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:
Whether you're scaling a startup, refining your go-to-market strategy, or trying to align sales and marketing teams, this episode gives you the clarity (and fuel) to do it right.
Grab your bagel, your hot chocolate, or whatever fuels your genius, and hit play to Strategize like a Hotshots!
Stay up to date with your favorite hotshots!
James:
@jvfsolutions on Instagram
https://jvf.com
Jeff:
@aimcbizhealth on Instagram
https://aimcbizsolutions.com
We now have Merch!
@marketlikeahotshot on Instagram
https://marketlikeahotshot.com
#SmallBusiness #EntrepreneurLife #PricingStrategy #MarketingTips #BusinessGrowth #KnowYourWorth #MarketLikeAHotshot
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:
This isn’t just about numbers—it’s about identity, boundaries, and building a business that respects your worth. If you’re ready to stop apologizing for your prices and start owning your value, this episode is your blueprint.
Hit play and learn how to price with purpose, protect your value, and profit like a hotshot.
Stay up to date with your favorite hotshots!
James:
@jvfsolutions on Instagram
Jeff:
@aimcbizhealth on Instagram
https://aimcbizsolutions.com
We now have Merch!
@marketlikeahotshot on Instagram
https://marketlikeahotshot.com
#SmallBusiness #EntrepreneurLife #PricingStrategy #MarketingTips #BusinessGrowth #KnowYourWorth #MarketLikeAHotshot
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 money)
• The “Hotshot Measurement Stack” that turns chaos into clarity
• Think you know which channel is working? This episode will make you question everything you thought you knew about ROI
If you’re ready to stop guessing, stop chasing vanity metrics, and finally see which marketing dollars are actually working, this episode is your wake‑up call.
Your Hotshot Challenge: Pick one revenue‑driving metric this week, track it, and watch your decisions sharpen overnight.
Stay up to date with your favorite hotshots!
James:
@jvfsolutions on Instagram
Jeff:
@aimcbizhealth on Instagram
https://aimcbizsolutions.com
We now have Merch!
@marketlikeahotshot on Instagram
https://marketlikeahotshot.com
#Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #Delegation #Leadership #CompanyCulture #SmallBusiness #StartupLife #MarketLikeAHotshot
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:
And as a bonus… does James finally rat out his least favorite hosting company? You’ll have to listen to find out.
If you’re ready to stop guessing and start posting with purpose, this episode will give you the clarity, confidence, and a few laughs along the way. Perfect for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and marketers who want to market smarter, not louder.
Stay up to date with your favorite hotshots!
James:
@jvfsolutions on Instagram
Jeff:
@aimcbizhealth on Instagram
https://aimcbizsolutions.com
We now have Merch!
@marketlikeahotshot on Instagram
https://marketlikeahotshot.com
#Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #Delegation #Leadership #CompanyCulture #SmallBusiness #StartupLife #MarketLikeAHotshot
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 the way.
Whether you’re a startup founder, small business owner, or entrepreneur ready to scale, this episode will give you practical insights on:
If you’re serious about scaling your business, you can’t afford to miss this conversation. Tune in and learn how to hire like a hotshot.
Stay up to date with your favorite hotshots!
James:
@jvfsolutions on Instagram
Jeff:
@aimcbizhealth on Instagram
https://aimcbizsolutions.com
We now have Merch!
@marketlikeahotshot on Instagram
https://marketlikeahotshot.com
#Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #opentowork #Delegation #Leadership #CompanyCulture #SmallBusiness #StartupLife #MarketLikeAHotshot
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 hear about their recent experience at Venture Café in Cambridge, where they connected with other entrepreneurs and innovators who are scaling their own ventures.
If you’ve ever wondered how to move from “doing it all yourself” to leading a thriving business, this episode is packed with insights you can put into action.
🎧 Tune in now and learn how to scale like a hotshot.
Stay up to date with your favorite hotshots!
James:
@jvfsolutions on Instagram
Jeff:
@aimcbizhealth on Instagram
https://aimcbizsolutions.com
We now have Merch!
