Velvet Rope Playbook

40 Episodes
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By: Mark Satterfield

Welcome to The Velvet Rope Playbook, where stories of affluent marketing take center stage. Dive into the lives of fascinating characters, explore the opulent worlds they inhabit, and uncover lessons on exclusivity, influence, and the subtle strategies behind successful branding. Through tales brimming with wit, intrigue, and charm, Mark Satterfield offers insights into what truly resonates with the affluent. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, actionable advice, or simply a delightful escape, The Velvet Rope Playbook delivers stories that educate, entertain, and elevate your approach to marketing in the world of luxury. Catch all the episodes at http://VelvetRopePodcast.com and cl...

The Yacht Nobody Wanted
#22
Today at 5:00 AM

There was a $10 million yacht sitting unsold for two years.

Perfect condition. Gorgeous lines. Engine purred like a symphony. Priced below market.

It should have been gone in a month.

But it wasn’t.

Because of the name.

“Sea-duction.”

And just like that, every serious buyer ran the other way.

No billionaire wanted to be photographed stepping onto a boat that sounded like a low-budget Vegas revue

Those little cracks in brand tone are what turn million-dollar opportunities into long stretches of silence.

I...


My Neighbor Just Bought a Tank
#21
Yesterday at 5:00 AM

True story: a guy near me bought a tank.

A real one. British, decommissioned, painted desert beige. Parked it in his driveway like it was a particularly aggressive SUV.

Apparently, he drives it on weekends.

He told me, “It’s the one thing no one else in the neighborhood has.”

And that right there—that one sentence—is your marketing lesson of the week.

Because the affluent don’t crave luxury. They crave distinction.

That’s what I teach at GetWealthyClients.com—how to develop the kind of positioning tha...


The Most Expensive “Free Advice” Ever Given
#20
Last Tuesday at 5:00 AM

There’s an old saying that “free advice is worth what you pay for it.” But in the affluent market, your free advice might actually cost you six figures.

Every time you “just have a quick chat” or “offer a few thoughts,” you’re showing your cards without collecting a single ante.

That might work in mass-market sales, where volume compensates for generosity. But in the high-net-worth world, scarcity is the asset. What’s rare commands respect.

That’s why the best luxury advisors, consultants, and agents don’t give away their thinking. They sell access to it.


The Miracle in a Can: How Spray-On Hair Outsold Dignity
#19
Last Monday at 5:00 AM

There are few phrases in the English language more silly than “spray-on hair.”

But in the late 1980s, spray-on hair wasn’t a joke — it was a multimillion-dollar empire.

And it sold for one reason: hope has better margins than shampoo.

Now If you love the psychology behind these glorious marketing disasters-turned-empires — and you want to use those same emotional levers to attract affluent clients — go to http://www.GetWealthyClients.com.

There’s a vault of programs, books, and free resources that’ll teach you to sell transformation without a spray can


The Wow Factor: When Services Exceed Expectations
#18
Last Sunday at 5:00 AM

In today’s episode of The Velvet Rope Podcast, we dive deep into the elusive art of creating the “Wow Factor” in service delivery. Affluent clients expect a baseline of excellence, but securing their loyalty requires something more—a level of service that surprises, delights, and leaves them talking long after the experience ends. Learn how to elevate your service game, create unforgettable moments, and turn one-time clients into lifelong advocates.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Why Excellence Isn’t Enough
The affluent expect exceptional service as the norm. Discover why simply meeting expectations...


What to Say (and What NOT to Say) to Wealthy Clients
#183
Last Saturday at 5:00 AM

Ever overthink every word when speaking to a wealthy prospect?

Talk yourself in circles trying to impress?

Yeah—most professionals do.

And it costs them the deal.

In today’s episode, you’ll hear the story of a financial advisor who almost lost a $20 million client—not because he lacked expertise…

But because he was trying too hard to sound like he had it.

We’re breaking down one of the most common sales mistakes in high-end markets: using complexity to prove competence.

And we’ll show you the...


