Market Like a Hotshot: Episode 64 - Know Your Customer from a Data Perspective Like a Hotshot

 If you want to market like a Hotshot, you need to know your customer - not guess, not assume, not hope. And in Episode 64, Jeff and James sit down with one of the most respected voices in marketing analytics and AI education: Christina Inge, founder of Thoughtlight, award‑winning instructor at Harvard and Northeastern, and author of two major textbooks on marketing analytics.

Listen Here - Market Like a Hotshot: Episode 64 - Know Your Customer from a Data Perspective Like a Hotshot

Christina has spent over 18 years helping mission‑driven organizations, universities, and startups use data to understand their audiences, refine their messaging, and build smarter, more human‑centered digital experiences. She’s taught thousands of professionals how to use analytics the right way - and in this episode, she brings that wisdom straight to Hotshot Nation.

Inside this conversation, you’ll learn: 🔥 How to identify your best customers using real data 🔥 The difference between market research and “random guessing” 🔥 How to use analytics to understand customer behavior, needs, and motivations 🔥 The most important data sources every business should be tracking🔥 How AI is transforming marketing — and how to use it responsibly🔥 Christina’s experience as a professor, corporate marketer, startup mentor, and founder 🔥 Why data storytelling matters more than dashboards 🔥 How to avoid the biggest mistakes businesses make with analytics Christina also shares her personal journey: from journalism to digital marketing to becoming a highly rated Harvard instructor and the founder of Thoughtlight, a Boston‑based digital media agency known for building thoughtful, collaborative, user‑friendly solutions. She breaks down how AI has changed her teaching, her business, and the future of marketing itself. If you’ve ever wondered: “Who are my customers?” “What do they actually want?” “How do I use data without getting overwhelmed?” “What does AI mean for my marketing?” This episode gives you the clarity you’ve been missing. Hit play and learn how to Know Your Customer From a Data Perspective - Like a Hotshot Listen to Market Like a Hotshot on Your Favorite Platform on http://linktr.ee/marketlikeahotshot

Spotify - Apple - Amazon - iHeart Radio Check out our MERCH and Learn Like a Hotshot on http://www.marketlikeahotshot.com

Check out our new album from Hotshot Resistance featuring The Connector, The Attraction and Bingo Card! https://open.spotify.com/artist/6gNhe..

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Market Like a Hotshot - Episode 62: Market Like a Hotshot Live Part 5 - Hotshots Unleashed

This is one episode that you'll feel as much as you hear.

Recorded and streamed live from the Sonata Room at Venture Café in Cambridge, Hotshot Unleashed brings together some of the most dynamic voices in marketing, entrepreneurship, and the Boston innovation community, all in one fast‑paced and high‑energy session. Jeff and James kick off the night with Tricia Bitetto, the powerhouse behind event programming at Venture Café and CIC. She shares what it takes to build community, run world‑class events, and create spaces where founders and creators thrive. Then we sit down with Jeff Berman, author of How Not to Fail, startup mentor, and one of the most respected marketing minds in the Venture Café ecosystem. Jeff brings the heat with real‑world insights on growing your business, attracting the right customers, and why most founders misunderstand what “marketing” actually is. And that’s just the beginning. Throughout the night, a series of incredible guests jump on the mic to share their journeys: from leaving corporate life to launch their own ventures, to mastering the art of storytelling, to navigating the emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurship. Even our producer Reagan steps in with some exciting news you won’t want to miss. This episode is raw, real, and filled with wisdom that you only get from live conversations with people who are in the arena every day. If you want inspiration, clarity, and a front‑row seat to the energy of Venture Café, this is the episode to play. Hotshots Unleashed. Live. Unfiltered. And absolutely unforgettable. Listen to Market Like a Hotshot on Your Favorite Platform on http://linktr.ee/marketlikeahotshot

Spotify - Apple - Amazon - iHeart Radio Check out our MERCH and Learn Like a Hotshot on http://www.marketlikeahotshot.com

Check out our new album from Hotshot Resistance featuring The Connector, The Attraction and Bingo Card! https://open.spotify.com/artist/6gNhe.

