Empowering Pakistani Freelancers Through Effective Communication

At Future Fest in Lahore, Gavin Lira and I talked with Azad Chaiwala about how freelancers in Pakistan can thrive by improving their communication, mindset, and skills.

Rehan Allahwala arranged this conversation during a car ride at the conference. This sparked an insightful discussion on how strong communication skills can help Pakistani freelancers succeed in the global marketplace.

Freelancing is more than just earning money; it’s about building trust and meaningful relationships. Over the years, I’ve worked with countless freelancers, many from Pakistan, and seen firsthand what works and what doesn’t.

If you’re a Pakistani reading this, my goal is to share with you my thoughts as a business owner and significantly increase the chance of you being hired as a VA.

Trust Begins with Communication

One of the most striking things I’ve noticed is how rarely someone approaches me with genuine curiosity or a desire to connect meaningfully. I’ve yet to hear, “I watched your video with Gavin on a specific topic and had a question—can you explain further?” or, “I admire what you’re doing; how can I contribute?”

Instead, the typical approach is, “Here’s why I’m an expert and why you should hire me.” This mindset not only misses the mark but also overlooks the opportunity to build trust and establish real connections.

Communication is the foundation of trust. Many freelancers struggle to connect effectively with clients because they don’t practice active listening. Active listening involves reflecting back what a client says, ensuring they feel understood and valued.

For example, instead of responding with generic assurances, freelancers should summarize the client’s concerns or requirements in their own words. This simple practice helps resolve misunderstandings and demonstrates professionalism.

Another critical issue Gavin highlighted is the prevalence of mass, impersonal messages from freelancers. Many client pitches begin with phrases like “Hello sir” or “Kindly hire me”—a surefire way to lose credibility. Instead, freelancers should thoroughly research the client’s needs and craft tailored responses that address specific problems. For example, referencing details from a client’s public content or outlining how your skills align with their requirements can make a lasting impression.

A lot of applications I receive from Pakistan seem to be carbon copies: “Hello sir. Kindly hire me. Need job ASAP.” This type of message sends a signal that you haven’t made an effort to understand what the company really needs or how you can contribute specifically. It’s impersonal and often leads straight to the rejection pile. 

For example, when we’re hiring VAs we always ask for a keyword in the job description which they must include in the headline of their application. This is to make sure that the message isn’t copied and pasted to hundreds of different companies.

We’re also making sure that you understand what our goals are and who we work with. This requires you to do basic research and understand our mission. If you don’t, why would we hire you?

We want to see that you clearly understand who we are, what we do, and how we do it. 

Use Proper English

Strong English skills are critical, particularly in industries like PR, where creating scripts, drafting articles, and pitching ideas require polished and effective messaging. While perfect fluency or an American accent isn’t necessary, clear and typo-free writing is essential. Messages filled with slang, errors, or unclear responses often get ignored, as they reflect a lack of attention to detail and professionalism.

Think about it: if your application is riddled with typos, why would a client trust you to produce high-quality content for their business? Demonstrating proficiency in English and an understanding of project goals can set you apart and build trust.

I’ve shared many videos on SEO, content writing, and deal-closing, but meaningful engagement is rare. Most viewers miss the chance to truly grasp and apply the concepts. It’s like offering 8th to 10th-grade content while some still struggle with basic business English. The gap lies in understanding that business vocabulary is very different from everyday tourist English, and this remains a major barrier.

Relationship Building

A significant issue is the lack of connectivity and relationship-building. Effective communication goes beyond basic exchanges—it requires understanding cultural nuances, humor, and conversation styles. As Gavin often emphasizes, providing value before making requests is essential.

At a Future Fest Lahore, countless individuals interrupted me mid-conversation, shoving phones in my face. I had to ask, “Is this acceptable in your culture? In America, it’s considered bad manners.” Others asked for testimonials for their agencies despite us never having met. My response was simple: “I don’t even know your name or your work—why would I provide a testimonial?”

Building relationships requires offering value first, not rushing to take. It’s about creating genuine connections that pave the way for trust and collaboration.

Skills and Cultural Awareness

Freelancers often face challenges because their skills don’t match the needs of high-end clients. Many services on platforms like Fiverr are basic, while top clients want specialized, AI-driven expertise. Tools like GPT-3, Go HighLevel, Descript, Jasper, and WordPress are in demand, so staying updated and connected with industry trends is key to success.

It’s not about where someone is from but about their ability to deliver results. A lack of essential skills often creates a significant barrier, especially in competitive markets. This is compounded by the tendency of some freelancers to claim expertise without the experience to back it up or the willingness to learn. Confidence is important, but credibility comes from delivering results. True professionals focus on listening, learning, and improving before presenting themselves as experts.

Beyond technical competence, cultural awareness plays a critical role in building trust. Simple gestures, such as using appropriate English phrases or demonstrating good etiquette (like a firm handshake), significantly impact how clients perceive you. Understanding cultural nuances and communication styles is often the differentiating factor in establishing strong, lasting relationships.

