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

"Live" from ASAE's Membership, Marketing, and Communications Conference

June 10, 2013

TMA Resources recorded several short video interviews at last week’s ASAE Membership, Marketing, and Communications Conference in Washington, DC. I’ve posted […]

New Article Posted – Obstacles to Measuring Engagement

May 22, 2013

I’ve posted a new article on my website. From what I read and hear, it seems engagement, and particularly member engagement, is […]

The Future of the AMS – A free e-book

May 13, 2013

I participated in a panel discussion of AMS experts on the future of the Association Management System (AMS) hosted by […]

A question for my association colleagues

May 7, 2013

My question: Why do associations frequently “hide” audience feedback from speakers? When I work with my clients, a common discussion […]

Put Your Data to Work! – 52 Tips and Techniques

May 6, 2013

If you don’t own it, you should! Buy it in e-book or printed form. Click here to learn more about […]

Champagne Tastes on a Beer Budget

May 1, 2013

You’ve probably heard that phrase before. Essentially it means wanting much nicer things than we can actually afford. Or expecting […]

You Can't Measure Success without Clear Objectives

April 29, 2013

I was speaking with two contacts at a client of mine about their multiple membership programs. One of the programs […]

New Article Posted – The More Things Change, the More They Stay the Same

April 24, 2013

I’ve posted a new article on my website. From what I read and hear, it seems engagement, and particularly member engagement, […]

Big Data – which is good, which is not?

April 1, 2013

I saw this quote recently and think it’s dead on: “‘Big data’ is what happens when the cost of storing […]

Scroll to Top