The #1 Reason Most Entrepreneurs Struggle Alone (And How To Fix It) Social Media Decoded podcast

27:15

In this powerhouse episode of Social Media Decoded , host Michelle Thames sits down with viral sensation and powerhouse momager Kia J. Brooks —the brilliant strategist behind daughter Flau’jae Johnson’s explosive growth in both sports and entertainment. Kia pulls back the curtain on how she generated 42 million views on Facebook in just one month , turned that attention into real revenue , and built a thriving personal and professional brand while managing motherhood, business, and fame. Whether you're a content creator, manager, or entrepreneur looking to turn your platform into profit, this episode delivers real strategy, no fluff . 🎧 In This Episode, You’ll Learn: How Kia reached 42M views on Facebook and the exact strategy behind her viral content Tips for monetizing content through platform tools, brand partnerships, and organic growth How she built Flau’jae’s brand from grassroots to global recognition in sports and music Why storytelling and authenticity are key to building a strong digital presence Time management and mindset shifts for mompreneurs and multi-hyphenate women How to protect your peace while managing fame and brand growth online What every creator needs to know about turning attention into income About Kia J. Brooks: Kia J. Brooks is a businesswoman, motivational speaker, digital strategist, and mother of 7—best known as the mom and manager of Flau’jae Johnson, rapper and LSU women’s basketball star. She is the definition of “momager to mogul,” using her experience to help others grow, monetize, and lead with purpose. Connect with Kia: Instagram: @kiajbrooks Facebook: Kia J. Brooks Watch Flau’jae: @flaujae…

Social Media Decoded

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What Multipassionate Entrepreneurs Get Wrong About Marketing 7:28

8 days ago7:28

7:28

In this honest and empowering episode, Michelle Thames challenges the idea that multi-passionate entrepreneurs need to "niche down" to succeed. Instead, she explains why clarity—not restriction—is the key to building a powerful brand that converts. Learn how to streamline your message, structure your content, and market your multiple passions without overwhelming your audience. What You’ll Learn: ✔️ Why “picking one niche” isn’t the only path to success ✔️ What causes confusion in your content—and how to fix it ✔️ How to use brand clarity to market multiple offers or ideas ✔️ Michelle’s 3-step framework to create a magnetic, multi-passionate brand ✔️ How to use storytelling and values to connect with your audience Resources & Links: Grab Visible & Booked audio course for $17 Start the FREE 7-Day Visibility Audio Challenge Follow Michelle @michellelthames Buy Michelle a matcha ☕ marketing for multi-passionate entrepreneurs, brand clarity, niche vs clarity, personal branding tips, storytelling in marketing, Michelle Thames podcast…

Social Media Decoded

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From Kazakhstan to Global Success: Dr. Shadé Adu’s Proven Formula for Digital Branding & Online Course Creation 26:55

13 days ago26:55

26:55

In this episode of Social Media Decoded , host Michelle Thames sits down with Dr. Shadé Y. Adu , award-winning digital brand strategist, international speaker, and bestselling author, to uncover the secrets behind building a magnetic personal brand and launching profitable online courses. Dr. Shadé shares her inspiring journey of starting her business over a decade ago in Kazakhstan , how she scaled it into a global brand, and the exact framework she uses to help women entrepreneurs grow their income, influence, and impact . If you're looking for expert insights on digital branding , online course creation , or how to build a brand that stands out in a crowded online space, this episode is a must-listen! What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Dr. Shadé started her brand in Kazakhstan and scaled it globally The biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make in digital branding Her 3-step formula for income, influence, and impact How to create and launch a successful online course—even with a small audience Unique ways to stand out in a saturated digital space Why personal branding is key to building generational wealth Tools, mindset shifts, and strategies for scaling online Connect with Dr. Shadé Y. Adu: 🌐 Website: https://www.shadeyadu.com 📸 Instagram: @heydrshade Resources & Mentions: Learn more about Michelle’s free 7-Day Visibility Challenge Want help launching your podcast? Work with Michelle → email me michelle@michellethames.com Subscribe & Leave a Review: Loved this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe , rate , and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your feedback helps us reach more amazing entrepreneurs like you! 🎧 Listen to more episodes of Social Media Decoded…

