Mark MacDonald
Church Branding Strategist, Founder of BeKnownForSomething
Website Address: www.beknownforsomething.com
DB (Diane Barton) Pavlenko
Author of The Singing Sleuth Murder Mystery Series
Website Address: SingingSleuth.com
On “Ignite Success,” Sherrie Clark welcomes outstanding leaders to this uplifting and interesting show, filled with practical advice and tips for business professionals. This week, Sherrie sits down with Mark MacDonald from BeKnownForSomething and Author, DB Pavlenko.
Short company description:
Mark: What are you known for? It matters! Be Known for Something coaches Pastors, Ministry Leaders, Non-Profit Leaders, and Church Communication Teams to effectively discover and communicate what they’re known for in a trusted framework over relevant communication channels and methods. As brand developers and strategists, the agency helps churches be known for something relevant and needed so their communities will hear about the Gospel message of Jesus Christ. Read their bestselling book: BeKnownBook.com. The agency offers assessments, coaching, and online groups about branding, strategy, online giving direction, and tool strategy (social media, websites, print, etc).
DB: The Singing Sleuth Mysteries take place at exotic locations (on land and sea). The singing sleuth is a handsome Scotsman, Alec DunBarton, who enjoys single malt whisky, smokes a pipe to have a good think, and sings whenever the spirit moves him. It’s through those song lyrics that Alec is able to describe his suspects, reveal hidden motives, and eventually solve the murder mystery.
How do you define success?
Mark: Setting goals that will help you and others and achieving them.
DB: Although I would love to see The Singing Sleuth books televised and the sentence “Characters created by DB Barton,” appear on the screen, I’ve come to define success as the ability to take a fanciful, insubstantial creative thought (an idea) to a finished and satisfying work. In my case another book in the series.
If you could be remembered for one thing, what would it be?
Mark: Helping people discover their thread.
DB: For being kind and bringing laughter to friends and strangers.
How has your business changed in the past 12 months?
Mark: More zoom. More retreats. More conferences.
DB: It hasn’t changed much in the last 12 months. Covid, of course, prevented me from cruising, which stopped The Singing Sleuth from solving a murder on his cruise ship. The pandemic prompted me to visit Boothbay Harbor, where I could have Alec solve a suspicious death at a lovely little bed and breakfast in scenic Maine.
What are your biggest goals in the next 12 months for your business?
Mark: Utilizing conferences to increase visibility and sales.
DB: I plan to do a few more book signings over the next year in Florida. A few weeks ago, I also contacted a salesperson at the NEFL Scottish Games and Festival to rent a booth for 2024. I’m in the process of researching the subject of archaeology to make my next book, The Singing Sleuth Digs Up the Past, realistic and interesting.
