Market Like a Hot Shot

Episode 25: Converse Like a Hotshot

Balancing Human and AI Interaction in the Marketing Lifecycle

AI is transforming marketing at lightning speed. But where should humans lead, and where should machines accelerate? In this episode of Market Like a Hotshot, Jeff and James break down the entire marketing lifecycle (research, strategy, creative, execution, and optimization) to reveal how to strike the perfect balance between human i...

Episode 24: Connect Like a Hotshot

Networking doesn’t have to feel awkward, transactional, or like a stack of business cards you’ll never look at again. In this episode of Market Like a Hotshot, James and Jeff break down how to make meaningful connections at networking events that actually last.

You’ll learn:

• Why stories beat selling every time — and how to craft your own “connection story.”
• Practical tips for building authentic re...

Episode 23: Influence Without Followers

Tired of chasing likes and follower counts that don’t translate into real business? In this episode of Market Like a Hot Shot, Jeff & James break down why influence isn’t about vanity metrics and is actually more about reputation, trust, and the conversations happening behind the scenes.

We dive into the dark funnel, the hidden world where buying decisions are made long before anyone clicks...

Why Your Marketing Strategy Should Come Before Sales Hiring

Hiring a sales team before you’ve nailed your marketing strategy? That’s like trying to drive a car with no gas! In this episode, Jeff and James break down why marketing isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s the foundation for sales success!

We get into:

• How strong positioning and messaging make sales scalable.
• Why demand generation needs to come before cold calls.
• Real stories o...

Price It Like a Hotshot: Stop Undervaluing Yourself & Start Charging What You’re Worth

Are you stuck second‑guessing your prices or discounting just to land the deal? In this episode of Market Like a Hotshot, James pulls back the curtain on pricing psychology—and shows you how to flip fear into confidence.

You’ll discover:

• The secret of anchoring and why your first number sets the tone
• How premium positioning attracts dream cli...

Market Like a Hotshot – Episode 20: Measure Like a Hotshot

Most businesses are drowning in numbers that don’t matter. Impressions, likes, followers… they look good on paper, but they don’t pay the bills.

In this episode, we expose the myths that keep entrepreneurs stuck and show you exactly what to measure if you want real growth. You’ll discover:

• The 5 biggest lies about marketing metrics (and the truths that will save you ...

Think posting on social media is just about showing up every day and shouting “look at me”? Think again. In this episode of Market Like a Hotshot, we dive deep into posting strategies that actually work for marketers, entrepreneurs, and business owners who want to grow their audience without burning out. And what did Jeff say about #TaylorSwift ?

We cover:

• Timing that matters – when to post for maximum reach and engagement
• Tools t...

Hiring the right people can make or break your business growth. In this episode of Market Like a Hotshot, Jeff and James dive deep into the art of building a winning team.

Jeff, drawing on his expertise as a recruiter, shares proven strategies for spotting top talent and avoiding costly hiring mistakes. James opens up about his real‑world experiences bringing new people into JVF Solutions, including the lessons learned along th...

Ready to stop running your business solo and start building something bigger?

In this episode of Market Like a Hotshot, James & Jeff pull back the curtain on how they scaled from solopreneurs to true business owners. They share the real strategies that helped them grow—building systems, creating standard operating procedures (SOPs), expanding their teams, mastering delegation, and shaping a strong company culture.

You’ll also he...

Bad service kills trust. Great listening builds loyalty. Inthis episode of Market Like a Hotshot, James and Jeff break down the real‑world difference between brands that ignore their customers and businesses that win by tuning in.

Jeff shares a jaw‑dropping story about a roofing companythat completely blew it, while James recalls a restaurant experience that shows how fast poor listening can sink a reputation. Then they flip the scr...

In the ’90s, knowing how to search the internet was a game‑changing skill. Today, mastering AI prompts is the next frontier and it’s more than just asking questions. In this episode, James and Jeff explore how the right prompts can help you think clearer, work faster, and make more effective decisions in business and beyond.

You’ll discover:

• Why prompting is the must‑have skill for entrepreneurs, marketers, musicians, and pro...

Ever wonder why some musicians with average talent top the charts… while true virtuosos play to empty rooms? Or why a flashy gadget with so-so performance outsells a technically superior competitor?

The secret isn’t always in the product—it’s in the hype. In this episode of Market Like a Hotshot, we’re pulling back the curtain on how marketing, storytelling, and perception canturn the ordinary into the unforgettable. Whether you’re...

Episode 13 – Live from a Packed House: Small Business Marketing Q&A

For the first time ever, Market Like a Hotshot went live—recorded in front of a buzzing, standing‑room‑only crowd of entrepreneurs, small business owners, and marketing professionals hungry for actionable insights. In this special live marketing podcast episode, we answer real‑time questions on:

• How to prioritize your marketing strategy so you focus on w...

Market Like a Hotshot – Episode 12

"Who Really Owns Your Brand?"

If you think you own your brand… think again.

In this week’s episode, Jeff and James go deep into one of the most overlooked, and most dangerous, blind spots in business: the moment your customers decide your brand belongs to them.

From the Cracker Barrel logo controversy to Disney Parks’ bold changes, from the nostalgia of Saved by the Bell to the i...

Welcome back, Hotshots! On today's episode, James and Jeff talk about networking, something near and dear to our hosts.

They dive into the importance of networking and building connections, and then share tips they've learned fromtheir decades of networking, so you can network like a hotshot!

Don't forget that Market Like a Hotshot LIVE! is happening on September 3rd at the Framingham State Innovation Center ...

James and Jeff reach 10 episodes of Hotshot! Can you believe it? In this episode, the duo celebrates their milestone by talking about a skill every person needs: focus. This episode dives into how doing everything can harm your brand, and some real productivity hacks that help you succeed! 

Don't forget, Market Like a Hotshot is coming to Framingham, MA LIVE on September 3rd! Register now for a night filled with networking, Q&am...

James and Jeff return to the studio to dive into one of their favorite marketing topics— omnichannel marketing. They discuss why it’s important to own your digital presence with a website instead of solely ‘renting’ space online via social media.

Today’s Hotshot Tactics also explore how to future-proof your marketing and why.

Then, listen to the duo announce Market Like a Hotshot LIVE! happening on September 3rd at the Framingham St...

Ready to up your marketing game? In this can’t-miss episode, Jeff & James kick things off with an insider’s tour of Alignable, then unpack three jaw-dropping stories: the JonProsser iOS 26 leak lawsuit, Hertz’s AI damage-scanner debacle, and McDonald’s Snack Wrap comeback. You’ll walk away with battle-tested lessons on protecting your brand, harnessing customer feedback, and turning nostalgia into profit.

Whether you’re a small...

Jeff and James return to the studio to talk about the viral Coldplay incident that took social media by storm after their Gillette Stadium concert. The duo then talks about how to be mindful of your digital footprint and how it affects your overall reputation. Then, they end the show with their Hotshot Tactics on boundaries, social media tips, damage control, and how NOT to be a hotshot.

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