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

Make sure you understand TCO (total cost of ownership)

January 20, 2011

On the Edmunds website is a very slick tool that will allow you to calculate the TCO (total cost of […]

Seek Dividends, Not Just Insurance

January 19, 2011

One of the primary services I provide to my clients is helping them select and implement new association management software. […]

Don't Expect EVERYTHING from Your Database

January 18, 2011

I’m working on an RFP for a client for the selection of new association management software system. As I’m working through the list of required functionality, I’m struck by just how much functionality is available

Workarounds aren't always bad

January 13, 2011

When I work with clients on their data management processes, I’m always looking for ways to make life easier for […]

Two Job Openings at DC-area Association

January 12, 2011

My colleague and client Dave Martin of the Electronic Retailing Association is seeking to fill two marketing positions. Marketing Manager […]

Managing Opt Outs

January 11, 2011

I’ve written several times before about managing email opt-outs (Here’s a short list). One issue that I continue to encounter […]

Sometimes One Feature is Enough

January 7, 2011

I use a Mac and thus I use Office 2008. Office 2011 was recently released, with much fanfare, in part […]

New Article Posted – The Timelessness of Business Process Review

December 17, 2010

I’ve posted a new article on my website. Way back in the 1900s (November 1996, to be exact), I wrote […]

Kudos to ASAE Foundation

November 29, 2010

I wrote here recently about my positive experience with donating to ASAE’s Foundation. Following my donation I received not one, […]

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