Podcast Summary: Social Media Decoded

Episode: "Networking Works: Why I Host Events"

Host: Michelle Thames
Date: September 13, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Michelle Thames dives deep into the power of networking—especially through in-person events—as a vital visibility and authority-building strategy for entrepreneurs and career professionals. Drawing on over a decade of experience hosting events, Michelle shares her personal journey as a connector and offers actionable tips for both event hosts and attendees. She makes a compelling case that true authority and opportunities are built off the feed, in real human connection, and invites listeners to join her community for upcoming networking events in Chicago and online.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Why In-Person Events Matter for Authority

• Social media is just the "front door."
  Michelle compares social platforms to a way for people to find you, but events are “the living room—where people sit down, connect, and decide if they want to stay a while.”
• Events position you as a leader.
  By hosting, you’re recognized not just as a participant, but as someone who creates opportunities and brings others together, which rapidly builds trust and credibility.
  • “When you're the one creating community, people just see you differently. They see you as the connector...that builds trust faster than any viral reel. And that is what I have been doing.” — Michelle Thames [02:32]

2. Michelle’s Backstory of Hosting

• Started in 2009 with a natural hair event in a friend’s living room.
• Has continued building spaces for connection through every phase of her career.
• Currently building a networking community in Chicago, focusing on women entrepreneurs and professionals.

3. Concrete Networking Tips

Michelle offers practical advice, stressing the importance of authenticity and follow-through:

• Lead with value:
  “Don’t just ask, ‘What do you do?’... Instead, ask, ‘What’s the one thing you’re working on right now that you’re excited about?’ That opens real conversations.” — Michelle Thames [03:32]
• Follow up online:
  Connect on LinkedIn or Instagram the same day.
  “Authority is built in the follow up, my friend. The fortune is in the follow up.” — Michelle Thames [03:52]
• Document the room:
  Take photos, share behind-the-scenes, tag attendees—this keeps conversations alive after the event.
• Start small:
  “You do not need a hundred people to host a powerful event… the magic is the intimacy.” [04:23]
• Be consistent:
  Networking’s true value comes from regularity, not one-off efforts.

4. Impact of Real Connections

• Michelle emphasizes that her biggest opportunities have come from real conversations at events, not from online posts.
• “Networking isn’t just about passing out business cards or collecting Instagram followers. It’s about creating genuine, memorable interactions... those connections will carry you further than any algorithm ever could. The algorithm could never.” — Michelle Thames [05:23]

5. Invitation to Listeners & Upcoming Events

• Women entrepreneurs and career professionals in Chicago are encouraged to join her events list and community.
• Announcement of She Connects (online networking event) on September 25 (her birthday) at noon CST:
  “Come and celebrate my birthday with me… what joy would that bring me on my birthday to connect with all of you.” [06:31]
• Ongoing in-person “Coffee & Connections” and other events in Chicagoland.
• The Elevate and Empower Collective is expanding—Michelle welcomes listeners to join and build together.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the value of events:
  “Hosting events has put me in an entirely different space of authority. I’m not just an entrepreneur who posts tips online. I’m the woman creating rooms for others.” — Michelle Thames [02:13]

• On follow-up:
  “Authority is built in the follow up, my friend. The fortune is in the follow up.” — Michelle Thames [03:52]

• On what sets real networking apart:
  “The bigger lesson... Social media visibility is important, but authority multiplies when people experience you off the feed.” — Michelle Thames [05:02]

• Signature sign-off:
  “The rooms that you step into today could change your future tomorrow. Until next time, keep showing up online and offline.” — Michelle Thames [07:53]

Important Timestamps

• 00:57 – Episode content begins; Michelle sets the theme: why real-life networking matters.
• 01:54 – Michelle tells her origin story of event hosting.
• 03:32 – Actionable networking tips for hosts and attendees.
• 04:23 – The power of small, intimate events.
• 05:23 – Michelle shares how real-world connections brought her the biggest opportunities.
• 06:31 – Invites listeners to She Connects and shares ongoing event opportunities.
• 07:53 – Final thoughts and encouragement.

Episode Takeaways

• In-person and online events create transformational opportunities for networking and authority-building.
• Hosting positions you as a leader and connector, accelerating trust and business growth.
• True networking is about genuine relationship-building, not transactional exchanges.
• Consistency, authenticity, and timely follow-up are key for success.

For more:

• Follow Michelle on Instagram: @michellethames
• Join the events list for upcoming in-person and online networking sessions in Chicago and beyond.