Success Stories
Success Stories.
Bishop Placement Services is the best of both worlds, they are looking to fulfill the needs of the client
they are recruiting for. At the same time, they are invested in your future. They will work for you to
assure your needs are fulfilled. The end goal is longevity in your role. They want tall those invoiced to
have the best possible outcome and they stake their reputation on it. The integrity of this company and
communications skills are beyond belief. You will never feel pushed into a decision. You will accept their
offer with pride and a clear and bright future ahead.
Brian Johnson
Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
Mr. Otis is very friendly and professional business man. Any and everything I needed he found out for
ne. I am very pleased with his help and will recommend him in the future. Thanks for the opportunity to
meet and work with you.
Tisha Hilton
I highly recommend using Bishop Placement Services. Otis didn’t just help me get a job. He took
interest into what I was looking for and made it a point to put me in contract with a company that would
be a great match for me personally. He didn’t jut help me find my next job, he has helped me start my
career. I appreciate the time and effort he has put into me.
Garison Adams
Positive: Professional, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
I am so grateful for all that Otis has done for me in my job search. He went the extra mile for me. He has
stayed in constant contract with me throughout the entire hiring process. Otis really cares about his
clients and puts in more effort to help than anyone I’ve ever worked with while job searching.
Hopefully this job works out and I will not need his placement services anymore, but I will 100%
recommend him for anyone who needs a job in the Middle Tennessee area.
10 / 10 stars 100% satisfaction. Otis is the best. Can’t recommend him enough.
Chris Whitlock
I’m very happy with the help I received from Otis and his team. In the past, I’ve not had a pleasant
experience working with recruiters. However, the expertise and individualized care I received from
Bishop Placement services have landed me a dream position with an awesome company within 2 weeks
of initial contact! I highly recommend reaching out to them, 5-star service!
Christy Merrell
Wonderful service from a wonderful human being. Very thoughtful and listens to what you are looking
for, and honestly cares about your success. I could not be more grateful.
Jeffery French
Otis is amazing, I started working with him on Monday and by Friday, today, I’ve interviewed and
accepted a job offer. He was phenomenal to work with, very knowledgeable about the company, and
gave great advice. He treated me like family, and I could tell that he sincerely wanted the best for me.
Thanks gain Otis and Bishop Placement Services, LLC.
Kiaya Loyd
Mr. Bishop completely changed my career path for the better. He did an amazing job getting to know
me, understanding my needs and helping me advance my future. I highly recommend utilizing Mr
Bishop’s services.
Heather Cunningham
One of the absolute best recruitment agencies I have experienced over the years. Tina is amazing at
what she does and kept me updated along the way, ever reaching out to me the day I had the interview
to wish me good luck.
Heading back into the job market after being secure in a position for years is unsettling to say the least,
and a bit overwhelming. However, from the first time I spoke with tina on the phone, I felt as it I had an
ally in my search for employment.
Tina helped me feel less stressed as she explained every step of the process. She makes you feel more
assured in the prospects of finding employment. The process Bishop Placement Services uses in
developed towards your specific skill set, therefore the opportunities they suggest are ones you feel
comfortable pursuing.
There are not too many recruiters that take the time to be so personable, which made a huge difference
for me. Overall, form beginning to end, tina should receive top notch marks for simply being genuine,
supportive, effective, efficient and most of all human. This world is not so engaging with one another as
individual as well as their clients with vigor and tenacity.
Robert Key
Working with Bishop Placement Services was extraordinary experience. With Otis’ help, I landed a job I
never thought would be possible for me. I was treated with the utmost respect and really felt valued for
my work experience. I cannot recommend this service enough.
