Years ago, the car rental company Avis made waves in the advertising world by launching a new marketing campaign proudly boasting the fact that they were, um, not the best. They realized Hertz was the runaway leader in their space, so they didn't shy away from that. They used it.
Their slogan? "Because we're number two, we try harder."
That simple claim was clearly meant to position themselves as the scrappy runner-up who'd keep striving to land at the top. Those of us helping plan and promote Capitol Market's upcoming Market Mixer know just how Avis feels.
You see, there is this woman who, year after year, sells more event tickets than anyone else. Probably more than the rest of us combined. I'd never call her out publicly here (Kristen Harrison) because she's really a dear friend of mine. So let's just say this unnamed woman (Kristen Harrison) is a real selling machine. A retail beast.
Since the rest of us pale by comparison, we have to try harder. Which leads me to this week's selfish, desperate, juvenile plan to use this platform to kick her ever lovin' tush.
It's my first year as a volunteer and I want to sell more tickets than her. In a big, bad way. But I can't do it without you, so please help me, you know, crush her little dreams.
This year's event, from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 5, will once again feature an evening of great wines, craft beer, delicious food and live music in a lively market atmosphere. It's always a great time (and usually a sellout) so please join me for the festivities by buying your tickets today - from me!
Simply visit capitolmarket.ticketspice.com/market-mixer-2016 and enter coupon code "KEITH" to secure yours. Use my last name and they'll avoid the online processing fee. And maybe, just maybe, you'll help boost me over the edge.
And don't worry, Kristen. I know coming in second Hertz, but next year you'll get to try harder.
nnn
Local restaurants are gearing up for Charleston Seafood Week Oct. 10-16 by planning special menus to raise awareness about the health benefits of fresh fish, shrimp, scallops, crab and other tasty fruits of the sea.
It marks the city's second time participating in this national push, after the Seafood Nutrition Partnership last year selected Charleston as one of only eight cities nationwide to be featured in the nonprofit's grassroots campaign.
Sadly, Chucktown was chosen because of the high risk of cardiovascular diseases here - fourth highest in the nation - but all the more reason to help get the word out about this effort to help change that. Health experts predict an estimated 50,000 Americans could possibly avoid strokes or heart attacks each year simply by eating two servings of healthy seafood a week.
And no, that shouldn't all come from baskets of deep-fried guilt from Captain D's.
Last year, 10 local restaurants participated. This year, organizers hope to double that number. On the hook so far this go 'round are: Adelphia, Berry Hills Country Club, Blossom Dairy, Brick Salt+Kitchen, Bricks & Barrels, Bridge Road Bistro, BRB Café (at Columbia Gas), Ichiban, Quarrier Diner, Sam's Uptown Café, South Hills Market, The Block, Tidewater Grill, Timothy's Bar & Grill, Laury's and Mi Cocina De Amor, with more expected to come on board this week.
You can check out the full lineup of participating restaurants and other related events at www.SNPCharleston.com or by following "Charleston Seafood Week" on Facebook.
Steven Keith writes a weekly food column for the Charleston Gazette-Mail and an occasional food blog at blogs.wvgazettemail.com/foodguy. He can be reached at 304-380-6096 or by email at wvfoodguy@aol.com. You can also follow him on Facebook as "WV Food Guy" and on Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest as "WVFoodGuy."