Episode 31: Fake It Like a Hotshot — The AI‑Made Marketer Problem

AI has officially made it easier than ever to look like a marketer… even if you’ve never built a strategy, talked to a customer, or run a campaign in your life. In this episode, James and Jeff break down the rise of the “AI‑generated marketer” — the copy‑paste creators, the prompt‑engine experts, and the folks who think a chatbot makes them a CMO.

The guys have a brutally honest, funny, and insight‑packed conversation about what real marketing actually requires: positioning, differentiation, audience psychology, testing, iteration, and the kind of judgment no AI can fake. If you’re a founder, creator, or marketer trying to stand out in a world drowning in generic AI content, this episode gives you the clarity and edge you need.

You’ll learn:

• Why AI gives people confidence without competence
• The difference between content creation and real marketing strategy
• How to use AI as a tool rather than a shortcut
• What separates true marketers from prompt‑writers
• How to build campaigns that actually convert in an AI‑noisy world

And as a massive bonus…
🎵 We’re debuting the world premiere of Jeff’s brand‑new theme song: The Connector. 🎵 You’re hearing it here first.

If you want to think smarter, market sharper, and avoid becoming another AI‑made “marketer,” this is your episode.

Queue it up and learn how to stop faking it and start marketing like a Hotshot.

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

#MarketLikeAHotshot #AI #WordPress #WebDesign #DigitalMarketing #MarketingTips #SmallBusinessPodcast #EntrepreneurLife #JVFMusic

Episode 30: Motivate Yourself Like a Hotshot

We’re kicking off 2026 with a different kind of Hotshot episode — one focused on motivation, mindset, and the real challenges entrepreneurs face behind the scenes. This isn’t the highlight‑reel version of success. This is the honest, supportive, “let’s get real for a minute” conversation that so many founders need at the start of a new year.

James and Jeff talk about the ups and downs of staying motivated, especially during the cold, gloomy stretch of winter when comparison, pressure, and self‑doubt tend to creep in. They share personal stories, what’s helped them push through tough moments, and why motivation isn’t about being fired up every day — it’s about showing up, building habits, and surrounding yourself with the right people.

This episode is packed with practical tips, mindset shifts, and real‑world encouragement to help you start 2026 strong. If you’ve ever felt behind, overwhelmed, or unsure of your next step, this conversation is for you.

Disclaimer:
This episode touches on motivation and general well‑being. We’re not mental health professionals, and nothing in this episode should be taken as medical or therapeutic advice. If you ever feel overwhelmed, hopeless, or find yourself thinking about harming yourself or someone else, please reach out for help right away — talk to your doctor, someone you trust, or a local hotline in your area. You don’t have to go through tough moments alone, and getting support is a strong and courageous step.

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

#MarketLikeAHotshot #SaaS #WordPress #WebDesign #DigitalMarketing #MarketingTips #SmallBusinessPodcast #EntrepreneurLife #Motivation

Episode 29: Win 2026 Like a Hotshot

In this New Year’s kickoff episode, Jeff and James look back at 2025—the year they built the plane while flying it. No perfect plans, no overthinking… just two founders figuring things out in real time. And somehow, that messy, agile approach carried them all the way to Episode 29.

They’re also laying it all out for 2026. Jeff and James share their New Year’s resolutions, the big moves they’re planning, and the mindset shifts they’re bringing into the new year. Plus, they make bold predictions about what founders, marketers, and creators need to watch for in 2026.

And as always, you’re getting the real thing. This podcast isn’t edited (with a few tiny exceptions). No filters, no polishing—just the raw conversation, the excitement, the passion, and the occasional chaos that makes Market Like a Hotshot what it is.

If you want honest insights, practical strategies, and a front‑row seat to two founders gearing up to win the year, this is the episode to start 2026 with.

Queue it up and let’s win 2026 like 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

#MarketLikeAHotshot #SaaS #WordPress #WebDesign #DigitalMarketing #MarketingTips #SmallBusinessPodcast #EntrepreneurLife

In this festive episode of Market Like a Hotshot, Jeff and James dive into the real secret behind standout marketing: the personal touch. From choosing between personal vs. business social accounts, to balancing real outreach with AI tools, drip campaigns, and automation, the Hotshots break down how to stay human in a world full of bots.

