Building the Premier Accounting Firm

Join us as we revisit this conversation from 2023! In this episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm, our esteemed host Roger Knecht sits down with a marketing guru and Amazon Best Selling Author, Marco Salinas. Co-authoring a book with the legendary sales and personal development consultant, Brian Tracy, Marco brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. In this captivating conversation, Roger and Marco explore the fundamentals of marketing, providing you with a clear understanding of what marketing truly entails. They highlight the power of content marketing and offer practical advice on how to effectively implement content strategies in your own business. Discover the content marketing techniques that both Roger and Marco employ, giving you actionable tips to enhance your firm's visibility and attract your target audience. As Roger shares his invaluable marketing rules of thumb, you'll gain exclusive insights into effective marketing practices for your accounting firm. Marco also uncovers the best platforms for networking, while also exploring both traditional and modern-day marketing approaches. He reveals his marketing background and areas of specialization, providing you with real-world examples of how to leverage your expertise for maximum impact. Ever considered publishing a book to establish yourself as an authority in the field? Marco and Roger dive into the process of starting your book project, highlighting the right way to write and publish a book that positions you as an industry leader. Learn the art of using books as lead generators, unlocking their potential to attract high-quality clients and solidify your reputation. Marco breaks down the nuances of ghostwriting and co-authoring, offering you a comprehensive understanding of how both approaches can work for you. Discover the benefits of each method and learn how to harness them to your advantage, whether you're seeking to build credibility or expand your audience. Lastly, Marco shares the individuals who have significantly influenced his career and the invaluable lessons he has gained from them. Prepare to be inspired as he recounts his personal journey and imparts wisdom that you can apply to your own professional growth. Join Roger Knecht and Marco Salinas in this thought-provoking episode of "Building the Premier Accounting Firm," as they unravel the secrets of marketing, content strategies, book publishing, and personal development. Get ready to transform your accounting firm into a powerhouse of success. Tune in now and unlock the key to achieving your business goals. Your Host: Roger Knecht, president of Universal Accounting Center Guest Name: Marco Salina Marco Salinas is an Amazon Best Selling Author and has co-authored a book with the legendary sales and personal development consultant Brian Tracy. He is a long time student of Marketing Legend Dan Kennedy and is a Media and Publishing Consultant himself, having previously hosted a radio show on 930AM the Answer in his hometown of San Antonio, TX and has been interviewed on local TV news affiliates in Houston, San Antonio, and Austin. Marco is now a podcast producer and host at Business Innovators Radio Network helping small to medium sized businesses to grow through various strategic media marketing assets. Sponsors: Universal Accounting Center Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth. Offers: In today's conversation it was mentioned you should consider reading Winning through intimidation You also may want to become the expert, the authority on your topic of choice as an author. Consider working with Marco to experience his "done for you publishing - https://expertpublishing.associates/ Or would you like to Co-Author a book to help you get the accounting clients you deserve! Perhaps Co-author a book to help you offer CFO and Advisory services as the Profit & Growth Expert to your clients. Check out this amazing opportunity to Co-Author with Roger Knecht. Your Strategic Accountant, co-authored with YOU! Your Profit & Growth Expert, co-authored with YOU! And don't forget to get a FREE copy of these books all accounting professionals should use to work on their business and become profitable. These are a must-have addition to every accountant's library to provide quality CFO & Advisory services as a Profit & Growth Expert today: "Red to BLACK in 30 days – A small business accountant's guide to QUICK turnarounds" – the how-to-guide e-book for accounting professionals "in the BLACK, nine principles to make your business profitable" – e-book Profit First - Transform your business from a cash-eating monster to a money making machine using this proven system. Offer CFO and Advisory services with confidence and competence following the Universal Business Builder process. As a certified Profit & Growth Expert you will help your clients apply the principles of Profit First & Value Builder as you apply the CFO Project processes. For Additional FREE Resources for accounting professionals check out this collection HERE! Be sure to join us for GrowCon, the LIVE event for accounting professionals to work ON their business. This is a conference you don't want to miss. Remember this, Accounting Success IS Universal. Listen to our next episode and be sure to subscribe. Also, let us know what you think of the podcast and please share any suggestions you may have. We look forward to your input: Podcast Feedback For more information on how you can apply these principles to start and build your accounting, bookkeeping & tax business please visit us at www.universalaccountingschool.com or call us at 8012653777

Join us this Wednesday for a new episode where Roger discusses how to make your firm advisory centric with Mark Martukovich.

