Everyone's Faking It Online. Here's What Actually Works.

Everyone's Faking It Online. Here's What Actually Works.

Author: Jeff Sieh August 21, 2026 Duration: 51:47

What does it actually mean to “be authentic” when being authentic has become its own kind of performance?

--------------

Michael King Jr., founder of Teams.Coach, believes your strongest advantage comes from figuring out what is uniquely yours, then building your brand and business around that instead of following someone else’s blueprint.

Michael shares why your convictions, values, empathy, and relationships still matter in an AI-driven world, and how creators can find the unusual combination of skills that makes them stand out. We also talk about making space for creativity, turning creative gifts into a business, building your own platform, and why your customer should often be the hero of the story you’re telling.

Key Points

  • Copying someone else’s blueprint can lead to burnout because the strategy was never built for you.
  • AI can copy your voice or likeness, but it can’t copy your convictions, values, empathy, or the trust you’ve built.
  • Creativity needs margin, so intentionally protect space in your calendar to think and create.
  • Find your “category of one” by identifying the unusual combination of skills and perspectives you bring to your work.
  • Don’t judge the value of creativity solely by whether you can monetize it.
  • Test signature ideas before making a big investment, then build on what genuinely connects with people.
  • Build your own stage and become known for the thing you care about instead of depending entirely on social platforms.
  • When telling your brand story, make your customer the focus and use your own story to demonstrate transformation.

Resources

Connect with Michael King Jr.:

Michael King Jr.: https://michaelkingjr.com/

Teams.Coach: https://teams.coach/

Connect with Zac Brown:

Zac Brown Creative: https://zacbrowncreative.com/

Zac’s Book: An Accidental Education: What I've Learned So Far

----------------------

Ecamm - Your go-to solution for crafting outstanding live shows and podcasts. - Get 15% off your first payment with promo code JEFF15

CreatorNewsLive.com - Dive into our website for comprehensive episode breakdowns.

Youtube.com - Tune in live, chat with us directly, and be part of the conversation. Or, revisit our archive of past broadcasts to stay updated.

Facebook - Stream our show live and chat with us in real time. Connect, engage, and be a part of our community.

Email - Subscribe and never miss a live show reminder.

----------------------

JeffSieh.com - Unlock the power of authentic storytelling with me! With over 20 years of marketing experience, I'm here to elevate your brand's narrative in an ever-competitive market. My expertise spans consulting, visual marketing, and producing podcasts and live videos.

Additionally, as a seasoned speaker, I'm not just about sharing knowledge--I believe in entertaining audiences and injecting humor into every presentation. I'm available to enlighten and engage audiences at your events, conferences, or institutions. My talks cover a diverse range of subjects, from purposeful repurposing and captivating storytelling to podcast promotion, social media strategies, visual marketing insights, the art of live video, and much more.


Staying current in the fast-moving world of social platforms can feel like a full-time job. That’s where Social Media News Live comes in. Hosted by Jeff Sieh, this isn't just a recorded lecture; it's a live, interactive conversation designed to cut through the noise. Each episode connects you directly with the people shaping the landscape-from seasoned marketing experts and platform innovators to successful creators who know how to tell a compelling story. You'll hear practical discussions about new features, algorithm shifts, and under-the-radar tools that can actually make a difference for your brand or business. The live format is key, allowing for real-time questions and answers that address the specific challenges you're facing right now. Tuning into this podcast feels like having a direct line to a room full of savvy professionals, all focused on translating the latest trends into actionable tactics you can use immediately. Whether you're building a company, growing an audience, or simply trying to understand the next big shift, these conversations provide clarity and a competitive edge.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Creator News Live: Discussing the latest tools, tips, and tactics with industry experts, innovators, creators, and storytellers
Podcast Episodes
Stop Asking AI Questions. Start Giving It Jobs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:00
What if the biggest mistake creators are making with AI isn’t using the wrong tool… it’s using the right tool the wrong way?----------------------In this episode, Mike Allton, host of The AI Hat Podcast and one of the le…
Storytelling in the AI Age (Why Humans Still Win) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:27
Join us for a thoughtful conversation with Zac Brown, host of The Zac Brown Show, as we unpack what storytelling still means in an AI-driven creator world. Instead of chasing algorithms or trying to post more than everyo…
How to Run 2 Side Hustles When You Already Have a Full-Time Job [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:35
Can you really build multiple side hustles while working a full-time corporate job… without completely burning yourself out?This week, we flipped the script and put my usual co-host, Conor Brown, in the guest chair to cl…
Side Hustle Secrets: How a Doctor Built a Brand Around Disney World [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:13
Can a niche be too specific… or is that exactly what makes it work?Stephen Cabebe joins the show to share how focusing on one very specific audience, Disney park travelers dealing with pain and fatigue, helped him build…
Side Hustle Secrets: 20 Years of Turning Livestreams Into Cash [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:11
What does it really take to turn livestreaming into a long-term, sustainable income?In this episode, Tanya Smith shares what she’s learned from over 20 years of building a side hustle, and how livestreaming became a core…
AI Can’t Replace This: Why Your Story Matters More Than Ever [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:57
AI can write your captions, generate your images, and even help script your videos. So where does that leave you?That’s exactly what I explored in this episode with Ryan Koral.Ryan has spent years helping creators, filmm…
10 Books That Changed How We Think About Business and Life [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:28
What books actually change the way you think?In this episode, Conor Brown and I share ten books that have shaped how we approach business, creativity, and life. We each brought our top picks, a mix of fiction and nonfict…