Podcast
Social Media Decoded
Hosted by Michelle Thames · EN
Social Media Decoded is your go-to podcast for marketing, visibility, and monetization strategies to grow your business online. Hosted by marketing expert Michelle Thames, this show breaks down social media, content marketing, and business growth into actionable steps for entrepreneurs, creators, and brands. Tune in for expert insights, real-world strategies, and inspiring success stories to help you get visible, attract clients, and build a profitable brand. 🎙️✨
256episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The Visibility Strategy That Got Me on TV (It Wasn't Luck)
Today00:07:44Summary readyWhat does it really take to land media opportunities, build a recognizable personal brand, and become the person people think of when opportunities arise? In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames shares the real story behind her recent appearance on WGN Spotlight Chicago and why it had nothing to do with luck. She explains how one relationship that started in 2024, combined with years of consistent visibility and intentional content creation, led to another opportunity on television. If you've ever wondered why some entrepreneurs seem to attract speaking engagements, media appearances, partnerships, and new clients while others struggle to get noticed, this episode will change the way you think about visibility. Michelle also shares how she's shifted from chasing the algorithm to building a complete visibility ecosystem—one that turns content into conversations, conversations into community, and community into clients. In this episode, you'll learn: Why media opportunities are built through relationships, not luck The power of staying visible even when engagement feels low How consistency builds trust and authority over time Why creating an ecosystem is more powerful than growing an Instagram account The real strategy behind Michelle's Hidden Gem videos How to create content from your everyday life instead of chasing trends Why women over 40 have a unique advantage when building a personal brand The mindset shift that helped Michelle become unforgettable Key Takeaways Visibility compounds over time. Relationships open doors that algorithms never can. Authority is earned through consistency, not claimed through titles. Your next opportunity may already be watching—you just have to keep showing up. Ready to Become More Visible? Michelle is launching her new 21-Day Visibility Sprint, designed to help women entrepreneurs stop wondering what to post and start building the kind of visibility that creates real opportunities, partnerships, media appearances, and clients. Send Michelle a DM with the word VISIBLE to learn more. If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Social Media Decoded, leave a review, and share it with another entrepreneur who's ready to build a business that doesn't depend on chasing the algorithm. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
SummaryThe Biggest Business Decision I Made This Year (Hint: It Wasn't Social Media)
Yesterday00:08:22Summary readyHave you ever felt like you're doing everything you're "supposed" to do in your business—creating content, growing your audience, chasing the algorithm—but something still feels off? In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames shares the biggest business decision she made this year and why it completely changed the direction of her business. Instead of focusing on creating more content, she made the intentional decision to build community—and it has led to more opportunities, stronger relationships, speaking engagements, partnerships, and meaningful business growth. Michelle takes you behind the scenes of why she's investing in local businesses, hosting Coffee & Connections, organizing intimate networking dinners, and creating Connected & Paid Live. She explains why relationships have become her most valuable marketing strategy and why building a community will always outperform chasing followers. If you're an entrepreneur, content creator, or business owner wondering how to build a brand that lasts, this episode will challenge the way you think about marketing, networking, and business growth. In This Episode You'll Learn: Why building community is more valuable than creating endless content The biggest business decision Michelle made this year How relationships create opportunities that algorithms never can Why local community building has become part of Michelle's business strategy The difference between building an audience and building a community How networking events can become relationship accelerators Why saying "no" creates space for bigger opportunities How to build a business that aligns with your values instead of trends DM Michelle the word "COMMUNITY" on Instagram if this episode resonated with you and share what you're building. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
SummaryWhat I'm Really Building: Why I Chose Community Over Content | CEO Diary