The Tale of Two Young Men-How the Wall Street Journal Made Guilt Look Classy
#21
Last Friday at 5:00 AM

It starts like every college reunion story that ends in emotional damage.

“On a beautiful late spring afternoon, twenty-five years ago, two young men graduated from the same college…”

You can feel the foreshadowing.

Two guys. Same cap, same gown, same parents crying in the bleachers.

Fast-forward twenty-five years: one’s the boss, the other’s Googling “how to look productive on Zoom.”

And according to the ad, the only difference?

One subscribed to The Wall Street Journal.

That’s it.

Forget hard work, talent, or...


The Insult That Made a Marketer Out of Mac
#20
10/30/2025

Let me take you back to the golden age of mail-order marketing — when every kid in America wanted two things: a jetpack and not to get sand kicked in his face at the beach.

Enter Charles Atlas.

The man. The myth. The original “before and after” guy.

Atlas was a bodybuilder turned marketer who managed to turn humiliation into one of the most profitable emotions in human history — and he did it with one ridiculous little cartoon.

Picture this: It’s the 1960s. You’re eating sugary cereal, reading a Superman comic, and s...


High Society Hookups: How the Rich and Famous Find Love
#19
10/29/2025

In this fascinating episode of The Velvet Rope Podcast, I dive into the glittering world of ultra-wealthy dating, where romance meets exclusivity. For these individuals, finding a partner isn’t about love at first sight—it’s about ticking every box on a lifestyle résumé. Forget mainstream dating apps; in this sphere, matchmaking involves high-end curation, exclusivity, and a personal brand that matches their lofty standards.

We’ll explore:

The Elite Matchmaking Industry: How services like matchmaking agencies and private clubs cater to the ultra-wealthy.Lifestyle Résumés: Why compatibility goes beyond chemistry and includes shared...


Exceeding Expectations: Turning Clients Into Lifelong Advocates
#15
10/28/2025

In this episode of The Velvet Rope Podcast, we dive into the often-overlooked art of exceeding expectations. Success isn’t built on grand gestures alone; it’s in the small, intentional details that leave lasting impressions. From anticipating client needs to resolving challenges seamlessly, we explore how to create unforgettable experiences that turn clients into lifelong advocates.

Whether you’re a service provider, entrepreneur, or just someone aiming to elevate your client experience, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you stand out in a crowded marketplace.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:<...


The Sultan of Service
#107
10/27/2025

Most professionals think scaling means more clients, more volume, more chaos.

But the real power move?

Fewer clients. Better experience. Higher fees.

In today’s episode of The Velvet Rope Playbook, I’m sharing the story of luxury consultant Felix “Five-Star” Fontaine, an eccentric billionaire known as Jet-Set Jerry, and the moment Felix discovered a game-changing truth:

Exclusivity beats accessibility. Every single time.

This episode is all about the strategy of working less… with better clients… while charging more. If you’ve ever felt like you’re working too hard for clients wh...


Coco DuBois And The Jazz Restaurant Strategy
#106
10/25/2025

In this episode of The Velvet Rope Playbook, we step off the crowded streets and into the candlelit world of DuBois—a quiet little French restaurant nestled between an antique bookshop and a florist that only takes clients by appointment.

At the heart of it all is Coco DuBois—chef, poet, and mistress of ambiance. Her food is exquisite, her presence magnetic, and her world is an unforgettable lesson in how luxury is never loud—it’s felt.

This episode explores:

🕯️ How atmosphere builds desire and loyalty before a word is spoken🍷 Why the most magnetic brands...


The Sotheby’s Effect: How to Sell Like a Brand the Wealthy Already Trust
#228
10/24/2025

Not long ago, at a rooftop dinner in Miami, Arielle Sharp shared how a $48 million Coral Gables estate was sold—privately, quietly, and without ever being listed.

No Instagram teaser. No open house. No splashy marketing.

Just one powerful detail:

The name behind the listing—Sotheby’s International Realty.

In this episode, we break down the real reason ultra-high-net-worth buyers move fast, trust without hesitation, and pay premium prices—because of brand signals that whisper, not shout.

