Social Media Decoded

Michelle Thames
  • 5.0 (181)
  • MARKETING
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

Social Media Decoded is your go-to podcast for marketing, visibility, and monetization strategies to grow your business online. Hosted by marketing expert Michelle Thames, this show breaks down social media, content marketing, and business growth into actionable steps for entrepreneurs, creators, and brands. Tune in for expert insights, real-world strategies, and inspiring success stories to help you get visible, attract clients, and build a profitable brand. 🎙️✨

  1. 5H AGO

    How Entrepreneurs Actually Get Speaking Opportunities

    Many entrepreneurs want to become speakers, but few understand how speaking opportunities actually happen. In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames breaks down the real ways entrepreneurs land stages, panels, and speaking engagements. While many people believe you need a speaker bureau or a massive following, Michelle explains why most speaking opportunities actually come from visibility, relationships, and people seeing your expertise in action. Through the Visibility Breakdown, Michelle explains how speakers get booked through content, networking, and referrals. She also shares real examples from her own journey, including how sharing ideas on Threads led to an opportunity to speak for Power Table and how posting on LinkedIn recently led to an invitation to speak at her alma mater, Northern Illinois University. If you’re an entrepreneur who wants to start speaking or expand your authority, this episode will show you how visibility and relationships open doors to the right stages. What You’ll Learn in This Episode • How entrepreneurs actually get speaking opportunities • Why visibility on social media can lead to speaking invitations • The role relationships and networking play in landing stages • Why referrals often lead to more speaking engagements • How to position yourself as someone event organizers want to invite Visibility Breakdown Michelle explains the three primary ways speakers get booked: Visibility through content — sharing ideas and expertise online Relationships and rooms — conversations and connections at events and communities Referrals — people recommending you after hearing your perspective or seeing you speak When people consistently see your expertise and perspective, they begin associating you with certain topics and inviting you into opportunities. Room Story Michelle shares two real examples of speaking opportunities that came from visibility and relationships. An invitation to speak with Power Table came after someone discovered her ideas on Threads. More recently, sharing her perspective on LinkedIn led to an opportunity to speak at her alma mater, Northern Illinois University. These examples show how opportunities often come from a mix of online visibility and real-world relationships. Unpopular Visibility Truth You don’t need a speaker bureau to get on stages. Many speaking opportunities come from people discovering your ideas, experiencing your expertise, and recommending you for opportunities. When your visibility increases, your chances of being invited into rooms and on stages increase as well. Spotify Listener Question Where do you think speaking opportunities come from the most? • Social media visibility • Networking and relationships • Referrals • Speaking at smaller events first Answer directly in Spotify and share your experience. Support the Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, consider leaving a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. You can also support the show through the Buy Me a Coffee, which helps keep the podcast running and allows Michelle to continue sharing insights about visibility and opportunity. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    6 min

  2. 19H AGO

    How Rooms Change Everything in Business

    In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames breaks down why rooms are one of the most powerful drivers of visibility and opportunity in business. While many entrepreneurs focus on posting content and growing an audience online, Michelle explains how masterminds, communities, and professional networks often create the real momentum behind successful businesses. Through the Visibility Breakdown, she explores how the right environments can lead to partnerships, introductions, and collaborations that expand your reach far beyond social media. She also shares a Room Story about two entrepreneurs who connected in a room and turned that connection into a collaboration that helped both of their businesses grow. If you’ve ever felt like you’re trying to build your business alone, this episode will help you understand why the right room can change everything. What You’ll Learn in This Episode • Why masterminds and communities accelerate business growth • How networks expand your visibility and opportunities • The role collaboration plays in building authority • Why relationships often lead to bigger opportunities than content alone • How entrepreneurs can stop building in isolation Visibility Breakdown Michelle explains how masterminds, communities, and networks create powerful environments for growth. When entrepreneurs surround themselves with people who are actively building businesses, new ideas, collaborations, and introductions naturally emerge. The right room often leads to opportunities that content alone cannot create. Room Story Michelle shares an example of two entrepreneurs who met in a room, discovered overlapping audiences, and decided to collaborate on an event together. That single conversation turned into a partnership that helped both of their businesses grow and reach new audiences. Unpopular Visibility Truth Most people stay invisible because they try to grow alone. Entrepreneurs who consistently put themselves in rooms with other builders often grow faster because collaboration and relationships expand their reach. Upcoming Event Michelle is hosting an Open House on March 24 at 6 PM CST where entrepreneurs can experience the community she has built for women who want more visibility, connection, and opportunities. Details can be found in the show notes. Spotify Listener Question Do you believe business opportunities come more from content or from relationships and rooms? Support the Podcast If you enjoy the show, consider leaving a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. You can also support the podcast through the Buy Me a Coffee, which helps keep these conversations going. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    6 min