2d ago00:08:22Summary readyHave you ever felt like your business was evolving, but no one understood the vision? In this first CEO Diary episode of Social Media Decoded, I'm taking you behind the scenes of my business to share what I'm really building—and why I've shifted my focus from creating more content to building meaningful community. I talk about why relationships have become my greatest business strategy, how Coffee & Connections, my Hidden Gem series, and Connected & Paid Live all fit together, and why I believe the future belongs to entrepreneurs who create ecosystems instead of chasing algorithms. If you're a business owner, creator, or entrepreneur looking to build a brand that's rooted in connection, visibility, and long-term impact, this episode is for you. In this episode, you'll learn: Why I stopped chasing followers and started building community The difference between creating content and creating connection How networking events became relationship accelerators Why community is the future of business growth How partnerships and sponsorships fit into a long-term brand strategy The vision behind Connected & Paid Live Why every entrepreneur should build a visibility ecosystem instead of relying on one platform If this episode resonates with you, send me a DM on Instagram with the word EVENT to learn more about Connected & Paid Live. Resources Mentioned Connected & Paid Live Coffee, Content & Connections Connected & Paid Collective Connect with Michelle: Instagram: @michellelthames Website: https://michellethames.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
SummaryWhy I Stopped Trying to Build an Audience | The Power of Community Over Followers
1w ago00:07:30Summary readyWhat if the goal isn't to build a bigger audience—but to build meaningful relationships? In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames shares the mindset shift that completely changed how she approaches social media, networking, and business growth. After years of chasing followers and viral moments, she realized the real opportunities weren't coming from her follower count—they were coming from the rooms she was creating. From visiting local hidden gems and hosting Coffee & Connections to intimate networking dinners, retreats, and her upcoming Connected & Paid event, Michelle explains why authentic community is becoming the most valuable marketing strategy in today's digital world. If you're an entrepreneur, content creator, coach, or small business owner wondering how to grow your business beyond social media, this episode will inspire you to focus on relationships that lead to collaborations, referrals, sponsorships, and lasting impact. In this episode, you'll learn: Why building community is more valuable than chasing followers How networking events create real business opportunities The difference between building an audience and building relationships Why local visibility can transform your business How to create experiences that turn followers into clients and collaborators Why community builders are the new influencers The marketing strategy that algorithms can't replace Key Takeaway: Followers don't become your sponsors. Followers don't become your collaborators. People do. If this episode inspired you, send Michelle a DM with the word ROOM and share the kind of community you're building. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another entrepreneur who believes relationships are the future of business. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
SummaryThe Hidden Cost of Visibility: Why Your Business Needs Systems Before More Followers
2w ago00:35:16Summary readyEveryone tells you to get more visible. Post more content. Start the podcast. Book the speaking engagement. Land the collaborations. But what happens after the visibility? In this episode of Social Media Decoded, I'm joined by Annie Mossbacher, Chief Growth Officer at Dubsado, for an honest conversation about what happens when your business starts growing faster than your systems can support. If you've ever felt overwhelmed after signing new clients, struggled to keep up with emails and proposals, or wondered why success suddenly feels exhausting, this episode is for you. We talk about founder burnout, client experience, sustainable growth, and why systems aren't boring—they're freedom. In this episode you'll learn: Why visibility exposes broken business systems The hidden reason founders burn out after growth How to create a client experience people never forget The first system every service provider should implement Why doing everything yourself is costing you money How to stop overdelivering at the expense of your health What sustainable growth actually looks like Why authenticity is becoming your greatest marketing advantage Memorable Quotes "Visibility without systems will burn you out." "Growth isn't about doing more. It's about becoming ruthless with your priorities." "The business you prayed for shouldn't become the business that breaks you." Connect with Annie Instagram: @anniemossbacher Learn more about Dubsado: dubsado.com/?c=michellethames Resources Mentioned Dubsado Client Experience Business Systems Founder Burnout Service-Based Business Growth If You Enjoyed This Episode... Share it with another entrepreneur who is building a business behind the scenes. If this episode helped you rethink how you're growing your business, take 30 seconds to leave a review. Your reviews help more entrepreneurs discover the show. Want to support the podcast? Buy Me a Coffee and help us continue creating free content for entrepreneurs. Follow Michelle: Instagram: @michellelthames Thanks for listening to Social Media Decoded! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
SummaryMy Visibility Stack: The 4 Business Tools I Use Every Week to Grow My Brand
