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

A short interview of me on Big Data

September 12, 2013

I recently did an interview with Linda Popky, president of L2M Associates, on Big Data. You can find that podcast […]

What's next for the AMS Space?

September 10, 2013

Nice blog post from ASAE today on the future of the AMS space for associations. Click here to read.

Last Chance to Participate in my Seventh Annual One-Question Survey!

September 3, 2013

Since 2007, I’ve been conducting an annual non-scientific survey of associations, asking them what their biggest data management issues are. […]

Significant Acquisition in the AMS Space

August 21, 2013

Abila, formerly Sage Nonprofit Solutions, which focuses on nonprofit organizations and government agencies, has acquired  Avectra, one of the major AMS […]

Two New Articles Posted

August 20, 2013

I’ve posted two new articles on my website. The first article is entitled Do You Trust Your Vendor? The second is […]

The importance of regular internal users group meetings

August 12, 2013

One of the most frequent pieces of advice I give my clients is to host regular internal users group meetings. […]

Titles vs. Roles

August 6, 2013

All of my trade and professional association clients track titles. Your title is what you put on your business card. […]

New Article Posted – Your Database: Three Choices

June 20, 2013

I’ve posted a new article on my website. One of my primary consulting services is helping associations select new association management […]

How EVERY vendor should treat their customers; and every association should treat their members

June 18, 2013

I recount below a conversation I had recently with Mark Sedegly, CEO of MemberClicks: Wes: “Mark, do you offer any […]

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