey of creating their first podcast episode. From troubleshooting audio and video quirks to deciding on the right format, the team openly shares what it actually takes to get a new project off the ground.

You’ll hear candid discussion about:

• How they’re shaping the show’s cadence and themes
• Ways they plan to keep episodes fun, valuable, and conversational
• The importance of experimenting—and laughing—along the way

It’s a refreshing reminder that you don’t need perfection to get started; you just need momentum.
Tracing the ACA Story: From In-Person to Innovative Virtual CommunityThe episode also looks back at the evolution of ACA Corporate. The hosts reflect on:

• Early leadership transitions
• The shift from traditional face-to-face events
• How ACA adapted—and thrived—through the pandemic
• The community-driven culture that continues to fuel the club’s growth

This context sets the stage for why the podcast matters: it’s another platform to strengthen relationships, share expertise, and connect members in a meaningful, accessible way.

What’s Coming Next
Listeners get a preview of what’s ahead, including:

• Guest interviews
• Member spotlights
• Business insights from across the community
• A celebration of ACA Schaumburg Business Club’s second anniversary

If you’ve ever wondered what happens after the meeting ends—or wished you could be a fly on the wall when leaders brainstorm, laugh, and problem-solve—this podcast is your invitation.

Why GLM Cares
​At GLM, we champion anything that helps business owners grow, connect, and make smarter decisions. Smart-ish embodies that mission: real conversations, practical insights, and a bit of fun along the way.
It’s another way we continue matching ideas with resources—one story, lesson, and episode at a time.

A Season to Appreciate the Entrepreneurs Who Keep Our Communities Strong
At GLM, we believe gratitude and good business go hand in hand. November is often known for Thanksgiving — a time to count our blessings — but it’s also “Thank a Business Month,” an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the companies that make our local economy thrive.
Behind every storefront, office, and service van is a business owner who’s taken risks, created jobs, and contributed to the strength of our community. These entrepreneurs are more than just providers of products or services — they are the backbone of local life.

The Ripple Effect of Business Gratitude
When one business takes a moment to appreciate another, something powerful happens. Gratitude creates a ripple effect that builds trust, encourages collaboration, and keeps our local economy vibrant.
We’ve all been helped by another business this year — whether it’s the marketing firm that gave your brand a boost, the IT team that saved the day, or the restaurant that catered your company lunch. These everyday interactions deserve recognition.

A simple “thank you” can go a long way toward deepening relationships and reminding others that their work matters. In fact, gratitude often turns into growth — when appreciation leads to referrals, partnerships, and stronger community ties.

Ways to Thank a Business This Month
There are many easy (and meaningful) ways to show appreciation during “Thank a Business Month”:

• Write a note or send an email to a business that helped you this year. Be specific about what you appreciated.
• Give a social media shoutout highlighting a company’s great service or contribution.
• Leave a positive Google or Facebook review — these testimonials go a long way for small business owners.
• Shop or dine local and share your experience with others.
• Refer a trusted partner to your own clients or friends.
• Feature another business in your newsletter or blog as a partner in success.

The best gratitude is authentic and specific. Tell people why you appreciate them — whether it’s their responsiveness, quality work, creativity, or consistency.
GLM’s Perspective: Businesses Helping BusinessesAt GLM, we have the privilege of working with hundreds of local business owners — each with their own story, challenges, and successes. We see how hard they work every day to balance vision with reality, manage finances, create opportunities, and still make time to give back.

That’s why this month — and every month — we want to say thank you:

• To the entrepreneurs who started with a dream and built something real.
• To the established companies that continue to innovate and invest locally.
• To the small businesses that are the first to donate, volunteer, and support community causes.

Your effort makes a difference, and we’re proud to walk alongside you.

Keeping Gratitude Going All Year
While November shines a light on appreciation, gratitude shouldn’t end with the calendar. The best business relationships are built on trust, generosity, and mutual respect — qualities that make success sustainable.

So, take time this month to thank a business — and make it a regular part of your networking and client relationships. The simple act of acknowledging others’ value strengthens our local business ecosystem and reminds us why we do what we do.

