Since I’m not in the membership business, I have to ask: don’t you typically have a Code of Conduct for members that would allow you to enact some form of discipline should they begin to be abusive in some of the ways described above? The Bully should be an easy one to take action against. The Disillusioned might be less cut and dried, but surely there is something you can do to modify the behavior of problem members?

For those individuals who run businesses or consultancies, you certainly can be selective in who you work with and cut these individuals out. As for associations, I could take an opposite view that the Chiseler who is highly committed to the profession isn’t necessarily committed to the organization if they are constantly looking for ways to discount their dues. For me, there’s a big difference.

Also for associations, I understand your point about the fact that you can’t boot everyone who fits these admittedly general personality types. But who says you have to treat them equally? I believe that an ideal member is the one that helps move the profession and the organization forward. Since there is only so much retention and recruitment money and staff resources to go around, why not prioritize efforts to reward these ideal members and stop spending so much time placating Chiselers, working with Flakes, and dealing with the Suspicious (all of which probably will never be truly passionate members anyway)?

I would also challenge the usefulness of attempting to compartmentalize custo/members in this fashion. It’s never this simple. For example, I have worked with some brilliant and highly committed members who were among the best Chiselers you’d ever have the misfortune of meeting. These folks made their living selling commoditized products on razor-thin margins. But however stingy, they were always working for the advancement of the industry. A more holistic view of your custo/member is needed, wouldn’t you agree?