You have to be Organized.
Because you do not have a well oiled infrastructure to work within when you are self employed it is critical to be organized. If you don't have anyone working with you that can help you then take advantage of outside services. For busy people, there are many inexpensive services to help you stay organized. Voice Mail, secretary services, full service copy centers such as Kinko's and much more. If you are a do it yourselfer, there are plenty of software programs that can help keep you organized like Microsoft Outlook for example. Programs like this will let you set your calendar and will actually come on and remind you of meetings and important events. You can also store phone numbers, email addresses, fax numbers and much more in easy to access files. Having a sophisticated digital answering machine and email can help you with ensuring you always get your messages and makes it easy for people to communicate with you. In addition, you should consider having a fax machine. You will almost certainly need a computer that is linked to the Internet with email capability.
Aside from technology there is good old fashion filing systems. You want to keep a calendar and a good filing system. Be sure to keep all your receipts if you are employed as an independent sub-contractor. When in doubt keep it, and keep it for seven years.
You have to be dedicated.
Finally, you have to be dedicated. Being dedicated means that you are committed to your employer to doing the best job you are capable of. That you will get the job done even when there are obstacles in your way. You don't give up easily, that you have persistence. Being dedicated and hard working is often the top quality looked for by employers. If you are dedicated you can be sure you will never be out of work. This is a critical element of success.
You have to have Self Discipline.
One of the most important keys to success in working independently is having self discipline. If you work on your own and particularly if you work at home there are plenty of distractions. You usually will not have a supervisor checking up on you and guiding you at your work space. You will have to set your own schedule and maintain it. You will have to get organized and stay organized. You will have to return your phone, fax and email messages. Part of staying disciplined is focusing on a goal. If you have something to motivate you it will help keep you on track. Part of being self disciplined means following through. | 
