Lisa recently sat down with long-time industry leader and consultant Michael Furlong during his visit to the Affordable Staff office in Bacolod, Philippines. Michael, who has spent over 25 years in the real estate industry, shared his thoughts on outsourcing, the evolving perceptions around it, and the value of visiting the team on site.
What made you consider outsourcing?
Michael first explored outsourcing more than a decade ago, at a time when it was still considered controversial in the Australian property industry. He recalled a 2013 conference where emotions ran high as outsourcing was linked to job losses. Despite that resistance, Michael immediately saw potential. A year later, after selling his rent roll, he began his consulting business and built outsourcing into his operational model from day one.
His consultancy revolves around systemising real estate businesses to fast-track profitability, and outsourcing plays a critical role in that. Michael has always emphasised that outsourcing only works when supported by well-structured systems. For him, it’s about removing administrative burden from property managers and improving client service. He’s often met with scepticism from agencies who claim outsourcing didn’t work for them. His response is consistent: without processes in place, it rarely will.
Why did you choose Affordable Staff?
Reflecting on why he chose Affordable Staff, Michael shared that past experiences with other providers had been frustrating. He’d worked with agencies where communication was filtered through too many layers, leading to confusion and subpar outcomes. With Affordable Staff, what stood out was their strict operational security, clarity in communication, and a shared commitment to client integrity. From ISO certification to a no-paper, no-phone policy at desks, it was clear to Michael that Affordable Staff prioritised protection and professionalism.
Visiting the Philippines Office: The Power of Being There
Michael has built a long-standing relationship with the Affordable Staff team, but until this visit, that connection had always been virtual. Finally meeting his offshore team in person brought a new level of appreciation for their work and their personalities. He described the experience as both humbling and affirming, noting how valuable it was to connect face-to-face with people who had supported his business for years.
During his visit, he was struck by the company culture. From the medical team and wellness programs to friendly hallway greetings and office energy, the sense of community was immediate. He participated in “Ozball”, an internal event designed to strengthen team spirit. Watching the games and seeing the pride and joy of the team left a lasting impression. He even joked about feeling like a celebrity as long-time virtual colleagues approached him in person.
Michael openly admitted he wished he had come to visit much earlier. He didn’t realise how much he would gain until he experienced it firsthand. The relationships deepened, communication opened up, and the personal connection added a new layer of trust. One of the most memorable moments came over dinner, where he and a team member were able to resolve a long-standing communication challenge in a way that wouldn’t have been possible over video calls.
What advice would you give to somebody considering outsourcing through Affordable Staff?
When asked what advice he would give to others considering outsourcing, he emphasised the importance of structure, security, and relationship building. He urged business owners to treat offshore staff the same way they would treat in-house employees. Get to know them, ask about their day, celebrate their milestones, and maintain regular communication. He also cautioned against cutting corners or choosing providers based purely on price, especially when client data is involved.
Michael’s parting advice for clients considering a visit to the Affordable Staff office was simple. Just do it. He believes the return in connection, understanding, and team performance is far greater than the cost. His only regret was not coming sooner. But as he made clear, this visit won’t be his last.
Looking to Learn More?
To find out more about how Affordable Staff can help your business, please contact us today.