Social Media Decoded

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The 3 Visibility Shifts I’d Make If I Started Over Today 7:12

18 days ago7:12

7:12

In this episode of Social Media Decoded , Michelle Thames breaks down the three visibility shifts she would make if she were starting her business from scratch in 2025. After 15+ years in marketing and building a multiple six-figure personal brand, Michelle shares the key things she’d do differently to build momentum faster, attract aligned clients, and grow with intention. This episode is packed with strategy, personal examples, and actionable tips for entrepreneurs who are ready to get visible and paid. What You’ll Learn: ✔️ Why building authority early is more powerful than being everywhere ✔️ How to center your brand around ONE power offer to increase clarity and conversions ✔️ Why owning your audience through email is critical in today’s content landscape ✔️ How Michelle uses her $17 offer and free challenge to build a simple visibility funnel ✔️ The exact steps you can take to implement these shifts right now Why This Episode Matters: If you’ve been stuck in the content hustle, struggling to grow your audience or convert views into clients, these three visibility shifts will help you work smarter. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to pivot, this episode will show you how to build a brand that’s known and booked. Resources & Links: Get the Visible & Booked audio course for just $17 Start the FREE 7-Day Visibility Audio Challenge Support the show by buying Michelle a matcha ☕ Follow Michelle on all platforms @michellelthames…

Social Media Decoded

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Instagram Isn’t Dead—But These Strategies Are 10:07

20 days ago10:07

10:07

In this episode of Social Media Decoded , Michelle Thames sets the record straight—Instagram isn’t dead, but many of the strategies people are still using? Definitely are. From outdated engagement pods to overused hashtags, Michelle breaks down what’s no longer working in 2024 and what you need to do instead to grow organically and turn followers into clients. If you’re tired of spinning your wheels and want to use Instagram strategically , this episode is for you. What You’ll Learn: ✔️ The 3 outdated Instagram strategies you need to stop using immediately ✔️ Why the algorithm no longer rewards certain behaviors (and what to do instead) ✔️ How to use personal branding and storytelling to increase engagement ✔️ The content types that are driving growth and sales on Instagram in 2025 ✔️ Michelle’s go-to resources for consistent, sustainable visibility Why This Episode Matters: Instagram isn’t going anywhere—but the way we use it needs to evolve. This episode gives you a real-time pulse on what’s working right now so you can stop wasting time and start showing up in ways that build your brand and bottom line. Resources & Links: Grab the Visible & Booked audio course for just $17 Start the FREE 7-Day Visibility Audio Bootcamp Follow Michelle on all platforms @michellelthames Support the show by buying Michelle a matcha ☕ Keywords: outdated Instagram strategies 2025, Instagram growth tips, personal branding on Instagram, Michelle Thames podcast, content strategy for Instagram, how to grow organically on Instagram, visibility tips for entrepreneurs…

Social Media Decoded

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How I Built a 6-Figure Brand Without Going Viral 7:28

27 days ago7:28

7:28

In this episode of Social Media Decoded , Michelle Thames shares how she built a six-figure brand without ever going viral. If you're tired of chasing trends, obsessed with views, and wondering why your content isn’t converting—this episode gives you the truth. Michelle unpacks why virality isn’t a real business strategy and shares the three sustainable marketing strategies she used to grow her personal brand, consistently attract clients, and scale with confidence. What You’ll Learn: ✔️ Why going viral isn’t a long-term strategy for business growth ✔️ The three sustainable content strategies that lead to sales ✔️ How to focus on building authority instead of chasing clout ✔️ Why consistency matters more than daily posting ✔️ How community, connection, and value-driven content drive revenue Why It Matters: Virality is unpredictable—but strategy is reliable. If you’re building a brand with intention and want to attract aligned clients, this episode shows you how to grow with purpose instead of pressure. Resources & Links: Buy Michelle a matcha and support the show ☕ Follow Michelle on all social platforms @michellelthames Keywords: social media growth strategy, how to grow on Instagram 2025, sustainable marketing tips, content marketing for entrepreneurs, Michelle Thames podcast, six figure brand, personal branding tips, grow without going viral Hashtags: #SocialMediaStrategy #PersonalBranding #MarketingForEntrepreneurs #ContentThatConverts #MichelleThamesPodcast #SustainableGrowth…

