Balancing the Hats: Roger Knecht on Streamlining Business Success with the Universal Business Model

In the fast-paced world of business, the ability to juggle multiple responsibilities can mean the difference between success and burnout. For many entrepreneurs, wearing a multitude of hats is essential but often overwhelming, especially when navigating growth, managing finances, and ensuring top-notch customer service. In this exclusive interview, Roger Knecht, President of Universal Business Center, sheds light on how to effectively balance these roles without sacrificing quality or sanity. With years of experience guiding business owners through complex challenges, Roger offers valuable insights into his Universal Business Model—a structured approach that turns chaos into clarity.

Roger’s model breaks down business operations into three core areas: Marketing and Sales, Accounting, and Production, allowing business owners to categorize, prioritize, and delegate tasks efficiently. Through this thoughtful strategy, entrepreneurs can focus on high-impact tasks while ensuring every part of the business runs smoothly. Whether you’re a solopreneur or managing a growing team, Roger’s advice is designed to help you reduce stress, increase productivity, and create sustainable growth. Read on to learn practical, actionable tips on streamlining your business, planning for the future, and building meaningful connections with customers.

Thank you so much for joining us! Our readers would love to get to know you a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your backstory?

Absolutely, Stacey. My journey in business has been anything but straightforward. I’ve been fortunate to work across a range of industries, from finance to business development, and along the way, I discovered a real passion for helping entrepreneurs and small business owners thrive. It was this passion that led me to my role as President of Universal Business Center. Here, my focus is on equipping small business owners, especially those in the accounting world, with the tools they need to succeed. I’ve seen the struggles they face every day, and it’s incredibly rewarding to give them a clear path to growth and profitability.

That’s amazing! Balancing multiple roles and responsibilities is no small feat. How do you manage it all without feeling overwhelmed?

I’d say it’s all about having a strong framework in place—what I call the Universal Business Model. Many entrepreneurs feel like they’re always “winging it,” but there are fundamental principles that help keep everything in order. I break down responsibilities into three core areas: Marketing and Sales, Accounting, and Production. This approach allows me to clearly see what needs to be done for growth, day-to-day operations, and maintaining strong customer relationships. By dividing tasks like this, I can prioritize more effectively and make everything feel more manageable, even when I’m juggling a lot.

The Universal Business Model sounds like a game-changer. Can you walk us through the key steps?

Definitely! It all begins with what I call “Mapping the Business.” Think of it as creating a roadmap. You lay out every task or project into three categories—Marketing and Sales, Accounting, and Production—so you can easily see what areas need your focus. This mapping process is especially useful for overwhelmed business owners because it transforms what can seem like an endless to-do list into smaller, more focused lists. Once everything is mapped out, you’re in a much better position to prioritize and delegate. Suddenly, you have clarity on what’s truly important and what can wait.

Prioritization is such a valuable skill. How can someone determine what tasks deserve their immediate attention?

Prioritizing can be tricky. Once tasks are mapped out into categories, I encourage business owners to assess each one based on its impact and urgency. For example, tasks that drive revenue or customer satisfaction should always take precedence. If you focus on tasks that genuinely move the needle, you’ll avoid getting bogged down by things that don’t contribute to your core goals. This approach creates a sense of control and allows you to invest your time in the most meaningful ways rather than constantly reacting to whatever’s in front of you.

I think many business owners struggle with letting go and delegating tasks. How do you approach delegation?

Delegation is a tough area for many. The biggest hurdle is often the mindset. Many owners feel that only they can do certain tasks correctly. However, by creating clear systems and documenting processes, delegation becomes a powerful tool. If you’ve documented steps clearly, others can follow the process without needing constant input from you. This frees you up to focus on higher-level tasks. Delegation doesn’t mean losing control; it means empowering your team to contribute to the business’s success.

Communication must play a huge role in successful delegation and customer satisfaction. How do you ensure everyone stays aligned?

Communication is crucial on every front. Internally, regular check-ins and updates keep the team synchronized, especially after sales transactions that involve both sales and fulfillment teams. Externally, you want to establish a transparent, proactive line of communication with clients. Regular updates reassure them and help build trust. When clients know you’re on top of things, they’re less likely to worry or feel forgotten. In my experience, clients greatly appreciate knowing what’s going on at each stage of the transaction or project.

How do short-term, mid-term, and long-term goals play into business strategy within the Universal Business Model?

These goals are essential for building a well-rounded business strategy. For short-term goals, employees focus on daily operations, such as sales, cash flow, and ensuring customer satisfaction. Mid-term goals fall to management, who oversee quarterly financial reviews, optimize internal processes, and evaluate product performance. Lastly, long-term goals are where the business owner steps in, focusing on strategic planning and future growth. Each level has a specific role that supports the next, creating a seamless flow from daily operations to big-picture planning.

What are some common communication mistakes you’ve seen companies make with customers?

