Productivity tips and tools for telecommuters, freelancers and businesstravelers

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Telecommuters, freelancers and business travelers, we found some great tips from Fast Company and Work Awesome to help you maintain productivity while away from your office.

Some of the recommendations include:

• A laptop loaded with all the appropriate software for your business needs.
• Internet access using your home's internet service provider (be sure you have adequate bandwidth for up/downloading files), Wi-fi (if you are working in an airport or maybe a local Starbuck's) or an aircard/wireless modem device (some cell phones can provide this type of internet access).
• Secure your laptop and your web browser with different passwords - particularly if you are working in public places.
• A smartphone - for quick access to emails, calendars and your address book.  You can also download apps to help you track your time and productivity.
• Store documents in the "cloud" by saving to Google Docs.  Google Docs also allows for collaborative editing with co-workers/clients.
• USB drive - for sharing files directly with clients/co-workers or for those times when you don't have web access.
• For teleconferencing, you might want to consider setting up a Skype account (your company may already have a teleconferencing service provider).  You might also want to invest in a microphone and possibly a webcam.

Follow the links to read the Fast Company and Work Awesome articles in full.  Here are some other great tips we found:

• Microsoft at work - Telecommuting tools: Tips for working from home
• Microsoft Tracks Telework Trends, Ranks Top Cities for Home Workers
• 5 Productivity Tools for the Busy Freelancer
• Work from a Coworking Center for an Affordable Office Environment
• Work Smart: Must-Have Mobile Apps for the Road Warrior
• Working from Home? How to Stay Sane
• Visit the Telecommute News website for more tips, resources and suggestions on productive telecommuting.