Blog: Wes’s thoughts, articles, and insights

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My most recent posts

Guardrails can be helpful!

By Wes Trochlil | October 7, 2026

Guardrails can be helpful! When selecting a new AMS, I find my clients are often very tempted by custom software or “platform” systems (e.g., built on Salesforce or MS Dynamics) because these systems are infinitely configurable. After all, if I can make the system do anything I want, that’s a good thing, right? Well, maybe. In […]

“If you knew this information, what might you do differently?”

By Wes Trochlil | September 30, 2026

“If you knew this information, what might you do differently?” I had a conversation with a client recently about developing KPIs, reports, and queries from their forthcoming data warehouse. My client said: “We have a ton of requests for KPIs and reports. How do we determine which to focus on first?” My response: “When someone requests a dashboard […]

Showing is not teaching

By Wes Trochlil | September 23, 2026

Showing is not teaching In my experience, when new staff members are taught how to use their AMS (or LMS, CMS, FMS, etc.) they aren’t really taught how to use the system, they are shown how to use it. So what’s the difference? In a nutshell, showing only covers the “how” and “what.” But teaching […]

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 […]

Older Posts

I've Answered the Survey; Now What?

September 24, 2009

I hate surveys. I’ve made it clear to anyone who will listen that I only answer one-question surveys. If your […]

My Theory on Why Associations Won't Invest in Technology

September 10, 2009

In a blog post last week I discussed a handful of AMS packages available at very low cost to associations. […]

I'll be the General Session Speaker at NiUG Annual Discovery Conference

September 3, 2009

I’m pleased to announce that I’ll be the general session speaker for the NiUG International 2009 Annual Discovery Conference, September […]

There ARE "Affordable" AMS Systems

September 1, 2009

I often hear from association executives (particularly from very small associations, e.g., under five staff) that they can’t afford to […]

Don't Let Your New Process Become a "Cash for Clunkers" Panic

August 27, 2009

By some accounts, the federal government’s “Cash for Clunkers” program has been a spectacular success. Hundreds of thousands of buyers […]

Thoughts on ASAE's Annual Meeting

August 20, 2009

Just returned from four great and exhausting days in Toronto for the 2009 ASAE Annual Meeting. I’ve attended 10 of […]

Come Meet the Author in Toronto

August 6, 2009

ASAE is hosting a series of 25-minute sessions of ASAE authors at the ASAE bookstore during ASAE’s Annual Meeting in […]

Go ahead, DON'T take my advice…

July 30, 2009

Over the past two weeks I’ve been contacted by two associations who were in the market for a new association […]

One last reminder: Thriving with Data Webinar

July 29, 2009

OK, last time I mention this, I promise. Tomorrow, Thursday, July 30, at Noon Eastern I’m presenting a web conference […]

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