Social Media Decoded

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How I Batch Content in Under 90 Minutes a Week (Yes, Really) 7:34

30 days ago7:34

7:34

In this episode of Social Media Decoded , Michelle Thames reveals her step-by-step method for batching a week’s worth of content in under 90 minutes. If you’re overwhelmed by content creation or constantly feel behind, Michelle shares the exact system she uses—including how she leverages ChatGPT—to save time, reduce stress, and stay visible across platforms. This episode is packed with practical tips, time-saving hacks, and content planning advice for busy entrepreneurs who want to market smarter, not harder. What You’ll Learn: ✔️ Michelle’s 4-step batching process to create content quickly and efficiently ✔️ How to use ChatGPT to write captions, brainstorm ideas, and stay consistent ✔️ The types of content to focus on each week to increase visibility and sales ✔️ How batching helps prevent burnout and improves strategy ✔️ The tools and templates Michelle uses to simplify her workflow Why This Episode Matters: You don’t need to be glued to your phone 24/7 to grow your brand. Learn how to create high-impact content in less time so you can show up consistently and free up space to focus on revenue-generating activities. Resources & Links: Buy Michelle a matcha and support the podcast ☕ Follow Michelle on Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube @michellelthames Keywords: content batching for entrepreneurs, time-saving content strategy, how to use ChatGPT for content creation, weekly content planning, Instagram batching tips, content workflow for business owners, Michelle Thames podcast Hashtags: #ContentBatching #ContentStrategy #EntrepreneurMarketing #ChatGPTForBusiness #MichelleThamesPodcast #SocialMediaDecoded…

Social Media Decoded

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Why Women’s Sports Deserve MORE Attention—The Marketing Playbook w/ Tania Haladner, CMO of Chicago Sky 25:31

5 weeks ago25:31

25:31

In this powerful episode of Social Media Decoded , host Michelle Thames sits down with Tania Haladner , Chief Marketing Officer of the Chicago Sky (WNBA) , to talk all things women’s sports marketing, fan engagement, and brand building . Tania shares what it takes to lead the marketing efforts for one of the WNBA’s top franchises and why now is the time for brands to invest in women’s sports . From storytelling strategies to community growth and digital innovation, Tania breaks down how the Chicago Sky is building a loyal fanbase both online and off. If you're a marketer, entrepreneur, brand strategist—or just someone who believes in the power of sports to drive culture—you don’t want to miss this episode. In This Episode, We Cover: Why women’s sports are seeing a massive rise in attention and media coverage The WNBA's marketing strategies that are helping it grow faster than ever How to use storytelling and digital marketing to build community around a brand The unique challenges and opportunities of marketing a professional sports team What every brand can learn from the Chicago Sky’s marketing playbook How to attract brand partnerships and connect with the next generation of fans The future of sports marketing and where digital platforms play a role About Tania Haladner: Tania is the Chief Marketing Officer of the Chicago Sky and a seasoned brand strategist who previously held senior roles at PepsiCo, leading marketing efforts for brands like Quaker and Tropicana . She brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role in growing the visibility and impact of women’s basketball. 📲 Connect with Tania & the Chicago Sky: Website: https://sky.wnba.com Instagram: @chicagosky Follow Tania: @taniah231110 ----------------------------------------- women’s sports marketing WNBA brand strategy Chicago Sky fan engagement how to market a sports team marketing women’s basketball building community in sports WNBA digital marketing strategy sports marketing podcast women in sports business sports brand storytelling 🎙️ Subscribe to Social Media Decoded and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help others discover these impactful conversations. #ChicagoSky #WNBA #SportsMarketing #WomensSports #SocialMediaDecoded #BrandStrategy…