You’ll learn:

— Why high-end brands like Sotheby’s don’t just sell luxury...


The Gold Digger Playbook
#214
10/24/2025

Say the words “gold digger” and most people smile knowingly. They picture the young woman on the arm of an older man at a gala, or walking out of a Bentley in Beverly Hills. It’s an image wrapped in judgment, gossip, and cynicism.

But set aside the stereotypes for a moment. Look closer, and what you’ll see is a playbook. A set of strategies about positioning, psychology, and influence. Gold diggers, whether you like them or not, are masters of understanding what the wealthy respond to.

And here’s the uncomfortable truth: they often succee...


The Guardians of the Elite
#215
10/23/2025

Most people think of security as locks, alarms, maybe a guard at the gate. Necessary, but hardly glamorous.

But for billionaires, A-list celebrities, and CEOs whose faces appear on magazine covers, security isn’t just a side concern. It’s a central part of life. It’s not just about keeping intruders out. It’s about protecting freedom, privacy, and reputation in a world where everyone is watching.

And what these firms really sell isn’t bodyguards, bulletproof cars, or intelligence briefings. They sell three intangibles: discretion, loyalty, and the promise of being “always on.”

And here’s...


Inside the Inner Circle: Selling to the Clients Everyone Wants (But Few Can Reach)
#213
10/22/2025

Some deals aren’t made in boardrooms.

They’re made between courses at private dinners—where no one says what they do, because everyone already knows.

In this episode, we take you inside a candlelit brownstone in the West Village…

Where Jules Whitman, a man without a title, orchestrates seven-figure introductions—without pitching, promoting, or even speaking much at all.

What you’ll learn:

Why presence and precision matter more than persuasion at the highest levelsHow to build a reputation that travels ahead of youThe art of suggestion, not sellingWhy high-net-worth...


The Velvet Canvas: Sell the Vision Not The Process
#100
10/21/2025

Welcome to the 100th episode of The Velvet Rope Playbook, the podcast where selling to the wealthy isn’t just strategy—it’s theater.

Today, we meet Marian “Moxie” Martindale—a painter with the soul of a poet and the hustle of a card shark in pearls and vintage Chanel.

Moxie doesn’t just sell art. She sells aura. Her canvases buzz with memory, tension, and that rare kind of beauty that lingers. She had what most artists would call success: a real studio with northern light, a decent waitlist, and collectors who sent her holiday cards—a...


Crafting the Dream: Selling Ideas, Not Just Services
#14
10/20/2025

In this episode of The Velvet Rope Podcast, we explore what it truly takes to attract and captivate affluent clients. The wealthy don’t just buy products or services—they buy into dreams. They’re drawn to the promise of a lifestyle, the allure of a story, and the idea of acquiring more than just tangible value.

Learn why facts and figures are not enough and how crafting a compelling vision can make all the difference. Whether you're in luxury real estate, financial services, or any premium market, this episode will help you understand how to sell the dre...


The Calm Close: Handling Objections with Quiet Authority
#145
10/17/2025

In this episode of The Velvet Rope Playbook, we’re talking about something every professional faces—

but few handle correctly when selling to the affluent:

Objections that aren’t really questions—they’re tests.

At the high end of the market, objections are rarely about needing more information.

They’re about something deeper:

“Do you belong in my world?”“Can I trust you under pressure?”“Are you going to get defensive—or stay composed?”

Today, you’ll learn:

Why high-net-worth clients throw "objections" that aren’t logical—they’re emotionalHow most professionals flinch, explain...


Overcoming Objections Through Storytelling — The Elegant Way to Move Affluent Clients to Yes
#144
10/16/2025

In this episode of The Velvet Rope Playbook, we’re unpacking a subtle—but critical—skill for selling to the affluent:

Overcoming objections without confrontation—through storytelling.

Because in high-ticket sales, objections are inevitable.

But here’s the catch:

Wealthy clients don’t want to be argued with.They don’t want to be "closed."They want to be shown… naturally, gracefully, without pressure.

