1. Start With A Successful Message.
Everyone wants to join a winning team. This is a great opportunity for the Board to “toot its own horns”. Share your accomplishments and success stories. Then communicate the importance of HOA boards and the need for strong, contributing board members to help the community continuously improve and succeed.
You can have all these in your board member recruitment letter.
2. Seek Out The Experts.
Many homeowners think that the job of being an HOA board member is limited only to financial management. As such, many believe that they don’t have the right skills and strengths to become a Board member. However, people who have all manners of skills and expertise are needed in the Board (e.g. construction, design, and information technology).
To find potential candidates, identify the areas in running an HOA that you need help with. Determine the particular skills set that you need and let your residents know. If you have some people in mind who match your qualifications, approach them personally and invite them to coffee or lunch. Refrain from ambushing them or stopping them on the sidewalk.
In your one-on-one, acknowledge how knowledgeable and experienced they are in their fields and then tell them how the community would love to have someone like them on the Board. Appeal to their skill set to have them involved. Be encouraging but not pushy.
3. Find The Constructive Critics.
Complaints are not always a bad thing. They can also be a sign of involvement in the community.
However, not all complainers should be encouraged to run for the Board. You wouldn’t want to work with somebody who is always critical and complaining, would you? Instead, take note of the residents who politely express discontent and make constructive feedback. They have good communication and negotiation skills which can make them a good addition to the Board.
Similar to the strategy mentioned in Item 2, talk to them personally and invite them over food or drinks. Encourage them to run for the Board so that they can have an active role in improving the community.
4. Look Out For The Regular Attendees.
Be on the lookout for residents who consistently attend homeowners’ meetings. They show a level of interest and concern for the community that you need. Build a relationship with them. In the process and find out their skills and expertise.
If you think they can help in running the HOA, talk to them personally and ask them to consider running for the Board. The worst they can say is no.
5. Start Them At Low-Commitment Positions.
A lot of hesitation can also come from the notion that being a board member is tedious and time-consuming. The reality is: Everyone is busy working hard and juggling numerous responsibilities. How can someone ever take on yet another responsibility?
A great way to recruit this kind of homeowners is to have them get started at low-commitment positions first, such as a committee. That way, they can have a hands-on experience of being on the Board. If they do well, they can even take it to the next level.
If you’re working with an HOA management company that takes care of most of the work, let your residents know too! They might be under the impression that they have to do everything.
_____
Photos by You X Adventures, Thisisengineering, and Amy Hirschi on Unsplash