Thank you for joining us for another episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm, the show that helps you grow your firm. Today, host Roger Knecht interviews Irene Seelig, CEO and co-founder of AccountGroove, to discuss how accounting firms can stop undercharging and wasting time on bad-fit clients. They cover building scalable advisory practices, leveraging AI for lead-to-paid systems, and the importance of CRMs in managing client relationships for accounting success. In This Episode: 00:00 Introducing AccountGroove and Irene Seelig 03:39 Why Accountants Undercharge for Services 08:19 Leveraging AI for Pricing & Packaging 13:43 Avoiding Bad-Fit Clients 17:43 Intentional Lead Generation and Responsiveness 20:42 Scaling Through Advisory Practices 26:34 Managing Client Expectations and Accessibility 30:07 Understanding and Leveraging a CRM System 36:13 From Lead to Paid: Streamlining Client Acquisition 39:54 Gratitude and Closing Remarks Key Takeaways: Reframe pricing from an hourly mindset to a value-based perspective, focusing on the outcomes provided to clients. Utilize data and AI to optimize proposal conversions and determine appropriate pricing for services, avoiding undercharging. Implement intentional lead generation and a scoring system to filter out bad-fit clients and focus on ideal niches. Respond to leads quickly using automated systems to significantly increase conversion rates. Introduce advisory services into bookkeeping and tax businesses to create recurring revenue models and increase firm profitability. Featured Quotes: "The value that they provide was just undercharged for, you know, the output that we ended up receiving from that sale." — Irene Seelig "If you don't respond within 60 seconds to a lead, you're, it's, you're dropping the conversion rate." — Irene Seelig "Accounting success is universal." — Roger Knecht Behind the Story: Irene Seelig and her co-founder built and sold a successful tech firm, working with major brands like Adidas and Burberry. This experience highlighted the crucial, yet often undervalued, role of their accountants and bookkeepers in the sale. This realization inspired them to create AccountGroove, a "lead-to-paid" system designed specifically for accounting firms. Their goal is to help these firms recognize their worth, charge appropriately, and build efficient, scalable businesses by leveraging data, AI, and strategic client management. Top 3 Highlights: Value-Based Pricing: Shift from hourly billing to value-based pricing, using data to inform proposals and increase contract values. Smart Client Filtering: Implement an AI-powered lead scoring system to identify ideal clients, automate responses, and route leads efficiently. Scalable Advisory: Transform traditional bookkeeping and tax services into recurring advisory models to boost firm profitability and client engagement. Conclusion: Thank you for joining us for another episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm with Roger Knecht. For more information on how you can establish your own accounting firm and take control of your time and income, call 435-344-2060 or schedule an appointment to connect with Roger's team here. Sponsors: Universal Accounting Center Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth. Offers: Get one month free when you sign up by booking a demo at www.accountgroove.com/universalaccounting Are you ready for a change, both personally and professionally? Then accept and participate in the Accountrepreneurs Challenge. This is a FREE opportunity to apply best practices and make this the best year yet in your career. Be sure to join us for GrowCon, the LIVE event for accounting professionals to work ON their business. This conference is one you don't want to miss. Get a FREE copy of these books all accounting professionals should use to work on their business and become profitable. These are a must-have addition to every accountant's library to provide quality CFO & Advisory services as a Profit & Growth Expert today: "Red to BLACK in 30 days – A small business accountant's guide to QUICK turnarounds." "in the BLACK, Nine Principles to Make Your Business Profitable" "Your Strategic Accountant" - Understand the 3 Core Accounting Services (CAS - Client Accounting Services) you should offer as you run your business. "Your Profit & Growth Expert" - Offer CFO & Advisory services with confidence and competence. Take the time to understand what your clients expect from you as their accountant. Follow the Turnkey Business plan for accounting professionals. This is the proven process to start and build the premier accounting firm in your area. After more than 40 years we've identified the best practices of successful accountants and this is a presentation we are happy to share. Also learn the best practices to automate and nurture your lead generation process allowing you to get the bookkeeping, accounting and tax clients you deserve. GO HERE to see this presentation and learn what you can do today to identify and engage with your ideal