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Limu Emu and Doug. Here we have the Limu Emu in its natural habitat helping people customize their car insurance and save hundreds with Liberty Mutual. Fascinating. It's accompanied by his natural ally, Doug. Uh, Limu is that guy with the binoculars watching us? Cut the camera. They see us. Only pay for what you need@libertymutual.com Liberty Liberty Liberty Liberty Savings vary unwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance company and affiliates Excludes Massachusetts.

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Lowe's loyalty is royalty. With Christmas right around the corner, treat yourself for less during the holiday season. Rewards members get early online only access to Black Friday Doorbuster deals on Thanksgiving day like the Hisense side by side fridge. Just $799. Not a member. Join for free today Lowe's we help you save bow at 11:27 only on Lowe's.com, member only doorbusters and Midnight Eastern loyalty programs subject to terms and conditions. Seelowe's.com terms for details subject to change.

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What's up? Welcome back to Social Media Decoded. It's your host, Michelle Thames, marketing strategist, visibility coach, CEO, wife, mom and multi passionate woman out here doing all the things with purpose. Today's episode is real. It's raw. It's honest. Because I'm talking about how I pick my clients now so I never end up in situations again that drain my spirit, waste my time, or cost me my peace. And listen, if you've ever worked with a client and said that was not worth it, or I saw the red flags and ignored them, then this episode is for you. But real quick, remember I dropped the visibility and clarity kit for Black Friday. A few of you all have been snatching it up. Go ahead and DM me kit on Instagram to grab it. And I just gotta shout out one of the listeners, Precious, she said on Spotify, all this information in under 10 minutes. Oh, the queen you are. Thank you for this. Thank you so much, Precious, for being a listener of social media Decoded. I appreciate you and thank you all so much for leaving amazing comments over on Spotify. Now let's get into today's message. Why I had to change the way I pick clients. There was a season in my business where I said yes to everyone because I wanted the money, because I didn't want to disappoint people, because I wasn't standing in my CEO energy yet. And every single time I ignored red flags, I paid for it emotionally, energetically, physically, financially. I learned that not all money is good money. Not all clients are aligned clients. And peace is part of profit. So now I choose clients differently. Intentionally, strategically, spirit led. Let's talk about the five major red flags I no longer ignore. Red flag number one, chaotic energy during the inquiry stage. If they are frantic, demanding, unclear, inconsistent or trying to rush you, that's foreshadowing. How they show up in the beginning is exactly how they show up during a project. Green flag, calm, prepared, respectful energy. Red flag number two, misalignment in expectations. They expect magic without effort. They want fast results without strategy. They want you to fix their mindset, their habits and lack of consistency. Not anymore. Green flags, realistic expectations and the willingness to work. Red flag number three, budget disrespect. Not low budget, low respect. Saying that's too much for a call. Can you do it for less? I can get this for cheaper. If you don't respect my rates, you don't respect my expertise. Period. Green flag, align budget, align value. Red flag number four, I need this to work or else. Energy desperation. Energy is dangerous energy. This is an important one because you end up getting being their savior, therapist, punching bag or accountability police. Green flag grounded, prepared, self led clients. Red flag number five, no boundaries. If someone's emailing at midnight, DMing constantly expecting instant replies, not following processes. That's a preview of a nightmare. Green flag respects timelines, boundaries and turnarounds. What I look for now. Now I only work with clients who are self led, clear about their goals, respectful of processes, excited about collaboration and ready to invest in their elevation. I say no fast. I say yes with discernment. I protect my energy, my creativity and my team. Because in 2026, we are not lowering ourselves to fit into situations that drain us. We are accepting clients who match our CEO identity. If this episode resonated, head over to Spotify and answer today's question. What client Red flag are you done ignoring? And if you're ready for clarity in your 2026 CEO era, DM Me Kit for the Black Friday Invisibility Clarity kit over on Instagram, Michelle. And listen, if you want a VIP day with me to get your entire strategy mapped out in one day, DM me at michellelthamesvip. I have limited spots. Thank you for listening. I will talk to you in the next one. Peace.