Lindsay DeRosa
Where do I begin. Moving to another state where I had absolutely no contacts or knowledge of the market I decided to use a recruiter for the first time and I must say I could not be happier or could not have made a better decision. Bishop Placement Services was my company of choice, Otis Bishop I cannot say enough about, he was able to answer any and all of my questions about the organization I was considering, not only able to answer my questions, but give me more information that I had not known of or thought about asking. While going through the interview process he would even send me literature to read to aid me in making a better informed decision about my career choice not just for me, but for the wellbeing of my family as well. I do believe this will be my last stop on this journey to find a career and I am very thankful that Bishop Placement Services was there to help me put the pieces in place. If I had to do it all over again I’d use them again, in fact if you are reading this I encourage, insist and pray that you give them a try you will not regret it!!!
Mike Smith
Otis and Tina are very professional team. They found me my dream job that I wanted back in Minnesota. I would recommend them to anyone looking for a good employer.
Paul Williams
Thank you for all the help. Great people !
Tina Hetzel
Had an awesome experience dealing with Bishop Placement Services. They treated me like I was part of the family. Called me every step of the way through the process. Would recommend them always.
Jonathan Hammond
The real deal! I stumbled onto the website while searching for jobs online. I decided I would go ahead and enter my profile info to see what happened…only took about 5-10 minutes to complete. I was shocked to see an email from Mr. Bishop the very next day. We set up a time to talk and he immediately opened my eyes to job possibilities I hadn’t even considered. My first impression was that Otis genuinely wanted to help, but I’m a skeptic by nature. My skepticism was laid to rest before it could even be voiced. The next time we talked, he was asking me about the best time to set up an interview. I was floored! Three interviews later, the company was making me an offer. He helped me prepare for the interviews and negotiated salary, benefits, etc. for me. Mr. Bishop didn’t fill my ear with a bunch of talk about what he was going to do…he spoke with action! I experienced the highest level of professionalism. However, I was treated like a friend and not a client throughout the process. I highly recommend giving them a chance! They eliminated an element of stress and frustration that has already improved my quality of life. Thanks Otis! Jason
Jason Jarrett
“As a business owner with locations in the Southeast I rely on trusted and hard working managers. Bishop Placement Services provides me with the confidence that I can expand and strengthen my business knowing that I can trust the candidates and that they are perfect fit for my business. Otis and Tina and their team take the necessary time to understand what I want and need to find the person that best fits the job. I consider BPS an extension of my business and I’m sure that you will too.”
Owner Daniel S., Upscale Restaurants, Bar and Grills – Atlanta, GA
“Tina has spoken to several of my classes (food science based) and her professionalism, knowledge of her subject area and her genuine interest in people always comes through.”
Cindy A., Instructor at Middle Tennessee State University
“Bishop Placement has been a valuable asset to me in multiple searches for restaurant management staff. Otis works hard to insure the candidates he presents bring the experience and performance excellence we need to grow the business. I am confident presenting Otis’ candidates to my hiring managers as I know half the job of vetting the candidate has already been done. Otis stands by his commitment to present only the most qualified candidates for consideration. I appreciate Otis and his team for their efforts and for their commitment to excellence which extends beyond the hire date of their candidates.”
Anita G., Human Resources Manager – Overland Park, Kansas
“I had all of the right pieces; a strong work ethic, a college degree, solid experience, networking and a good resume. Yet, I could not find a job that could provide the means to better meet my family’s needs. I was frustrated and stuck in a dead end job. That is, until I started that first conversation with Otis.
Otis Bishop is easy to talk to, down to earth with a wealth of knowledge and connections. I am grateful for his diligence in preparing me for every interview and every step along the way.
I have now accepted employment with a company that is a great fit for me. They’re excited to have me as well. There is room for me to grow and develop professionally with a company that has a wonderful record of rewarding talent and hard work.”
Luis B., Restaurant Manager – Antioch, Tennessee
“The team at Bishop Placement Services have been very successful and truly a pleasure to work with, creating excellent lines of communication. I have relied on Bishop Placement for over 10 years to assist us with recruiting at many different levels, positions in various companies and concepts. They always understand the skill level I am looking for and the urgency of my hiring needs. I have been impressed with the candidates they have recruited and their suggestions. I highly recommend them to help with any hiring needs!”
