Managers should not take negative feedback personally and should share knowledge within their company instead of relying on one individual. While saving money initially, hiring consultants can help save more in the long run and produce better results. Board drama should be avoided and treating all parties with respect can turn opponents into allies. To prevent burnout, managers should not work more than 40 hours per week and take time to rest. Giving back to the community through teamwork and reputation building is also advised.

1. MY BEST ADVICE TO YOU…
Practical Advice from Community Association Management Professionals

2. ON TAKING IT PERSONALLY
Managers shouldn’t take things personally and be able to have things roll
off their backs when they receive negative feedback from homeowners.

3. ON KNOWLEDGE SHARING
While hard as a smaller company, it is important to not rely solely on one
individual to know a process; duplication of knowledge within the
company is key.

4. ON HIRING CONSULTANTS
I think that I erred by not hiring consultants to save money. In the long
run, after hiring consultants and experts, we both saved money and had
a better result.

5. ON BOARD DRAMA
Do not feed into the drama of the Board. A person against the Board or
HOA can be your closest ally if the situation is treated correctly.

6. ON AVOIDING BURNOUT
Don’t work more than 40 hours a week to avoid burnout. A rested person
is more effective to get the job done.

7. ON GIVING BACK
Work in teams, build recognition and reputation in the community, and
give back to the communities you work for.

8. ON COMMUNICATIONS
Our Business takes a team approach. We do not just have one
community manager that only deals with that community. We have
more so that the client always has someone to talk to.

9. ON ACCOUNTING
For reconciliation purposes, record credit card payments separately from
cash and check payments.

10. ON USING TOPS
Learn Add/Waive,
Pay adjust, etc.
inside and out.
When in doubt, use
the sample
community to test
the transaction.