Think ahead, plan strategically, and get everyone on board for a bright future.

Many association boards have no real vision for their community or any goals that they are working toward. Essentially, they operate in a month-to-month mentality, addressing issues as they arise and focusing on homeowners and property values. Although that's understandable, the boards that view themselves as a business and run their association as one are more likely to set long-term goals that will increase their success. Let's take a look at ways your board can plan for a successful future:

1. Get the ball rolling

In order to be successful, association boards have to develop a long-term plan for the community. It's not effective to run the board in a “putting out fires” mode or on a month-to-month basis without a clearly laid out plan. To get started, it's a good idea to schedule when each meeting will take place for the entire year. Then create agendas for each meeting in advance and ensure that all board members have this information ahead of time so they know what's in store and can start thinking about their role.

2. Draft your goals

Setting long-term goals begins with getting a conversation started among your board members. Using our one-page planning tool, you can get everyone together to identify your aims and the association's business cycle. This allows your board to plan out which goals should be top priority and who will be responsible for each one. Creating actionable items that are clearly identified lets everyone know what's expected of them and how each goal is going to get accomplished, and it provides a timeline for getting everything done.

3. Brainstorming

In any organization, bringing people together to share ideas and talk about priorities is a great way to get things going and to start a long-term plan. Creating a master list of ideas and goals is a great way to see where you'd like your community to be in three, five, or even ten years down the road. Just like those top goals from your one-page planning tool, these goals and visions are up for discussion and collaboration, allowing the board members to weigh in, to offer their expertise, and to help ensure that the community is moving in the right direction.

4. A vision for the future

In addition to the day-to-day and month-to-month tasks that need to get accomplished, like a maintenance schedule, special projects like gutter cleanings, tree trimmings, or painting of common buildings, it's a good idea for HOAs to have a vision for the future for the community.

Do you want to offer community-wide Wi-Fi? Should you upgrade your security system, improve the community website, or add some new amenities to your clubhouse? These types of projects are great ways to increase the property values and satisfaction within your community. But they need to planned and budgeted for. And if the board works together, it can be done: a strategic plan can be created, implemented, and achieved.

Just like a business, having clearly-defined goals for the future is an essential aspect of a well-run, effective HOA. Use these tips to help you get started and be sure to check our blog often for more useful tips on running your association. And if you're in need of legal representation or are looking to enlist the services of a community association attorney, get in touch with PeytonBolin at 877.739.8662 or through our online contact form today. We offer a flat fee retainer program that's affordable and ensures that you always have the representation you need.