We are starting a short-form interview series of leaders and executives in the not-for-profit space. These interviews will highlight the insights and thought leadership of important figures on relevant topics for associations, nonprofits, and database management insiders.
Our first interviewee is Wes Trochlil. Wes is the Owner of Effective Database Management and works as an advisor to various associations and nonprofits on best practices, operations, and technology solutions. I was able to get his input on current global impacts on associations and important items to look out for to improve business practices.
Hi Wes, thanks so much for taking the time to interview with us. Can you give us a bit of background on what you do and how your work impacts the association and not-for-profit space?
For the past 24 years I’ve been working with associations and non-profits on all things related to data management, from system selection and implementation, and ongoing data management issues. Prior to my consulting I worked for nearly a decade in three different trade associations, serving as Director of Membership, Marketing, and Customers service. My work helps associations get better control over their data, allowing them to focus on advancing the organization’s mission.
What are some of the qualities of associations/the work you do that you admire the most and make your job rewarding?
My favorite characteristic of associations is their collaborative nature. By definition, associations are created to bring the power and wisdom of a broader universe to each member. As a former association executive, I benefited greatly from this shared wisdom. As a newbie membership director (back before the internet!) I was able to read many books and articles from other membership professionals that helped me get up to speed quickly in my work. I always seek to pay-it-forward by sharing all that I’ve learned over the past 30+ years of my career.
There a number of indicators showing that the US and other parts of the world may be heading into a recession. How do you think organizations should start planning for that scenario from a membership perspective?
There’s a tendency to hunker down during a recession, but that’s the time for associations to lean into their membership and their value. They should look to strengthen ties with current members, including offer opportunities to those who may have been laid off or faced other challenges. Now is the time to really prove value to members.
Given the potential economic downturn, what types of technologies and or solutions are you seeing associations focus on in terms of upgrading or increasing impact?
Recession or not, associations should be looking for technology that can automate mundane processes. They should also be looking to minimize or eliminate unnecessary work created by “silly” business rules (self-inflicted wounds are on of the biggest challenges associations face).
There's been a lot of chatter about AI recently given the release of ChatGPT. Any neat use cases features that you're seeing organizations utilize when it comes to that?
I’ve not seen any association applications of ChatGPT, but I’m sure they’re coming. For example, associations will be able to use ChatGPT as their online customer service support. And developing new content for website, magazines, and newsletters will also be a likely application. The power of AI is both amazing and terrifying.
Who is one under the radar person or under the radar conference that folks should be following and or attending?
Fascinating question. Not sure he’s under the radar, but I think James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, has tons to teach those of us responsible for data management. So much of data management is about process, and process is really about habits. A lot of what
Clear talks about in Atomic Habits is applicable to data management. I’ve written about it quite a bit in my Wednesday Wisdom column.
Thanks so much for your time, Wes! Any final thoughts before we let you go?
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