Mike W., Fast Food and Hotel Franchisee – Richmond, Virginia
Case Studies Have Real Value: Seven Tips for Writing a Success Story That Succeeds
Most enterprises understand the value of effective corporate and product brochures and a compelling website, but many enterprises underestimate the value of success stories—also known as case studies.
"Few things are harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example," Mark Twain once quipped. In a business context, managers and technical professionals alike respond to the power of example, which is the essence of a business success story.
Today, business customers are demanding; they require that vendors deliver success stories tailored to the customer's particular industry. To justify their investment in the solution, they need real-world proof that your company's solution has been successfully implemented at another company.
Accordingly, enterprises face a critical challenge: They must produce case studies in each of their core target verticals.
Success Story Value: Seven Points to Consider
The following are the top reasons that success stories are such a crucial part of the marketing process, especially when complex business issues and solutions are involved:
Examples aid understanding. Complex business issues and solutions can be better understood through examples. Most people have struggled with a difficult concept, only to grasp it when someone explains it by saying "for example..." Success stories generate empathy. Properly written success stories enable the reader to empathize with the problem or challenge that the customer in the success story faced—in many cases, because they face a similar problem. Success stories are credible. Marketing success stories seem more credible to readers than marketing brochures—because success stories relate a factual situation rather than marketing claims. Success stories tell a tale. People love a story. The success story writer weaves a tale that can help readers take the first step toward solving a complex, and potentially expensive, business challenge. Success stories address a specific audience. Your potential customers want to feel that their specific needs are being addressed. If the customer is in the healthcare industry and the success story describes an application at a telecom, it's hard for the customer to identify with the story. That's why most enterprises that adopt success stories as a key marketing vehicle tailor at least one success story to each main audience they target. Success stories can demonstrate ROI. In some success stories, the benefits of the solution can be quantified. A return on investment that can be documented can help form a compelling case for the adoption of the solution. Success stories promote client satisfaction. As a form of closure to a successful client project, success stories can increase client satisfaction. Some enterprises provide a PDF file, printed copies, or even a framed hard copy of the final success story to their clients as a form of thanks. A framed copy that hangs on the wall of the customer's office is a symbol of the successful relationship between the customer and the solution provider.
For many enterprises, expanding the role of success stories in their marketing and sales strategy can provide the missing piece to the puzzle. Effective success stories can be posted on the website, handed out at conferences, packaged and tailored to particular audiences for client meetings, and sent in direct mail packages.
In highly competitive businesses, success stories can provide the competitive advantage that enterprises need.
However, writing success stories without a careful plan can lead to suboptimal results—duplication of target audiences and omission of others, for example. At the same time, poorly written or disorganized success stories reflect badly on the organization—causing more harm than good. And an improper approach to success story writing—failing to involve the customer at the right times, for example—may alienate the customer.
For those reasons, many businesses retain the services of those that specialize in writing success stories—agencies or freelancers. If, however, members of your marketing team or your product managers are up to the task themselves, they should keep in mind the following best-practices for writing successful case studies and success stories.
How to Write Success Stories That Succeed
Here are seven proven steps for writing success stories.
1. Convince the customer
In many enterprises, the customer is the number one factor that limits development of success stories.
To help convince customers to agree to sign their name to a success story, you must explain the benefits they will derive. For example, remind them that they can show the completed success story to senior management or board—demonstrating that they are innovative, solution-oriented, and focused on business benefits.
Another way to help convince customers is to tell them they will receive a framed copy of the final success story as a form of thanks. That framed copy, hanging on the wall of the customer's office, will become a symbol of the successful relationship between the customer and the solution provider. Over the years, colleagues, co-workers, visitors, and others will see that physical reminder of their achievement.
2. Work with customers to ensure success
Customer involvement is much more than just the initial "OK" to proceed. The following tips will help ensure a positive customer experience and successful completion:
Obtain customer permission before writing the document, solicit input during the development, and secure approval after drafting it.
Rather than asking the customer to draft quotes, write them for their review; doing so usually results in more compelling material.
Use "homegrown" customer photos to personalize the story and help connect with readers.