clients. Check it out and see what you can do to be in business for yourself but not by yourself with Universal Accounting Center. It's here you can become a: Professional Bookkeeper, PB Professional Tax Preparer, PTP Profit & Growth Expert, PGE Next, join a group of like-minded professionals within the accounting community. Register to attend GrowCon and Stay up-to-date on current topics and trends and see what you can do to also give back, participating in relevant conversations as they relate to offering quality accounting services and building your bookkeeping, accounting & tax business. The Accounting & Bookkeeping Tips Facebook Group The Universal Accounting Fanpage Topical Newsletters: Universal Accounting Success The Universal Newsletter Lastly, get your Business Score to see what you can do to work ON your business and have the Premier Accounting Firm. Join over 70,000 business owners and get your score on the 8 Factors That Drive Your Company's Value. For Additional FREE Resources for accounting professionals check out this collection HERE! Be sure to join us for GrowCon, the LIVE event for accounting professionals to work ON their business. This is a conference you don't want to miss. Remember this, Accounting Success IS Universal. Listen to our next episode and be sure to subscribe. Also, let us know what you think of the podcast and please share any suggestions you may have. We look forward to your input: Podcast Feedback For more information on how you can apply these principles to start and build your accounting, bookkeeping & tax business please visit us at www.universalaccountingschool.com or call us at 8012653777

Welcome to another episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm with host Roger Knecht. Today, Roger sits down with Tim Brackney to discuss how to build a premier accounting firm, focusing on private equity strategies, firm valuation, and the importance of a clear North Star vision. Learn how Springline Advisory identifies top-tier middle-market advisory businesses by evaluating economic, strategic, and cultural fits, and why a people-first approach is key to success. In This Episode: 00:00 Welcome & Guest Introduction 01:12 Tim's Journey to Springline 03:19 Springline's Goal & Middle Market 05:59 Appeal of the Mid-Market 07:23 Three Vectors for Acquisitions 09:16 Valuation in Acquisitions 12:27 Strategic Fit in Acquisitions 18:11 Cultural Fit Assessment 21:53 Defining Advisory Services 24:31 Best Practices: Future Focus 28:50 Cautionary Tale & Equity Mindset 32:48 Show Sponsors & Episode Summary 37:04 Closing Thoughts & Call to Action Key Takeaways: Define your firm's "North Star" to guide strategic decisions and inspire your team. Understand private equity valuation metrics, focusing on profitability (EBITDA) over traditional revenue multiples. Prioritize cultural fit and talent retention, fostering an "irresistible firm" environment. Develop advisory services with outcome-oriented projects, offering more flexible pricing and higher profitability. Provide ownership opportunities and transparency to motivate team members and cultivate an enterprise mindset. Featured Quotes: "One of the best opportunities that you can have to learn the language of business is in accounting." - Tim Brackney "You have to carve out time and space to make sure that you understand at least what your North Star is." - Tim Brackney "If you've defined a North Star and you can bring your team along with you, there's a huge amount of unlock that comes with it." - Tim Brackney Top 3 Highlights: Valuation Focus: Private equity values firms based on profitability (EBITDA), leadership strength, and recurring revenue, moving beyond traditional revenue multiples. Strategic Fit: Springline Advisory targets middle-market firms with strong leadership and geographic dispersion, aiming to build a full-service advisory firm. Cultural Alignment: A detailed cultural survey and shared values are key to ensuring new firms integrate seamlessly, fostering an "irresistible" environment for both clients and colleagues. Conclusion: Thank you for joining us for another episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm with Roger Knecht. For more information on how you can establish your own accounting firm and take control of your time and income, call 435-344-2060 or schedule an appointment to connect with Roger's team here. Sponsors: Universal Accounting Center Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth. Offers: Get a FREE copy of these books all accounting professionals should use to work on their business and become profitable. These are a must-have addition to every accountant's library to provide quality CFO & Advisory services as a Profit & Growth Expert today: "Red to BLACK in 30 days – A small business accountant's guide to QUICK turnarounds" – This is a how-to guide on how to turn around a struggling business into a more sustainable model. Each chapter focuses on a crucial aspect of the turnaround process - from cash flow management to strategies for improving revenue. This