Social Media Decoded

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My $17 Strategy to Get More Eyes on Your Brand (That Actually Works) 8:23

5 weeks ago8:23

8:23

In this episode of Social Media Decoded , Michelle Thames reveals her exact $17 strategy for getting consistent visibility online—without burning out or going viral. If you're tired of posting aimlessly, struggling to grow your audience, or unsure how to show up strategically, this episode breaks it all down. Michelle shares the behind-the-scenes of her plug-and-play visibility system, the core framework inside her audio course Visible & Booked , and how entrepreneurs can finally stop guessing and start attracting the right clients. What You’ll Learn: ✔️ Why visibility matters more than virality in 2025 ✔️ The 3 key components of Michelle's $17 strategy ✔️ How to create content that converts with clarity and purpose ✔️ Simple daily actions to attract aligned clients consistently ✔️ Why Visible & Booked is the no-fluff resource every business owner needs Why This Episode Matters: You don’t need to post more—you need to post smarter. This episode gives you the mindset shift and strategy needed to finally become visible and booked, using a system that’s affordable, accessible, and actually effective. Resources & Links: Grab the Visible & Booked audio course for just $17 HERE Support the podcast & buy Michelle a matcha ☕ Follow Michelle on Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn & YouTube @michellelthames…

Social Media Decoded

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Why Personal Branding Is Better Than Just Posting 8:09

5 weeks ago8:09

8:09

In this powerful episode, Michelle Thames unpacks why simply posting content isn’t enough to grow a profitable business online. She explains what personal branding really is, how it builds trust, and why it’s the key to standing out in a crowded online space. Whether you’re tired of chasing trends or unsure how to position yourself as the go-to expert, this episode gives you the clarity and confidence to make your brand magnetic. What You’ll Learn: ✔️ The difference between posting and personal branding ✔️ 3 key components of a strong personal brand ✔️ Real tips for creating content that attracts ideal clients ✔️ How to connect emotionally with your audience and build authority ✔️ A special invite to Michelle’s FREE webinar happening April 16th Resources & Links: Save your seat for the Magnetic Personal Branding Webinar on April 16 at 7PM CST Buy Michelle a matcha and support the show ☕😉 Follow Michelle on Instagram @michellelthames Keywords: personal branding strategy, social media marketing, how to build a personal brand, content marketing for entrepreneurs, Michelle Thames podcast, visibility tips, magnetic brand…

Social Media Decoded

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From Passion to Purpose: Helping Educators Heal & Growing a Personal Brand with Martita 23:53

5 weeks ago23:53

23:53

In this powerful live coaching episode of the Social Media Decoded Podcast , host Michelle Thames sits down with Martita , a member of the Elevate & Empower coaching community and an educator-turned-EFT practitioner who is on a mission to help fellow educators heal through Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT). Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at a real-time marketing and business strategy coaching session . You'll hear Martita’s journey from passion to purpose, the challenges she’s facing while building her personal brand online, and the actionable next steps to grow her visibility and impact. What You'll Learn in This Episode: How Martita uses EFT tapping to support educators’ mental health and emotional well-being The biggest mindset shifts she's experienced as part of the Elevate & Empower community Real-life marketing strategies to grow your personal brand as a service-based entrepreneur Why visibility is key to growth—and how to overcome fear of showing up online The exact action step Martita is taking to move her brand forward this week Whether you’re just starting your business or looking to refine your brand strategy, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration for multi-passionate entrepreneurs ready to turn their passion into purpose. 🔗 Connect with Martita: Follow Martita on Instagram: @martitarobbins Learn more about her services: links.askmartitarobbins.com…

Social Media Decoded

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3 Visibility Goals to Set for April (That’ll Actually Move Your Business Forward) 7:56

