Building Digital Authority

Tanya Smith

Building Digital Authority is a podcast for experienced professionals who know they have valuable expertise but want their online presence to reflect it. Hosted by Tanya Smith, the show explores what it really takes to become recognized, trusted, and discoverable in today's digital world. Each episode blends practical strategy with thoughtful conversation about personal branding, AI, visibility, thought leadership, and the evolving role experience plays in a technology-driven world.

Episodes

  1. Nov 5

    Why You're Not Closing Sales (Even When Clients Love Your Work) with Tish Times

    You're experienced. You're good at what you do. People love your content and tell you how much they appreciate your expertise. So why aren't more of those conversations turning into paying clients? Sometimes the biggest obstacle to closing a sale isn't your offer or even your sales strategy. It's what happens when it's time to confidently communicate your value. In this episode of Building Digital Authority, Tanya Smith sits down with sales strategist, author, and entrepreneur Tish Times to explore why accomplished women sometimes hesitate to sell, even when they know their work delivers results. Tish shares practical insights from years of helping women entrepreneurs strengthen their sales conversations. Together, they discuss the subtle ways uncertainty can show up when talking about pricing, why interested prospects sometimes disappear, and how to approach selling from a place of genuine service rather than pressure. You'll discover: Why sales confidence matters just as much as having a solid process How you might be unintentionally talking yourself out of a sale What potential clients notice when you hesitate about your pricing Why great content and visibility don't automatically lead to paying clients How feedback from lost opportunities can improve future sales conversations Why building relationships with the right people makes selling feel more natural One especially valuable moment comes when Tish shares the story of a business owner who nearly closed a significant deal until the conversation turned to pricing. The prospect noticed a change in her confidence and began questioning the purchase. It's a powerful reminder that people respond to more than the words we say. They also respond to how confidently we communicate our value. Whether you're a coach, consultant, or established service professional, this conversation will help you examine the connection between visibility, sales confidence, and building a business around your expertise. ABOUT OUR GUEST Tish Times is the founder and CEO of Tish Times Sales Agents and author of Networking Is Not a One-Night Stand and The Networking and Sales Planner. She helps women entrepreneurs and business leaders strengthen their sales confidence, communication, and client relationships. Connect with Tish: https://tishtimes.com ABOUT BUILDING DIGITAL AUTHORITY Hosted by Digital Authority Strategist Tanya Smith, Building Digital Authority helps experienced women make their expertise easier to find, understand, trust, and hire. Through conversations about visibility, business strategy, content, video, technology, and relationships, we explore practical ways to create an online presence that reflects the professional you've already become. Connect with Tanya: https://tanyasmith.ceo If this conversation resonates with you, follow Building Digital Authority on your favorite podcast platform and share this episode with another woman who could benefit from hearing it.