book will teach you everything you need to become a turnaround expert for small businesses. "in the BLACK, nine principles to make your business profitable" – Nine Principles to Make Your Business Profitable – Discover what you need to know to run the premier accounting firm and get paid what you are worth in this book, by the same author as Red to Black – CPA Allen B. Bostrom. Bostrom teaches the three major functions of business (marketing, production and accounting) as well as strategies for maximizing profitability for your clients by creating actionable plans to implement the nine principles. "Your Strategic Accountant" - Understand the 3 Core Accounting Services (CAS - Client Accounting Services) you should offer as you run your business. Help your clients understand which numbers they need to know to make more informed business decisions. "Your Profit & Growth Expert" - Your business is an asset. You should know its value and understand how to maximize it. Beginning with the end in mind helps you work ON your business to build a company you can leave so that it can continue to exist in your absence or build wealth as you retire and enjoy the time, freedom, and life you want and deserve. Follow the Turnkey Business plan for accounting professionals. This is the proven process to start and build the premier accounting firm in your area. After more than 40 years we've identified the best practices of successful accountants and this is a presentation we are happy to share. Also learn the best practices to automate and nurture your lead generation process allowing you to get the bookkeeping, accounting and tax clients you deserve. GO HERE to see this presentation and learn what you can do today to identify and engage with your ideal clients. Check it out and see what you can do to be in business for yourself but not by yourself with Universal Accounting Center. It's here you can become a: Professional Bookkeeper, PB Professional Tax Preparer, PTP Profit & Growth Expert, PGE Next, join a group of like-minded professionals within the accounting community. Register to attend GrowCon and Stay up-to-date on current topics and trends and see what you can do to also give back, participating in relevant conversations as they relate to offering quality accounting services and building your bookkeeping, accounting & tax business. The Accounting & Bookkeeping Tips Facebook Group The Universal Accounting Fanpage Topical Newsletters: Universal Accounting Success The Universal Newsletter Lastly, get your Business Score to see what you can do to work ON your business and have the Premier Accounting Firm. Join over 70,000 business owners and get your score on the 8 Factors That Drive Your Company's Value. For Additional FREE Resources for accounting professionals check out this collection HERE! Be sure to join us for GrowCon, the LIVE event for accounting professionals to work ON their business. This is a conference you don't want to miss. Remember this, Accounting Success IS Universal. Listen to our next episode and be sure to subscribe. Also, let us know what you think of the podcast and please share any suggestions you may have. We look forward to your input: Podcast Feedback For more information on how you can apply these principles to start and build your accounting, bookkeeping & tax business please visit us at www.universalaccountingschool.com or call us at 8012653777

Welcome to another episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm. Today, Roger Knecht and Jeff Dredge discuss the evolution of the accounting profession, highlighting the shift from traditional compliance to essential advisory services. They explore how embracing technology and a "hindsight, insight, foresight" approach can transform accounting firms and enhance client relationships. Learn about the value of work-life balance and strategic collaboration for sustained growth. In This Episode: 00:00 Introduction & Early Career 02:11 From Employee to Partner 05:01 The Evolution to Advisory Work 07:35 Embracing Technology and Foresight 12:05 Value of Advisory Services 16:24 Human Element in Advisory 18:58 Selling the Accounting Business 24:41 Valuation & Industry Needs 33:28 Defining Services and Collaboration 39:20 Leveraging Collaboration & Post-Acquisition Changes 41:27 Recharging Through the Outdoors 44:34 Family, Growth, and Resilience 47:48 Selling Your Business: Considerations 51:25 Prioritizing Work-Life Balance 54:00 Rapid-Fire Questions 55:24 Show Recap & Host Offers 01:00:15 Final Thoughts: Hope & Growth 01:03:52 Closing Remarks & Resources Key Takeaways: Transition from technician to partner to gain ownership and leadership skills. Offer advisory services to move beyond commoditized compliance work. Understand business valuation factors: client stickiness, staff retention, and clear operating procedures. Prioritize work-life balance to sustain personal well-being and strong family relationships. Collaborate with other accounting professionals to offer comprehensive client solutions. Featured Quotes: "If