Articles

Build an Enjoyable Community Experience

Written by Gord Collins | May 28, 2024 5:31:33 PM

Make Your HOA more Enjoyable

Most homebuyers are well aware of the benefits of living in a managed community.  That "enjoyment" feeling is key to gaining their support and participation.

Past surveys show community association managers do a great job of keeping residents informed and feeling included. And residents like the service and efficiency they're providing. They feel respected and supported. That's a great achievement today and should be celebrated.

However, there's nothing stopping you (or your community living coordinator) from going over the top in creating a more lively, active and fun community. It's wise to do it and can elevate residents and other's view of living in your community(s). It takes more than talk and token gestures. You really do need a strategy that supports real enthusiasm and enjoyment.


The collective goal/result form community building is a series of continuous activities and communications that raise belief within residents to support the idea of peak enjoyment, and that your management team and board are masterful in realizing that.

 

Who's Responsibility is It?

One published post on this topic on an industry website (and shared on community association websites) suggests that more enjoyment is the responsibility of residents -- that they should act to build enjoyment in the community. Wouldn't it be nice if residents initiated and managed betterment of the community?  Or would that be chaos?

Well, regardless, isn't it the HOA manager who should lead and initiate improvement in the community experience?  Aren't your board and residents waiting for your expertise and guidance?

The Job's Not Done Until You're at the Top

The matter of "peak experiences" is a worthy topic. Because, that's actually what people want in their lives.

Because a lot happens during peak experiences. This is where people realize what they care about most -- their health, happiness, and experiences.



Any hiker or mountain climber will tell you they're never fulfilled until they've reached the summit.  They do it for the peak experience. It's at the summit where the adventurer must finally relax, enjoy their accomplishment, and be immersed in epic views of the landscape. 

Similarly, in lifestyles, our spirit, belief, confidence and well-being are crystalized when our community becomes really enjoyable -- as good as it gets.

This peak experience is where transformation and elevation happen. It's a big picture thing where residents agree to association initiatives they would oppose you on for eternity. Salespeople for instance know, you need to capture customers when they feel really good. It's that time when friction and resistance disappear for solid, flashing green lights letting them move forward, past petty issues.

If residents are giving you the gears, then you ca  put it in drive by ramping up enjoyment for that peak experience. This crystalizes their willingness to implement great ideas.

How to Improve Enjoyment in Your Community?

  1. buy new amenities to replace amenities that no one uses or enjoys
  2. upgrade your communications strategy to promote positive themes for the community
  3. refurbish amenities so they have a festive, tropical or nature theme
  4. organize more social get togethers so they're a regular part of community life
  5. hold coffee or lunch booths for no other reason to reassure residents there's always a chance to mix casually (connectivity)
  6. limit big celebrations to New Years or 4th of July since they may lead to excessive behavior, inebriation, and overcrowding issues
  7. buy new kids playground structures and build new play zones
  8. develop quiet parks for comfortable, relaxed use away from noise, with natural themes
  9. organize small parties where people of specific lifestyles can draw together for socializing
  10. build a pool and public jacuzzi for relaxed enjoyment (relaxation is the key)
  11. hold a contest for best community improvement suggestion (free $100 gift card as "going cheap" sends the exact opposite message)
  12. start a project such as community garden for growing health herbs and where beautiful flowers can be sewn
  13. hold more workshops on caring topics such as responsible financial management, supporting seniors, raising healthy kids, dietary improvement, and stretching and yoga classes
  14. hold a street festival showcasing local talent (including outside crafts vendors) 
  15. organize a fundraiser where people do chores, cut lawns, clean up yards or do other tasks for a $20 donation

Relaxed, Controlled, Improved Living

A rising tide of positive, enjoyable experiences lifts all to peak experiences where they will affirm that their community is the best possible place to live and raise kids.

All your Millennial and Gen Z residents and future residents are tuned into the enjoyment goal, and this new approach will draw them.

Explore ManageCasa™ for its enhanced amenity management and resident communications benefits. 

A enjoyable community association needs great management tools -- an all on one affordable platform.

Contact our association sales team now at 415 800 1245.