Why Community Builders Will Win the Next Decade

Why Most People Are Using AI Wrong (And What I’m Doing Instead)

Everyone is talking about AI. But most creators, entrepreneurs, and business owners are making one major mistake: they’re asking AI for personalized business advice without giving it access to the information it actually needs. In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames breaks down one of the most exciting announcements from the KIT Craft + Commerce conference: MCP (Model Context Protocol) and what it means for creators, marketers, and business owners. Don’t worry—this isn’t a technical episode. Michelle explains MCP in plain English and shares how connecting tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini directly to your email marketing platform could completely change the way you make business decisions. Instead of generic AI answers, imagine getting insights based on your actual audience, subscribers, and business data. From identifying your most engaged subscribers to creating smarter email campaigns and automations, this episode explores how AI is becoming more useful, more personalized, and more actionable for creators. If you’ve ever wondered how AI can help you grow your audience, email list, and business without feeling overwhelmed by technology, this episode is for you. IN THIS EPISODE • What MCP is and why creators should care • Why most people are using AI incorrectly • How AI becomes more powerful when connected to your business data • The difference between generic AI advice and personalized insights • Why email marketing still matters in the age of AI • How creators can use AI to better understand their audience • Why your email list is one of the most valuable assets you own • The future of AI-powered marketing for entrepreneurs and creators KEY TAKEAWAYS Followers are borrowed. Subscribers are owned. Better data leads to better decisions. AI isn’t replacing great marketers—it’s helping them make smarter decisions faster. The future belongs to creators who own their audience. CONNECT WITH MICHELLE Instagram: @MichelleLThames If this episode was helpful, send Michelle a DM with the word KIT and let her know your biggest takeaway. Affiliate Link For KIT: https://partners.kit.com/9agthn08tlmq-mcp RESOURCES MENTIONED • Kit Email Marketing Platform • ChatGPT • Claude • Gemini • KIT Craft + Commerce Conference Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Why Community Builders Will Win the Next Decade

What if the most valuable skill of the next decade isn’t content creation, AI, or automation? What if it’s community building? In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames explores why community builders are uniquely positioned to thrive in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, automation, and digital connection. While technology continues to evolve, one thing remains true: people still crave belonging, trust, relationships, and meaningful human connection. Michelle shares what she’s learning through building Coffee & Connections, community walks, curated dinner experiences, The Collective, and her upcoming Connected & Paid event. She explains why the future belongs to those who know how to bring people together and why relationship capital may become one of the most valuable assets you can build. If you’re a creator, entrepreneur, leader, or business owner looking to build something that lasts, this episode is for you. In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why AI and automation are increasing the value of human connection • The growing loneliness epidemic and what it means for business • The difference between building an audience and building a community • Why relationship capital matters more than ever • Lessons from Coffee & Connections, The Walk, and The Dinner Series • How community creates opportunities that content alone cannot • Why community leaders are becoming the most influential people in business Key Quote: “Community leaders are the new influencers.” Connect with Michelle: Instagram: @MichelleLThames DM the word COMMUNITY to continue the conversation. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What Going to the KIT Conference Actually Taught Me About Visibility

I almost didn’t go to the KIT Craft + Commerce conference. Before the trip, I was overwhelmed, anxious, questioning everything, and honestly wondering if I should stay home and work instead. But what happened after I got in the room reminded me of something I deeply believe: Visibility is bigger than social media. In this episode of Social Media Decoded, I’m sharing the real lessons I learned at the KIT Conference in Boise—from meeting creators in real life, hearing powerful talks from leaders like James Clear and Jay Papasan, giving James Clear my book (!), and realizing that the biggest opportunities often happen outside of social media and inside real conversations. Because here’s the truth: At a certain level, opportunities don’t come from algorithms. They come from relationships. In this episode, we’re talking about: Why I almost skipped the conference Anxiety, overwhelm, and showing up anyway What happened when I gave James Clear my book My biggest takeaway from Jay Papasan’s talk Why relationships matter more than follower count The power of getting in the right rooms Why proximity is one of the most underrated visibility strategies How real conversations lead to partnerships, referrals, and opportunities Key takeaway from this episode: “The biggest shift wasn’t what I learned on stage. It was what happened in the conversations.” If you’ve been feeling stuck in business, overwhelmed with content creation, or wondering why visibility isn’t translating into opportunities—this episode is for you. Because sometimes your next level isn’t another strategy. Sometimes it’s the room. Connect with Michelle: DM the word ROOM on Instagram @MichelleLThames ---------------------------------------- Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Real Story Behind My Pivot in Business Right Now