At GLM, we’re thankful for every client, partner, and friend who has trusted us to help their business grow. Together, we’ll keep building a stronger, more connected community.
​
Happy “Thank a Business Month” — from your team at GLM!

Read More at the Daily Herald: https://www.dailyherald.com/20251029/business/bbb-november-is-thank-a-business-month/ 

Can In today’s mobile-first business world, communication tools are essential — but they can also be one of your company’s biggest hidden costs. Between smartphones, tablets, data plans, and cybersecurity requirements, many organizations are spending far more than they need to. The good news? With the right strategy and support, companies can reduce their communication expenses by 20–35% while improving performance and protection
.
1️⃣ Understand Where Your Costs Are Hiding
Most businesses underestimate how much they spend managing mobile devices and carrier plans. Multiple providers, outdated contracts, and inconsistent usage policies often lead to unnecessary costs. Even organizations spending $5,000 or more per month on mobile services may not realize the savings available through proper oversight
.
A professional Wireless Expense Management (WEM) program brings all your devices and carriers under one system — simplifying billing, streamlining reporting, and ensuring you’re not overpaying for underused services.

2️⃣ Optimize, Don’t Overhaul
You don’t have to change your wireless carriers to start saving. The best WEM partners are carrier agnostic, meaning your company can stay with AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile while still benefiting from independent audits and optimization. Through automated analytics combined with human review, a WEM team can identify misaligned plans, unused lines, or excessive data packages — cutting waste while maintaining performance
.
3️⃣ Combine Technology with Human Expertise
Software alone can’t manage everything. While automated systems are useful, they need skilled analysts who can interpret data and make smart decisions. RAM Communications, for example, blends state-of-the-art analytics with hands-on expertise, ensuring every device, contract, and invoice is continuously monitored for both savings and security.

This hybrid approach often results in savings of up to 30% per month, plus hours of regained productivity for your accounting and IT teams.

4️⃣ Strengthen Security While You Save
Every cost-saving strategy should include data protection. Mobile devices are now one of the biggest security risks to any organization — especially when they connect to corporate systems like Office 365, Salesforce, or CRMs. By implementing multi-factor authentication, threat detection tools, and regular security reviews, companies can significantly reduce vulnerability and avoid the financial damage of a breach

A managed communications program gives IT departments the ability to set policies, limit risky apps, and track compliance — adding value beyond just cost control.

5️⃣ See Results Quickly
RAM’s approach begins with a free, detailed analysis of your current accounts and contracts. You’ll receive a clear report showing where you can cut costs, improve performance, and save administrative time. Best of all, the savings often appear within the first billing cycle.

🚀 The Bottom Line
Modern communications don’t have to drain your budget. By outsourcing wireless expense management, aligning plans, and securing mobile devices, your organization can unlock measurable savings and peace of mind.

If your company manages 50 or more mobile devices, you’re likely leaving money on the table. Contact RAM Communications to learn how to optimize your communications strategy — saving money, strengthening security, and empowering your team to stay connected smarter.

Rob McCoy
Business Telecom Advocate
RAM Communications inc.
2720 S. River Road
Suite 152
Des Plaines, IL 60018

O: 847-358-0917 x200
D: 847-241-1661
​
For Service Please Call 
847-358-0917 x1
[email protected]
 For more information about our products and services click here!

Scammers are getting more sophisticated — and business owners are their newest targets. Recently, many have reported receiving official-looking letters that appear to come from a government agency, claiming they owe taxes, fees, or penalties. These letters often use real agency names, convincing logos, and legal-sounding language to create a sense of urgency.

The goal? To pressure you into paying immediately before you verify whether the notice is real.

How to Spot a Fake
Scam letters are designed to look professional but usually share common red flags:

• Threats of license suspension, fines, or legal action if payment isn’t made immediately.
• Demands for wire transfers, gift cards, or “pay now” links instead of traditional payment methods.
• Vague details about your account or missing reference numbers.
• Typos, grammatical errors, or strange phrasing.
• Phone numbers and email addresses that don’t match official government websites.