  3. 1D AGO

    Chicago Builders Series: Why I’m Spotlighting the South Suburbs

    In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames launches a brand new series called Chicago Builders, highlighting the entrepreneurs, creators, and community leaders shaping Chicago and the South Suburbs. While many conversations about business focus on building large online audiences, Michelle shares why some of the most powerful opportunities come from local ecosystems and meaningful relationships. She breaks down how local visibility can lead to partnerships, speaking opportunities, and business growth, and shares a personal story about her husband being named Citizen of the Year for his impact in their community. If you’ve ever felt pressure to build a massive following to be successful, this episode will shift how you think about visibility and remind you that the right community can open doors you never expected. What You’ll Learn in This Episode • Why local ecosystems can create powerful business opportunities • How visibility grows through community and relationships • The difference between global reach and meaningful impact • Why being known in your own community matters • How entrepreneurs can build influence without millions of followers Visibility Breakdown Michelle explains how local ecosystems create opportunities through conversations, partnerships, and shared networks. Instead of relying only on social media growth, many entrepreneurs become known through events, community involvement, and relationships with other local builders. Room Story Michelle shares a personal story about her husband being named Citizen of the Year in their community, highlighting how consistent involvement, leadership, and service can lead to recognition and influence. This example shows how visibility often comes from showing up and contributing to your community over time. Unpopular Visibility Truth You don’t need a global audience to build a powerful business. Sometimes the most valuable visibility comes from being known by the right people in the right rooms. Spotify Listener Question Do you think local community or social media has helped you the most in building visibility? Support the Podcast If you enjoy the podcast, please consider leaving a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. You can also support the show through the Buy Me a Coffee link, which helps keep these conversations going. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    6 min

  4. 3D AGO

    The Fastest Way to Become Known in Your Industry

    In this episode, Michelle Thames breaks down one of the fastest ways entrepreneurs can become known in their industry. Instead of relying only on content and social media, Michelle explains how speaking opportunities, partnerships, and meaningful relationships can accelerate visibility and open doors to powerful opportunities. She also shares a real story about how building a genuine connection at an event led to a speaking opportunity with Kimberly-Clark North America and how collaboration often creates more growth than competition. What You’ll Learn in This Episode • The fastest way entrepreneurs become known in their industry • Why speaking opportunities increase authority and visibility • How partnerships expand your reach and influence • The power of relationships and proximity in business growth • Why collaboration leads to faster visibility than competition Visibility Breakdown In this segment, Michelle explains how speakers grow their authority and visibility through stages, partnerships, and opportunities to share their expertise in front of new audiences. Speaking allows entrepreneurs to reach people who already trust the host or event organizer, making it one of the most powerful ways to build credibility and recognition in an industry. Room Story Michelle shares a real story about attending an event where she met someone connected to Kimberly-Clark North America. After building a relationship and continuing the conversation over time, that connection mentioned Michelle’s name in a room, which led to a speaking opportunity with the company. This example highlights how visibility often grows through relationships and conversations rather than content alone. Unpopular Visibility Truth Visibility grows faster through collaboration than competition. Many entrepreneurs try to build their brand alone, but some of the biggest opportunities come from partnerships, collaborations, and being in rooms where conversations lead to introductions and recommendations. Key Takeaway Content can help people discover you, but relationships and collaboration often create the opportunities that move your career forward. The fastest way to become known in your industry is to combine visibility with meaningful connections and partnerships. Spotify Listener Question What has helped you become more visible in your industry? Speaking Collaborations Content creation Networking Answer the question directly in Spotify and share your experience. Support the Podcast If you enjoy this show, consider leaving a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. You can also support the podcast through the Buy Me a Coffee. Your support helps keep the show going and allows Michelle to continue sharing conversations that help entrepreneurs become visible and create new opportunities. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    6 min

