Best Practices for Supporting Association Management Effectively

Supporting your Association isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential to making them more effective, sustainable, and ready to serve their members. Whether you're a board member, committee lead, new owner, or outside consultant (👋 that’s me), knowing how to support an Association’s work can make all the difference between burnout and balance.

This post offers real, actionable tips to help your Association or the ones you work with function better.

What IS Association Management, Anyway?

Association Management is the behind-the-scenes work that keeps the lights on—literally and figuratively. It’s about more than bylaws and budgets. Collaboration between the Board of Directors and the Association Manager builds community connection, clarity, and consistency.

The Board sets the direction. The Manager brings it to life.

Together, they help the Association:

• Manage finances responsibly

• Run effective meetings

• Communicate clearly

• Maintain compliance

• Plan for the long term

Fist bump symbolizing unity and collaboration in teamwork.

5 Ways to Strengthen Association Operations

1. Prioritize Relationships (Not Just Processes)

It’s easy to get stuck in admin mode, but relationships are the heart of a healthy association. Regular communication builds trust, especially when it's clear, consistent, and respectful.

Try:

• Introducing new members to the Association by highlighting key players, important contacts, and essential information to help them feel informed and connected from the start

• Sharing a quick “Board recap” after meetings to keep members in the loop

• Creating a simple FAQ for new or recurring issues (e.g., insurance, maintenance, dues)

  
  

📊 MemberClicks reports that associations that tailor experiences for their members see an engagement increase of up to 78%.

2. Use Tech That Works for You—Not Against You

Technology should make things easier, but in many Associations, tech systems are managed by professional management teams using platforms designed to serve broad portfolios. These tools often prioritize backend efficiency over user experience, leaving members feeling lost or disengaged.

While these systems may be necessary, Associations should still ask: Is this working for our community?

Look for ways to supplement or simplify communication—sending a plain-language email summary of a complex report, posting important updates on your website, or using digital tools that grab attention and encourage engagement.

💡 Hot Tip: QR codes aren’t just for restaurant menus. Use them on signage or mailers to link directly to events, updates, or feedback forms.

The goal isn’t just using tech—it’s using it well to meet your members where they are.

A collaborative workspace filled with laptops, phones, and notes as individuals engage in a digital work session.

3. Invest in Professional Development

People join associations to feel connected, but they stay when they grow. Providing meaningful opportunities for members to learn new skills, build their resumes, and expand their networks adds serious value to the membership experience.

Think:

• Topic-specific workshops relevant to your community or industry

• Guest speaker series featuring local professionals or partner organizations

• Committee leadership training to empower future board members

• Webinars or roundtables that support peer-to-peer learning

You don’t have to start from scratch; lean on resources from your local chapter of CAI (Community Associations Institute, https://www.caionline.org/) or invite a professional to lead a session on topics like holding effective virtual meetings, navigating governance, or improving communication.

📈 Two-thirds of members say professional development is their top reason for joining. When Associations prioritize learning, they strengthen both engagement and retention.

4. Make Decisions Backed by Data

Don’t guess what your members want—ask them. Short surveys, quick polls, and informal check-ins can tell a lot. Use what you learn to guide programming, adjust communication styles, or plan your annual meeting.

And keep it simple: Google Forms and Excel can go a long way.

People share diverse opinions while holding colorful speech bubbles, symbolizing a lively discussion.

5. Center Diversity & Inclusion

Good management means creating space for more voices at the table. Associations that reflect the diversity of their membership in leadership and programming are not only more inclusive—they’re also more effective.

🌟 Associations with diverse leadership teams outperform their peers by up to 25%, according to McKinsey.

Start by:

• Reviewing how leadership roles are filled

• Creating opportunities for underrepresented voices

• Telling member stories that reflect your full community

The Unsung Heroes: Volunteers

Volunteers are the power behind progress. But too often, the same few people do all the work. Make it easy to step in—whether joining a committee, helping at events, or leading a task force—and just as important, say thank you. Recognition goes a long way.

Final Thoughts

Associations don’t run on autopilot. They thrive because people care, show up, and help steer the ship. Whether you’re working from the inside—or consulting from the outside (hi again 👷‍♀️)—you’re helping build something that lasts.

The weight on HOA and Condo Boards has grown exponentially in the age of constant communication, but management structures haven’t always kept up.

If your Association is ready to set clearer expectations, move stalled projects forward, or just create some breathing room, I can help.

Let’s build a stronger foundation—together.