Episode Overview

Podcast: Social Media Decoded
Host: Michelle Thames
Episode: How I Pick My Clients Now (So I Don’t End Up In Situations Again)
Date: November 26, 2025

In this raw and honest episode, host Michelle Thames dives deep into her evolved process for selecting clients in her business. She reflects candidly on lessons learned from past client relationships that drained her energy and peace. The heart of the episode is a breakdown of five key red flags Michelle now avoids when choosing who to work with, as well as the green flags she actively seeks out. Entrepreneurs and service providers will find actionable insights to help protect their own energy, time, and business growth.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Need to Change Client Selection (01:00)

• Michelle opens up about a period in her business where she said yes to every client out of financial need, desire to please, and not yet owning her “CEO energy.”
• Consequence: Ignoring early warning signs cost her emotionally, energetically, physically, and financially.
• Lesson Learned: “Not all money is good money. Not all clients are aligned clients. And peace is part of profit.” (Michelle, 02:08)

2. Five Red Flags Michelle No Longer Ignores (02:20 – 04:46)

Red Flag #1: Chaotic Energy in the Inquiry Stage (02:27)

• Frantic, demanding, unclear, inconsistent, or rushed prospects foreshadow trouble.
• “How they show up in the beginning is exactly how they show up during a project.”
• Green Flag: Calm, prepared, respectful energy.

Red Flag #2: Misalignment in Expectations (02:55)

• Clients who want magic results without effort, or expect their mindset/habits to be “fixed” for them.
• Green Flag: Realistic expectations, willingness to work.

Red Flag #3: Budget Disrespect (03:21)

• Not about a low budget, but a low respect for her rates (“That’s too much for a call. Can you do it for less?”).
• “If you don’t respect my rates, you don’t respect my expertise. Period.”
• Green Flag: Aligned budget and value.

Red Flag #4: Desperation Energy (“I Need This to Work or Else”) (03:45)

• High-stakes, savior-seeking, or therapy-seeking clients.
• “This is an important one because you end up being their savior, therapist, punching bag or accountability police.”
• Green Flag: Grounded, prepared, self-led clients.

Red Flag #5: No Boundaries (04:15)

• Clients emailing at midnight, DMing constantly, expecting instant replies, not following processes.
• “That’s a preview of a nightmare.”
• Green Flag: Respects timelines, boundaries, turnarounds.

3. What Michelle Looks for Now (04:46 – 05:43)

• Michelle now prioritizes clients who are self-led, goal-oriented, process-respectful, excited about collaboration, and willing to invest in their growth.
• “I say no fast. I say yes with discernment. I protect my energy, my creativity and my team.” (Michelle, 05:12)
• She emphasizes a new standard: “We are not lowering ourselves to fit into situations that drain us. We are accepting clients who match our CEO identity.” (Michelle, 05:35)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Not all money is good money. Not all clients are aligned clients. And peace is part of profit.” (Michelle, 02:08)
• “If you don’t respect my rates, you don’t respect my expertise. Period.” (Michelle, 03:28)
• “I say no fast. I say yes with discernment. I protect my energy, my creativity and my team.” (Michelle, 05:12)
• “We are not lowering ourselves to fit into situations that drain us. We are accepting clients who match our CEO identity.” (Michelle, 05:35)
• Shout-out to loyal listener: “Precious, she said on Spotify, ‘All this information in under 10 minutes. Oh, the queen you are. Thank you for this.’” (Michelle, 01:37)

Important Timestamps

• 01:00 — Michelle intros the heart of the episode; talks about her motivation to change how she picks clients
• 02:20 – 04:46 — Breakdown of the five key red flags and their healthy “green flag” counterparts
• 04:46 – 05:43 — Michelle’s new approach: intentional, strategic, spirit-led client selection
• 05:35 — Empowered affirmation for 2026: Accepting only clients aligned with CEO identity

Conclusion

Michelle delivers a concise yet impactful blueprint for fellow entrepreneurs who are ready to upgrade their client standards and protect their business peace. This episode empowers listeners to tune in to red flags, raise their standards, and step into their CEO energy—reminding them: “Peace is part of profit.” Michelle encourages listeners to reflect on their own client red flags and to connect with her for further clarity and growth resources.