All of this is happening while a wild New England windstorm knocks down trees, telephone poles, and the power for half the neighborhood, proving once again that sometimes the most “automated” thing in your life is your generator.

And because it’s the holidays, Jeff and James also reveal their very different opinions on the Feast of the Seven Fishes. One of them loves it. One of them had to escape the dinner table. You’ll have to listen to find out who’s who.

If you want practical insights, good laughs, and a reminder that real connection beats perfect automation every time, this is the episode to queue up next.

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

#MarketLikeAHotshot #SaaS #WordPress #WebDesign #DigitalMarketing #MarketingTips #SmallBusinessPodcast #EntrepreneurLife

Episode 27: Own It Like a Hotshot

Are you renting your online presence—or truly owning it? In this episode of Market Like a Hotshot, Jeff and James reveal why relying only on social media is like renting an apartment, while building a website is like owning prime real estate.

You’ll discover:

• Why social media is rented land, and websites are the deed to your digital property.
• The critical difference between SaaS platforms like Wix, Squarespace, and Shopify versus WordPress, where you can download, store, and move your site whenever you want.
• How ownership gives you control over security, hosting, and your customer relationships.
• Why so many businesses make the mistake equivalent to asking people in their store to visit their billboard on the highway—and how to avoid it.

With practical strategies and real‑world analogies, this episode will change how you think about your digital marketing foundation. Listen now, own your presence, and market like a hotshot.

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

#MarketLikeAHotshot #SaaS #WordPress #WebDesign #DigitalMarketing #MarketingTips #SmallBusinessPodcast #EntrepreneurLife

Episode 26: Convert Like a Hotshot

Ready to master lead conversion and turn prospects into paying clients? In this episode of Market Like a Hotshot, Jeff and James break down the sales funnel step by step, showing business owners how to sharpen their client acquisition strategies and boost business growth. From diagnosing funnel leaks to designing irresistible offers, you’ll get actionable marketing tips that make conversion feel natural, confident, and fun.

And because this is Market Like a Hotshot, you’ll also get plenty of laughs. Between Jeff’s uncanny ability to make James crack up mid‑conversation, the overwhelming flood of requests to be guests on the show, and the sheer number of shoutouts we dish out, this podcast proves that marketing wisdom doesn’t have to be boring.

So tune in to hear two Italian guys who love to chat, riff, and drop hotshot‑level marketing wisdom. By the end, you’ll be ready to convert like a Hotshot — and laugh along the way.

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

#MarketLikeAHotshot #LeadConversion #SalesFunnel #ClientAcquisition #BusinessGrowth #MarketingTips #SmallBusinessPodcast #FunBusinessPodcast #EntrepreneurLife

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 intuition and AI innovation.

You’ll discover:

• How AI powers data-driven insights and predictive analytics
• Why human creativity, empathy, and storytelling remain irreplaceable
• Real-world case studies on personalization, customer support, and content creation
• A practical framework for blending automation with authenticity
• Future trends in generative AI, multimodal marketing, and AI literacy

Whether you’re a marketer, entrepreneur, or business leader, this episode will show you how to scale smarter with AI while staying connected through human touch.

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 #MarketingTips #BusinessGrowth #AI #MarketLikeAHotshot #AImarketing #marketinglifecycle #generativeAI #marketingpodcast.

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 relationships at conferences, meetups, and industry mixers.
• The subtle moves that turn small talk into powerful opportunities.
• Common pitfalls to avoid so you don’t come across as pushy or forgettable.

This is more than networking advice — it’s about marketing yourself with heart, creating bonds that feel good, and walking away from events with genuine allies instead of just contacts.

Whether you’re a marketer, entrepreneur, or professional looking to grow your circle, this episode will help you connect like a hotshot and make every networking opportunity count.

Tune in now and discover how to transform your next event into a place of real connection, joy, and opportunity.

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 #MarketingTips #BusinessGrowth #KnowYourWorth #MarketLikeAHotshot