  2. Nov 2

    The Human Advantage: Why Listening Matters More Than Ever with Nancy Marmolejo

    What does it really mean to make someone feel heard, and why is listening becoming one of the most important leadership skills in an AI-driven world? In this episode of Build Digital Authority, Tanya Smith sits down with leadership coach, speaker, and communication expert Nancy Marmolejo for a thoughtful conversation about the power of listening, human connection, and what technology can never fully replace. With decades of experience in personal branding and leadership development, Nancy shares how her work evolved into a deeper exploration of what it means to truly listen and be heard. Together, Tanya and Nancy explore why listening is more than a communication skill. It shapes how we lead, build trust, develop relationships, and show up for the people who matter. Nancy introduces her practical three-part listening framework: Presence, Patience, and Phrasing. She also shares insights about self-advocacy, neurodiversity, generational differences, and the importance of recognizing that people experience communication differently. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL DISCOVER: Why active listening is essential for effective leadership and stronger relationships How Presence, Patience, and Phrasing can improve everyday conversations Why feeling heard matters as much as being understood How self-awareness and self-advocacy support better communication What neurodiversity can teach us about different listening and communication styles How technology and AI are changing human interaction Practical ways to become a more intentional listener at work and in life For experienced women building their digital authority, this conversation offers an important reminder: Your expertise matters, but so does your ability to connect with the people you want to serve. As AI continues to change how we communicate and conduct business, the human skills of listening, empathy, and authentic connection remain essential. ABOUT NANCY MARMOLEJO Nancy Marmolejo is a leadership coach, speaker, and organizational consultant whose work focuses on communication, personal branding, and helping people feel genuinely heard. Her approach brings together decades of experience with a practical understanding of human connection and leadership. Explore Nancy's Listening Essentials Quiz and learn more about her work at https://heardbook.com. ABOUT BUILD DIGITAL AUTHORITY Hosted by Digital Authority Strategist Tanya Smith, Build Digital Authority explores practical ways experienced women can make their expertise more visible, strengthen relationships, and build an online presence that reflects who they are and the value they bring. Through conversations about content strategy, video, technology, business, and human connection, Tanya helps experienced professionals build a sustainable digital presence without the pressure to become someone they're not. Learn more about Tanya at https://tanyasmith.ceo.

  3. Sep 21

    Stop Performing, Start Serving: How to Connect and Build Trust on Video

    Episode Description If you’ve ever felt out of sync with yourself on camera—stiffer, more self-conscious, or simply unlike the expert your peers know in person—this episode offers a practical shift. Tanya Smith explores why so many accomplished professionals sound less like themselves online, and what mindset changes can help you show up with the confidence and authority you want your digital presence to reflect. The conversation looks closely at how self-monitoring and fear of judgment derail natural communication. Tanya shares her personal journey, including setbacks and unsolicited criticism, to demonstrate what it really takes to move past anxiety and perfectionism on video. The episode isn’t about lighting or technical polish; instead, it’s about connecting one-to-one—even in front of a camera—and how that simple refocus not only builds trust but compounds your digital authority over time. Listeners are invited to try approachable tools, such as speaking to a photo of an ideal client and practicing short, purposeful affirmations before recording. These methods help make “showing up as yourself” a practical habit, not a vague aspiration. If you want your online image to reflect your real expertise—without performing or overthinking—this episode will help you reset your frame. In this episode: Why even veteran experts feel “off” on camera—and what’s really driving the discomfort The hidden cost of self-focus and how it undermines trust and visibility Practical steps for reconnecting with your authentic voice on video How to use simple affirmations and a “one-face” technique to shift attention outward Why trust is built in real conversation, not performance Resources mentioned: Free affirmation card deck: affirmations.streamlikeaboss.tv More on Tanya's work and resources: tanyasmith.ceo

  4. Aug 28

    Growth Hacking Live Recap: 6 Proven Steps to Boost Your Digital Authority

    Episode Description It’s possible to have a respected reputation offline and still feel underseen online. Does your digital footprint truly reflect your expertise—or is it lost among disconnected posts, missed opportunities, and too many tools? In this episode of Build Digital Authority, Tanya Smith distills three days at the Growth Hacking Live Summit into six practical lessons for service-based professionals and experienced women navigating digital visibility without chasing every new tactic. You’ll hear straightforward strategies for clarifying your financial picture, rekindling valuable connections, organizing your expertise, and leveraging AI thoughtfully—always with an eye toward sustainable digital authority, not just busier schedules. Tanya Smith also shares actionable tips for strengthening relationships beyond social platforms, reducing “money leaks,” and making technology work for you instead of the other way around. If you’re building a body of work that deserves more recognition online, and you want more than trendy “visibility hacks,” this episode offers clarity and workable actions—no hype required. In this episode: Why knowing your numbers—personally and professionally—matters more than ever (and how to spot hidden expenses) The power of reconnecting with your existing network for new opportunities and revenue How to clarify the results you offer so clients understand your value The risks of relying solely on social platforms—and simple ways to stay connected off-platform What thoughtful use of AI really looks like for experts who value substance over shortcuts Listen for real strategies to ensure your expertise stands out, connects, and lasts online.

