“Not exactly.My background is in corporate brand strategy and product launches.But the principles are the same.You’re selling an experience.You need to understand your audience and build a conversion funnel that moves people from awareness to action.”
Marty exchanged a glance with Linda.“All those fancy terms sound expensive.”
“It doesn’t have to be.You’d be surprised what you can do with good messaging and a few strategic partnerships.”
The mayor set down her pen.“How long are you in town?”
“I don’t know yet.”Well, yes, she did.Two months.Two forced months.
“Would you be willing to consult?Even informally.We could use a fresh perspective.”
“I—” Cassidy stopped.“I’m not really here to work.”
“I’m not asking you to run the whole thing.Just give us some advice.Maybe sit in on a planning meeting.You’ve already given me more useful direction in two minutes than I’ve gotten in the last six months.”
The door to the coffee shop opened, and Winnie stepped inside.
She spotted Cassidy immediately, smiled, and walked over.“Morning.I thought I might find you here.”
“Winnie,” the mayor said warmly.“Perfect timing.I’m trying to recruit your guest.”
Winnie raised an eyebrow.“For what?”
“The festival.She’s got a marketing background, and we’re desperate.”
Winnie looked at Cassidy, her expression thoughtful.“Is that right?”
“I just made a comment,” she said quickly.“I wasn’t offering to?—”
“She suggested audience segmentation and targeted digital campaigns,” the mayor said.“In about thirty seconds, she identified half the problems we’ve been ignoring.”
Winnie’s smile softened.“That sounds promising.Sounds like you know how to fix things.”
“I appreciate the offer,” she said carefully, “but I’m really not in a position to take on a project.”
“It wouldn’t have to be a big commitment,” the mayor added.“Just a few hours here and there.You’d be doing the town a real favor.”
“I’m sure you’ll figure it out.”
The mayor didn’t push, but her expression made it clear she wasn’t giving up.“Well, if you change your mind, let me know.Here, let me put my number in your phone.”
She reluctantly handed over her phone.The mayor typed in her number and sent her a message.“So, you’ll have my phone number too,” the mayor said as she handed back the phone.
Cassidy nodded and turned toward the door.Winnie followed her out.
They walked in silence for half a block before Winnie spoke.“You didn’t have to say no.”
“I’m on vacation.I’m supposed to be resting.”
“Resting doesn’t mean doing nothing.”
Cassidy stopped walking and turned to face her.“I can’t take on someone else’s problem right now.I have enough of my own.”
Winnie met her gaze, calm and steady.“Sometimes working on someone else’s problem is easier than sitting alone with your own.”
“That’s avoidance.”
“Maybe.Or maybe it’s a way to remember what you’re good at while you figure out what comes next.”