Today you’ll learn:

Why aggressive persuasion backfires with affluent buyersHow real-world examples reframe hesitation better than facts or statsWhy stories trigger action when logic stalls outHow to tell micro-stories...


The Insider Myth: You Don’t Have to Be Born Into It to Sell Into It
#168
10/15/2025

In this episode of The Velvet Rope Playbook, we’re dismantling a quiet lie that keeps too many talented professionals stuck on the sidelines of the affluent market:

“If I wasn’t born into it, I can’t sell into it.”

Meet Marcus Hall.

Son of a mechanic.

Raised in a modest household.

No legacy last name. No insider mentor. No Ivy League club tie.

And yet—

Today, Marcus brokers private real estate deals between luxury developers and international family offices.His name doesn’t appear on social posts. It appear...


Tailored Authority: What Hugo Boss Suits Teach About Subtle Power & Affluent Trust
#218
10/14/2025

There’s a certain kind of man who commands a room—

Not by volume.

Not by flash.

But by precision.

No logos.

No ostentation.

Just sharp lines, quiet confidence, and a jacket that says, I didn’t come to audition.

And if you peek inside that jacket?

Chances are, the label reads Hugo Boss.

Not Gucci.

Not Balmain.

Not something designed to shock or chase trends.

Because Hugo Boss isn’t about fashion—it’s about position...


How F1 Markets to the 1%
#208
10/13/2025

Forget the mass market.

Formula 1 doesn’t sell to the many—it captivates the elite.

In this episode, we unpack how Formula 1 has become the masterclass in marketing to the ultra-wealthy—and what service professionals can learn from its playbook.

You’ll discover:

Why F1 deliberately excludes the masses to drive desirabilityHow the sport uses physical space (yachts, paddocks, suites) to signal statusWhat happens behind the scenes at Grand Prix weekends—and how real wealth circulates through proximity, not promotionHow to model your own business after F1’s exclusivity engine—creating intrigue, alignment, and...


The $10 Million Napkin
#186
10/11/2025

You can have the polished website.

The fancy credentials.

The glowing testimonials.

And still—wealthy clients politely pass you by.

That’s exactly what happened to James.

In today’s episode, you’ll hear how James—armed with all the “right” marketing—still couldn’t land decisive, high-net-worth clients… until one night changed his entire approach.

🎯 Inside this episode:

Why being impressive doesn’t guarantee influence in elite marketsThe hidden reason high-net-worth clients lose interest—even when you check every boxThe small but powerful shift that turned James from forgettable...


Selling the Final Frontier
#187
10/10/2025

For most of history, space was something only astronauts dreamed of. Kids imagined themselves in rocket ships, but only a select few ever got close.

But today? The game has changed.

Now, if you’ve got the money—and a lot of it—you can buy your way into orbit. You don’t need NASA. You don’t need military training. What you need is the ability to cut a very large check.

Blue Origin, SpaceX, Virgin Galactic, and Axiom Space are making it possible for private citizens to leave Earth’s atmosphere.

And her...


You Don’t Need a Better Website — You Need a Better Game Plan
#187
10/09/2025

A few years back, I got a frantic call from a private wealth consultant in New York. It was the kind of call that starts with, “Please tell me I’m not insane.”

She had just spent thirty-two thousand dollars on what she described as a “complete digital presence overhaul.”

Her new website?

Gorgeous. I mean, truly spectacular. It looked like it had been art-directed by Ralph Lauren, scripted by Aaron Sorkin, and hand-coded by a team of caffeinated MIT dropouts who’d just watched Succession on loop.

Every image was high-gloss. Ever...


The Shotgun Trap-Ninja Mind Games For Selling to the Affluent
#79
10/08/2025

In this episode of The Velvet Rope Playbook, we're diving deep into the secrets of selling to the ultra-wealthy. If you've ever wondered why some professionals effortlessly attract high-net-worth clients while others struggle to break into the luxury market, this episode is for you. I'll reveal the key psychological drivers that motivate wealthy clients, how to position yourself as a trusted advisor, and why exclusivity is your most powerful tool.