What to Do If You Receive One

1. Don’t pay or click anything.
   Scammers rely on panic — pause before taking any action.
2. Verify with the actual agency.
   Visit the agency’s official website and use published contact information — never what’s printed in the letter.
3. Check with your accountant.
   Your accountant can confirm whether you owe anything and help you verify if a notice is legitimate.
4. Report the scam.
   File a complaint with the Illinois Attorney General’s Office or the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3.gov).

Stay Protected

• Train employees who open mail or handle payments to recognize red flags.
• Keep official contact information for the IRS, Illinois Department of Revenue, and other agencies easily accessible.
• Set a company policy: never send money based on a new or unexpected notice without checking with your accountant first.

GLM Tip:
If you receive a suspicious letter or notice, send it to your GLM advisor before responding. We can quickly verify whether it’s legitimate and help you take the right next steps to protect your business and your money.

If you filed for an extension on your 2024 individual income taxes (for the 2023 tax year), the clock is ticking — October 15, 2025 is your final deadline to file.
Here’s what you need to know:

What Is the October 15 Deadline?
The IRS allows taxpayers to request a 6-month extension from the usual April 15 filing deadline, pushing your due date to October 15. This extension applies only to filing your return — not to paying your taxes.
If you owed taxes back in April, interest and possibly penalties have been accruing since then.

Did You Pay Back in April?
If you sent in a payment with your extension request, that was a smart move. It helped reduce the interest and penalty charges.
But don’t wait any longer to file your actual return. Filing after October 15 may trigger late-filing penalties on top of what you already owe.

What You Should Do Now

1. Finish Your Tax Return ASAP
   Gather any missing documents and get your return filed. If you need help, contact a tax professional (like us at GLM) to avoid costly mistakes.
2. Pay Any Remaining Balance
   If you still owe money to the IRS, pay as soon as possible to reduce interest and penalties.
3. Check for Deductions and Credits
   Even if you’re filing late, don’t rush through your return. You may still qualify for deductions or tax credits that reduce what you owe.

Business Owners: Don't Miss This Either
If you're a sole proprietor filing a Schedule C with your personal return, this deadline applies to you, too. Miss it, and the IRS could issue penalties and interest that affect both you and your business.

 What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
If you don’t file by October 15:

• The IRS may assess a failure-to-file penalty
• You may lose your refund if you're owed one and don’t file within 3 years of the original deadline
• Your tax problems will only get worse the longer you delay

Need Help?
If you’re overwhelmed, behind, or unsure where to start — we can help.

Final Tip:
Don’t treat the October 15 deadline like a soft suggestion — it’s the real deal. File now and avoid future stress, penalties, and interest.

💼 Why Every Owner Should Know — Even If You’re Not Selling
Most business owners don’t know what their company is worth — and that’s a missed opportunity. Whether you’re years away from retirement or just getting started, understanding your business value isn’t just for when it’s time to sell. It’s one of the smartest things you can do to protect and grow your biggest asset.

🧭 Valuations Aren’t Just for Exits
A professional business valuation provides more than a sale price — it gives you clarity and control.
Knowing your company’s value can help you:

• Plan for retirement or succession with confidence
• Establish fair terms for partnerships or buyouts
• Support bank loans or financing applications
• Ensure adequate insurance coverage for your true business worth
• Track year-over-year progress toward growth goals

When you treat your business like an investment, you start managing it with the future in mind.

⚙️ What Drives Business Value
Every valuation looks at the same basic ingredients, but the mix is different for every company.
Key factors that influence value include:

• Earnings & Cash Flow: Sustainable profitability is the foundation of value.
• Assets & Liabilities: Tangible and intangible assets (like brand reputation) both matter.
• Customer Diversity: Relying too heavily on one client can lower value.
• Management Systems: Well-documented processes make your business more transferable and less owner-dependent.

Understanding these drivers helps you see where to focus efforts that actually increase value — not just revenue.

🔁 Why Annual Updates Matter
Your business changes every year — and so does its value. Market conditions shift, expenses fluctuate, and your customer mix evolves.
An annual valuation update keeps you informed, helping you:

• See how your hard work is impacting value
• Spot red flags before they become major issues
• Make better decisions about reinvestment and staffing

Just like a financial checkup, knowing your business value helps you stay on track.

