Podcast Summary

Podcast: Social Media Decoded
Host: Michelle Thames
Episode Title: From Online Authority to In-Person Impact: How to Host Profitable Workshops (Even If You’re Nervous)
Date: February 12, 2026
Guest: Mariah, SEO Consultant and Educator, Founder of Mariah Magazine

Episode Overview

This special episode offers listeners a behind-the-scenes look at a live coaching session between marketing expert Michelle Thames and Mariah, a ten-year veteran of the online education space. The discussion centers on transitioning from online authority to in-person impact, specifically how to host profitable workshops as an entrepreneur—even when nerves or logistics feel daunting. Listeners gain actionable strategies, mindset shifts, and personal anecdotes about building visibility, creating meaningful community events, and navigating the details of local workshops.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Mariah’s Journey & Hesitations

• Background: Mariah has a decade of experience teaching SEO online, serving both individuals and teams, with a successful YouTube channel, membership, and consulting business.
  • Quote: “I have a YouTube channel where I have free tutorials…then I have an SEO membership and then I do consulting too.” — Mariah [01:02]
• Desire: Wants to expand from online into in-person workshops in Buffalo, NY.
• Challenges/Nerves:
  • Local market lags behind online space (“five years behind”).
  • Fear of low attendance, uncertainty about client experience, and lack of promo knowledge for in-person events.
  • Most of her audience is global, not local.
  • Event logistics (not content) seem overwhelming.

2. Michelle’s Experience & Encouragement

• Parallel Story: Michelle shares her own shift to local events after running her business online, starting with a free coffee shop meetup that attracted 20 attendees.
  • Quote: “No one is having in person events…So I literally just said, you know what, I'm just gonna start with a free meetup at a local coffee shop.” — Michelle [05:02]
• Validation of Fear: Even established entrepreneurs can host events where “nobody showed up,” and that’s OK.
  • Quote: “Yesterday I did an online event at 7 o' clock and nobody showed up, but it was like 50 people who signed up.” — Michelle [05:20]
• Key Message: Action over perfection—“Just pull the band aid off and do it.”
  • Use simplicity to reduce stress.
  • Community and belonging are what people are really seeking at local events.

3. Event Promotion Tactics & Tools

• Eventbrite: Utilize its organic reach and built-in audience; ads are geo-targeted and effective.
  • Quote: “Once I started putting my in person events on Eventbrite…I had a lady drive through a snowstorm to come to my event. She just saw my event on Eventbrite.” — Michelle [06:20]
• Threads (Social App):
  • Michelle used Threads to gauge interest, DM every commenter, and convert interest into bookings.
  • Quote: “I went through every single person and I sent them a DM to gain interest for my event and a few people ended up booking.” — Michelle [09:05]
• Multi-Platform Sharing: Leverage Facebook, Instagram, and more to maximize reach.
  • Organic + simple paid ads = best of both worlds.

4. Event Formats & Details

• Types of Events:
  • Conferences, coffee meetups, larger paid events, mix of formats preferred.
• Michelle’s Annual Conference:
  • Two-day structure with VIP night and a main day (60+ attendees).
  • Focus on deep, meaningful networking and strategic learning over surface-level “fluff.”
  • Quote: “We really brought people together in proximity to network…not just surface level networking.” — Michelle [10:33]
• Event Programming:
  • Intentional networking at the start, then sessions/panels.
  • Enable pre-event introductions via group Instagram or WhatsApp chats, boosting comfort and connections.
    • Quote: “I just use a simple Instagram channel…Sometimes we wanna go over and beyond, but people actually just want human connection.” — Michelle [18:47]
• Event Marketing:
  • Early bird tickets, no discounts after cutoffs, clear pricing, no over-complication.
  • Event content should be actionable, not just inspirational.
  • Encourage guests to create/share content (signage with hashtags).

5. Mindset & Motivation

• Purpose: For Michelle, events initially were about building community and brand rather than profit.
  • Quote: “My first event I probably broke even. But then the next one…it was really just to build community and to let people know that Michelle Thames is someone who hosts events.” — Michelle [15:18]
• Simplicity Wins: Avoid overthinking décor or details—focus on meaningful experience.
• Relationships Matter: Successful event planning is helped by strong local partnerships (e.g., hotel contacts).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “When you say you want to host more in person workshops but you're nervous, what does nervous actually mean?” — Michelle [01:40]
• “I found that like every time that I did things locally, it felt like everybody was like five years behind the online space.” — Mariah [02:27]
• “You just have to pull the band aid off and do it…people are looking for belonging and so community is just basically what everyone is craving.” — Michelle [06:07]
• “I think you can use [Threads] in multiple ways to increase your visibility overall.” — Michelle [20:16]
• “Keep it simple, stupid, and make it share worthy.” — Mariah [19:36]
• “We have all the information that we need and sometimes it's just as simple as talking to someone else and getting clarity.” — Michelle [21:15]

Key Segment Timestamps

• Mariah Introduces Herself & Her Goals: [01:02]–[02:27]
• Mariah’s Hesitations About In-Person Events: [02:27]–[05:02]
• Michelle’s Story—First In-Person Meetup & Lessons: [05:02]–[08:32]
• Promotion Tactics: Eventbrite, Threads, Multi-Platform: [08:32]–[10:27]
• Event Format Deep-Dive – Conferences vs. Workshops: [10:27]–[12:38]
• How to Structure and Price Events: [12:38]–[15:12]
• Event Purpose: Revenue vs. Community Focus: [15:12]–[16:43]
• Programming/Logistics: Networking, Panels, Chats: [16:43]–[19:03]
• Event Simplicity & Content Creation: [19:03]–[20:16]
• Threads as a Community Tool: [20:16]–[20:50]
• Final Encouragement, Key Takeaways: [20:50]–[21:42]

Actionable Steps & Takeaways

• Start Simple: Host a low-pressure event at a local spot to test interest and logistics.
• Use Platforms with Built-in Discovery: Eventbrite for visibility, Threads to gauge and nurture local interest.
• Leverage Your Online Community: Multi-platform promotion extends reach beyond your existing local network.
• Clarity Over Complexity: Focus on connection and value, not perfection or grand shows.
• Pre-Network: Give attendees a way to connect before the event (via group chats) for better networking.
• Iterate & Grow: First event may break even or be small—use learning to refine future events.
• Build Partnerships: Foster relationships with venues and sponsors from the start.

Closing Message

Michelle and Mariah’s conversation is a real-world guide for anyone nervous about moving from online to in-person offerings. The essential advice: take the leap, focus on authentic connection, and keep things simple. Community and relationships drive both personal and business growth!

Follow Michelle Thames for more actionable marketing insight, and check out Mariah for practical SEO support. And remember—sometimes, you just have to pull the band aid off and get started.