We’ll cover:

âś… The #1 mistake professionals make when trying to attract wealthy clients

✅ Why wealthy clients value exclusivity—and how to create it in your b...


Lessons from Private Equity & Venture Clubs-Getting in the Right Rooms
#54
10/07/2025

If you’re not in the room, you’re not in the deal.

That’s the unspoken rule behind exclusive investor clubs like Tiger 21. For those who aren’t familiar, Tiger 21 is a private peer network where ultra-high-net-worth individuals—usually people with at least $10 million to invest—come together to share ideas, evaluate opportunities, and hold each other accountable.

It isn’t just about investing. It’s about belonging.

And here’s what makes it fascinating: people aren’t paying $30,000 a year just for stock tips or deal flow. They’re paying for something much rarer—cu...


Michael Jordan’s Golf Course and the Hidden Lessons for Winning Wealthy Clients
#53
10/06/2025

Michael Jordan built himself a golf course. Not just any golf course — the golf course. The Grove XXIII. People call it “Slaughterhouse 23.” Why? Because if you get an invite to play and you think you’ve got game, Jordan’s going to eat you alive. The course is designed to tilt the odds ever so slightly in his favor. Not obvious. Not unfair. Just sneaky enough that the greatest competitor of all time still gets his edge.

Now, before you think this is just another story about a billionaire ex-athlete flexing his wallet, pay attention: this place is a mastercl...


The Body Language of Men Who Are Taken Seriously
#121
10/05/2025

In business, we obsess over messaging.

We fine-tune our stories.

We practice our pitch.

But in rooms where real money moves—

Your words are secondary.

In today’s episode of The Velvet Rope Playbook, we unpack a truth that separates professionals from power players:

Before anyone hears you… they see you.

And if you want to be taken seriously in elite rooms, your nonverbal presence must say:

“I already belong here.”

You’ll learn:

âś… Why posture, stillness, and micro-movements matter more than your script

âś… Ho...


How to Create a Brand That Whispers Power, Not Shouts for Attention
#161
10/04/2025

In this episode of The Velvet Rope Playbook, we’re unpacking one of the most misunderstood truths in high-end marketing:

Powerful brands don’t announce themselves. They are discovered.

At the center of this story is a boutique law firm in Manhattan—no sign, no social presence, no ads. Just a name that carries weight in rooms where names matter most.

This isn’t about reach.

It’s about resonance.

And no one embodies that more than the firm’s founder, Lillian Crest.

Harvard Law. Wellesley.

But you won’t hear h...


The Silent Killer of High-Level Success
#52
10/03/2025

You know what kills more high-level success than failure? Comfort.

Most real estate agents, financial advisors, and consultants rely on what’s familiar—referrals, networking, and maybe an ad in a glossy magazine. It’s predictable. It’s safe. But here’s the hard truth: The strategies that got you here won’t necessarily take you to the next level.

If you want to attract ultra-high-net-worth clients—the kind who don’t just need your services but actively seek you out—you have to be willing to break out of your comfort zone.

In this episode of The...


Selling Billion-Dollar Dreams: How Eric Roth Made Yachts the Ultimate Status Symbol
#93
10/02/2025

Today, we leave the shore behind and dive into the opulent world of luxury yachting—where the price tags are massive, but the egos behind them? Even bigger.

At the helm is Eric Roth, founder of International Yacht Collection. But Roth wasn’t just selling boats—he was selling billion-dollar dreams. He transformed the yacht from a luxury item into the ultimate status symbol for the world’s elite.

In this episode, we explore:

How Eric Roth positioned himself as the gatekeeper to floating palacesWhy ultra-wealthy buyers really invest in yachts (spoiler: it’s not the speed...


Playing the Long Game: Patience in High Ticket Sales
#32
10/01/2025

In this episode, we uncover the art and science of storytelling as a game-changing tool for selling high-end experiences and services. Drawing from real-world examples of Luca “Canvas” Conti, a Milanese art dealer, and Gabriel “Odyssey” Ortega, a bespoke travel consultant, we explore how weaving compelling narratives can transform a pitch into an irresistible invitation.

