We’ve all worked with that one person who is always knowledgeable on pretty much everything and up-to-date on current processes. Having a person like that on your board is an incredible resource, and today we’re going to share the most important their secret, which will help you become that person as well!

Drum roll…it’s all about continued education! Since we recognize that most board members are volunteers who are working hard to juggle their professional, personal, and board responsibilities, here are our top smart HOA board member tips on how to peruse continued education without draining your bank account or taking away all your free time.

  1. Free, local seminars and classes. Most property management companies and attorneys host free seminars and classes to help educate the public about issues specifically related to associations. By doing a little research on what free seminars are available in your area, you’re putting yourself in a position to be knowledgeable on issues currently impacting your area.
  2. Check Online. Sometimes busy schedules make attending seminars feel impossible, which is why we encourage you to check into online classes. By attending classes online you can work from the comfort of your own home, and often at your own pace, too. Most webinars/classes are more accessible than onsite trainings, which makes them ideal for busy volunteers.
  3. Look for Networking. Some events allow board members to accomplish two things in one event. If you see an event that offers training and networking with possible vendors, take advantage of it.
  4. Practical application. For most of us, simply learning something in a classroom setting isn’t enough. Take what you’ve learned and apply it in your life at work, home and with the HOA. The more you implement your teachings in real life, the better you’ll be at evaluating situations and knowing how to best manage them.

Being the smartest board member is more than just being knowledgeable, it is also about expertise. As a board member, you have to be willing to set aside time to pursue continued education and look for ways to apply knowledge and expertise from other areas of your life to the work you do with the HOA. And remember, your board is only as strong as your weakest link, so encourage all board members to pursue these education opportunities. The more knowledge each board member has, the smarter your board will be as a whole!

If your HOA board is looking for additional help with the day-to-day management of your HOA community in Austin, TX, click here to see what makes Spectrum different.