Hey, hey, hey!

Tuning in from one of my favorite places, sunny NYC, after a few weeks that have been busier and buzzier than a swarm of bees. Been on the road quite a bit from L.A to Chicago, Miami to Vegas, NYC to Philly.

Why so busy? Well much going on in many areas from promoting my books, to doing motivational seminars (check out pictures of my recent gig with a great group of students of Loyola University…). Also moving forward our Kentucky Housing and Waterpark development which I am super-excited about (www.BlueH2Oresorts.com) and will share more with you guys in a later Burrel Report.

But most my time these days is working with individuals and companies caught under the crushing weight of economic pressure, and having to face up to the adjustments and hard decisions that come with that. I’ve been working with a number of organizations particularly in the area of real-estate and financial services, most notably mortgage companies.

It’s hard for these small businesses caught in the eye of this particular storm, having to regroup, cut costs to the bone and make sure that the folks they can afford to keep on board are motivated to deliver what needs to be delivered, in order to stay in the game.

As usual, I don’t sugarcoat my advice and as usual people appreciate my cut-to-the-chase approach. You’ve heard the expression about “fiddling while Rome burns” as in doing the unimportant stuff and neglecting priorities during a crisis. Well none of us has any time to fiddle, that’s a fact!

When I go into any company, I work closely with the management teams to help them understand and execute the important decisions that need to be made, but even more importantly I spend time coaching their staff, to help them understand what must be done, motivating them, and giving them some tools to break out of fixed patterns of behavior that don’t help anyone.

And that’s the thing with business. Like any other part of life, success is driven by people-power not bureaucracy. The role of a great manager is to show respect and appreciation, To communicate honestly, directly and positively and yes, to make the hard calls when they have to be made, in a firm and timely manner. In business, no one wins unless everyone wins.

These hard economic times challenge companies and consumers alike, but this is also the time to make sure that your company that emerges from this challenge is a healthier and stronger organization than the one that entered it.

I know I’ve been gone too long guys, and I apologize. Much more to share, and will be back with a new Burrel Report soon.

On a final note I would like to send my deep sympathy to the family of Bernie Mac who dies earlier today. Man, he was an outstanding person and performer and will be sorely missed. Rest well Bernie.

As far as I know, the paparazzi isn’t following me yet, but my first book, Tattoos On My Soul, was recently featured in OK! Magazine. The piece was about actress Jessica Alba and her glamorous life - turns out, Tattoos is a part of it, and you know I’m proud to hear it! Keep an eye out for my new book, Success for Life, which drops Jan. 1 - just in time for your New Year’s resolutions.

Triple Black

A new member of the Wilks clan has arrived! Meet Triple Black, my latest companion for Rosie. Triple Black is a beautiful ‘07 Rolls-Royce Phantom, the sixth model in the history of the legendary British super-luxury brand to carry the Phantom name.

Here’s what Edmunds.com has to say:

“The 2007 Rolls-Royce Phantom is the result of German engineering combined with British style and heritage ‹ and it feels like it. Unlike so many of its predecessors, this beautifully crafted, elegantly imposing ultrasedan lives up to the lofty expectation that a vehicle adorned with the Spirit of Ecstasy should be the finest automotive transportation on earth. While the case could be made for a Maybach or Bentley, no other “motor car” boasts the unique style, grandiose size and sterling reputation of the Rolls-Royce Phantom.” click here for more of the review.