Ultimately, success requires not only developing in-demand skills but also fostering an openness to learning and respecting the subtleties of working in a global market. Whether it’s mastering advanced SEO, creating effective sales funnels, or becoming proficient in analytics tools, the freelancers who thrive are those who invest in their growth and approach every interaction with empathy and professionalism.

Mindset: The Hidden Driver of Success

Mindset is the ultimate driver of success in freelancing. For many Pakistani VAs, self-doubt and a lack of belief in their potential hold them back. I recommend to cultivate a mindset that anything is possible. He explained that when challenges arise—whether in learning English or acquiring a new skill—believing in your ability to overcome them is crucial. Without this belief, it’s easy to give up at the first sign of difficulty.

Gavin echoed this sentiment, adding that freelancers should shift their mentality from taking to giving. Instead of asking potential clients for favors, freelancers should approach relationships with a mindset of adding value. This could involve offering free advice, sharing relevant insights, or solving a minor problem for the client upfront. By giving first, freelancers can build trust and showcase their expertise.

Practice Empathy

Effective communication goes beyond language skills—it’s rooted in empathy. Far too often, freelancers recite their entire resume as a sales pitch without considering the needs of the client. I’ve had people approach me with irrelevant experiences, like interior design, hoping to land a job. This lack of understanding underscores a deeper issue: failing to listen and connect.

Empathy is about understanding the other person’s perspective before making a request. It’s not the perfection of your English that matters most but your ability to show genuine interest and align with the needs of others. By listening, responding thoughtfully, and focusing on clarity, you can build meaningful relationships and unlock opportunities.

Practice Active Listening

Active listening is a critical yet often overlooked skill in professional communication. It goes beyond simply nodding or saying, “I understand.” True active listening involves reflecting back the speaker’s message in your own words to confirm understanding and demonstrate engagement.

For example, if a client says their priority is to leave a legacy for their company and pass it on to their son, you might respond, “So, your main focus is ensuring your legacy and preparing your son to take over. Is that correct?” This not only shows that you’ve understood their needs but also builds trust and rapport.

The biggest mistake many people make is sending generic, mass-produced responses that fail to address specific concerns. Personalized communication shows you’ve taken the time to listen, research, and thoughtfully engage. In our Facebook group of 43k members, we once posted a job requiring digital marketing expertise. Few respondents followed up with meaningful feedback or demonstrated they had researched the role. The standout applicants showed a willingness to learn and provided thoughtful, relevant responses. Out of hundreds, only 20 were hired because they displayed active listening and genuine interest.

Active listening isn’t just about hearing words—it’s about understanding, engaging, and responding effectively. For instance, if a potential employer questions your skillset, a response like, “What I hear you saying is that you’re unsure how I can add value. Let me clarify by sharing examples from similar projects I’ve worked on,” conveys both understanding and initiative.

By practicing active listening, you can create meaningful connections, resolve conflicts, and demonstrate your value, setting yourself apart in competitive spaces.

The Importance of Credibility and Role Models in Success

To offer meaningful advice, credibility is essential. If you want to learn how to run a seven-figure business, you should seek guidance from those who have successfully done it. If you’re interested in mastering public relations, follow the work of experts like Gavin. When it comes to building analytics systems, I rely on my own experience. It’s similar to the challenges faced in inner-city America, where young people without role models often fall under negative influences. However, figures like Sunny Ali provide a positive example, offering hope for a better path.

Gavin frequently emphasizes the importance of connecting, giving, and fostering genuine friendships. These principles are the foundation for growth and success. In some ways, I see myself as a bridge—much like Rehan in the United States—helping others recognize the transformative power of role models and meaningful connections.

By bringing together like-minded individuals, we can inspire others to see the value of learning from those who excel. As Gavin wisely advises, whether it’s closing deals or improving your English fluency, the key is to watch, learn, and model yourself after those who do it exceptionally well. Success starts with the willingness to learn from the best.

When I asked Rehan Allahwala what were some of the biggest challenges for Pakistanis working for US companies, he responded that many folks don’t know how to work in teams.

Provide Value First

What ties all of these points together is that you need to be providing value instead of asking for a paycheck alone. John F. Kennedy once said: “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country”.

I would ask you the same question: What can you do for your employer?

We have Pakistani VAs like Muzamil who now make over $3,000 USD/month by demonstrating overwhelming value to us. We’ve also had Pakistani VAs who we fire after a week because they’re an obvious net negative.

If you can provide overwhelming value to your employer, you can not only get a VA job, but you can make more money than you could believe.

It’s your responsibility to practice active listening, show competence as an A Player, and be ready to provide more value than you take from whoever you want to work for.

And if you can demonstrate this, there’s no stopping you.

Check this out to find the best place to start:

How to Qualify for a Content VA Position: A Step-by-Step Guide | BlitzMetrics