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

It's the member's "story"

April 21, 2015

When I work with clients on their data management systems, one of the most common requests I get is that […]

Don't miss this important educational event

April 20, 2015

For senior leaders of learning (associations that market and sell continuing education and professional development), you won’t want to miss […]

Profound data analytics may be in the most mundane places

April 17, 2015

At Personifest earlier this week I got to hear Rick Smolan speak on the Human Face of Big Data. Among […]

Some additional thoughts on Personifest

April 16, 2015

Personifest wrapped up yesterday, and while I wasn’t able to attend all three days, I did get to see the […]

Don’t forget about the people

April 14, 2015

In my speeches, my writing, and my work with clients, I often talk about the three key elements of people, […]

Most important news from Personifest so far

April 13, 2015

Last night kicked off Personify’s rebranded annual users conference Personifest. Eric Thurston, Personify’s CEO, discussed several issues related to the […]

Simplify. Always.

April 9, 2015

When I work with my clients, one of my goals is always to simplify things as much as possible. (I’m […]

When do you use your rainy day fund?

April 8, 2015

Most well-managed associations  have an “operating reserve,” which is “rainy day” money set aside for unexpected cash flow emergencies. A […]

How do you eat an elephant?

April 6, 2015

One bite at a time. I’ve always loved this old joke, because it’s so applicable to any sizable project. And […]

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