Beyonce: I'm #2 ... I Need to Try Harder

Beyonce is just one step from strapping on a sandwich board that reads, "Buy my album, please."

Bey and Jay Z took a post-dinner stroll through Midtown NYC Thursday, which doesn't happen often ... making it all look suspiciously promotional.

BTW ... Bey's album fell to No. 2 after only one week at the top ... toppled by Drake's "Views" ... so Bey's hustle is very real.