Every "maybe" client you take drops your positioning. Every discount you give to "get the work" signals you're desperate. Every scope creep project you accept tells the market you're flexible on boundaries.

And flexible on boundaries means flexible on price.

Premium positioning requires exclusion. Not because you're picky. Because selectivity is the signal that creates scarcity.

Here's who to fire this weekend.

Type 1: Price shoppers

They ask for your rate in the first message. They want three quotes before deciding. They mention their budget before you've even diagnosed the problem.

These clients will never pay premium. They're trained to compare prices, not value.

How to exclude them:
Don't quote rates until after discovery. If they push for price upfront, respond: "My rates depend on what you actually need. Let's talk about the problem first."

Price shoppers exit themselves. Let them.

Type 2: Scope creepers

They start with one project. Then add "just one quick thing." Then another. Then they're shocked when you bill for extras.

These clients don't respect boundaries. And no boundaries means no premium pricing.

How to exclude them:
Define scope in writing. When they ask for extras, respond: "Happy to add that. Here's the additional quote."

No freebies. No flexibility. They'll either respect the boundary or leave.

Type 3: "Pick your brain" requesters

They want coffee chats. They want to "get your thoughts." They want free consulting disguised as networking.

These people see your expertise as free until proven otherwise.

How to exclude them:
"I don't do free consults, but I do offer paid strategy sessions. Here's the link to book."

Real clients pay. Everyone else is research.

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When you say no to cheap clients, three things happen:

1. Your calendar opens up
You stop spending time on proposals that go nowhere. You have room for clients who actually pay.

2. Your positioning strengthens
Selectivity signals expertise. Experts don't need every client. Desperate consultants do.

3. Better clients find you
Premium buyers avoid consultants who work with everyone. They want specialists who are selective.

Saying no is a revenue decision, not a moral one.

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Step 1: Identify your worst client from the last 6 months

Not the lowest paying. The most draining.

The one who:

Got them in mind? Good.

Step 2: Write down what made them a bad fit

Was it:

These are your exclusion criteria.

Step 3: Add those criteria to your qualification process

Update your:

Make it clear who you DON'T work with.

Examples:

Exclusion isn't rude. It's positioning.

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The more you exclude, the more attractive you become.

Because exclusivity creates demand. And demand supports premium pricing.

Stop trying to serve everyone. Start firing the clients who cost you more than they pay.