3. Agree on a common organization
The time-tested, most effective organization for a success story follows the problem-solution-benefit flow:
First describe the business or technical problem or issue.
Then describe the solution to this problem or resolution of the issue.
Finally, describe how the customer benefited from the solution.
That natural storytelling sequence resonates with readers.
4. Get started with a bang
The most prominent parts of a success story (title, subtitle, and benefits bullets) are typically the most difficult parts to get right. My best advice is to start with a bang. Use action verbs and emphasize benefits in the title and subtitle. Include a short customer quote in larger text. Then, summarize the key points in 2-3 succinct bullet points. The goal is to tease the reader into wanting to read more.
5. Try to quantify benefits
No single element in a success story is more compelling than the ability to tie quantitative benefits to the solution. For example, "Using Solution X saved Customer Y more than $Z after just six months of use."
Quantifying benefits can be challenging, but it's not impossible. The key is to present imaginative ideas to the customer for ways to quantify the benefits, and remain flexible during this discussion. If benefits cannot be quantified, attempt to develop a range of qualitative benefits, which can be compelling as well.
6. Address highly tailored solutions
Even highly tailored solutions and services can be described in an effective success story—by writing first about a more general problem in the industry, then transitioning to the specific problem that the customer faced.
In the solution section, use the opposite sequence: Describe how the solution solved the specific problem, then indicate how it can also help resolve the issue more broadly within the industry.
Beginning more generally draws readers into the story. Concluding more generally allows them to understand how the solution can address their problem.
7. Find the right writer
Finding adequate staff time to make the success stories happen is a common logistical limitation. And even with the best plan, a success story is doomed to failure if the writer doesn't know how to write success stories.
A talented writer can make the difference between an effective success story and one that falls flat. When marketing staff time is limited, many enterprises outsource success story writing.
Conclusion
Enterprises usually can't afford not to develop success stories, because chances are their competitors are using the power of example effectively and so gaining an advantage. In most instances, a set of effective success stories can pay for themselves in increased sales.
Many prospects need verification that a vendor's solution can successfully address the types of business challenges they face in their industry. Success stories can provide proof.
What do you think of these tips on how to write success stories? What tips would you add? I'd love to hear your thoughts.
How to overcome failure? 5 Inspiring stories to read for you.
How to overcome failure? Successful goal requires a lot of effort in the background, which rest of the people rarely get to see. Perhaps it’s best encapsulated in the following quote –
“It took me 17 years & 114 days to become an overnight success” – Lionel Messi
People (this generation?) often want success without struggle and forget to pay their dues to the hard work. Now, you listen carefully – you can’t become a success story without the effort, the sweat, the pushing back of boundaries, and improving with every fall.
And if you can’t remember those cliches, I’m going to take the story route. Below are inspirational success stories of hard workers and how they reached the elusive top. Here they are!
Thomas Edison
The person whose world-changing invention was the result of a 1000 times failures. The bulb was such a great invention that it bred numerous future inventions on its back.
When Edison was a child, his teachers called his parents regularly and tell them that their child is weak and can never succeed in life. His teachers were convinced that teaching a brain as slow as his, is a waste of time.
But no one knew that this person will invent so many things that people won’t forget him even after centuries! And the biggest learning of his success story were his 1000 attempts when he failed at his job. But he never stopped; his drive lead him to astonishing success and now he is one of the world’s most famous success stories.
J.K.ROWLING
If Edison was the King of failures, Rowling would be the queen of rejections.
“The first agent I ever queried (for Harry Potter) sent back a slip saying ‘My list is full. The folder you sent wouldn’t fit in the envelope,” says Rowling. To add to the agony, the agent even kept the folder in which she sent her book.
To which she says, “I really minded about the folder, because I had almost no money and had to buy another one.” Says a lot about the humble beginnings about someone who has consistently been among Europe’s richest persons – after her books and movies released.
But she never gave up trying – even after rejections from 12 publishers. And that’s a classic tale of motivation and mindset that’s needed to reach the top bestsellers in the history of literature.
