July 2017
The condo newsletter remains one of the best approaches to condo communications. It is a proactive approach to informing residents of what is taking place in their building. Events, closures, meetings and more can be included in each issue.
Condo owners are also owners of common areas and they deserve to know when an exercise room or swimming pool will be closed and reopened. They should not have to walk to an area only to find they are denied access by a posted sign. Scheduled maintenance not communicated in advance ignores the ownership aspect of condo living.
Failure to communicate conveys a lack of consideration by management, and possibly the board, to owners whom they represent.
A newsletter provides a proactive approach to communications with condo residents and owners. Its dissemination via technology such e-mail, Internet or condo management software makes it more readily available and referenceable by more people than the traditional print version.
A newsletter shows that the condo board and management understand the need to communicate specific information to condo residents. Effective distribution via multiple channels shows that management and the board have adequate competency in this area.
A newsletter is more than a compilation of pages with warnings, summarization of violations and requests for compliance with condo rules.
A newsletter allows residents with a desire to know be informed of the goings on in their building. It helps prevent the spreading of rumour, innuendo and false information.
A newsletter creates a sense of community. It is less likely that owners or residents feel isolated as to what is happening in their home. It encourages active participation in social activities, community events, on internal committees and board participation.
A newsletter can facilitate communication among residents. Moving sales, selling of individual items and social events arranged by individual residents is more easily communicated.
A newsletter can help maintain financial transparency. Owners should not have to wait until a formal meeting to learn of financial problems or board deliberations. They deserve to be informed of such matters on a regular basis and, when necessary, provided with time to prepare for potential financial challenges. Condo owners should know what their money is being spent on. They should know the effectiveness of past expenditures – that project to reduce electricity use from two years ago may or may not have yielded anticipated savings.
A newsletter informs residents or recurring complaints and provides an effective way for the board or management to share how they intend to deal with such issues.
An organized, well written and effectively distributed monthly newsletter provides all these benefits and deserves to be an integral part of your communications strategy. It ensures clear and effective communication with residents and transparency.
