Blog: Wes’s thoughts, articles, and insights

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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

Learning New Systems Take Time

March 6, 2008

Just a few weeks ago, after more than 20 years as a PC user, I switched to Mac. I'd like […]

"Where is that data?"

March 4, 2008

Those who know me know I'm a huge advocate of centralized data management systems. By that I mean a database […]

"Why don't you just tell me which system to buy?"

February 28, 2008

Clients will sometimes say to me: "Can't you just tell me what the best association management system is so that […]

Establishing Priorities

February 26, 2008

When converting to a new data management system, you are faced with many decisions regarding priorities. There is so much […]

Not every decision made will be correct

February 21, 2008

When working with associations on implementation of their databases, there are points throughout the process where we will have to […]

SIIA Release Survey on Social Media

February 19, 2008

The Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) has released a survey of how businesses are using social media. The contents […]

FAQs – Do you have them?

February 13, 2008

FAQs are "frequently asked questions." My question for you is: Do you have FAQs on your website for your members […]

Serving Suggestions for your Database?

February 12, 2008

I was having some crackers and cheese spread (Wispride Port Wine) the other day, and noticed something on the side […]

A Simple Training Tip

February 7, 2008

If you do training, whether one-on-one, or in a classroom setting, here's a tip that will increase the learning retention […]

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