Alex Collins, a seasoned PropTech professional with 15 years of industry experience, recently joined Cloudstaff to help businesses navigate the world of outsourcing. Drawing on his extensive background, Alex offers valuable insights into the unique challenges and opportunities facing PropTech companies today.
Ethical and Responsible Outsourcing
Alex is passionate about educating the industry on ethical outsourcing practices. He emphasises the importance of compliance with local laws and regulations, including mandatory benefits for Filipino workers such as social security, health insurance, and a 13-month pay. He urges businesses to choose outsourcing partners who prioritise employee well-being and adhere to responsible business practices.
“Choosing the right outsourcing partner is crucial. It’s like a marriage – a relationship where you get out what you put in.” – Alex Collins
Alex compares selecting an outsourcing provider to a marriage – a relationship requiring investment and commitment from both sides. He advises businesses to consider the following factors:
- Be Ready: Invest time and effort in building a strong relationship with your offshore team.
- Ensure Business Continuity: Evaluate the provider’s infrastructure, technology, and disaster recovery plans.
- Shared Values: Choose a partner who aligns with your company’s values.
- Education & Security: Understand the provider’s structure, security measures, and compliance with local laws, including anti-slavery legislation.
Alex’s insights provide a valuable roadmap for PropTech companies seeking to leverage outsourcing for growth and success. By prioritising people, technology, and responsible practices, Cloudstaff, under the guidance of professionals like Alex, is helping shape the future of PropTech.
The PropTech Advantage
Alex emphasises the specialised nature of PropTech roles, which often require skills in front-end and back-end development, UX/UI design, and digital marketing. He highlights the vast pool of highly educated talent in the Philippines, eager to connect with PropTech companies in Australia and New Zealand. This, he believes, creates a win-win scenario: businesses gain access to experienced professionals at a reasonable cost, while Filipino workers gain valuable career opportunities and the ability to support their families.
Scaling with Confidence
For Alex, one of the biggest challenges in scaling a PropTech business is managing investment capital effectively. Offshore staffing, he argues, helps maximise ROI by reducing costs without compromising quality. Cloudstaff’s comprehensive support, including HR and ongoing management, allows businesses to focus on core activities and growth.
The Human Touch in a Tech-Driven World
While acknowledging the growing role of AI and technology in outsourcing, Alex stresses the importance of human connection. Cloudstaff is actively developing AI tools to enhance employee skills and streamline workflows, but Alex believes these technologies will complement, not replace, human workers. AI can automate mundane tasks and provide valuable insights, but it cannot replicate the human touch crucial for customer-facing roles and relationship building.