📈 How GLM Helps You Build Value
At GLM Accounting, we don’t just calculate numbers — we help you understand them.
Our valuation process combines financial analysis, industry data, and practical insight to show you where your business stands today and what levers you can pull to make it more valuable tomorrow.
Whether you’re preparing for a future sale, a partnership change, or simply want a clearer picture of your company’s financial health, we can help.

📞 Schedule a Valuation Review to Know Where You Stand Before Year-End
Let’s turn your business value into a growth strategy — not a guessing game.

For business owners, the end of the year can sneak up fast. Between wrapping up projects, managing holiday sales, and preparing for time off, it’s easy to push tax planning to the last minute. The problem? By December, many of the smartest moves are no longer available.

That’s why September and October are the perfect months to take a proactive approach. A little planning now can reduce your tax liability and set your business up for a smoother start to 2026. Here are four key areas to focus on:

1. Review Quarterly Tax Payments
Don’t wait until the year is over to find out you’ve underpaid. Reviewing your year-to-date profit and quarterly payments now helps avoid penalties and surprises. If your income is higher than expected, adjusting before the final quarter is much easier than trying to play catch-up in January.

2. Accelerate or Defer Income & Expenses
Strategic timing matters. If you anticipate being in a higher tax bracket next year, consider accelerating expenses into 2025 to reduce this year’s taxable income. On the flip side, if your revenue will dip in 2026, deferring income may allow you to pay taxes at a lower rate next year.

3. Maximize Deductions & Credits
Year-end is prime time to take advantage of deductions and credits:

• Section 179 Deductions: Write off equipment and technology purchases made before year-end.
• Retirement Contributions: Funding retirement plans reduces taxable income while helping you and your employees save for the future.
• Energy and Other Credits: Depending on your industry, there may be credits you’re leaving on the table.

4. Don’t Wait Until December
The biggest mistake business owners make is waiting until the year is almost over. By then, your options are limited. Acting now gives you the flexibility to make strategic decisions and maximize your tax position.

The bottom line: Year-end tax planning isn’t about scrambling in December — it’s about taking control now. At GLM, we help business owners identify opportunities, reduce tax liability, and head into the new year with confidence.

As we enter the final stretch of 2025, it’s the perfect time to start thinking ahead. September and October give business owners a window of opportunity: the year isn’t over yet, but you already have enough data to project how things are shaping up. That makes this the ideal time to begin budgeting for 2026.

Why Plan Now?
Many business owners wait until December—or even January—to look at budgets. By then, you’re in reaction mode. Taking the time now to review your numbers allows you to:

• Spot trends early – Are sales up or down compared to last year? Do expenses look heavier than expected?
• Set realistic targets – Use the first three quarters as a baseline for what’s achievable next year.
• Make adjustments before year-end – If you’re off track, you still have time to change course in 2025.

Budgeting as a Growth Tool
A forward-looking budget isn’t just about tracking dollars—it’s about strategy. Your 2026 budget should align with your goals, whether that’s:

• Growth – Planning for expansion into new markets or product lines.
• Staffing – Forecasting the need for additional employees or contractors to handle workload.
• Capital Investments – Setting aside funds for equipment, technology upgrades, or facilities.

When you look at the numbers in the context of your business goals, your budget becomes a roadmap, not just a spreadsheet.

The Power of “What If”
Good budgeting also allows for scenario planning. Ask yourself:

• What happens if revenue grows by 10%?
• How will cash flow be affected if a major client leaves?
• Can we handle the expense of new equipment and still maintain profitability?

Answering these questions now gives you confidence in your decision-making next year.

Getting Started

1. Review 2025 – Look at your income, expenses, and cash flow through September.
2. Project the Year-End – Estimate how the rest of the year will close.
3. Build 2026 From There – Use realistic, data-driven numbers as the foundation.
4. Schedule Check-Ins – A budget isn’t static. Plan to revisit it quarterly.

💡 At GLM, we help business owners turn numbers into strategy. If you’d like guidance building a practical, growth-focused budget for 2026, now is the time to start.