A big mistake I see is being overly reactive. If the customer constantly has to reach out to get updates, it creates a perception that you’re unorganized or inattentive. Businesses should aim to stay one step ahead by proactively reaching out, updating the client on the next steps, timelines, or even little check-ins to let them know you’re thinking of their needs. This extra effort can make a huge difference in customer satisfaction and loyalty. It’s really about setting expectations and then exceeding them, which naturally strengthens the customer relationship.

It sounds like a proactive approach is key in both sales and accounting. How do these two areas connect in the Universal Business Model?

They are deeply connected. Sales drive revenue, while accounting keeps track of that revenue and ensures cash flow is healthy. They have to work in harmony. Sales teams should be aware of financial goals to avoid unsustainable discounts, for instance. On the accounting side, monitoring cash flow allows the business to meet payroll, pay bills, and ensure stability. Together, they create a balanced and financially sound business environment.

How do you advise business owners to plan for the future?

Long-term planning is about looking beyond daily tasks and envisioning where you want to go. I suggest looking for new revenue streams that align with your customers’ needs and planning for future expenses. For example, are there additional services you could provide based on customer feedback? This approach has worked wonders for us. Years ago, we shifted from traditional classroom settings to online education to better serve our clients. Had we stayed rigid, we would’ve lost relevance. Instead, we adapted to meet changing demands, which helped us thrive.

Speaking of organization, what methods do you personally use to stay on track?

I’m a big believer in time-blocking. I assign blocks of time to different tasks and review my schedule at the beginning of each week. I also check the following day’s schedule each evening, which helps me go to sleep with a clear plan for the next day. This system reduces stress and helps me start each day with intention. Having a structured plan lets me focus on priorities without feeling overwhelmed.

What would you recommend for business owners trying to stay organized and prioritize effectively?

Find a system that works for you and stick to it. It could be digital tools, sticky notes, or traditional planners. The key is to be consistent so you can track progress and maintain focus. For business owners, project management tools or digital calendars often work well because they offer easy access and can be shared with team members. When you’ve got a reliable system, you can better prioritize and make confident decisions.

What services does Universal Business Center offer for small businesses?

We specialize in supporting accounting firms by providing high-quality training in bookkeeping, tax preparation, and financial advisory services. Our mission is to help accounting firms excel as trusted, knowledgeable resources in their communities. By strengthening these businesses, we’re indirectly helping countless small businesses get better financial guidance, which leads to stronger, more profitable companies.

Is there a resource where business owners can learn more about the Universal Business Model?

Absolutely. I encourage everyone to download our free ebook, In the Black: Nine Principles to Make Your Business Profitable, available on our website, universalaccounting.com. It’s a straightforward guide that covers everything we discussed here and provides actionable steps to start applying these principles in your own business.

In addition to accounting, I understand you also provide business coaching. Can you tell us about that?

Yes, that’s right. Alongside our accounting training, we offer a business coaching program where I work closely with entrepreneurs on implementing these core principles. It’s a comprehensive, 12-to-18-month engagement that focuses on adding value to the business, building it into a long-term asset. Coaching is very different from accounting—it’s more strategic and goal-oriented, with a focus on big-picture growth.

For business owners who feel overwhelmed, what final advice would you give?

Don’t reinvent the wheel! Use a structured approach like the Universal Business Model to guide you. It’s designed to help you focus on what matters most, from day-to-day operations to long-term vision. Break down your responsibilities, delegate where possible, and focus on high-impact areas. When you do this, you’ll find that running a business doesn’t have to feel overwhelming—it can be fulfilling and highly rewarding.

How can our readers further follow your work online?

The best place to connect with me is on LinkedIn, where I regularly share insights on accounting and business strategies. And, of course, our website, universalaccounting.com, offers a wealth of resources, including our free ebook, In the Black. I’d love for readers to check it out and get started with the Universal Business Model.

Thank you so much for sharing your expertise with us today. This conversation has been enlightening, and I’m sure our readers will take away a lot of valuable insights.

Thank you, Stacey! It’s always a pleasure to talk about strategies that empower business owners. Remember, if it’s about accounting, it truly is universal. Thank you for having me.

Tune into this episode to discover Roger Knecht’s powerful strategies for boosting profitability and balance in your business! https://www.spreaker.com/episode/mastering-kpis-the-key-to-unlocking-financial-success-in-accounting–60929487

Roger Knecht is the President of Universal Accounting Center, an industry leader dedicated to training and empowering accounting professionals, bookkeepers, and small business owners. With over two decades of experience in business development, Roger specializes in helping organizations become more efficient, profitable, and customer-focused. His approach emphasizes the Universal Business Model, a framework that streamlines tasks and fosters growth by focusing on three key areas: marketing and sales, accounting, and production. Roger is passionate about making complex business principles accessible, allowing entrepreneurs to build sustainable, thriving enterprises. A skilled speaker and business coach, Roger is known for his practical insights and commitment to helping others succeed in the dynamic world of accounting and finance. To learn more, visit universalaccounting.com.