Not everyone’s cut out to work from home. And even if you telecommute for a company, you’re responsible for getting up at a reasonable time each morning and fighting distractions that can impede your progress. And importantly, you’ll must be able to work alone.

If you feel you can handle this type of arrangement, then perhaps telecommuting is the way to go. Of course, desiring a telecommute arrangement and actually receiving the okay from your employer is a different story.

Some companies recognize the value of hiring telecommuters and they encourage this working situation. Others aren’t as open. And to achieve your ideal working conditions, you may have to put your persuasion skills to good use.

• Demonstrate your ability to work without supervision: Does your boss have to constantly remind you to stay focus? If so, you can kiss a telecommute arrangement goodbye. Before asking or proposing a work at home position, demonstrate your time managements and self-motivation skills. Employers take these factors into account when deciding whether to approve an employee’s request.

• Explain the advantages: In many instances, employers never consider telecommuting. They assume everyone’s happy with present conditions. However, if your job doesn’t entail contact with client or working alongside other employees, why not work from home? And with less distractions, you’ll be more productive.

• Create a home office: Before making a decision, your boss will likely inquire about your home work space. Is it a separate space…free from distractions? Let’s face it, your employer might not agree to telecommuting if he or she knew of your plans to spend each and every workday in bed.

• Propose temporary telecommuting: Although convenient for workers, telecommuting doesn’t always benefit employers–especially if you perform a key duty. Still, this shouldn’t stop your from at least proposing a temporary arrangement, wherein you agree to telecommute on a trial basis–perhaps two or three days a week. This gives you the opportunity to prove that you’re able to handle telecommuting. And your boss can determine whether telecommuting is benefical to the company.