  5. 4D AGO

    Visibility Is Bigger Than Social Media (My New Direction)

    In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames shares an important shift in the direction of the show and her work. For years, many entrepreneurs have focused heavily on content, algorithms, and posting strategies to grow their businesses online. But the truth is that visibility is about much more than social media. Michelle breaks down why real visibility often comes from relationships, collaboration, and proximity to the right people, not just posting content online. She introduces new segments on the podcast and explains how building community, entering the right rooms, and creating meaningful connections can lead to speaking opportunities, partnerships, and business growth. If you’ve ever felt like you’re posting consistently but still not getting the opportunities you want, this episode will shift how you think about visibility. What You’ll Learn in This Episode • Why visibility is bigger than social media • The difference between content visibility and opportunity visibility • How relationships and proximity accelerate business growth • Why community is one of the most powerful growth strategies for entrepreneurs • The mindset shift that helps entrepreneurs move from being unseen to becoming known New Podcast Segments Visibility Breakdown Each week Michelle will break down real examples of how creators, entrepreneurs, and brands become visible and build authority. Room Stories Stories from inside Michelle’s ecosystem where collaborations, speaking opportunities, and partnerships are happening. Unpopular Visibility Truth Bold takes on entrepreneurship, marketing, and visibility that challenge common advice online. Key Takeaway Many entrepreneurs believe the algorithm is the biggest obstacle to their growth. But often the real issue is isolation. Visibility expands when your name travels through conversations, collaborations, and communities. The right room can introduce you to opportunities that content alone cannot create. Notable Quote “The algorithm isn’t your biggest problem. Isolation is.” Resources Mentioned If you’re a woman entrepreneur looking for more visibility, collaboration, and opportunities, Michelle invites you to join her community where entrepreneurs connect, support each other, and grow together. You can learn more here: https://michellethames.com/elevate-and-empower-collective Listen to More Episodes Discover more visibility and personal branding strategies on Social Media Decoded, where Michelle breaks down how entrepreneurs can build authority, grow their audience, and turn visibility into opportunities. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    8 min

  6. MAR 3

    Why So Many People Stay Visible… But Underpaid

    You’re posting. You’re showing up. You’re building visibility. But your revenue doesn’t reflect your effort. In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames unpacks the real reasons entrepreneurs stay visible but underpaid — and what needs to shift to command higher income. Visibility alone is not the goal. Authority, positioning, and monetization structure are. If you’ve been active online but not attracting premium clients, this episode will show you where the disconnect likely is. What You’ll Learn • Why visibility without positioning keeps you underpaid • The difference between being “helpful” and being high-level • The 4 biggest reasons entrepreneurs stay underpriced • How brand messaging impacts the level of clients you attract • The shift from audience growth to authority building • Why direct sales conversations matter more than engagement The 4 Reasons People Stay Visible But Underpaid 1️⃣ Over-delivering in free content without structured offers 2️⃣ No clear premium offer or ascension path 3️⃣ Avoiding direct sales conversations 4️⃣ Brand messaging that signals “budget” instead of authority If your brand feels busy but not profitable, this episode explains why. Ready to Elevate? If you are ready to move from visibility to premium positioning, Michelle offers: • VIP Visibility Days for deep strategy restructuring • 1:1 Coaching for monetization and authority alignment Applications are open for entrepreneurs serious about building a profitable personal brand. Who This Episode Is For This episode is ideal for: • Coaches and consultants • Service-based entrepreneurs • Speakers and thought leaders • Personal brand builders • Creatives with inconsistent revenue • Business owners stuck in underpricing cycles If your income does not match your effort, this episode is for you. If this episode challenged your thinking, share it with another entrepreneur. Follow the show on Spotify and leave a review on Apple Podcasts to help more leaders learn how to build profitable visibility. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    5 min

  7. MAR 2

    You Don’t Need More Followers. You Need a Monetization Plan.