Market Like a Hotshot Podcast: Episode 57 - Celebrity Branding Like a Hotshot w/ Carrie Mays

 What does it really take to build a brand that stands out - not just online, but in the real world?

In Episode 57, Jeff and James sit down with Carrie Mays, actress, Miss Massachusetts contestant, and rising star who will appear in a major upcoming feature film. Carrie brings a powerful mix of authenticity, ambition, and real‑world experience that Hotshot Nation is going to love.

Listen here on YouTube -

Market Like a Hotshot Podcast: Episode 57 - Celebrity Branding Like a Hotshot w/ Carrie Mays This episode dives deep into how modern creators, performers, and entrepreneurs can build a personal brand that attracts opportunities, grows influence, and opens doors in competitive industries. Inside this episode, Carrie shares: 🔥 Her journey into acting, modeling, and pageantry 🔥 How she built a brand strong enough to land a role in a big‑budget film 🔥 The mindset shifts needed to reach your goals and stay motivated

🔥 How to stand out in industries where everyone is trying to be seen

🔥 What aspiring actors and models must know before getting started

🔥 How authenticity and consistency create long‑term influence 🔥 Why personal branding matters for everyone, not just celebrities

You’ll also hear Carrie’s advice for small businesses, creators, and Hotshots who want to elevate their visibility, connect with their audience, and build a brand that actually means something. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a marketer, a performer, or someone who wants to level up your personal brand, this episode is packed with inspiration, strategy, and real‑world wisdom from someone who’s actively living it. Hit play and learn how to brand yourself like a Hotshot — with Carrie Mays. Listen on your favorite platform - http://linktr.ee/marketlikeahotshot

- Spotify - Amazon - Apple - iHeart Radio Get MERCH and Learn Like a Hotshot on http://www.marketlikeahotshot.com

Connect with the Hotshots: Instagram - marketlikeahotshot - aimcbizsolutions - jvfsolutions

Mass Professional Networking Events and Happenings - April 2026 - The Networking Follow-Up Tip

 Mass Professional Networking Events & Happenings April 2026 - The Networking Tip Why Follow-up is Essential

First, Jeff went over upcoming events in April 2026, which are found on: http://www.aimcbizsolutions.com/massp...

April 8th - Market Like a Hotshot Live 33⅓ - Our Biggest Networking Night Yet! RSVP - https://business.metrowest.org/events...

April 9th - Mass Professional Networking Event at Kings Entertainment Burlington MA RSVP - http://mpnetworking040926.eventbrite.com

April 14th - Little Rhody Professional Networking Event at The Copper Club in Providence RI RSVP - http://mpnetworking041426.eventbrite.com

April 22nd - Mass Professional Networking Event at Fogo De Chao in Boston MA RSVP - http://mpnetworking042226.eventbrite.com

AMA Events mentioned are found on https://amaboston.org/events/

. Now onto our topic - Why Following Up After a Networking Event is Essential You met great people. You had strong conversations. You exchanged business cards, LinkedIn connections, and maybe even talked about future opportunities. And then... nothing. The biggest mistake people make after a networking event is not following up. Networking is not about collecting contacts. It is about building relationships. A quick follow-up message can be the difference between being forgotten and creating a lasting professional connection. It shows professionalism, interest, and initiative. The best opportunities often come after the event: A future job lead A referral A client introduction A partnership A meaningful long-term relationship Even a simple message like: “Great meeting you at the event. I enjoyed our conversation and would love to stay connected.” can open doors. The event is only the beginning. The follow-up is where the real networking happens. Note Jeff's follow-up approach including the timing in his video -

(36) Mass Professional Networking Events and Happenings - April 2026 - The Networking Follow-Up Tip - YouTube

AIMC Marketing Tip - Mass Professional Networking Events & Happenings Spring 2025

Happy St. Patty's Day to all!