I think it’s finally settled – success stories are built on the back of hard work and steely determination, not daydreaming during the job.
Walt Disney
He was fired from the newspaper animation job for “not being creative enough.” And that was the turning point of Walt Disney’s life.
Instead of moping around, Disney drew motivation from getting the boot. He started creating characters, one of which made him a fortune he couldn’t even dream of at that time.
Today, Disney’s Mickey Mouse is so iconic that its popularity is more than almost 90% of humans that are alive. Think about that – a cartoon character so larger than life that it overshadowed real humans.
Disney went on to win 22 academy awards (the most ever!) plus 4 honoraries, taking the tally to 26. He’s also the most oscar nominated person in history with a total of 59. From getting fired to becoming filthy rich for the same reason he was fired for, success stories like Disney’s should be taught in school.
Jan Koum
Have you noticed the pattern yet? We’re not just telling the tales of individuals who reached the top. Actually, we’re celebrating the success stories of people who were kicked to the curb before they finally owned the street.
And the latest one in this genre is Jan Koum. Although he wasn’t your typical victim, he faced some pretty tough rejection before sticking it up to the folks who had rejected him for the job.
Koum, born n raised in a small village in Ukraine, was the only child of a housewife and a construction manager who built hospitals and schools. Incredibly, he didn’t even have hot water growing up.
Several years down the line, he (along with Brian Acton, his co-founder) again faced crisis in life when Facebook refused to offer them a job role. Of course, that stung like hell. But what they did next is the stuff of industry legend!
Jan and Acton created a chatting app called Whatsapp.
Yeah, the same app you’re using right now. These guys grew WhatsApp’s user base to a blinding 1.2 billion people per month. Of course, it became impossible for Facebook to ignore them anymore.
Finally, Jan and Acton sold it for a crazy $19 billion to the same company (Facebook) that refused them employment! Karma, huh. What would’ve happened if Facebook had accepted these folks before?
And that’s why it’s one of the most badass success stories of our times.
Bear Grylls
I can bet (and you know this as well) that all your success stories combined will fail to surpass Bear Grylls’ mere 20% achievements.
Because you can’t compete against a guy for whom success means defying death and proving that human body has no limits. Now, what’s your biggest success again? Earning a million? Cute.
What’s also cute is that he was famous as “bear” in the family ever since he was 1 week old (his sister gave him the nickname.)
And here’s the mind-blowing part.
At the beginning of his career, Bear Grylls served in Special Air Service (SAS), a well-known special forces unit of the British Army. There, he trained in winter warfare, jungle survival, demolitions, trauma medicine and high-speed driving and other survival skills.
And that’s when the accident happened.
During a freefall jumping exercise in Zambia with his SAS squadron, Bear broke his spine, landing on his back. His parachute had refused to open at 16000 ft. The damage was so severe that doctors/surgeons told Bear that he might never walk again. Guess what happened after?
Guess what happened after?
Just under 18 months after the injury, Bear conquered Mt. Everest – let alone have difficulty in walking. Plus, at 23, he became the youngest Brit to scale the mountain. He’s never looked back since.
Honestly, none of it was remotely easy, of course. Like all successes, this one also came to Bear by pushing his body to its limits at the gruelling rehab programmes conducted at military centres.
From almost-sure paralysis, he jumped back up again to full health recovery – in a time period simply impossible for mortals!
In other words, every task you’ve seen Bear do on TV wasn’t close to being as difficult as repairing his body. And that’s the exact stuff of success stories and legends.
Alright, the list ends here.
In parting, I’d just say that success in a job, a task, relationships, life, physical activities etc. takes mental, emotional, and physical strength. Your sweat decides how far you actually reach.
But the silver lining is – whatever was impossible to someone has already been done by someone else. So, by reading examples of successful people you can perhaps take a page out of their playbook. After all, it’s the winning playbook.
Note: Success starts when your work begins speaking for you. At Instahyre, the best companies are currently hiring smart folks and giving them opportunities to shine. Drop by here.]]>