Has a Home Office

Even if you're single, you should have a space in your home dedicated to work and nothing else. If at all possible, get a laptop computer from the company and put your personal computer somewhere else.

Having a separate office does two things. First, it gives you a place where you still go to work. Once you're there for the day, the chance of personal distractions is minimized. Second, once the work day is done, you can still walk away from it. Both of these points are important.

Has a Separate Phone Line

Even if it's a cell phone, you should have one line dedicated to business. That should be the only line you answer during the day (emergencies notwithstanding). This screens out many personal (and spam) phone calls. You can also ignore it after hours.

Has a Basic Understanding of Relevant Technology

Unless it specifically pertains to your job, you don't need to be a technical whiz. However, you should have a basic grasp of the technologies you'll be using to stay in touch, and work with, others. This may include understanding your cell phone's extra features, such as texting, web fax services, group software, such as Google Docs, video conferencing, Instant Messaging, and more. If you're not already up to speed, the time to start addressing that is n-o-w.

Is Disciplined

It's vital that the job is still treated like a job. That means getting to the desk on time, every time. It means not taking a three hour lunch. And it means meeting all your deadlines. Without a strong sense of discipline, the telecommuter will most likely fail.

Is Organized

If you already have an organizational system you use at work, you may be able to copy it directly for use in your home office. However, you may also need a different sort of access to certain information. Regardless, you need to start in an orderly fashion and continue in the same manner forever. The quickest way to undermine confidence in you is to say (to your boss, your coworkers, or anyone else), "I can't find that file. Can I get back to you?"

Works Well on Their Own

Face it: If you telecommute, you're on your own all day, every day. It's important that you manage yourself properly without getting sidetracked or stuck in minute details. In addition, you will have to deal with not interacting with others face to face. If you're one of those who thrives on hands-on interaction, telecommuting may not be for you. If, however, you are able to build and maintain relationships based mostly on phone calls and email, you could be the perfect telecommuting candidate.

Works Well with Others

Telecommuters must be accesible to others. If your team mates can't reach you, it leads to mistrust. Once they have reached you, they need to leave the interaction feeling that you were as helpful as possible. Remember: If you treat them poorly, they are a lot closer to the boss's ear than you.

Is an Effective Communicator

Effective communications at all levels is crucial to telecommuting success. You need to write great emails that are short and to the point. You need to make the phone your best friend. In short, when it comes to interacting with you, you need to leave everyone with the impression that you perform at least well at home as you did in the office.

Doesn't Mind Tracking Mechanisms

Many supervisors will want fairly detailed information on how the telecommuter is using their time. If this is a problem for you, don't take the job. Whenever the boss starts wondering if he's getting his money's worth out of you, you're treading on the thinnest of ice.

Asks for Help When Needed

Getting people to admit they need help can often be as difficult as herding cats. It's easier to deal with this when all team member are under one roof. When you're off-site, your manager won't know you need help until you ask, or when your project hits a major problem. Don't let this happen to you. Be willing to let others know when you need assistance to get something done right, and on time.

Enjoys Face Time

Telecommuting hermits are not good team members. In order to maintain relationships, as well as keep yourself in front of the boss(es) so they remember you when it comes time for raises, promotions and the like, you need to have the occasional bit of face time. How often you visit the home office will depend on your organization, as well as the cost and time it takes to travel. However, even when I was a coast-to-coast telecommuter, I managed to get to the home office every two months or so.

Adapts to Change

It's important to be flexible at all times. In the beginning, it may take time, along with some trial and error, to get settled in properly. Moving forward, being adaptable will make you a valuable team member. Resuing to adapt will make you an unwanted pain in the neck.

Conclusion

This may not be an all-inclusive list. In fact, I'm certain I could tack on several sub-categories and other less essential items. However, if you can cover all twelve of the suggestions above, you have a very good chance of being successful. As always, plan your work, then work your plan, and you'll be well on your way to independence and freedom as a highly valued telecommuter.

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