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

Time-saving gadgets

November 20, 2008

I’m a sucker for time-saving gadgets. Even gadgets I would personally never have need for.  Here’s one described in InformationWeek […]

Do your invoices make it easy to pay?

November 18, 2008

I serve as treasurer for my two sons’ cub scout troop. As part of that responsibility, of course, I need […]

The Five Prerequisites for Implementing Business Intelligence

November 13, 2008

If you’re going to embark on a business intelligence initiative, you ought to have these five items in place before you do. More copy to go here explaining the finer points of Implementing Business Intelligence.

My Greatest Pet Peeve

November 11, 2008

One of my least favorite questions on the ASAE listserver is when an association membership professional says something to the […]

Business Intelligence Defined

November 5, 2008

Here’s a brief podcast (about three minutes) on my definition of business intelligence.

Why database PR is so critical

October 30, 2008

I’ve written in the past about the need for conducting a public relations campaign for your database. You can read […]

Why is Google so easy and my database so hard?

October 28, 2008

Did you ever notice that it’s easier to find information simply using Google than it is to find information in […]

New Article Posted

October 23, 2008

I’ve posted a new article on my website, entitled “Healthcare and Your Database.” Of course, if you’re already on my […]

Seeking input on a research study

October 22, 2008

I’m working on a research project to identify the factors that contribute most to the long-term success of an association […]

Scroll to Top