@marketlikeahotshot on Instagram
https://marketlikeahotshot.com
#Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #ScaleYourBusiness #Delegation #Leadership #CompanyCulture #SmallBusiness #StartupLife #MarketLikeAHotshot
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 script with powerful examples of listening done right: James explains how he earns trust byhelping people recover after their websites are hacked, and Jeff reveals how active listening fuels growth in his health and wellness business.
If you want to attract more clients, keep them coming back,and market like a true hotshot, this episode is packed with lessons you can’t afford to miss.
Stay up to date with your favorite hotshots!
James:
@jvfsolutions on Instagram
Jeff:
@aimcbizhealth on Instagram
https://aimcbizsolutions.com
We now have Merch!
@marketlikeahotshot on Instagram
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:
Whether you’re curious about ChatGPT, looking to streamline your workflow, or ready to push your creativity further, this episode is packed with practical strategies, cautionary notes, and inspiration to help you prompt like a pro.
Listen now and start turning AI into your competitive advantage
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 selling music, tech, or your own expertise, we’ll show you how to build buzz that sells.
This is Episode 14: Hype It Like a Hotshot! Let’s turn up the volume on your marketing game.
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:
We also share behind‑the‑scenes updates on the future of Market Like a Hotshot—including upcoming marketing tips, branding strategies, and content ideas designed to help you grow your business.
If you’ve ever wished you could be in the room with us, this is the next best thing: high‑energy, real‑world marketing advice, local business growth strategies, and practical tips you can put into action today.
James:
@jvfsolutions on Instagram
Jeff:
@aimcbizhealth on Instagram
Market Like a Hotshot:
@marketlikeahotshot on Instagram
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 infamous New Coke disaster, we break down real-world examples of brands that underestimated the emotional equity their customers had invested… and paid the price.
Here’s what you’ll discover in this episode:
Whether you’re running a small business, scaling an agency, or steering a global brand, this episode will give you the frameworks and real-world case studies to protect your brand equity while still moving forward.
Because here’s the truth: Your logo, your products, your messaging — they may be yours legally, but emotionally, they belong to your customers. Ignore that, and you risk losing everything you’ve built.
Don't forget: Market Like a Hotshot LIVE! is happening on September 3rd at the Framingham State Innovation Center in Framingham, MA. Seats are filling quickly! Reserve yours now!
Register for the event here: https://business.metrowest.org/events/details/market-like-a-hotshot-live-business-after-hours-11420
Stream more episodes of Market Like a Hotshot on Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts!
Stay up to date with your favorite hotshots!
#crackerbarrell #savedbythebell #DisneyD23 #DisneyWorld #marketing #podcast
James
@jvfsolutions on Instagram
https://jvf.com
Jeff
@aimcbizhealth on Instagram
https://aimcbizsolutions.com
Market Like a Hotshot
@marketlikeahotshot on Instagram
https://marketlikeahotshot.com
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 in Framingham, MA. Seats are filling quickly! Reserve yours now!
Register for the event here: https://business.metrowest.org/events/details/market-like-a-hotshot-live-business-after-hours-11420
Stream more episodes of Market Like a Hotshot on Spotify, or wherever you getpodcasts!
Stay up to date with your favorite hotshots!
James:
@jvfsolutions on Instagram
https://jvf.com
Jeff:
@aimcbizhealth on Instagram
https://aimcbizsolutions.com
@marketlikeahotshot on Instagram
https://marketlikeahotshot.com
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&A's, and of course, your favorite hotshots live!
Register for the event here: https://business.metrowest.org/events/details/market-like-a-hotshot-live-business-after-hours-11420
Stream more episodes of Market Like a Hotshot on Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts!
Stay up to date with your favorite hotshots!
James:
@jvfsolutions on Instagram
jvf.com
Jeff:
@aimcbizhealth on Instagram
aimcbizsolutions.com
@marketlikeahotshot on Instagram
marketlikeahotshot.com
#digitalmarketing #podcasts #smallbusinessmarketing #marketlikeahotshot #marketingstrategy #socialmediamarketing #focusing #pomodoro #boston #business
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 State Innovation Center in Framingham, MA.
Register for the event here: https://business.metrowest.org/events/details/market-like-a-hotshot-live-business-after-hours-11420
Stream more episodes of Market Like a Hotshot on Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts!
Stay up to date with your favorite hotshots!
