Robert Syslo: The 7 Red Flags That Say “Don’t Take the Deal”
After more than a decade in sales and over $50,000,000 in advertising sold, Robert Syslo has learned one thing with absolute clarity: not every client is worth the close.
In an era where ad agencies chase every deal and compromise for any retainer, Syslo has built his agency differently—through hard-earned wisdom, experience, and a clear filter for who should not be on the client roster.
“Sales is not about convincing everyone to buy,” Syslo says. “It’s about knowing who’s worth your time, energy, and reputation. There are clients you should walk away from. Period.”
Here are the 7 types of clients Syslo refuses to work with, no matter how tempting the contract may look on paper.
1. A Business With No History of Sales
If a business hasn’t proven it can sell its own product, advertising won’t fix that.
“Marketing accelerates what already works. It doesn’t create success out of thin air,” Syslo explains. “If they can’t sell to their own network or local market, they’re not ready to scale.”
Syslo warns that these clients often expect advertising to be a miracle cure when what they need is basic product validation and sales testing.
2. No History With Facebook Ads or Paid Traffic
There’s nothing wrong with being new to advertising—but there’s a massive problem when a client expects expert-level results without understanding what goes into it.
“They come in thinking ads are like slot machines,” Syslo says. “They don’t know what a pixel is, they’ve never had an ad account, and yet they expect a flood of leads in a week. It’s delusion.”
If a client has no experience and no willingness to learn or trust the process, Syslo passes.
3. Limited Funds and Short-Term Thinking
Advertising is not a quick fix—it’s a long-term system.
“If you don’t have the resources to commit to at least six months of sustained advertising, you’re not ready. You’re gambling, not investing.”
Syslo refuses to take on clients who are down to their last marketing dollar. Why? Because their panic and pressure create unrealistic expectations—and inevitable fallout.
4. Can’t Handle a $5,000+/Month Budget (Including Service Fees)
Good advertising is not cheap—and neither is the strategy, creative, content, and support that drives it.
“If a client flinches at $5,000/month all in, they’re not serious,” Syslo says. “That tells me their business isn’t structured to scale, and they’re hoping to shortcut their way there.”
Syslo believes in doing things the right way—from the start. That includes budgeting for proper execution.
5. Business Owners Who Trash Talk Past Agencies
Syslo draws a hard line here.
“If the first 10 minutes of a call is them bashing other agencies, I’m out,” he says. “That’s not feedback. That’s blame. And you’ll be next.”
Constructive critique is one thing. But constant complaints and bitterness about past efforts signal a deeper problem: the client likely refuses responsibility and will never be satisfied.
6. No Sales Team, No Process
You can generate the best leads in the world, but if there’s no one trained to close them, it’s wasted spend.
“Advertising without a follow-up machine is like putting gas in a car with no engine,” Syslo explains. “If they can’t call leads, track performance, or even answer their phone—there’s no point.”
Syslo only works with companies that have the infrastructure to capitalize on opportunity.
7. The “I Just Want to Be an Influencer” Client
Syslo doesn’t sell hype.
“If your goal is just to be famous or grow followers, I’m not your guy,” he says. “I build businesses. Not vanity machines.”
Clients who want to be internet celebrities without business fundamentals quickly burn out—and drag down anyone working with them.
Bonus:
“We do not sign contracts”. This is the big one. They want to lock you in without any frame of reference, or any frame of control. Abuse your time and then turn around and claim that you didn’t deliver when you overworked yourself. Contracts are not bad its a frame work, a box and rules of engagement. If someone arrogantly claims they do not want to sign contracts – what they really say is – I want the full right to abuse you and treat you how I see fit – Don’t DO IT.
Final Word
Syslo’s experience has taught him that who you choose to work with determines not only your results, but your peace, your profits, and your reputation.
“I’ve walked away from big deals,” he admits. “Because long-term pain is never worth short-term money.”
For agencies, consultants, or marketers reading this: heed the red flags. Your best sales move might be the deal you don’t close.