How Shanalee Sharboneau Is Creating Her Own Thriving Home BasedCareer, One Book At A Time
Author of the My Family Loves Me children’s series, Shanalee Sharboneau’s inspirational and timeless books drew upon her real life experience of her son’s illness that kept him in the hospital for the first six months of his life due to severe reflux. Shanalee began to create her own original melody to calm her son during his struggle when nothing else worked. Shanalee then added words to her melody that formed the lullaby and book: My Mama Loves Me, expressing all of the things she would do with him if he stayed alive.
Shanalee has had the fortune to be awarded the medals Readers’ Favorite – Five Stars and finalist from the International Book Awards in the division best Children’s Picture Book: Hardcover Fiction. She has lived in Texas since childhood and grew up with immigrant Irish Grandparents hearing tales of Vikings, castles, leprechauns and banshees.
Shanalee’s books are sold online all over the world,including Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Austria,Africa, Russia, Germany, Japan, China, Mexico, Spain, Italy and France. She was featured on Moving America Forward hosted by William Shatner. Her radio interview on “The Author Show” was broadcast to her fans all over the globe. She was just awarded a place in the “Give Voice to Women” program through the World Academy for the Future of Women at Sias International University in Henan, China.
Her books have been recognized by Financial Guru, DaveRamsey and The President of Ireland, Michael Higgins.
1) How did you get started working from home?
At night and on weekends, I would book events, call bookstore, and enter my information on press sites. Any minute I had that was free from my daily real job, being a mom and a wife, I promoted the books.
2) How did you choose the work-at-home career you do?
Surprisingly, it was bestowed upon me versus seeking it . . . and this was a very nice surprise! The book became wildly popular to the point in which I had to get serious in my home office. After learning about what was needed to meet the needs of book signings and appearances, I set up my office, breaking away from a desk that pays bills and answers personal emails to someone who works at home for their career.
3) How did you get started (basic initial steps)?
My old computer had to go, and with some of the video interviews lately I’m glad I did upgrade. The printer had to work so I did update my personal printer to something that could handle printing most of my materials. I made sure I had an email address that would work for business and a cell phone plan that would meet the needs of being on the phone more throughout the day. It was about technology.
4) How did you get your first client or customer or job?
My son’s school. I had to start local and they were very supportive and I was appreciative!! They purchased books and I was able to visit the classes. To this day, parents come up to me expressing how much their children love the books!
5) How do you market your business?
The books are submitted to elementary schools, press and awards. We do quiet a bit of social media which always helps.
6) What does your usual day look like?
Mornings are enjoyable because I am able to attend to personal items, something people in a daily job many not get to do when starting their day. After about 1 hour of making sure my son is good, and the house is good, I start. The first thing I do is check my list and force myself not to look at emails. I focus on the list I made that morning on the pertinent items I need to get completed that day. Then I go to emails, responding to requests, and then to fun stuff that I feel would be enjoyable to do while promoting the book at the same time.
7) What do you know now that you wish you knew when you started?
Make your list during coffee in the morning with deadlines and stick to it. It is so easy to get side tracked when you look up to see all the things you can do around the house, or when you do not have a boss looking over your should confirming you are completing your work.
8) What advice would you give someone who wants to work from home?
Ignore the dishes. Once you have a great day, it’s easier to do the housework with a glass of wine when you have accomplished so much!!
Find Her Online:
Website: www.shanaleesharboneau.com
Twitter: @authorshanalee
Facebook: Shanalee Sharboneau
Videos: Vimeo
Amazon: Shanalee Sharboneau
