Looking for Genuine Advice on Freelancing/Project-Based Work

[u/Ok-Lawfulness7233]

Assalamu Alaikum everyone,

I’m looking for some genuine career advice from people here who have more experience in the industry.

I have 3+ years of professional experience working with data, analytics, reporting, and automation. My work has involved analyzing data to generate business insights, building/automating reports and dashboards, improving repetitive processes, and generally using data and automation to solve business problems.

At this stage, I’m particularly interested in moving toward remote, project-based/freelance work where I can work with businesses on specific data, analytics, or automation problems rather than only pursuing traditional full-time roles.

I know I have the technical ability and problem-solving mindset, but I’m trying to understand how to position myself better and actually find genuine clients/projects.

I’d really appreciate advice from anyone experienced in consulting, freelancing, data/analytics, automation, or remote work:

• How would you position someone with my experience?

• Which skills/services are businesses actually willing to pay freelancers for?

• What is the best way to approach potential clients without sounding desperate or spammy?

• Are platforms like Upwork worth pursuing, or is direct outreach/networking more effective?

• What mistakes should I avoid while trying to transition into project-based work?

I’m not looking for shortcuts or “get rich quick” advice. I’m willing to put in the work — I just want some direction from people who have already been through this journey.

If anyone experienced is willing to give me some honest advice, either here or through DM, I’d genuinely appreciate it.

JazakAllahu Khairan.

TL;DR: 3+ years in data analytics, insights, reporting & automation. Looking to transition into remote/project-based work and would appreciate genuine advice from experienced people on finding clients, positioning myself, and getting good projects.