6 weeks ago7:56

7:56

In this episode of Social Media Decoded , Michelle Thames shares three actionable visibility goals every entrepreneur should set in April to grow their brand with intention. Whether you're trying to get more eyes on your content, position yourself as an expert, or finally turn visibility into actual income—this episode breaks it down step-by-step. These aren't fluffy tips—they're practical strategies that will help you show up with clarity, consistency, and confidence. What You’ll Learn: ✔️ Why visibility is more than just posting content ✔️ How to show up as a thought leader and build credibility ✔️ The power of pitching yourself for aligned opportunities ✔️ A simple framework for making consistent, confident offers ✔️ Weekly actions to track your growth and stay accountable Why This Episode Matters: If you're tired of feeling invisible online and want a realistic, doable plan to show up and stand out—this episode gives you the exact goals to focus on. It’s not about doing more—it’s about doing what actually works. Resources & Links: Sign up for Michelle’s free Magnetic Personal Branding webinar on April 16 at 7PM CST – Sign up HERE Support the podcast and buy Michelle a matcha ☕ Follow Michelle on Instagram @michellelthames visibility goals 2024, content strategy April, personal brand growth, thought leadership, how to pitch yourself, expert positioning, entrepreneur visibility, Michelle Thames podcast…

Social Media Decoded

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The Truth About Social Media Growth No One Wants to Tell You 10:33

7 weeks ago10:33

10:33

In this episode of Social Media Decoded , Michelle Thames is setting the record straight about what it really takes to grow on social media. Spoiler alert: it’s not about going viral, posting every single day, or chasing trends. Michelle debunks common myths that keep entrepreneurs stuck and reveals the strategies that actually move the needle—so you can grow your brand with confidence and intention. What You’ll Learn: ✔️ Why more followers doesn’t automatically mean more money ✔️ The truth about posting daily (and why quality > quantity) ✔️ What going viral can and can’t do for your business ✔️ How to build an engaged audience that converts ✔️ The three types of content every business owner should post Why It Matters: If you’ve been feeling stuck, burnt out, or frustrated with slow social media growth, this episode will give you a clear, no-fluff roadmap to building visibility in a way that feels sustainable and strategic. Resources & Links: Save your seat for Michelle’s free webinar, Magnetic Personal Branding, on April 16 – Join our next networking event here Support the podcast by buying Michelle a matcha ☕ – Buy Me a Coffee Follow Michelle on Instagram @michellelthames social media growth strategies, how to grow on Instagram, truth about social media, Michelle Thames podcast, online marketing for entrepreneurs, content strategy 2025, grow your brand on social #SocialMediaMarketing #InstagramGrowth #OnlineVisibility #DigitalStrategy #MichelleThamesPodcast…

Social Media Decoded

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The #1 Reason Most Entrepreneurs Struggle Alone (And How to Fix It) 9:27

7 weeks ago9:27

9:27

In this episode of Social Media Decoded , host Michelle Thames discusses the biggest mistake entrepreneurs make: trying to build their business completely alone. From burnout to confusion to missed opportunities, going solo is one of the fastest ways to stay stuck. Michelle shares personal stories, powerful stats, and real strategies to help you find the right community, build your support system, and grow your business with confidence. What You’ll Learn: ✔️ Why entrepreneurship can feel isolating—and how to change that ✔️ How community and connection speed up business growth ✔️ What to look for in a supportive business network ✔️ The difference between free groups and high-value communities ✔️ How to start making intentional connections that lead to opportunity Resources & Links: Join Michelle’s Elevate & Empower community – Learn More Here Join the next networking event here: Join here Buy Michelle a matcha and support the show ☕ – Buy me a coffee Follow Michelle on Instagram @michellelthames Keywords: business community for entrepreneurs, entrepreneur loneliness, support systems for small business owners, why entrepreneurs struggle, Michelle Thames podcast, business networking tips, elevate and empower…

Social Media Decoded

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The $1,000 Coffee Chat: How One Conversation Can Change Your Business 10:15

8 weeks ago10:15