you want to be successful, you've got to separate yourself from the work, and you got to work on your business." — Jeff Dredge "Hindsight is a commodity if that's what you're providing… When you start getting to insight and foresight, you can charge higher fees because there's greater value to what you're providing." — Jeff Dredge "I think more than ever in today's world, we cannot be entrenched. We've got to learn to use these tools." — Jeff Dredge Behind the Story: Jeff Dredge, a CPA and founder of an accounting business, recounts his career trajectory, including the pivotal decision to pursue accounting after being inspired by a mentor's lifestyle. He explains his preference for a smaller firm that offered rapid responsibility and the journey to becoming a partner within five years. The narrative delves into his experience with selling his firm to a private equity group, the anxieties surrounding being "micromanaged," and the eventual realization of greater focus on delivery and strategy. Jeff Dredge emphasizes the importance of work-life balance, community involvement, and fostering independence in his children through challenging experiences. Conclusion: Thank you for joining us for another episode of Building the Premier Accounting Firm with Roger Knecht. For more information on how you can establish your own accounting firm and take control of your time and income, call 435-344-2060 or schedule an appointment to connect with Roger's team here. Sponsors: Universal Accounting Center Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth. Offers: Are you ready for a change, both personally and professionally? Then accept and participate in the Accountrepreneurs Challenge. This is a FREE opportunity to apply best practices and make this the best year yet in your career. Be sure to join us for GrowCon, the LIVE event for accounting professionals to work ON their business. This conference is one you don't want to miss. Get a FREE copy of these books all accounting professionals should use to work on their business and become profitable. These are a must-have addition to every accountant's library to provide quality CFO & Advisory services as a Profit & Growth Expert today: "Red to BLACK in 30 days – A small business accountant's guide to QUICK turnarounds." "in the BLACK, Nine Principles to Make Your Business Profitable" "Your Strategic Accountant" - Understand the 3 Core Accounting Services (CAS - Client Accounting Services) you should offer as you run your business. "Your Profit & Growth Expert" - Offer CFO & Advisory services with confidence and competence. Take the time to understand what your clients expect from you as their accountant. Follow the Turnkey Business plan for accounting professionals. This is the proven process to start and build the premier accounting firm in your area. After more than 40 years we've identified the best practices of successful accountants and this is a presentation we are happy to share. Also learn the best practices to automate and nurture your lead generation process allowing you to get the bookkeeping, accounting and tax clients you deserve. GO HERE to see this presentation and learn what you can do today to identify and engage with your ideal clients. Check it out and see what you can do to be in business for yourself but not by yourself with Universal Accounting Center. It's here where you can become a: Professional Bookkeeper, PB Professional Tax Preparer, PTP Profit & Growth Expert, PGE For Additional FREE Resources for accounting professionals, check out this collection HERE! Remember this, Accounting Success IS Universal. Listen to our next episode and be sure to subscribe. Also, let us know what you think of the podcast and please share any suggestions you may have. We look forward to your input: Podcast Feedback For more information on how you can apply these principles to start and build your accounting, bookkeeping & tax business please visit us at www.universalaccountingschool.com or call us at 8012653777

Join us as we revisit this conversation from 2021! Bobby and Roger have a timely discussion about industry trends and why they are relevant to know as accounting professionals. From marketing and sales to get the clients we need to grow the business to then working with them as their CFO and advisor. It all starts with a genuine curiosity for business in general. From that we are able to then use industry research to have the edge in business advisory services. You've heard it before, information is power, in fact it is the path to asking the right questions. Elevating your accounting services to also include part-time CFO & advisor for your accounting clients is that next level you are looking for to get paid what you are worth. Are you ready to benchmark industries with confidence? It starts when you are ready to put the puzzle together as it relates to your client's business. Your Host: Roger Knecht, president of Universal Accounting Center Guest Name: Bobby Martin Bobby Martin is co-founder and CEO of Vertical IQ, a leading provider