We identify 9 types of association members based on their professional needs and expectations. Our program called YTheyJoin™ was developed using scientific methodology. (For more info about its development and the extensive crosstabs, please see the book by Dr. Dale Paulson, “Allegiance: Fulfilling the Promise of One-to-One Marketing for Associations.”) 

         “YTheyJoin – Nine Member Types”

Mailboxers – want info through mail or computer

Relevant Participants – want to attend meetings

Shapers – want to be on committees and shape policy

CompShoppers – compare assn to other sources of info or benefits

Cognoscenti – want specialized info not available elsewhere

Boosters –  want assn to improve their image

Altruistics – believe in your mission and want a leg voice

Doubters – resist change and new initiatives

Non-Relevants – retiring or changing professions

Can you guess which member types dominate your assn? Here are the top three member types for some national assns, taken from the Allegiance book.

US Chamber of Commerce: Altruistics 51%, Mailboxers 31%, Cognoscenti 7% 

Urban Land Institute: Relevant Participants 31%, Altruistics 23%, Shapers 21%

Am Soc of Assn Execs: Mailboxers 38%, Cognoscenti 18%, Relev Part's 17%

Each assn that does YTheyJoin receives a Pie Chart showing the distribution of member types in their assn, a Summary of Implications, and a Workbook with marketing ideas for each type. For more info call 703-772-5263 or e-mail AllegianceResearch@gmail.com