Last week, I was approached by some of my neighbors to sit on the HOA Board as the Secretary/Treasurer. Actually, to be more accurate, it was an ambush; I was supposed to have a beer with the President, and she brought the VP also for a “meeting” to “invite” me to join the Board.

She then proceeded to tell me all of the problems of being on the Board… namely that once you are on the Board it is hard to roll off. The neighbors complain, the irrigation system needs to be replaced, and the hail damage to the roofs was extensive. In addition, folks are on a fixed income, so raising rates isn’t really an option.

After all of this, I asked her “So, why do you do it?”

Her answer surprised me. “Because I love it.”

If you have read ANY of my blogs or ever heard me speak, you know that I preach loudly the mistake of over-selling the position for which you are hiring. But there is also turning people off by talking too much about all the issues. I left that conversation asking myself, “Why on earth would I do this job?” And the answer is, “Because I love it.”

When you are writing your ad for people to come on board, you must have the right mix of inspiration and practicality. You must address the issues, but not in a way that scares people off. You need to talk about the perks of the job, but not in a way that makes you seem desperate.

As for me and the HOA? I’m still thinking about it. Stay tuned!

Power Thought: Your job ad must have the right mix of inspiration and practicality. Every time.