Over the years, I’ve learned some hard truths about running a business—and trust me, the game has changed even more by 2025. With AI, automation, and the creator economy reshaping how we connect and deliver value, ignoring these shifts can cost you clients faster than ever. Here’s what clients really hate—and what you absolutely must avoid if you want to keep them coming back.
Sense of Entitlement
Clients are not obligated to support you just because you’ve done favors or because you’ve been around longer. In today’s world, where AI tools and automation give clients more options and control, acting entitled is a quick way to alienate them. Budgets are tighter and more scrutinized than ever, so respect that your clients have choices—and they’ll reward you with loyalty if you earn it.
Putting Down Competitors
Dragging down your competitors doesn’t make you look savvy; it makes you look insecure. Especially now, when clients can easily research and compare services online, trying to trash-talk others just screams jealousy. Instead, focus on what makes your AI-enhanced solutions or unique creator-driven approach stand out. Confidence beats bitterness every time.
Sloppy Presentation
In 2025, sloppy presentation is a death sentence. Whether it’s your website, pitch deck, or social media presence, if it looks lazy or outdated, clients will assume your product or service is too. With AI tools making professional design and content creation accessible to everyone, there’s no excuse for looking anything less than polished and passionate. If you’re just in it for the money, it shows—and clients can smell that from a mile away.
Relying on Tenure Instead of Performance
Just because you’ve been around doesn’t mean you’re the best choice anymore. Clients want measurable results, especially when they have to justify every dollar spent to their stakeholders. Use AI analytics and automation to prove your value with data, not just promises. If you can’t demonstrate ROI, your tenure won’t save you.
Failure to Embrace Growth and Innovation
Stagnation is a death sentence in today’s fast-moving economy. Black entrepreneurs—and all entrepreneurs—must embrace continuous learning, especially in AI, automation, and digital marketing. The creator economy rewards those who adapt and innovate. If you’re stuck doing things the old way, you’re handing your clients to competitors who aren’t afraid to evolve.
Not Having the Goods
The fastest way to lose clients is to deliver mediocre work or come off as a used-car salesman. In 2025, clients expect authenticity, expertise, and unique value—especially in a crowded market powered by AI-enhanced services. If you’re not genuinely good at what you do, it’s time to pivot or level up. Otherwise, you’re just wasting everyone’s time.
Refusing to Listen
Clients will often drop golden nuggets of feedback if you just listen. But many entrepreneurs are too busy pitching or automating their sales funnels to hear what’s actually being said. Use AI tools to gather and analyze client feedback systematically, then act on it. Listening isn’t just polite—it’s your secret weapon for growth.
Kevin "KevRoss" Ross is a music and radio industry expert. He is a 20 -plus year entrepreneur with the leading most successful industry trade publication and site Radio Facts (www.radiofacts.com). He has also published various books, magazines, performed marketing and promotions for major corporations and recording artists and he is on the advisory board of several industry organizations. This year Ross introduced his non profit organization LOMARI (Leaders of the Music and Recording Industry) to help teach young minority students how to market and manage their music and products.
