How to Promote Music Online and How to Use Music to Promote Your Business

Music isn’t just entertainment; it’s one of the most powerful growth engines in modern marketing. In this premium episode of Market Like a Hotshot, Jeff and James pull back the curtain on how musicians and business owners can use music to build identity, spark emotion, and create unforgettable brand moments.

Fresh off a packed live event with 40+ people in the room, the guys dive into why music is a GTM superpower in a world dominated by short‑form content and endless scrolling. You’ll learn how sound shapes memory, how sonic branding builds trust, and why even small creators and local businesses can use music to stand out in a crowded market.

For musicians, this episode delivers a complete blueprint:

• How to define your brand and build a cohesive visual + audio identity
• The full music marketing funnel, from short‑form hooks to merch drops
• How to use platforms like Spotify, Apple, and YouTube strategically
• The real power of collaborations, remixes, and UGC‑driven reach

For business owners, Jeff and James break down how to turn music into a competitive advantage:

• Sonic branding that sticks
• Music‑powered funnels that convert
• Partnering with musicians for mutual growth
• Using playlists, events, and sound‑driven content to build community

You’ll also get the signature Hotshot toolkit — the Rule of 3 Hooks, rapid testing frameworks, and real case studies showing how creators and brands are using music to explode their reach.

And because this is a Hotshot premium episode, you know it comes with a twist:
a special guest appearance by the DeSocial Harmonizer… playing harmonica.
Yes, really. And yes, it’s as iconic as it sounds.

This is the episode that shows you how to turn sound into strategy — and strategy into momentum.

Tune in, turn it up, and rock it like a Hotshot.

Connect with the Hotshots:

James: @jvfsolutions • ⁠https://jvf.com⁠

Jeff: @aimcbizhealth • ⁠https://aimcbizsolutions.com⁠

Merch, E-Learning, & more: @marketlikeahotshot • ⁠https://marketlikeahotshot.com

DeSocial Harmonizer Volume 1 - DeSocialHarmonizer - Greatest Hits So Far - The Rough Sessions - Volume One

DeSocial Harmonizer - Volume 2 - DeSocialHarmonizer - The Summer 2025 Tunesfest! The Second Album -

More DeSocial Harmonizer shorts - You Are The Sum of theFive People You Hang With The Most

Episode 34: Funnel Like a Hotshot — How Customer Journeys Really Work

Fresh off a successful live event with more than 40 people in the audience, James and Jeff are diving into one of the most important and most misunderstood parts of modern marketing: the funnel.

Funnels aren’t just landing pages or email sequences. They’re the intentional path that moves someone from “Who are you?” to “I’m ready to take action.” In this episode, the guys break down what funnels actually are, why they matter, and how to build one that feels natural, human, and effective.

James shares insights from a new funnel component he recently built , designed to simplify lead capture and follow‑up. Jeff walks through the history and psychology behind funnels, showing why the concept has lasted for decades and why it still works today. Together, they unpack real examples, common mistakes, and simple structures you can use right away.

You’ll learn:

• What a funnel really is (beyond the buzzword)
• The core stages every funnel needs
• Why funnels matter more than ever
• How to avoid overcomplicating your setup
• Practical examples for events, lead magnets, services, and more
• Tips for landing pages, segmentation, and follow‑up sequences

If you want to build systems that scale and convert consistently, this episode gives you the clarity you need.

Hit play and learn how to funnel like a Hotshot.

Connect with the Hotshots:
James: @jvfsolutions • https://jvf.com
Jeff: @aimcbizhealth • https://aimcbizsolutions.com
Merch, E-Learning, & more: @marketlikeahotshot • https://marketlikeahotshot.com

Episode 33: Market Like a Hotshot Live – Part Deux

The Hotshots are back on stage! Episode 33 is our second-ever live recording in front of a studio audience, and the energy in the room was unreal. Jeff and James opened the floor to audience questions, sparking real conversations, real insights, and a few real laughs along the way.

In this episode, you’ll hear fresh strategies for winning in 2026, what it actually means to be a Hotshot, and some personal stories the guys don’t usually share on the mic. It’s unscripted, unfiltered, and exactly why we love doing these quarterly live shows.

And yes… we’re already committed to the bit. The next one will officially be Market Like a Hotshot Live 33⅓.

Queue it up and enjoy the ride — the crowd definitely did.

Episode 32: Go‑To‑Market Like a Hotshot — Real GTM Strategies for Real Marketers

Going to market isn’t a launch day. It’s a system. And in this week’s episode, Jeff and James break down what it actually takes to build a strong go‑to‑market (GTM) motion—whether you’re launching a product, a service, a tool, or an idea you’ve been sitting on for way too long.

With over 30 years of combined marketing experience, the guys talk shop about the real work behind a successful GTM strategy: choosing the right audience, crafting a clear problem statement, moving fast instead of waiting for perfection, and keeping sales, marketing, and product aligned so momentum doesn’t die on the vine.

You’ll hear:

• Why most founders confuse “having a product” with “having a GTM plan”
• How to pick a real target market (and why “everyone” is not a strategy)
• The difference between clarity and noise in your go‑to‑market messaging
• How to launch faster, learn sooner, and avoid the perfection trap
• The GTM pitfalls that stall even the smartest teams
• What Jeff learned from launching Mass Professional Networking
• What James learned from shipping his 5-minute website fixes ebook and website audit tool

Whether you’re early‑stage and trying to take your first step, mid‑stage and tightening your positioning, or established and looking to sharpen your GTM engine, this episode gives you the frameworks and confidence to move forward like a Hotshot.

If you want to think smarter, launch sharper, and build a go‑to‑market strategy that actually wins, this is the episode to queue up next.

Tune in and go to 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 #gotomarketstrategy #WordPress #WebDesign #DigitalMarketing #MarketingTips #SmallBusinessPodcast #EntrepreneurLife #JVFMusic

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