2w ago00:10:08Summary readyWhat tools does Michelle Thames actually use to run her business every week? In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle takes you behind the scenes of her visibility stack and shares the four platforms that power her podcast, email marketing, client management, and website. From creating content to automating workflows and building stronger customer relationships, these are the tools she relies on every single day. If you're an entrepreneur looking to simplify your business, save time, and create more opportunities through visibility, this episode is for you. In This Episode Why systems are just as important as visibility How Michelle uses Riverside to turn one recording into weeks of content Why KIT is the foundation of her email marketing strategy How Dubsado automates client onboarding and saves hours every week Why ShinePages is changing the way she thinks about websites and online presence The biggest mistake entrepreneurs make when choosing software How to build a visibility ecosystem instead of relying on social media alone Resources Mentioned Want my complete Visibility Stack? DM TOOLS on Instagram to receive the exact platforms Michelle uses to run her business, along with her favorite resources and affiliate links. Connect with Michelle Instagram: @michellelthames Threads: @michellelthames Website: michellethames.com Love the Show? If this episode helped you, please leave a review and share it with another entrepreneur. Your support helps more business owners discover the podcast and learn how to build a brand that creates real opportunities. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
SummaryWhy Opportunities Keep Finding Me (And How You Can Make Them Find You Too)
3w ago00:10:04Summary readyWhat if your next client, speaking engagement, sponsorship, or brand partnership isn’t waiting for another cold pitch—but for you to become more visible? In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames takes you behind the scenes of how her recent local business videos, community events, speaking opportunities, and brand partnerships are creating momentum in her business. She shares why visibility is about so much more than followers and explains how showing up consistently can open doors you never expected. If you’ve been posting consistently but feel like the opportunities just aren’t coming, this episode will change the way you think about your content—and your business. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why visibility creates opportunities long before someone reaches out How Michelle’s viral local business videos led to new conversations and partnerships The mindset shift that’s helping her attract speaking engagements and sponsorship opportunities Why every piece of content should be treated as a business asset How to position yourself so clients, brands, and event organizers think of you first The biggest mistake entrepreneurs make when creating content How Michelle evaluates businesses and spots marketing opportunities everywhere she goes Key Takeaways Opportunities are created long before they’re received. Visibility is an investment—not an expense. Every piece of content is either building trust or being forgotten. The right people can’t hire you if they don’t know you exist. Ready to Become More Visible? Michelle is now offering her $199 Visibility Intensive, a one-on-one strategy session designed to help you identify what’s holding your brand back and create a visibility plan that leads to real opportunities. DM Michelle the word “VISIBLE” on Instagram Connect with Michelle Thames Instagram: @michellelthames Threads: @michellelthames Website: michellethames.com Listen to more episodes of Social Media Decoded for weekly strategies on visibility, personal branding, content marketing, and building a business that attracts opportunities. Love the Show? If this episode inspired you, please leave a review and share it with another entrepreneur. Your support helps more business owners discover the podcast and learn how to build a brand that stands out. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
SummaryCommunity Is the New Competitive Advantage: Why Relationships Matter More Than Followers
3w ago00:10:22Summary readyIs community the new competitive advantage? In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames shares why she’s shifting her focus from simply creating content to intentionally building community. After hosting her intimate Summer in the South Suburbs dinner, responding to hundreds of social media comments, and watching her local business videos spark real-world conversations, she realized something powerful: People aren’t starving for more content—they’re starving for connection. Michelle shares why authentic relationships are becoming more valuable than algorithms, why networking is evolving into community building, and how creating meaningful spaces can transform your business and your life. If you’ve been feeling like you’re building your business alone, this episode is your reminder that the right room, the right conversation, and the right relationships can change everything. In This Episode You’ll Learn: Why community is becoming the biggest competitive advantage in business How Michelle’s viral local content is creating real-world connections Why responding to every comment still matters The difference between building an audience and building a community How relationships lead to referrals, collaborations, and new opportunities Why entrepreneurs are craving genuine connection now more than ever The vision behind the Connected & Paid Collective and Michelle’s upcoming