With Spring Coming This Week, there is a lot going on with Events & Happenings this coming season!

First, always remember, networking is not transactional, but a long term relationship with professionals that you know like and trust. Always go into an event with the mindset of who I am going to help today, and you will be successful.

Now for the good stuff, here are our upcoming events:

- Mass Professional Networking & Little Rhody Professional Networking - https://www.eventbrite.com/.../aimc-business-solutions...

- AMA Boston Events - https://amaboston.org/events/

As always, for great networking tips, go to AIMC Business Solutions at http://www.aimcbizsolutions.com

and check our blog.

Old Friends, New Ways: A Special Fireside Chat With Jeffrey DeSocio

For the longest time, Boston New Technology and Jeff's companies and community building efforts have converged and happily met with a strong sense of common purpose. With a strong background in technology, networking, and marketing, Jeff pioneered much of what the events scene now considers quite ubiquitous. There's no surprise there, as Jeff is also an entrepreneur, avid connector, and marketer and is the founder of one of Greater Boston’s most successful professional networking organizations, Mass Professional Networking. He pivoted his career in 2022, to become a successful Managing Director - Technology at a Greater Boston-based Executive Search Firm, integrating his vast technology management & organizational knowledge and networking to help hypergrowth organizations connect with talented professionals. Lastly, Jef is also the owner of AIMC Business Solutions, a leading Digital Marketing and IT firm. Boston New Technology Co-Director Steve Vilkas will speak with Jeff about the history of those first few irons in the fire forged in those early days and, equally as importantly to the history, what the future-state is looking like as we consider everything from hybrid realities to the new expectations of business professionals.

Here is our fireside chat - 

Tears For Fears Concert - Boston, MA - Various Songs

We recently attended one of the most amazing rock concerts in a long while with Tears For Fears w/ the opener Garbage in Boston. The band has an amazing new album out called "The Tipping Point" and showcased a few songs from that album. Of course, they played some of their biggest hits from Mad World to Shout.

Check out our compilation video of the recent Tears For Fears Concert at Leader Bank Pavilion in Boston.

The following songs were played - some were short snippets of the songs: - Opening Songs: - No Small Thing, The Tipping Point, Everybody Wants to Rule the World - Sowing the Seeds of Love - Woman In Chains - My Demons - Break It Down Again - Rivers of Mercy - Pale Shelter - Mad World - Encore: - End The Night, Change and Shout Tears for Fears are an English pop rock band formed in Bath, England, in 1981 by Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith. Founded after the dissolution of their first band, the mod-influenced Graduate, Tears for Fears were associated with the new wave synthesizer bands of the early 1980s, and attained international chart success. Tears for Fears were part of the MTV-driven Second British Invasion of the US. Get Tickets to Tears For Fears w/ Garbage at our Partner Store - Ticket Network - https://bit.ly/2WsqNaw

We also partner with Ticket Liquidator too!

A Walking Tour of Northeastern University Boston, MA w/ Desocial Connector

AIMC On The Scene - A Walking Tour of Northeastern University Boston, MA w/ Desocial Connector - Join Jeff for a Tour of his Alma Mater, Northeastern University in Boston including a tour of the Quad and various sites around campus and reminiscing about how the campus has changed since he graduated 30 years ago. For any information on Northeastern and/or going to school in Boston, MA let us know. Sponsored by SHOP Local on All In My Cart - https://bit.ly/2RZVHt6

Streaming Outta Fenway | Dropkick Murphys Live Stream

On May 29, 2020 Boston's own Dropkick Murphys played to an empty Fenway Park but the concert was streamed around the world to help benefit various charities focused on the pandemic.

AIMC Music Entertainment & The Scene streamed the full concert here.