  5. Aug 17

    Building Digital Authority: Intentional Tech and Video Strategy with James Hicks

    Feeling buried in video tech, apps, and AI options? This episode cuts through the clutter and shows how midlife women build real digital authority on their own terms. Intention matters more than the newest tool, whether you're streaming live or growing your brand for the long term. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN HOW TO: Pinpoint the difference between jumping on trends and building with real intention and purposeUnderstand why the research always catches up: how "receipts" protect your credibility once you claim expertiseUse AI as a member of your team, not the decision-maker, so it multiplies your judgment instead of replacing itRecognize why owning your platform matters, and what happens when the algorithm changes without warningSpot the mistakes that turn "I can build an app" into noise nobody actually needs ABOUT OUR GUESTJames Hicks is a Silicon Valley technologist and founder of Hicks New Media. He builds scalable digital solutions for creators and businesses, blending enterprise-level insight with hands-on experience as a content creator and consultant. James represents the technology side of Digital Authority: the multiplier, not the source. His perspective helps midlife women use AI and livestream tools with intention, so the technology extends their expertise instead of replacing it. EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:0:00 - Introduction and episode overview2:57 - Tanya claims the title: Queen of Digital Authority™5:2 - James Hicks's background and tech journey9:16 - Why AI and livestream tools have leveled the playing field15:18 - Building with intention: how to avoid "noise" and focus on real solutions28:25 - Behind the scenes: touring James's branded app suite41:16 - Why the research always catches up: credibility and receipts43:36 - Using AI as a team member, not the decision-maker55:00 - A caution on lifetime deals, and why owned, recurring value wins1:05:09 - Own your platform: what happens when the algorithm changes without warning1:22:34 - Key takeaways, action steps, and closing thoughts KEYWORDS:digital authority, livestream strategy, video marketing for coaches, AI content tools, building brand trust RESOURCES FOR YOU:Want a video and livestream strategy that reflects real digital authority, not just more content? Book a discovery call at https://tanyasmith.ceo/book-a-call. Follow Tanya @tanyasmithCEO on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, and subscribe on YouTube @tanyasmith for more on building digital authority with intention.

  6. Aug 1

    Your Decades of Results Are Invisible Without This Kit

    Discover the ultimate speaker kit checklist designed to empower women over 50 in boosting their personal brand and establishing a strong brand authority. As a midlife woman, developing a solid personal branding strategy is crucial to building a robust brand identity and showcasing your unique brand story. This comprehensive checklist will guide you through the process of creating a powerful brand blueprint, helping you to rise above the noise and become a confident, authoritative voice in your industry. By implementing these expert tips and strategies, you'll experience a significant confidence boost and be well on your way to a midlife makeover that transforms your personal and professional life. Whether you're looking to establish yourself as a thought leader or simply want to enhance your online presence, this complete speaker kit checklist is the perfect resource to help you unlock your brand power and achieve your goals. With a focus on personal branding over 50, this video is specifically designed to support midlife women in their journey to building a strong, authentic personal brand that reflects their values, passions, and expertise. By the end of this video, you'll have a clear understanding of how to create a compelling brand strategy that showcases your unique strengths and helps you stand out in a crowded market. So, if you're ready to take your personal brand to the next level and unleash your full potential, watch this video now and start building the brand authority and brand identity you deserve.

About

Building Digital Authority is a podcast for experienced professionals who know they have valuable expertise but want their online presence to reflect it. Hosted by Tanya Smith, the show explores what it really takes to become recognized, trusted, and discoverable in today's digital world. Each episode blends practical strategy with thoughtful conversation about personal branding, AI, visibility, thought leadership, and the evolving role experience plays in a technology-driven world.