James:
@jvfsolutions on Instagram
Jeff:
@aimcbizhealth on Instagram
@marketlikeahotshot on Instagram
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-biz owner, a marketing pro, or just love a smart, fast-paced podcast, this episode is packed with actionable insights and no-holds-barred banter.
Tune in now and learn to Market Like a Hotshot!
Stay up to date with your favorite hotshots!
James:
@jvfsolutions on Instagram
Jeff:
@aimcbizhealth on Instagram
@marketlikeahotshot on Instagram
#alignable #marketing #Alignable#MarketingPodcast #SmallBiz #BrandReputation #DigitalMarketing #MarketLikeAHotshot
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 youroverall reputation. Then, they end the show with their Hotshot Tactics on boundaries, social media tips, damage control, and how NOT to be a hotshot.
Stream more episodes of Market Like a Hotshot on Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts!
Stay up to date with your favorite hotshots!
James:
@jvfsolutions on Instagram
Jeff:
@aimcbizhealth on Instagram
@marketlikeahotshot on Instagram
#coldplay #marketing
College gives you theories. The market hits back with reality. In this episode of Market Like a Hotshot, James and Jeff peel back the polished lecture notes to reveal what marketing actually demands: clarity over frameworks, adaptability over memorization, and people skills that no textbook can teach.
🔥 Whether you're fresh out of school or decades into the game, you'll uncover why real growth happens in the chaos—through trial, error, and bold experimentation. Expect candid stories, powerful takeaways, and Hotshot Tactics you won’t find in any classroom.
Why Listen?
You’ll learn:
🎯 Plus, we reveal 3 essential tactics for building marketing muscle in the real world:
→ Launch → Learn → Repeat
→ Master the Human Element
→ Stay Adaptable
👀 Ready to upgrade from theory-mode to impact-mode? Tap play now—and don't forget to share with your peers who are still stuck in the lecture hall mindset.
📍 Learn more:
👉 JVF Solutions
👉 AIMC Business Solutions
This episode is all about building a community as a marketer. From online platforms to in-person meetups, creating a strong community is crucial. Jeff & James cover:
At the end of the day, the number of followers doesn't matter as much if they aren't engaging and interacting with you and your community! James and Jeff offer stories and tips that show you how to build a brand, not just a buyer list. Whether you're just starting out or you already have a community, and want to strengthen that, this episode is for you!Like this episode? Save it, subscribe for more, and drop a comment with your favorite tip or takeaway!
Links + Resources:JVF Solutions – Elevating ethical web design and marketing AIMC Business Solutions – Smart, scalable business growth#MarketLikeAHotshot #RelationshipMarketing #BuildingCommunity #ClientExperience #MarketingTips #JVFSolutions #AIMCBusinessSolutions
Tech comes and goes, but real connections never go out of style. In this episode of Market Like a Hotshot, Jeff and James break down why personal marketing isn’t just a warm-and-fuzzy throwback—it’s your best strategy in a noisy digital world.
From handwritten notes to savvy CRM automations, we’re showing you how to scale sincerity without burning out.
Inside this episode:
The cherry on top? You’ll learn how to build real loyalty—and maybe even enjoy doing it.
Links + Resources:
JVF Solutions – Elevating ethical web design and marketing
AIMC Business Solutions – Smart, scalable business growth
#MarketLikeAHotshot #RelationshipMarketing #1to1Marketing #ClientFirst #MarketingWithHeart #JVFSolutions #AIMCBusinessSolutions
Episode 3: AI Unleashed—Your Brand’s New Secret Weapon
It’s not just hype—AI is flipping the script with marketing! In this episode of Market Like a Hotshot, we discuss the tools that actually move the needle, the strategies that separate the innovators from the imitators, and how AI isn’t just optional anymore—it’s essential. From brand positioning to time-saving automations, we show you how to use prompts to work smarter, scale faster, and dominate your niche without burning out or selling your soul.
If you’re ready to disrupt instead of play it safe, this is your blueprint.
#AIUnleashed #MarketLikeAHotshot #DisruptiveMarketing #BrandDomination #MarketingTools #ContentStrategy #SmallBusinessGrowth #DigitalInnovation #AIForEntrepreneurs #NoFluffAllFir