Discover how Luca turned a haunting portrait into a $1.2 million sale and how Gabriel curated travel experiences that weren’t just trips but epic adventures. Whether you're selling art, luxury travel, or high-end services, these lessons will show you how to elevate your craft...


Making High Ticket Selling Look Easy
#29
09/30/2025

In this captivating episode of The Velvet Rope Podcast, we explore the artistry behind making luxury seem effortless. Cassandra “Velvet Touch” Leclerc, a high-stakes event planner renowned for transforming chaos into elegance, is the centerpiece of this story. Her nickname isn’t just a moniker—it’s her method. From turning logistical nightmares into Instagram-worthy galas to ensuring every detail feels divinely orchestrated, Cassandra embodies the mastery of luxury made easy.

Join me as we uncover the secrets behind Cassandra’s "Velvet Touch" and how her techniques can inspire you to create seamless, luxurious experiences for your clients.

<...


Selling With The Velvet Touch: How Ivy “The Whisper” Rose Sold More by Saying Less
#111
09/29/2025

Today’s story is about a real estate agent with a velvet touch—Ivy Rose, better known around the peninsula as The Whisper.

She doesn’t push. She doesn’t pitch.

And yet… her luxury listings sell faster, easier, and more discreetly than agents with double her marketing budget.

What changed? Ivy made a quiet but powerful shift:

She stopped selling features… and started selling the feeling.

In this episode of The Velvet Rope Playbook, you’ll learn:

âś… Why emotional resonance matters more than square footage in the luxury market


The Bellagio Blueprint: What Vegas’s Most Elegant Casino Can Teach You About Selling to the Affluent
#214
09/28/2025

Most casinos in Vegas are designed to overwhelm.

But The Bellagio? It’s designed to elevate.

And if you’re trying to attract high-net-worth clients, there’s a world of strategy hidden behind those floral displays and marble floors.

In today’s episode, we explore:

Why calm opulence is more magnetic than loud marketingHow to architect your brand experience like The BellagioWhat it means to create an environment where wealth feels at homeThe subtle power of whispering to those “who already know”How service professionals can signal elite status—without ever raising their voice

They’re Not Buying Services—They’re Buying Status, Trust & Alignment
#174
09/27/2025

Welcome back to The Velvet Rope Playbook—the podcast for professionals who want to work with affluent clients without chasing, discounting, or trying to impress the wrong audience.

Today’s story is about Jacqueline Trask, a wellness consultant from Atlanta who went from $200 sessions in her spare bedroom…

to becoming the private health advisor to a nine-figure family.

Not because she had a celebrity following.

Not because she gamed an algorithm.

But because she finally understood one key truth:

The wealthy don’t buy what you do.

They bu...


The ShamWow Effect: Turning Hype into High-Ticket Sales
#48
09/26/2025

What do ShamWow and affluent marketing have in common? More than you think. Today, we’re diving into one of the most famous infomercial pitchmen of all time—Vince Offer, the man behind ShamWow—and breaking down how his high-energy, rapid-fire sales tactics contain lessons that can be applied to selling high-ticket services to the wealthy.

Infomercials might seem like the opposite of luxury marketing, but when you strip away the theatrics, they reveal timeless persuasion strategies that work just as well in high-end markets. From urgency to exclusivity, today’s episode will show you how to adapt th...


The Billionaire’s Buy-In: The Perfect Pitch That Closed a Fortune
#71
09/25/2025

Ever heard a pitch so good you couldn’t say no? One that pulled you in, kept you hooked, and by the end, you were practically throwing your credit card at the person? That’s not luck—that’s AIDA in action: Attention, Interest, Desire, and Action.

In this episode of The Velvet Rope Playbook Podcast, we break down the art of the perfect pitch through a high-stakes story featuring a luxury real estate agent, a skeptical billionaire, and a single shot at closing the deal of a lifetime. You’ll discover:

âś… How to command attention and...