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

Have the courage of your convictions

December 7, 2016

To have the courage of your convictions means to do or say what you think is right no matter who […]

Are your business rules hurting your business?

December 5, 2016

I’ve written a LOT about business rules over the years. The reason I do is because business rules are generally […]

Credit card fees are a cost of doing business

December 2, 2016

Over the years, and even recently, I’ve had clients tell me they want to discourage their members and customers from […]

Bad Data = Bad System

November 28, 2016

In over 17 years of consulting, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had a conversation similar to this […]

New Article Posted – Sales is NOT a Dirty Word

November 16, 2016

Every association is in the sales business. Whether you’re selling membership, event registrations, products, or certification programs, the fact is, […]

Database Maintenance: The Unsung Hero

November 2, 2016

A recent episode of the Freakonomics Podcast was entitled “In Praise of Maintenance,” and asked the question: “Has our culture’s […]

Bad Systems Can Make Good People Leave

November 1, 2016

In the past week I’ve met with two different associations who are struggling with their current AMS systems. A common theme […]

"Can't you just tell me which shovel is best?"

October 26, 2016

When I work with clients on selecting a new AMS, it’s not uncommon for me to hear some variation of […]

This is NOT what business development looks like

October 24, 2016

A client of mine wanted to send an RFP for redesign of their website to a design company I had […]

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