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

New Article Posted – Getting it Done: Who, How, and with What

March 21, 2013

I’ve posted a new article on my website. The intersection of people, process, and technology  occurs throughout every organization. For any […]

Small things can make a BIG difference

March 11, 2013

I continually surprise myself when I make what are seemingly minor changes in how I do something and find that […]

New Article Posted – Are you a Control Freak?

March 8, 2013

I’ve posted a new article on my website. What happens when someone on your staff is stealing money? And what can […]

More Best Practices: Creating and Executing Exception Reports

February 26, 2013

Here’s a quick (under three minutes) video from me, via TMA Resources, on creating and executing exception reports.

Too many choices? That's why you need a consultant

February 13, 2013

In the book “Switch” by Chip and Dan Heath, they tell the story of a jam sale conducted by gourmet […]

Everything takes longer than you think it will (especially hiring!)

February 11, 2013

I am, admittedly, an incredibly impatient person. It’s one of the reasons I LOVE the internet; instant gratification. I can […]

Why transactional databases don't make good data warehouses

February 8, 2013

Very often I’m asked by my clients: “Why can’t I get a report out of my database comparing year-to-year data […]

Either you'll test it, or your customers will

February 6, 2013

During the implementation phase of a new association management system, one of the most critical phases is the testing phase. […]

How NOT to apologize…

February 5, 2013

We all make mistakes in our work. As the old saying goes, it’s not the mistakes you make, it’s how […]

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