November event Key Takeaways Visibility gets people to notice you. Community gives them a reason to stay. Relationships create opportunities that algorithms never can. Business doesn’t have to be built alone. Resources & Links Join the Connected & Paid Collective Send Michelle a DM with the word COMMUNITY on Instagram to learn more. Support the Podcast Love the show? Support future episodes through Buy Me a Coffee. Send Michelle a DM with the word COFFEE for the link, or check the links below. Book Michelle for your next event, workshop, or conference: https://michellethames.com/contact ️ Listen to more episodes: https://bleav.com/shows/social-media-decoded/ Join Michelle’s email community: https://michellethames.kit.com/7daychallenge Connect with Michelle Thames Instagram: @michellelthames Threads: @michellelthames LinkedIn: Michelle Thames Website: https://michellethames.com If You Enjoyed This Episode… Please leave a review and share this episode with a friend or fellow entrepreneur. Your support helps more people discover the show and allows us to continue creating free content that helps entrepreneurs become more visible, build meaningful relationships, and grow thriving businesses. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
SummaryWhy Most People Are Using AI Wrong (And What I’m Doing Instead)
4w ago00:07:50Summary readyEveryone is talking about AI. But most creators, entrepreneurs, and business owners are making one major mistake: they’re asking AI for personalized business advice without giving it access to the information it actually needs. In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames breaks down one of the most exciting announcements from the KIT Craft + Commerce conference: MCP (Model Context Protocol) and what it means for creators, marketers, and business owners. Don’t worry—this isn’t a technical episode. Michelle explains MCP in plain English and shares how connecting tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini directly to your email marketing platform could completely change the way you make business decisions. Instead of generic AI answers, imagine getting insights based on your actual audience, subscribers, and business data. From identifying your most engaged subscribers to creating smarter email campaigns and automations, this episode explores how AI is becoming more useful, more personalized, and more actionable for creators. If you’ve ever wondered how AI can help you grow your audience, email list, and business without feeling overwhelmed by technology, this episode is for you. In This Episode • What MCP is and why creators should care • Why most people are using AI incorrectly • How AI becomes more powerful when connected to your business data • The difference between generic AI advice and personalized insights • Why email marketing still matters in the age of AI • How creators can use AI to better understand their audience • Why your email list is one of the most valuable assets you own • The future of AI-powered marketing for entrepreneurs and creators Key Takeaways Followers are borrowed. Subscribers are owned. Better data leads to better decisions. AI isn’t replacing great marketers—it’s helping them make smarter decisions faster. The future belongs to creators who own their audience. Connect With Michelle Instagram: @MichelleLThames If this episode was helpful, send Michelle a DM with the word KIT and let her know your biggest takeaway. Affiliate Link For KIT: https://partners.kit.com/9agthn08tlmq-mcp Resources Mentioned • Kit Email Marketing Platform • ChatGPT • Claude • Gemini • KIT Craft + Commerce Conference Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
SummaryWhy Community Builders Will Win the Next Decade
4w ago00:10:35Summary readyWhat if the most valuable skill of the next decade isn’t content creation, AI, or automation? What if it’s community building? In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames explores why community builders are uniquely positioned to thrive in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, automation, and digital connection. While technology continues to evolve, one thing remains true: people still crave belonging, trust, relationships, and meaningful human connection. Michelle shares what she’s learning through building Coffee & Connections, community walks, curated dinner experiences, The Collective, and her upcoming Connected & Paid event. She explains why the future belongs to those who know how to bring people together and why relationship capital may become one of the most valuable assets you can build. If you’re a creator, entrepreneur, leader, or business owner looking to build something that lasts, this episode is for you. In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why AI and automation are increasing the value of human connection • The growing loneliness epidemic and what it means for business • The difference between building an audience and building a community • Why relationship capital matters more than ever • Lessons from Coffee & Connections, The Walk, and The Dinner Series • How community creates opportunities that content alone cannot • Why community leaders are becoming the most influential people in business Key Quote: “Community leaders are the new influencers.” Connect with Michelle: Instagram: @MichelleLThames DM the word COMMUNITY to continue the conversation. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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