An Overview of AIMC Business Solutions - Digital Marketing - IT - Intern...

Are You Scared of Business Networking? - How to Work the Room.

Do you ever get anxious when you are about to embark on an adventure attending a business networking event?   What, I need to talk to people?   I need to take a shower? What!  I need a plan or some business cards?  I need to go into the city and park my car!  Ugh..

Business Networking today is essential for survival in the ever increasing entrepreneurial world, but it is important to not network aimlessly.    With my group Mass Professional Networking, we aim to help all professionals make the best of their business networking efforts via our events and coaching.  The whole idea of networking should be fun and worthwhile, so let's chat about how to work the room!

How to Work A Room at a Business Networking Event:

1)   Don't go in cold - Do a little research on the people attending the event that you want to meet and use that information to break the ice with them.

2) Travel Light - Leave the pocketbooks at home, don't bring your laptop.  Just bring some business cards and a smile.

3) Walk The Walk - Walk through the event with confidence and look like you are having a good time.

4) Start With Some Appetizers - You know that most attendees hang out by the food or the bar, it is a great place to start at the event.

5) Who's Who - Don't read name tags on people first.  Maintain eye contact when talking to people  If you look all around at name tags, it makes you look furtive and shifty.

6) Approach VIPs First -  If there is a Keynote Speaker or a Host of the Event, chat with them at the beginning of the event since once the event gets going, they will be very busy attending to their guests.

7) Spot the Lone Wolves - When the room is crowded, it is harder to integrate into a group.  One-on-one networking is the most effective.

8)  And You Are? - The Goal is to ask others about themselves so you can connect to their interests and lives.  Mention your name at the beginning and the end of your conversation.

9) Press The Flesh - Always shake hands with a firm grip and no hugging.  It is uncomfortable hugging in a professional environment.

10) Be Curious -  While talking to new attendees, ask open ended questions to assess right off whether they will be of any help.  Real leaders are curious.

11) Card Exchange - Develop a system where you keep your cards in one pocket and the cards you collect in another pocket, so you don't mix and match.

12) Get an Introduction -  Grab a mutual acquaintance to provide an introduction for you.  Takes away the shyness.

13)  Give and Take - Always try to be a connector, the person that brings people together.

14) It's a Wrap - Summarize a list of you would like to follow-up with, and FOLLOW UP!

America's Best Social Media Cities - My Own Travels

I have traveled a lot over time for both personal and business reasons and have always been attracted to high-tech socially progressive cities that have a great music scene as well as being a melting pot for entrepreneurs.     My favorite cities have a lot of great business networking, have a positive outlook on life and the economy and access to great scenery.  

I have been to Europe many times but I will reserve this list for my American travels including the US and Canada.    Of course, Boston, my hometown makes the list even if I didn't live here,  Boston is everything a city should be!

So here we go in no particular order, let's travel!

Seattle!

The Emerald City.  The home of Amazon, Microsoft and Starbucks!   You want music?  How about Pearl Jam, Soundgarden ad even Macklemore!!  Yes, Seattle is one cool city.   It has a huge entrepreneur scene and is the fastest growing major city in America right now.  The cool thing is now there are direct flights from Boston to Seattle which is a lot better than taking Interstate 90 from Boston to Seattle!  Seattle is socially connected and is as high tech as it gets!  The weather and cost of living is a little shaky in Seattle but after all, you have to sacrifice a little no where you live.   One of my favorites!!


Austin!

Deep in Heart of Texas Hill Country, I visited the "Live Music Capital of The World" a few years ago for a conference and was amazed at how progressive the city was considering I was in Texas.   The food was amazing and the tech scene was probably the fastest growing in the US with new meetups starting up on a weekly basis.   Austin is the home of Whole Foods, and big footprints for Apple and Facebook.   The weather is great 8 or 9 months out of the year and the scenery is not bad for Texas.   It is one of the few places you will see a pine tree next to a palm tree.   The cons for Austin are the intense summer heat, no pro sports team and growing pains.  


