Most brands post content. The smart ones build movements.

In this episode, Michelle breaks down the real behind-the-scenes strategy her agency used to turn a workforce development event into a powerful visibility engine — increasing reach by 253%, driving a 1,400% spike in link clicks, and amplifying youth voices in the construction industry.

You’ll learn how to turn real-world moments into digital impact, design content systems that scale, and use storytelling to expand opportunities for underrepresented audiences. If you host events, lead community programs, or want to elevate your brand beyond “posting,” this episode is your blueprint for purpose-driven visibility.

Key Takeaways:

Why visibility isn’t vanity — it’s access

Perfect for:

Want the full case study + event content blueprint?
DM me IMPACT @michellelthames or click HERE to get it

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In today's episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames pulls back the curtain on the real strategy behind selling out her recent live event — without relying on ads, hype marketing, or shouting online.

Instead, she breaks down the intentional approach that filled a room with powerful, purpose-driven women who showed up ready to grow, connect, and lead.

If you're tired of “post more, hustle harder” advice and you want a visibility system rooted in clarity, connection, and community — this episode is your blueprint.

Why events fill long before you announce them
The “relationship runway” every leader should build
How trust, not traffic, drives real demand
Seeding vs launching (and why timing matters)
The quiet strategy behind community-powered visibility

Plus — Michelle shares the biggest lessons from being in the room, and the mindset shift every entrepreneur needs right now.

Your brand becomes magnetic when your mission becomes clear

Momentum comes from proximity. People say yes when they already believe in you.

Join the Elevate & Empower Collective 

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Want Michelle to map your 90-day visibility plan + content system in one day — and deliver the assets?

DM VIP on Instagram. Spots limited each month.

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In this powerful recap episode, host Michelle L. Thames shares the unforgettable highlights and behind-the-scenes magic from Elevate & Empower LIVE 2025, her signature event for women entrepreneurs and multi-passionate creatives.

From the intimate VIP Dinner to a day full of clarity, connection, and collaboration, Michelle walks you through the moments that made this year’s experience transformational. You’ll hear how women left feeling inspired, full, and ready to take action — plus how strategic sponsors, powerhouse speakers, and intentional planning created an event that truly elevated and empowered.

Michelle also shares lessons on visibility, brand building, and community — along with a special announcement about the upcoming Elevate & Align Retreat happening January 2026 in Chicago.

If you’ve ever wanted to host your own event, attend one that shifts your mindset, or just feel inspired by women building legacy — this episode is for you.

Sponsors Mentioned:

Chicago French Press

Women empowerment events

Learn more about the Elevate & Align Retreat: DM me on Instagram. Let's chat!
Follow Michelle on Instagram: @michellelthames
Learn more about the Elevate & Empower Collective

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After being fired from her “safe” job in healthcare, host Michelle L. Thames turned her setback into the launchpad for a thriving career in marketing, entrepreneurship, and now authorship.

In this very special episode, Michelle celebrates the release of her brand-new book — From Fired to Featured: A Real-Life Guide to Personal Branding with Purpose.

She shares the behind-the-scenes story of how getting fired changed everything, the lessons she learned about resilience and visibility, and how you can use your own story to build a powerful, profitable personal brand.

If you’ve ever faced rejection, failure, or the fear of starting over — this episode will remind you that your story isn’t over… it’s just getting good.

How to step into your own “featured” era and build a brand with purpose

From Fired to Featured: A Real-Life Guide to Personal Branding with Purpose

→ AMAZON

(available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, and everywhere books are sold)

Listen to more episodes of Social Media Decoded

→ bleav.com/shows/social-media-decoded

If this episode encouraged you, grab your copy of From Fired to Featured today and start building your brand with purpose.

Then tag @michellelthames on Instagram or LinkedIn and share your “featured” moment — Michelle might shout you out on the next episode!

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In this behind-the-scenes episode, Michelle Thames reveals exactly how her podcast has quietly become one of the most powerful client-attraction systems in her business.
You’ll learn the step-by-step process she uses to transform listeners into paying clients — without chasing, cold DMs, or complicated funnels.

Michelle walks through her 3-Step Podcast-to-Client Framework and shares how intentional content creates connection, not coincidence.

The exact method Michelle uses to identify “conversion magnet” episodes.

Connect with Michelle on Instagram: @michelleLthames

Book a VIP Strategy + Implementation Day: DM “VIP” on Instagram

Podcast funnel, marketing strategy, visibility coach, how to get podcast clients, relationship marketing, soft launch strategy, Michelle Thames, Social Media Decoded podcast, visibility funnel, marketing systems

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In this episode of Social Media Decoded, marketing strategist and event host Michelle Thames reveals the relationship-first strategy that helped her attract sponsors like Chicago French Press and ShinePages for her Elevate & Empower LIVE event — without cold pitching or begging.