Have you ever felt like what used to work in your business just… doesn’t anymore? In this honest and behind-the-scenes episode, Michelle Thames opens up about the real pivot happening in her business right now — from shifting strategies and simplifying offers to leaning deeper into local visibility, community building, and creating a business that actually feels aligned. If you’re an entrepreneur, creator, coach, or service provider who feels like you’re in a weird business season, this episode is your reminder that pivoting does not mean failing. Michelle shares the truth about evolving as a business owner, why she’s no longer forcing old strategies, what she’s learning about memberships and community, and how recent viral moments unexpectedly led her into a new season of local visibility and deeper impact. This is a real conversation about business growth, changing seasons, entrepreneurship, and having the courage to let go of what no longer fits. Because sometimes your next level doesn’t look like doing more. Sometimes it looks like simplifying. One of the biggest takeaways from this episode: Pivoting doesn’t mean failing. Seasons change — and so do you. If you’ve been questioning your next move, feeling disconnected from your business, or trying to figure out what’s next without burning yourself out, this episode will remind you that growth often looks like evolution. In This Episode, We Cover: * The real reason Michelle is pivoting in business * Why forcing old strategies can lead to burnout * The truth about business seasons and entrepreneurship * Lessons learned from community building and memberships * Why local visibility is becoming a major focus * How to know when it’s time to pivot in business * Why simplifying your business may be the smartest move * What alignment actually looks like as an entrepreneur * How to stop feeling guilty for changing direction Mentioned in This Episode: Visibility strategies for entrepreneurs Community building & memberships Local visibility and business growth Entrepreneurship mindset shifts Connect with Michelle: If this episode resonated with you, send Michelle a DM with the word PIVOT on Instagram @michellelthames and share what season of business you’re currently navigating. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What Going Viral Actually Taught Me About Visibility

Everybody wants to go viral… but what if virality isn’t actually the thing that grows your business? In this episode of Social Media Decoded, Michelle Thames is sharing the real truth about what going viral has actually taught her about visibility, business growth, and building a brand that lasts. After going viral multiple times across Instagram, Reels, and Threads, Michelle is pulling back the curtain on what people think virality is versus what actually creates long-term success online. If you’ve ever thought: “Maybe I just need one viral post…” or felt discouraged because your content isn’t taking off… this episode is your reminder that visibility is bigger than views. Michelle breaks down why viral content does not automatically equal clients, the biggest mistake entrepreneurs make after gaining attention online, and why building a visibility ecosystem matters more than chasing trends. She also shares surprising lessons from her recent local visibility strategy, how community and relationships are creating real opportunities, and why consistency still wins in 2026. One of the biggest takeaways from this episode: “Virality gets attention. Systems build businesses.” If you’re a coach, service provider, creator, entrepreneur, or business owner trying to get visible online, attract more clients, and stop relying on random content to grow your business — this conversation is for you. In This Episode, We Cover: * What people get wrong about going viral * Michelle’s experience going viral multiple times * Why viral content does not automatically grow your business * The truth about followers, views, and conversions * How local visibility is changing the game for entrepreneurs * Why relationships matter more than the algorithm * How to create a visibility ecosystem that actually converts * The power of consistency in business growth * What to focus on if your content isn’t taking off yet Mentioned in This Episode: Visibility Reset Community building for entrepreneurs Personal branding & visibility strategies Local marketing & local visibility lessons Connect with Michelle: If this episode resonated with you, send Michelle a DM with the word VISIBLE on Instagram and share what part hit home for you. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com [https://pcm.adswizz.com] for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.