    Are you chasing followers but still not seeing consistent revenue in your business? In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames breaks down why more visibility does not automatically equal more income — and why what you actually need is a clear monetization plan. If you’re posting consistently, showing up online, and building an audience but still struggling to convert that attention into paying clients, this episode will shift how you think about growth, positioning, and revenue strategy. What You’ll Learn in This Episode • Why followers do not equal income • The difference between visibility and monetization • The 5 essential components of a monetization plan • How to structure your offers for consistent revenue • What to fix if your audience is watching but not buying • How to create a clear conversion path in your business Who This Episode Is For This episode is perfect for: • Service-based entrepreneurs • Coaches and consultants • Personal brand builders • Content creators ready to monetize • Business owners stuck at inconsistent revenue • Anyone building visibility but not seeing sales If you’re tired of “just posting” and ready to build a revenue system, this conversation is for you. Key Takeaway Visibility without a monetization strategy leads to burnout. But visibility with clear positioning, structured offers, and intentional conversion points leads to consistent revenue. The goal is not more followers. The goal is a monetization plan that works. ️ Ready to Build Your Monetization Plan? Join Michelle live at the Visibility to Revenue Reset — a tactical workshop where she walks you step-by-step through building a monetization structure that turns visibility into consistent income. This is not fluff. This is strategy. Grab your ticket now. Connect with Michelle Thames Michelle Thames is a marketing strategist, business coach, and founder of the Elevate & Empower Collective. She helps entrepreneurs build authority, structure their offers, and create visibility that converts into revenue. Follow the podcast and subscribe so you never miss an episode. If you found value in this episode, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts — it helps more entrepreneurs discover the show. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    4 min

  8. FEB 25

    The Real Reason You Haven’t Grown (And It’s Not Your Content)

    Are you posting consistently but still not growing? In this powerful episode of Social Media Decoded, marketing strategist and visibility expert Michelle Thames breaks down why most entrepreneurs, creators, and founders stay stuck — and it has nothing to do with the algorithm. If you’ve been blaming: • low engagement • inconsistent reach • content performance • social media trends This conversation will shift how you think about growth. Michelle dives into: •Why content volume doesn’t equal authority •The hidden cost of unclear positioning •How overconsumption blocks implementation •The difference between motion and momentum •Why proximity accelerates growth faster than information •The identity shift required to scale your brand This episode is for entrepreneurs who feel like they’re “doing everything right” but not seeing traction — and are ready to step into clearer leadership, stronger positioning, and real authority. If you’re building a personal brand, growing a business, launching offers, or trying to scale your visibility online, this episode will challenge and sharpen you. ⸻ Topics Covered •Personal brand growth •Visibility strategy •Authority building •Positioning vs. content creation •Leadership mindset •Entrepreneur clarity •Why social media growth stalls •Identity and scaling ⸻ Listener Engagement If this episode resonated: 1.Answer the Spotify Q&A: What have you been blaming on content that is actually a clarity problem? 2.Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify — your feedback helps this show reach more entrepreneurs ready to lead. 3.Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    7 min
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5
out of 5
181 Ratings

About

Social Media Decoded is your go-to podcast for marketing, visibility, and monetization strategies to grow your business online. Hosted by marketing expert Michelle Thames, this show breaks down social media, content marketing, and business growth into actionable steps for entrepreneurs, creators, and brands. Tune in for expert insights, real-world strategies, and inspiring success stories to help you get visible, attract clients, and build a profitable brand. 🎙️✨

Information

  • Creator
    Michelle Thames
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    600
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024 Social Media Decoded
  • Show Website
    Social Media Decoded

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