Michelle breaks down how to build authentic partnerships, structure sponsorship tiers, and pitch your event like a collaboration, not a donation. You’ll learn how to create emotional brand alignment, overdeliver value, and transform one-time sponsors into long-term relationships.

If you’re planning an event or retreat and want to secure sponsors confidently and authentically, this episode is your blueprint.

Listen now to learn how to get sponsors the right way — through connection, storytelling, and strategy.

event sponsorship tips, brand partnerships, relationship marketing, how to get event sponsors, influencer marketing strategy, Michelle Thames podcast, community building, event planning tips, sponsorship proposal ideas

Key Takeaways:

Make your sponsors feel part of your mission.

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In this episode of Social Media Decoded, marketing strategist Michelle Thames reveals the secret to creating lasting impact after your event — a powerful Community Follow-Up Plan.

Most people stop marketing once the event is over, but Michelle shows why the real momentum starts afterward. She breaks down her proven system for keeping attendees connected, engaged, and ready for your next offer.

You’ll hear her step-by-step framework, plus behind-the-scenes insights into how she’s preparing to follow up with guests from her sold-out Elevate & Empower LIVE event.

Listen now to learn how to turn your attendees into loyal community members — and your events into ecosystems.

event follow-up plan, community marketing, post-event strategy, event marketing tips, relationship marketing, visibility coach, Michelle Thames podcast, She Connects, networking strategy, entrepreneur marketing

Key Takeaways:

Use feedback to refine your next event and build loyalty.

Stay inspired and get daily visibility tips—follow Michelle everywhere:

Get your FREE $200-a-day Story Strategy guide HERE!

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In this episode of Social Media Decoded, marketing strategist Michelle Thames reveals the real story behind her sold-out Elevate & Empower LIVE event — and how it happened without relying on paid ads.

Michelle shares her relationship-driven soft launch framework: how she built trust and anticipation months before ticket sales, the “soft list” tactic that filled her first spots, and the personal touches that made people feel seen and valued.

You’ll hear her honest reflection on testing Eventbrite ads (and why they didn’t work) plus the behind-the-scenes systems that made her organic marketing run like a machine.

If you’re planning a launch or event, this episode will completely shift how you see visibility and sales.

Listen now to learn how to sell out your next offer through relationships, not ads.

soft launch strategy, event marketing, relationship marketing, Michelle Thames podcast, community marketing, personal branding, organic marketing strategy, visibility coach, event planning tips

Key Takeaways:

Relationships are your most profitable marketing channel.

Stay inspired and get daily visibility tips—follow Michelle everywhere:

Get your FREE $200-a-day Story Strategy guide HERE!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this cozy yet strategic episode of Social Media Decoded, marketing strategist and visibility coach Michelle Thames pulls back the curtain on her Sunday CEO Reset — the weekly ritual that keeps her grounded as a mom, wife, and multi-passionate entrepreneur.

She shares how to plan your week with intention, align your energy before you touch your to-do list, and create systems that support your family and your business.

You’ll learn her exact Sunday routine, energy-audit process, and how she organizes multiple brands, projects, and personal commitments without chaos.

Listen now to reclaim your Sundays, reduce overwhelm, and step into your new week with clarity, confidence, and calm CEO energy.

Keywords:
weekly planning for entrepreneurs, Sunday reset routine, Michelle Thames podcast, productivity for moms, multi-passionate entrepreneur, CEO mindset, visibility coach, content planning, business organization for women

Key Takeaways:

Peaceful planning creates powerful execution.

Stay inspired and get daily visibility tips—follow Michelle everywhere:

Get your FREE $200-a-day Story Strategy guide HERE!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Social Media Decoded, marketing strategist Michelle Thames helps entrepreneurs and creators finally break free from content overwhelm.

If you’ve been overthinking every caption, sitting on drafts, or second-guessing your strategy, this episode gives you the exact framework for what to post this week — without stress.

Michelle shares how overthinking is blocking your visibility and offers a simple “Content Clarity List” that balances storytelling, teaching, proof, and personality.

You’ll walk away knowing exactly what to post each day, how to stop perfectionism from stalling your progress, and how to stay consistent even when you’re busy.

Listen now to simplify your strategy and start showing up with confidence and clarity.content creation tips, social media content plan, Michelle Thames podcast, visibility strategy, overthinking content, content calendar for entrepreneurs, what to post this week, personal branding tips, content consistency, social media marketing

Key Takeaways:

Every post builds authority, even the imperfect ones.

Join the Free 7-Day Visibility Challenge → joinmichellethames.com/visibility

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