Summary3 min read

The Level Up Podcast w/ Paul Alex

Episode: The Velvet Rope Strategy

Date: May 13, 2026
Host: Paul Alex Espinoza

Episode Overview

In this episode, Paul Alex dives into “The Velvet Rope Strategy”—a powerful psychological shift for entrepreneurs wanting to command higher prices and establish market authority. Drawing on his journey from detective to eight-figure business owner, Paul reveals how exclusivity, positioning, and confident boundaries transform both your business and your income. This episode is packed with actionable mindset shifts for anyone looking to transition from chasing clients to attracting premium ones.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Danger of Desperation: Why Chasing Leads Undercuts Your Authority

Paul opens with a warning: “If you act desperate and chase every single lead that comes your way, you will completely destroy your authority.” [01:08]
- Desperation signals lack of value.
- True authority means turning the tables and letting the market pursue you.

2. Principle of Scarcity: People Want What They Can’t Easily Have

“People want what they cannot easily have.” [01:25]
- Entrepreneurs often make the mistake of being too available and eager—especially during sales calls.
- Friction in the process (applications, boundaries on time) increases perceived value.

3. Create Barriers to Entry: How Exclusivity Drives Prestige

“If you are always available, you kill your prestige.” [01:46]
- Application process or firm time boundaries are practical ways to filter clients.
- Controlled access boosts positioning and desirability.

4. Act Like the Prize: Flip the Script in Sales

“So instead of trying to convince them why they should hire you, ask them tough questions to see if they qualify to work with you.” [02:04]
- Adopt the posture of the prize, not the pursuer.
- Let potential clients prove their readiness—not the other way around.
- Command premium rates by being selective and confident.

5. Exclusivity as a Referral Engine

“Exclusivity creates a massive referral engine.” [02:23]
- When you work only with the elite, fulfilled clients eagerly refer others to join the exclusive circle.
- Implementing strict filters, confidence, and exceptional results naturally creates a waiting list.

6. Raise Standards, Let the Market Qualify Itself

Paul’s central thesis: “Bottom line, you are the prize. Stop chasing bad leads, raise your standards and let the market qualify themselves.” [02:45]
- Higher standards mean bigger, better deals.
- Authority is inseparable from premium positioning.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Paul Alex: “If you act desperate and chase every single lead that comes your way, you will completely destroy your authority.” [01:08]
Paul Alex: “People want what they cannot easily have.” [01:25]
Paul Alex: “If you are always available, you kill your prestige.” [01:46]
Paul Alex: “Ask them tough questions to see if they qualify to work with you. Make them prove that they are ready for your level of execution.” [02:04]
Paul Alex: “Exclusivity creates a massive referral engine.” [02:23]
Paul Alex: “You are the prize. Stop chasing bad leads, raise your standards and let the market qualify themselves.” [02:45]
Paul Alex (closing): “Authority commands a premium. Guard your time, set the standard, and as always, keep leveling up.” [03:01]

Key Timestamps

01:08 – Desperation destroys authority
01:25 – The power of scarcity in sales
01:46 – How always being available undermines value
02:04 – How to posture as the prize in sales
02:23 – Exclusivity and its role in generating referrals
02:45 – Final takeaway: Let the market qualify itself
03:01 – Closing encouragement and core message

Summary Table

| Timestamp | Topic | Key Takeaway | |-----------|-------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:08 | Desperation in sales | Undermines authority; stop chasing every lead | | 01:25 | Scarcity principle | People crave what’s exclusive | | 01:46 | Barriers to entry | Higher value perception with friction or limited access | | 02:04 | Sales posture | Ask prospects to qualify themselves; act like the expert | | 02:23 | Referral dynamics | Exclusivity fuels word-of-mouth and demand | | 02:45 | Market self-qualification | Higher standards deliver better (and bigger) deals | | 03:01 | Closing motivation | Authority, boundaries, and constant leveling up |

Overall Tone

Paul’s delivery is direct, empowering, and no-nonsense, urging listeners to elevate their standards, guard their time, and embrace the mindset that they are the asset—reminding his audience: “Authority commands a premium.”

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Transcript2 lines

[00:02]
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Have you ever gazed in wonder at the Great Pyramid? Have you marveled at the golden face of Tutankhamun? Or admired the delicate features of Queen Nefertiti? If you have, you'll probably like the History of Egypt podcast. Every week we explore tales of this ancient culture. The history of Egypt is available wherever you get your podcasting fix. Come let me introduce you to the world of ancient Egypt.
[00:36]
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Welcome to the Level up podcast. I'm your host, Paul Alex. I went from being a cop to an eight figure entrepreneur that helps average people like you and me make money every single day. I created this podcast to help you get motivated and to crush your goals. Let's win together. Remember, I have your six. Get ready to level up right now. What's up everyone? Welcome back to the Level Up Podcast. I'm Paul Alex and today we are talking about a psychological shift that will instantly allow you to raise your prices. The velvet rope strategy. Because let's be real, if you act desperate and chase every single lead that comes your way, you will completely destroy your authority. Let's break down how to make the market chase you. First, understand that people want what they cannot. Easily have. Too many entrepreneurs jump on sales calls and practically beg the prospect to buy it is the absolute worst posture you can take. If you want to command high ticket prices, you have to create a barrier to entry. Whether you require an application process or you simply set incredibly firm boundaries on your time, friction creates perceived value. If you are always available, you kill your prestige. Second, you have to act like the prize. People do not pay premium rates to someone who needs the money. They pay premium rates to the absolute best expert in the field. So instead of trying to convince them why they should hire you, ask them tough questions to see if they qualify to work with you. Make them prove that they are ready for your level of execution. Lastly, exclusivity creates a massive referral engine. When you only accept elite clients and you deliver world class results. They brag about being in your inner circle. Strict filters, unshakable confidence and elite fulfillment create a waiting list. When you put up the velvet rope, the right people line up. Bottom line, you are the prize. Stop chasing bad leads, raise your standards and let the market qualify themselves. Because when you do, you will close bigger deals than ever. Thanks for tuning in to the Level up podcast. I'm Paul Alex reminding you authority commands a premium. Guard your time, set the standard, and as always, keep leveling up. Thanks for listening up to the Level up podcast. If you enjoyed today's episode, make sure to share with a family friend and everyone you know who's ready to level up. Leave a five star review on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and wherever you tune in. It really helps spreading the word. And don't forget to check out officialpaulalex.com for more episodes and resources to kickstart your journey. Let's level up together.