of Industry Intelligence that helps sales and marketing professionals better understand a prospect's or customer's business challenges before, during, and after sales meetings. His focus is on advising and selling to small- and medium size business owners, business leadership, and digital transformation. He is currently an active angel investor and advisor in several innovative start-ups. Through his experience of starting and selling a sales intelligence tool to Fortune 500 firm, Dun & Bradstreet, he's learned first-hand the challenges and solutions at each stage of entrepreneurial growth which has led to his book, The Hockey Stick Principles. He is a frequent speaker on subjects such as Industry Intelligence, Sales Readiness, and Change Management. Vertical IQ has the insights accountants and financial advisors need to provide their clients with guidance informed by the latest industry data. Your small to medium-sized business (SMB) clients look to you for sage advice on the financial drivers impacting their businesses. With Vertical IQ's Industry Intelligence, you can offer tailored recommendations and become an invaluable asset to their business. Sponsors: Universal Accounting Center Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth. Join us for GrowCon, the event for accounting professionals to work ON their business. Offers: Bobby shared with us the value of asking the right questions and having access to the executive summary for each industry empowers you to be that expert as you speak with business owners. I invite you to take advantage of this opportunity to receive a FREE demo and learn how you can help your clients using this amazing tool: https://verticaliq.com/universalaccounting/ And don't forget to access the free monthly industry updates In addition to this incredible information, you can also use BizBench to benchmark your client's data to their industry standards. Using this report, you'll have the resources you need to advise your clients with confidence and competence. Set up a time now to learn how you can use this report in your business to improve your marketing to grow the business as well as offer additional services to get you paid what you are worth as a Profit & Growth Expert. Go HERE to schedule a FREE Demo of BizBench. Lastly, be sure to get your FREE copy of this book all accounting professionals should use to work on their business and become profitable. This is a must have addition to every accountant's library to provide to have the premier accounting business today: "in the BLACK, nine principles to make your business profitable" – e-book "Red to BLACK in 30 days – A small business accountant's guide to QUICK turnarounds" – the how-to-guide e-book for accounting professionals For Additional FREE Resources for accounting professionals check out this collection HERE! Remember this, Accounting Success IS Universal. Listen to our next episode and be sure to subscribe. For more information on how you can apply these principles in your business please visit us at www.universalaccountingschool.com or call us at 801.265.3777

Join us as we revisit this conversation from 2021! Here's an episode you don't want to miss. Shannon and Roger discuss the challenges that owners of accounting firms face as they work to offer quality accounting services profitably. For example, is it effective to be everything to everyone when running the business? Sometimes we get too busy and forget we always have a choice! They address mindset and why having an abundance mindset is so important as it effects marketing, sales, pricing, client retention and so much more. In fact, you'll want to understand what Shannon refers to as the Four "C's" and how they apply to your accounting business as you work ON your company. Another topic of interest is our "impact", what it is we are doing to give back and why it is something you should consider. Oh, and you need to hear what Shannon has to say about Hummus. Sponsors: Universal Accounting Center Helping accounting professionals confidently and competently offer quality accounting services to get paid what they are worth. Offers: Visit Renew Group and see what you can do to work ON your business and while there feel free to reach out to speak with Shannon. It's as simple as More Profits & Better Clients. Also, become an Accountrepreneur and aid your clients as their Profit & Growth Expert. Get a FREE copy of this book all accounting professionals should use to work on their business and become profitable. This is a must have addition to every accountant's library to provide to have the premier accounting business today: "in the BLACK, nine principles to make your business profitable" – e-book For Additional FREE Resources for accounting professionals check out this collection HERE! Remember this, Accounting Success IS Universal. Listen to our next episode and be sure to subscribe. For more information on how you can apply these principles in your business please visit us at www.universalaccountingschool.com or call us at 801.265.3777