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
5 AI Tools We’re Using Right Now to Create Faster & Smarter Content [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:41
Ever buy a “miracle app” that promised to automate your business, write your copy, and maybe even walk the dog… only to have it end up collecting dust in a folder called Someday? Same here. That’s why this week Conor and…
Facebook Ads in 2025: AI Tools, Tiny Offers & Winning Strategies [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:54
Join us for a high-impact conversation with Amanda Robinson, Meta Certified Lead Trainer and founder of The Digital Gal, as we break down what’s working, and what still needs a human touch, in Facebook advertising for 20…
From Burnout to Balance: What We Learned from These 2 Business Books [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:12
In this episode, Conor Brown joins me to share the biggest lessons we pulled from two impactful business books that tackle burnout, balance, and what it really means to build lasting success.We break down the key takeawa…
Creator Networking Tips: From Mega to Micro Conferences [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:34
Join us for a thoughtful conversation with Katie Fawkes, Director of Marketing at Ecamm, as we explore how creators can make the most of networking opportunities, whether at large industry conferences or intimate local m…
AI Workflows Made Simple: Voice, Code, and Content Automation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:43
Today, AI consultant and creative tech specialist Ian Anderson Gray shares how to make AI workflows practical, approachable, and downright fun. Ian shares how his unique background as a professional classical singer led…
Grow Your Email List Fast: Email Marketing Tips That Work [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:45
Join us for a practical and inspiring conversation with Paul Gowder, founder of PowWows.com, as he shares proven strategies to grow your email list and keep subscribers engaged. Paul walks through the essential steps for…
Six Secrets to Video Production with Chris Stone [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:16
In this episode, live video strategist and Cast Ahead founder Chris Stone shares six game-changing secrets for producing professional-quality video without draining your budget or your time.Chris walks us through how to…
Kickstart Your Email Marketing with Paul Gowder [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:43
Join us for a high-impact conversation with Paul Gowder, founder of PowWows.com and veteran digital community builder, as we explore how email marketing continues to be one of the most powerful tools in a creator’s toolk…
Why Community Beats the Algorithms with Jason Goff [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:35
Join us for a thought-provoking conversation with Jason Goff, Senior Community & Support Specialist for Social Media Examiner, as we explore why strong, engaged communities are the ultimate way to cut through the noise a…