Orlando!

Florida's Magical City is full of surprises.   It is a lot more than Disney and Universal.  There is a huge tech scene here, with networking and mobile application companies such as AirWatch and Juniper Networks.  The business networking scene is booming according to Network After Work and the restaurant scene is the best in Florida (yes, better than the larger Miami to the south).  The great thing about Orlando is that within four hours you can see a sunrise to the east and a sunset to the west in the same day!   Like Austin, the summer can be brutal, but unlike Austin, you can be at a beach in a couple of hours!  Orlando is most popular Florida city when it comes to social media likes and follows!   What a great city!!


Vancouver!

I went to Vancouver right before the Olympics and was amazed how it was 55-60 degrees in early January in downtown, yet, you can go a half-hour outside the city and have the best skiing in the world.   I went to Vancouver while working at Nokia and was able to enjoy the great brew pubs, high tech meetups, and probably the best scenery of any city in America.   Vancouver was the most fitness minded city in Canada (probably because it avoids the brutal winters like the rest of Canada).  It is the most expensive city in Canada but worth it.    Everyone should put this city on its bucket list!


Nashville!

Yes, the Music City, the Heart of Tennessee, the Home of the Grand Ol' Opry!   It is the city I have been to the most outside of New England and Florida.  I ran an IT organization in Nashville back in 2008-2009 and was down there every other week for a while.   All I can say is I met some of the most amazing positive professionals anywhere in Nashville.  Of course, the music was amazing.   I was at a club one night and Neil Young just showed up and jammed with this band.   Only in Nashville!  Anyway, health care IT is king here, there are great schools and as a result lots of startup companies.   The restaurant scene is the best in the Mid-South besides New Orleans.   I look forward to another visit to this great city soon!!


Denver!

I visited the Mile High City a couple of years ago and was amazing at the explosive growth of this amazingly scenic city!   The tech scene and the business networking scene is the fastest growing in the West.  The people are very fit considering it one of the best outdoor cities in the US.  Denver has room to grow so look for it to be a top ten city very soon.   The drawback is that Denver is land locked and the weather is very unpredictable.  The cost of living is expensive but not as bad as the Northeast or California.    Finally, on my bucket list is to see a concert at Red Rocks!


San Francisco!

I remembered going across the Bay Bridge from gritty Oakland into San Francisco and was absolutely blown away how beautiful this city was.  San Francisco is Boston with mountains and palm trees.  It is the king of tech with just about every major tech company based in the metro area alongside San Jose.   The restaurant scene is the best in the West.   I did a power tour of the city the one time I have been there including walking across the Golden Gate Bridge, driving down the zig-zaggy Lombard Street and then hanging on the street corner of Haight & Ashbury, the home of the Grateful Dead.     The city is the most expensive place to live on this list but it is worth it!


Raleigh!

Last but not least, is the fastest growing city on the East Coast. Raleigh.  The home of the Research Triangle, Duke, UNC and NC State!   It is progressive with tech companies like Red Hat and SAS headquartered here.   Raleigh is only two hours from some of the most scenic coastline and three hours from the mountains.  It is great spot and it probably has the best weather if you still like to experience the four seasons.  What I liked about Raleigh is the greenery.   There is a lot of open spaces and trees even though you are in a major metropolitan area.   The company I am in business with, Market America, is based in neighboring Greensboro, so Raleigh is a place I will frequenting a lot.   The only drawback is that Raleigh doesn't have the excitement of a Nashville, Boston or Seattle, but it is a great place to call home!!

There you have it, my favorite American cities list.   Yes, I have been to others like Atlanta, Miami, Dallas, Chicago, DC, Phoenix and Philly, but these cities did not have the great combination of tech, networking and scenery that the top cities have, in my opinion.   Happy travels!!