Most advisers ‘unprepared to do business’

In a message to his social media followers, Mr Gardner, founder of The Social Adviser, announced his intention to cull some social media contacts and to “create something a little different”.

“For the last 20+ years I have had a problem with the ecosystem within which the advice professions work,” Mr Gardner wrote.

“I also think that most decision makers within advice firms are unprepared to do business in 2017, let alone 2018 and beyond. Whilst I think that sucks, I’m done shouting that message, and with over 400 speaking engagements in the last five years, I think I have done my part.”

The social media adviser said that he is “narrowing [his] focus” to advice firm owners who are authentic, committed to serving people and believe that “a changing world requires changing ourselves and our businesses”, indicating that many firms do not meet this description.

Mr Gardner said that while he has supported industry associations in the past – listing the FPA, AFA, CPA, MPAA and Chartered Accountants – he now wishes to build a new community of followers that is free of “politics” and “negativity”.

“Over the next decade, I and 500 leaders in the advice and services professions are going to reinvent the future of professional services,” Mr Gardner boldly predicted.

“A community... my community, with the best IP, resources, programs, mentoring, support network, mutual sharing and problem solving.”