Blog: Wes’s thoughts, articles, and insights

[ai_chat_window]

My most recent posts

Data management is improvisation

By Wes Trochlil | September 16, 2026

Data management is improvisation I was listening to a podcast recently featuring TV writer Rob Long. During the podcast he said (I’m paraphrasing) that, in order to be successful, one needs to learn to improvise, because nothing in life ever goes as planned. One of my favorite sayings is, “If you want to make God […]

Who own the AMS company is like the weather…

By Wes Trochlil | September 9, 2026

Who own the AMS company is like the weather… When I work with clients to find a new AMS, one of the most common questions I get is: “Is the software company owned by private equity or is it privately owned?” While I think this is a legitimate question to ask and have answered, it […]

“As good or better than me.”

By Wes Trochlil | September 2, 2026

“As good or better than me.” I was recently speaking with a software developer working on AI and we were discussing using natural language querying in an AMS. I told him, “The biggest challenge you face is that the first time the AI is wrong, staff will never use it again.” He agreed but then added: “The […]

Documentation is insurance

By Wes Trochlil | August 26, 2026

Documentation is insurance In a conversation with a client about their data management needs, the client pointed out that if they lost one or two key staff members, so much institutional knowledge would go with them that the association would have real difficulty managing their AMS. I recommended that they should document all of their key processes so […]

It all comes down to fundamentals

By Wes Trochlil | August 12, 2026

It all comes down to fundamentals I’m preparing for a webinar that I’m presenting in a couple of weeks, on using data to improve marketing and communications. This is a presentation (in one form or another) that I’ve made for nearly 20 years, and it includes an excellent case study of one association that dramatically improved their […]

Older Posts

More shocking survey results

April 16, 2009

In this survey, Campbell Rinker asked a series of questions of non-profits about their primary donor/member management software. On page […]

Sorry, Guy, I Disagree…

April 14, 2009

In this article on destinationcrm.com, Guy Kawasaki says: “I think it’s inherently arrogant if you think that you are worth […]

Stop hoarding data!

April 7, 2009

When working with my clients on data conversions, I always point out that they should convert as little data as […]

Online givers have lower retention rate

April 2, 2009

I found this very interesting. A recent report released by Target Analytics suggests that those that make online donations (as […]

Great idea for thanking your donors

March 31, 2009

I recently made a donation to NTEN’s scholarship fund for their annual meeting (NTC, which I wrote about here.) NTEN […]

CEO Interview Excerpts

March 26, 2009

I’ve posted a new article on my website, which is excerpts from the recent interviews I did with the CEOs […]

New Book Released!

March 24, 2009

I’m very pleased to announce the release of my new book, Putting Your Data to Work: 52 Tips and Techniques […]

Protech Begins Offering Hosted Solution for Smaller Associations

March 17, 2009

I’ve always thought the CRM for Members product that Protech Associates has built on top of the MSCRM product was […]

New White Paper Released: Nine Keys to AMS Success

March 12, 2009

I’ve posted a new white paper on my website, entitled “Nine Keys to Long Term Success of Your Association Management […]

Scroll to Top